Need one city recommendation for travel to Colombia

Darloup says on Apr 24, 2009, 13:39:

CMiryam:

If you're looking for a beach location, then forget about Bogotá, Calí or Medellín.

Barranquilla is your best best. It's a very non-descript city, but it has the geographical privilege to be 90 minutes away from both Cartagena de Indias (to the West) and Santa Marta (to the East). Two very different cities, but I'm sure ONE of them will please you.

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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ddluzdelsol says on Apr 24, 2009, 13:43:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/in-your-opinion-which-of-these-c...

Try this link... I kinda asked the same question (kinda)... and got a TON of great replies!!!!

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durito2 says on Apr 24, 2009, 13:47:

Try Santa Marta.

Whatever you do, don't go to Buenaventura.

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durito2 says on Apr 24, 2009, 14:11:

I don't believe there are many if any hostels in Baranquilla

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marylandfrank says on Apr 24, 2009, 18:18:

First time in Colombia? I would suggest you think about what you want from the trip before you decide where to go. Colombia has a lot to offer but each location is different. In spite of the bad Bogota references, it is not a bad place at all if you want something like a big city and all the things with it - I would stick to the north like Andino and the bars on "T" block. If you are looking for the beach then decide if you want the touristy Miami thing or a quiet place. Some of the suggestions made here are good for the quiet places and if you want the Miami effect then you will need to look into Cartagena and the parties that go with it. If you want the Caribean style than consider the island of San Andres. There are many places to see and all are different. One reason many people start in bogota is it is a good central place... big city and all, and Melgar is good to visit by car or bus, also Villaveccecio, the salt church in Zippachira, and even Villa De Leyva if you want history and a very small and quiet town. If it is your first visit I would suggest sticking to the larger and more touristy cities, then you can break out once you have a feel for the culture and "rules of the road".

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Gator says on Apr 24, 2009, 19:23:

First trip and one week? I would recommend Cartagena with perhaps a side trip to one of the Islas del Rosarios. Travel would eat up too much of your time.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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mikeinpuerto says on Apr 26, 2009, 08:25:

Try Taganga ......Lots of other tourists to talk to and loads of hostels.

Smile and everyone will wonder what they are missing.

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mikeinpuerto says on Apr 26, 2009, 08:26:

or Rodadero ....

Smile and everyone will wonder what they are missing.

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suizo says on Apr 27, 2009, 02:20:

with all due respect: how can you recommend a newbie to visit Barranquilla? BAQ has not much to offer apart from getting bored after 2 days. Go to CARTAGENA...wonderful city. And yes, it is possible to stay in Cartagena on a limited budget....

Never been to Buenaventura, but I heard there are some safety issues.

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Chriscan says on Apr 27, 2009, 03:04:

Well, now you know where not to go. Every city is hated by someone. Maybe you should go to Venezuela instead.

In one week, I would go to Cartagena and Santa Marta. Don't spend much time in Santa Marta but hit Parque Tayrona, Tanganga and El Rodelero.

Two nights in Cartagena and the rest in the Santa Marta area is a great vacation.

No problem is so formidable that you can't walk away from it.

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CMiryam says on Apr 27, 2009, 10:24:

Thank you guys for your helpful comments/suggestions. To answer why I am coming....long story short: I have a travel certificate which expires soon so I chose Colombia because I've been dying to go (I am half colombian and never been..so its time). I will def. be back as I have family in Cali to visit (but will do so with more time and planning involved). This was spur of the moment because of my travel certificate expiring so I prefer to use it to visit my mom's homeland. PS: I do speak spanish so I wouldn't have a problem with language.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Apr 27, 2009, 10:36:

Myriam, I would second the suggestions of Santa Marta, Taganga or Cartagena.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Apr 27, 2009, 10:37:

La Hormiga, Puerto Azis and San Vicente del CAUGAN are the most absurd recommendations by far.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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CMiryam says on Apr 27, 2009, 10:44:

Although Cartagena will be next on my list, I think I am just going to go to Bogota since it is the cheapest with the airline I am using and quickest otherwise it will take me 27 hours to get to Cartagena and/or other cities. I only have one week so 2 days of travelling may be too much and too complicated. I will just bring my camera and take photographs of the people, city and everything else Bogota has to offer!

So, my next question would be key areas to look for hotel/hostel in Bogota. I was told maybe hostels aren't a good idea in bogota....I should stick to hotel. So since I am looking for the cheapest, I am not sure yet in what areas....the city is so big. Thanks again!

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Apr 27, 2009, 10:52:

Miryam. You should be able to find some cheap flights to Cali or Cartagena.

How much do you want to spend for lodging?

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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CMiryam says on Apr 27, 2009, 13:56:

Transversal 18 No. 100-16 (formerly El Belvedere) BogotaColombia

IS THIS HOTEL IN A GOOD AREA? Does anyone know about this hotel?

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durito2 says on Apr 27, 2009, 14:02:

Hostels in Bogotá are fine. Just don't stumble around La candelaria at 2am.

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La_Huella says on Apr 27, 2009, 17:30:

that's a good area, really expensive actually. But there is really no such thing as a "good" area here. This isn't like the US where there are 3 or 4 neihborhoods in a big city that have 90% of all the crime. Here it's very evenly distributed around the city, rich and poor neighborhoods alike.

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CMiryam says on Apr 29, 2009, 08:07:

You guys rock...thanks so much for taking the time to add comments and suggestions :)

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