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San Cripiano, Buenaventura-Colombian Pacific

Okay guys,
Will arrive in Cali this 15th with my American hubby, Since I am 50 Colombian and 50 gringa, Colombia is never a threat to me.However do feel it is too much of a risk to take him to Popayan and other high risk places. I bore easily though staying in Cali cuase I am not the partying type. At 25, I am more or less a nerd who loves to work. This being the case, I am at too few options for a day/weekend trip from Cali. Efe Cafetero-Been there last year en route to Medellin. Liked the Parque de Cafe other than that do not want to go again
Darien/Lago Calima/Restrepo-Don't see what the bid deal was, didn't like the coolness at night. I can see a better lake here where I live in scenic Lake Lure, NC. Now this is a real lake.
Buga/Tulua-Dad lives in Tulua-been there too many times, going there anyway.

Only local left is Buenaventura and the Via al Mar-KM 18. What do you guys think. I know that Buenaventura doesn't offer anything as far as beaches are concerned, however I do remember that luxurious hotel-El Estacion. I visited the city when I was 10 when my dad lived there. Also went to Juanchaco & Ladrilleros, but can't take my husband to the islands as he would get sea sick.

Any insight into the Pacifo of Valle del Cauca. Has the port changed for the best? Any cleaner?-Safer-especially after that horrendous incident with the paras and the ambush of the young soccer players in Feb?

Thanks in advance as always,

Mishelle

By latingirl on Jun 6, 2005, 15:45 in Friendly Talkzone.

expatriate says on Jun 6, 2005, 17:58:

Why Cali? Mishelle, maybe if you could explain why you are coming to Cali, how long you two will be here, what hubby likes to do, and the kinds of things you like to do with your time, I could suggest some outings.

In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile.

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Peter Miami says on Jun 6, 2005, 18:48:

latingirl I am an American I go to Colombia three to four times a year for the last three year. But I have been advice not to go to Popayan, it is very dangerous for Americans. Popayan and the surrounding area should not be risked by Americans. I have been to Cali, Buga, Tulua, Calima, Buenaventura, Armenia, Perieda, Medellin, Cartagena, Santa Marta, San Andres and surrounding areas around these cities and towns. I pride myself in traveling around Colombia as much as I can but being smart about it. I still need to do Bogota, Manizales and Baranquilla. I have had no problems in these areas that I have travel to.

Regards,

Peter Miami

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Gator says on Jun 6, 2005, 19:37:

The route... to Buenaventura using the Via al Mar-KM 18 is "safe"if done in daylight. BUT be very carefull of the traffic especially on the weekend-the trucks take no prisoners. Why not plan on a great lunch on the way at the Restaurant Geneva

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

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latingirl says on Jun 6, 2005, 20:15:

Expat- I am from Cali and the city is like my second home-I get two weeks there and hubby only one as he doesn't have much vacation time. So I only have a week to show him my wonderful Colombia

He is a good ole country boy who would be just as content lounging by the pool sipping on a cold one. Me-I would rather explore parts of Valle that I am not familiar one. I enjoy sightseeing, parks, shopping, water sports, etc. Just about anything I am open to. He says he is open to whatever as long as it is safe..

Did you say you know of a guide in need of work?

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