Has anyone ever done any hitchiking in Colombia

tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 14:37:

I looked in your active forum and didnt see my inquire,hope it gets published.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 30, 2007, 14:48:

I'm guessing that you will have a very hard time getting picked up in Colombia. Because EVERYONE here is pretty darn aware of the risks of not just kidnapping but common crime as well. So they tend to guard their risks closely.

It's a very different situation than Panama, Costa Rica or Chile.

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Gator says on Jul 30, 2007, 14:59:

Only those with a death wish.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 15:26:

I came here for answers:) not jokes,really anybody got the 411 on the bus relay system or rough treking:) or is this full of jetset travelers:) is there no real hikers in Colombia what about the Taganga/ Lostcity bunch:)or Bogota Sierras.

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tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 15:30:

Any info on this place, or more like it in Colombia
San marcos campestre
Sitio ideal para pasar unas vacaciones inolvidables o practicar deportes de aventura
http://www.sanmarcoscampestre.com

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msaucey says on Jul 30, 2007, 15:33:

Trevelite, I think that you're really missing the point here....Mr. Hollywood, Gator and GIB are all telling you the truth... Nobody hitch-hikes in Colombia... Which is different then being a "hiker"... Nobody is going to be picking up a hitch-hiker, unless it's a taxi or as GIB suggested a colectivo.... Which is like a 1-2K pesos... Colombians are probably more afraid of being a victim then tourists, and they aren't looking to take a risk by picking up a stranger.... You can probably sleep in a sleeping bag out on the coastal regions, but not in the mid-sections of Colombia....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 15:37:

Im trying to find the where its visable and what to expect. Thanx:)
also what kind of budgeting- cost per day or week nothing fancy just treking, towns ,hostles names best ones:)

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 30, 2007, 15:42:

Have you looked at the travel guides at the very bottom of this page (all the links in blue)? There should be some information of use - the bus fares, Parque Tayrona, etc.

People are being candid with you - there is very little hitchhiking in Colombia. I've never seen a hitchhiker in my car or bus travels through some of the tourism zones. That's anecdotal, but the kidnapping and common crime risks ARE elevated compared to other places. I think it's wiser to travel by bus, especially if you're doing this solo.

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tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 16:16:

I say thanx for the 411 on the guides -- I did read what I could find,but only hostiles around Bogota,Medellin,Taganga. What im hoping for is info on the out of the way places- and if they can be done solo or in 1-3 people if I can stir interest in a Colombia hostile or cafe.It sounds like Colombia has some great sites,but are spread far out:)

Example would be, from Bogota to Medellin or Medellin to Cali to Barranquilla--whats between those places to see and do,and what kind of packpacking lifestyle places or there to stay and eat at:) BTW- I was planing to budget about $25/30$ per day , on a 6-8 week trek.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 30, 2007, 16:28:

Here's a post from long ago that might give you some pointers:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/top-things-to-dosee-in-colombia/

The author (Carter) hasn't posted here in a long time but I think he opened his own hostel-adventure tourism business in or near Bucaramanga. Anyone know what happened to Carter?

There is another site in this "favorites" list called "De Una Colombia" tours. Erik, the co-owner used to post on PBH as well. You can visit his website and click on the "tour" page to get an idea of the places they deem worthy of adding to the itinerary.

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chester says on Jul 30, 2007, 16:29:

bus fare from bogota to medellin, bogota to cali, cali to bogota, etc...should run about 25 bucks one way...you can get rooms in hostels, low end hotels for 15 to 20 bucks low end...food, if you eat simply should run about 15 bucks a day or less.

sounds doable, if you factor in the extra money for bus fare.

i never saw hitchhikers in colombia in the big cities or the countryside.

bus fare is cheap.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 30, 2007, 16:30:

You can live like a king on $30 per day in Colombia and don't need to hitchhike to do it.

I'd suggest the Lonely Planet site for backpacker info. This site is really more geared toward people who live in Colombia or have loved-ones there.

Have a great trip. I envy you the chance to travel through Colombia like that. But do be careful.

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tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:08:

to the Tinto,Mr.Hollywood and chester thanx :) B.T.W. to the gringoinbogota fellow its prix like yourself that paint negative pictures for all Im glad not everyone has your sence of humor): I hope we dont meet on the trail of life): its prix that usally leave thier garbage and the bathrooms and other places with their sad trax ): :) :)

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adrimm says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:43:

Carter is still around, running his hostel... don't remember where but I recall running into him online somehwere (LP?) in the last couple of months.

OP - I think everyone here is being candid with you. Bussing is about as travellery as you get in Colombia - it wasn't that many years ago that some routes weren't safe to bus (day or night) .

Other than in some of the national parks, trekking/hitchhiking isn't a very common mode of travel even among the travelling folk. If you really want to do intercity Treks, it would probably be far far better to choose a neighbouring country.

That said, there are some hardcore cycle-travellers - so that might be an option for you to try.

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bufalo says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:34:

I just hitchiked back from the farm in Armenia in the back of a pickup (bumpy as hell).

...but I also wouldn't recommend it for most people - this place is not disneyland and things can and do go wrong real quick. GIB was telling you like it is. I also lived in Uruguay - whole different ball-game. Panama, Costa Rica, Chile - compare and really think about it.

True this place has changed a lot in the years I've been here, but it isn't 100% yet by a longshot (and to quote GIB, "... one bullet in Uribe's head can change all that"). There's plenty of places that are accessable now, but just walking around with a roll up and camping on the side of the road is not really recommended.

And trust me, I definitely have done the non-recommended stuff.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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tavelite says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:35:

adrimm / thanx :)

I have been google searching everything I can today/and have been opening every good sounding lead on Colombia sights. There alots of SouthAmerica books {fedors, Lonely planet
and others} very few cover Colombia, and none really per say go in depth on Colombia.

B.T.W.-- cudos to all here as its so far the best:) and most people friendly forum type for Colombia:)

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Peter (Moderator) says on Jul 30, 2007, 21:05:

There is lots of off the beaten track traveling to do where you won't see any gringos, but that's because the gringo path is rather specific (as in many places). For example, you could go down the Magdalena River, see http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/travel/WhereToGo/

However, hitchhiking won't work: people here are right, Colombians don't take hitchhikers. What can work is paying a small amount to go with a truck, but you've got to get the feel first of which areas of the country to avoid, because there are a few dangerous areas.

However again, there ARE many adventures to be had. Very very few backpackers ever run into problems with the FARC and such. So if you're feeling adventurous I'd say go for it. Herman from the Platypus hostel in Bogota has reliable information and can give tips about off-the-track places (he traves a lot in Colombia himself)
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/travel/BogotaGuide/

Poor but snappy

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poco says on Jul 30, 2007, 21:33:

Someone (above) said:
You can live like a king on $30 per day in Colombia and don't need to hitchhike to do it.

That is a foolish statement,, down right silly,, $900.00 dollars a month and LIVE LIKE A KING ???

King of what ?

Nope,, living like a king is $10K U.S.D. and this is the king of a little corner of some out of the way barrio.

There are two Billionaires in Colombia,, I'd guess they live like a king. Who knows how many millionaires,,,,

$1,000 per month Ha, Ha, I hadn't seen anyone say this low amount with KING in the same sentence in 3 years.

You need more than $2,000 per month just to qualify for a pensionado visa,, Sorry, but S.S. does not pay enough to qualify,, live like a king,, what a joke,,

Live like a vagabond is more like it,, a smelly one at that.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 30, 2007, 22:38:

Tavelite. GIB is not giving you a hard time. With you being a newbee, you don't get his sense of humor or know that behind his smart-ass remarks is truth and wise advice. I am not defending GIB - he doesn't need it; but just pointing out that he wasn't personally attacking you or making fun of you. I bet if you needed help, GIB would be glad to give you a hand. I would, as many of the regulars here also would. Remember, we are all on the same team here.

Anyway, good luck in your journey. The cool thing about Colombia, is that you don't need to hitch-hike. The collectives (passing buses) and such, charge the equivalent of 50 cents to a dollar for a pueblo to pueblo ride. (Like GIB stated) Just walk down the highway, when you see a bus, flag it down. It is almost like hitch-hiking! If you want to eat cheap ... no problem in Colombia. Little tiendas and mom and pop sidewalk cafes serve lots of great food for the equivalent of a dollar or two. Bowl of mondongo, $1.25. Chorizo, $1.00. Cerveza, 50 cents. Living like a king ... NO. But the point of the person who stated that, is that you can live very well on that in Colombia. You won't be hungry, you will be able to afford transportation, you will be able to get rooms at hostels, and you will have incidental money left over - for a few beers or entrance fee to a museum or park.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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miamimike says on Jul 31, 2007, 02:45:

I'm sure you have explored the downside(risk) of "Thumbing" or Hitchiking in Col so no need to mention that aspect. I would say Go for it. In Bogota stay at the Platypus Hostel(under $7 night) eat at small Cantinas, Use those Collectives town to town, I would say your Goal is very Do-able. You may end up staying at a few flop houses along the way but hey, that's part of the Adventure. You should start a Blog and so those interested can follow your adventure.Why Not invest in a used Bike to use as Transportation, you can always throw it on the roof or tie it to the bumper of the Collectivo,,LOL

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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MacGringo says on Jul 31, 2007, 06:48:

Tinto, Carter's still running his hostel in San Gil. I had the good opportunity of staying there recently. Unfortunately it was only for one night. He's got a really good place there and he knows plenty about the area. Theres loads of things to do around that area. I'm planning on going back there at the end of the year for more time, so that i can enjoy the area more, 2 days was never enough.
Tavelite, maybe you could try Parque National el Cocuy. I've never been but I heard that theres plenty of trekking and climbing in this national park.

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vicshere says on Jul 31, 2007, 07:35:

carter is still around if you remember he is an Australian he lives in San Gil (2 hours south of Bucaramanga by bus) carter just moved to his new place and I think he is renovating it....he turned an old house into a hostel....I met him in San Gil about 1 1/2 years ago.....nice young chap maybe mid 20s

listo

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 31, 2007, 13:48:

Uh, Poco, that was ME who said someone could live like a king on $30 a day. I meant that a BACKPACKER/TRAVELLER could have a really nice time with that kind of budget. Which is true, even in BOG. In small town Colombia $30 a day is living large for someone not looking for luxury hotels or fancy living.

Unfortunately, I know all too well the OTHER end of the financial spectrum, which is why I said I was envious of the OP getting to travel through Colombia that way.

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adrimm says on Jul 31, 2007, 22:55:

Oh I totally agree with Mr. Hollywood - A backpacker (hostel, walker, public-transit taker), would defo do alright on $30 a day (or could have in early 2006).

I'll have to look in on Carter this winter, maybe stay a night on the way to Barichara.

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cderekbower says on Aug 4, 2007, 20:05:

I have a friend on couchsurfing.com named Ivan. He is from Bogota. He has hitch hiked a lot in south america, speaks english and is helpful. Look him up. He may be able to advise you. there is no better way to travel.

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