Going to visit my father in law in Armenia in July -- any tips for an American visiting. Cautions -- things to see --- I was told to make sure to see Salento -- what else is a must see..............has anyone ever taken a flight to San Andres???

Any and all help appreciated...........ladies how did you dress?? What do you advise to carry your stuff around? many people have told me theft is a huge concern.

Thank you!
C--

We only transited thru Armenia. We loved Salento and from there you can go to the Corcoa Valley to see the huge palm trees. I think there are some coffee plantations in the area that you could visit.

I was there in January and wore longish shorts and tee shirts when it was warm. Or else just regular long pants and top. Nothing special really. I used a bag that I wore across my chest and just hung onto it. We travel a lot, live in a big city and tend to be cautious wherever I go. Since we were only in Salento which is a pretty small town, I felt safe.

Enjoy!

My husband's family is from that region in Colombia and they visit the area every year. I'm looking for the dates for the various Yipao parades in the region and am not having luck at this late hour. You can read about Yipao here. http://www.amusingplanet.com/2015/12...ep-parade.html

I'm looking forward to exploring Colombia. We are visiting for the first time this year, just getting our toes wet crossing by the border from Otavalo on a day trip to see Las Lajas in Ipiales. Having heard delightful stories for many years about my husband's family's drive from California to Colombia in the 70s, I am eager to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of the region. "The fruits! The fresh cheeses! The aguardiente!" Have a great time! I'll be looking for your trip report!

So I spent 2 weeks in Armenia in July -- landing in Peirera........from the minute we landed the smells, the sounds -- the FRESH AIR of Country were amazing!!!

We felt very very safe wherever we went. We went to Tej Majales for a few days which I highly recommend -- the hot springs are breathing taking and a must see!! -- We did Salento twice -- lovely town -- not what I expected -- but enjoyable. We did not climb the high stairs to the very top -- wasn't up for it this time around. We went to Corcora -- saw the beautiful tall palm trees and hiked -- gorgeous

We went to the butterfly sanctuary in Armenia which was one of my favorite things to do -- lastly we finished our trip with a day trip to PANACA amusement park........it was a really fun fun time and I look forward to seeing more of my husband's family Country.

As far as safety -- I dressed humbly -- no jewelry -- it was terrible that I didn't speak any Spanish -- even surrounded by people who were fluent I felt very left out -- NO ONE speaks ENGLISH in Colombia -- unlike other countries I have visited -- I was without English (besides private conversations between my husband and I) for 2 weeks and it gave me a new appreciation for what my patients feel like (I am an ER RN) when they don't understand what I am saying.......

I came back from my visit from Colombia a changed person -- having seen so much -- and how humble they live.

I can't wait to go back again.

Good to hear you had a great time. Colombia is an amazing country and much safer than the hyperbole that always seem to accompany it.. We only passed briefly through Armenia but loved the Zona Cafeteria especially Salento and the Cócora valley.

Good point re speaking Spanish. We do speak a reasonable amount ( but could do a lot better) and found it so helpful, not only to get around etc. But also to get to meet and chat with the wonderful Colombian people.

Thank you for posting.

Hi Wifey! I'm so glad that you had a great time. I have got to get to Colombia soon! My father in law can't wait to return.