Colombia trip report
Sep 6th, 2007, 12:16 PM
#1
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Colombia trip report
A brief trip report.
My wife and our two teenagers went to Colombia for 10 days at the end of August. We flew on Copa and paid around $550 round trip, including a trip from Bogota to Cartegena and back.
We stayed in Bogota with relatives, so I can't report on hotels, taxis and stuff. We liked Leo, a nice restaurant near the museum of modern art (I think) and Andres, a favorite with Colombians located about 1/2 hour outside of Bogota. I liked riding a bike from about 93rd and Septima downtown on Sunday morning (when streets are closed to cars) to the Plaza Bolivar.
In Cartegena we stayed at the Hotel Agua, Isla Rosario, and the Hilton. Hotel Agua is in the old town and has a nice rooftop pool. Old town is wonderful for wandering and watching. The Santa Clara library bar is a great place for a mojito. Isla Rosario is an island about 45 minutes by boat from Cartegena. You can go for the day or overnight. We stayed the night, went snorkeling and paid too much for necklaces. But it was fun, sorta like a mini vacation at Jakes in Jamaica (but not quite as chic). Then we came back to the Hilton where you could play volleyball in the pool, get a massage on the beach, and watch fishermen haul in nets nearby.
So, should you go? Sure. Colombia has a lot of energy. Cartegena looks like Spain, like Sevilla with narrow streets, old balconies, and lots of flowers. Nicholas is a great little restaurant near Hotel Charleston. Trips in the local buses were fun. Ditto the carriage rides. We paid too much for taxis, but too much was $5 across town. I think the kids had as much fun as we did wandering and looking, and playing soccer. The beach isn't perfect, but the energy is compelling.
Hope this helps a little.
My wife and our two teenagers went to Colombia for 10 days at the end of August. We flew on Copa and paid around $550 round trip, including a trip from Bogota to Cartegena and back.
We stayed in Bogota with relatives, so I can't report on hotels, taxis and stuff. We liked Leo, a nice restaurant near the museum of modern art (I think) and Andres, a favorite with Colombians located about 1/2 hour outside of Bogota. I liked riding a bike from about 93rd and Septima downtown on Sunday morning (when streets are closed to cars) to the Plaza Bolivar.
In Cartegena we stayed at the Hotel Agua, Isla Rosario, and the Hilton. Hotel Agua is in the old town and has a nice rooftop pool. Old town is wonderful for wandering and watching. The Santa Clara library bar is a great place for a mojito. Isla Rosario is an island about 45 minutes by boat from Cartegena. You can go for the day or overnight. We stayed the night, went snorkeling and paid too much for necklaces. But it was fun, sorta like a mini vacation at Jakes in Jamaica (but not quite as chic). Then we came back to the Hilton where you could play volleyball in the pool, get a massage on the beach, and watch fishermen haul in nets nearby.
So, should you go? Sure. Colombia has a lot of energy. Cartegena looks like Spain, like Sevilla with narrow streets, old balconies, and lots of flowers. Nicholas is a great little restaurant near Hotel Charleston. Trips in the local buses were fun. Ditto the carriage rides. We paid too much for taxis, but too much was $5 across town. I think the kids had as much fun as we did wandering and looking, and playing soccer. The beach isn't perfect, but the energy is compelling.
Hope this helps a little.
Apr 26th, 2012, 04:15 PM
#2
U split your time between Bogota & Cartegena? I think I vaguely remember talking to your wife about Bogota at the DC GTG. We're thinking of going to Columbia this winter for 4-5 weeks. No a lot on Fodors about it
Apr 26th, 2012, 04:44 PM
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Hi yes! How's your DH doing with retirement? DW's sister lives in Bogota so we were a little less independent on that trip than on other trips. But still almost as much fun as our trip to Argentina and Rio. DW went to a tango show sunday at the Gala Theater on upper 14th street and liked it a lot.
Apr 26th, 2012, 04:53 PM
#4
Thanks for your trip report, santy. A friend is living in Bogata now. It's not high on my bucket list but your report makes it sound great. Cartegena sounds beautiful and Isla Rosario sounds divine. Maybe it's time to do some research... Thanks again!
Apr 26th, 2012, 05:07 PM
#6
Hi! We were at the Gala Theater last night-saw Quin Tango which was great. I'm tempted to check out the matinee on Sunday.
He loves retirement. Bikes miles and miles and miles most days.
Yea, I remember the conversation about Bogota and her sister. that was one thing that spurred me on to think about it for this winter.
Starr's, there is a TR on Fodors by a retired couple from DC who spent the winter there this year. It's a good report to search out if you're thinking about a trip to Columbia.
He loves retirement. Bikes miles and miles and miles most days.
Yea, I remember the conversation about Bogota and her sister. that was one thing that spurred me on to think about it for this winter.
Starr's, there is a TR on Fodors by a retired couple from DC who spent the winter there this year. It's a good report to search out if you're thinking about a trip to Columbia.
Apr 26th, 2012, 06:08 PM
#10
Glover, glad u popped up again. There have been a couple of DC GTGs over the last several years. the last one was September or October of this past year. Sorry u have missed the threads whe they are announced.
Is there any way I can reach u directly? I'd love to talk with u at some point to learn more about your trip. I'm on Trip Advisor as dl and u could PM me if you're on it.
Is there any way I can reach u directly? I'd love to talk with u at some point to learn more about your trip. I'm on Trip Advisor as dl and u could PM me if you're on it.
Apr 30th, 2012, 04:34 AM
#12
At first I was puzzled - how could Santamonica's two sons still be teenagers ? Then I saw the date.
I also enjoyed (the chat at the GTG &) the 2007 TR on Columbia. It would be good to add a link to the recent trip that Yestravel points to. And any other follow-up, Columbia trip information. It's been sounding more and more inviting.
I also enjoyed (the chat at the GTG &) the 2007 TR on Columbia. It would be good to add a link to the recent trip that Yestravel points to. And any other follow-up, Columbia trip information. It's been sounding more and more inviting.
