Colombia: A Land of Incredible Contrasts – Part 2

Salento: A paradise among coffee plantations

Salento is a small town, but with its colourful buildings, friendly locals, and beautiful scenery, it's truly the heart of Colombia's coffee region. As soon as I arrived in town, I was captivated by its unique charm – the streets were lined with colourful houses, shops selling local goods, and cafés where I had my first taste of real Colombian espresso, freshly made from locally grown beans.

While staying in Salento, I visited one of the many coffee farms, where I learned all about the process of coffee production, from picking the beans to roasting and brewing. A guide showed me how to properly taste coffee and explained why Colombian coffee is one of the best in the world. I also got to admire the beautiful views of the plantations, surrounded by green hills and valleys.

The Cocora Valley: Walking among the world's tallest palm trees

One of the highlights of my trip to Salento was without doubt a visit to the Cocora Valley. The Cocora Valley is known for its beautiful nature and wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense), which are the tallest palms in the world and a national symbol of Colombia. The palm tree can grow up to 60 metres tall and looks like something out of a fairy tale.

I made my way to the valley early in the morning to make the most of the cool air and admire the mists rising from the valley. The walk was unforgettable; I wandered among those impressive palm trees, admiring the lush green landscape and listened to the birds singing. One of the best parts of the trip was stopping by the hummingbird reserve. I got to see these amazing birds up close and was blown away by their speed and colours.

Medellín: A city reborn

After exploring the natural beauty of Salento, I headed to Medellín, a city that has undergone an incredible transformation in recent decades. Today, Medellín is a modern, innovative and dynamic city that has many cultural and historical attractions.

I stayed in Medellín for a week. I saw many sights, like Plaza Botero, where you can see the works of artist and sculptor Fernando Botero, and the historical museum Casa de la Memoria, which tells the story of the city's troubled past. I was especially impressed with the visit to Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods, which today has transformed into a symbol of resilience and hope. I walked through the brightly coloured streets decorated with murals and listened to the stories of the locals, who explained to me how the community has risen from the darkness into light.

Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring" because of its lovely climate, also provided me with stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. With the Metrocable, I headed up to the top of the hill, from where I enjoyed a panoramic view of the entire Aburrá Valley.

Cartagena: Pearl of the Caribbean

After Medellín, the path led north to Cartagena de Indias, one of the most historic and picturesque cities in Colombia. Surrounded by walls along the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is a city that combines rich colonial history with a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere.

I stayed in Cartagena for two weeks, which gave me plenty of time to explore the city and its beautiful beaches. I walked through the narrow streets of the old town, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets were full of colourful colonial houses, flower balconies, and ancient churches, like the Church of St. Peter Claver.

Another special experience was also a visit to the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the area around it. I also took a few days of rest on the beaches in Cartagena, where I relaxed under the palm trees and enjoyed the warm Caribbean Sea.

San Andrés: Caribbean paradise

From Cartagena, I took a plane to the Caribbean island of San Andrés, which belongs to Colombia, although it's closer to Nicaragua. San Andrés is a true paradise on earth, famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life.

The island is perfect for those who love diving and snorkelling, since coral reefs are full of colourful fish and other sea creatures. During my stay on the island, I had the chance to explore the coral reefs, go diving along the coast, swim with tropical fish and even turtles.

I also visited the famous "Piscinita", a natural pool where I could swim among colourful fish and admire the crystal-clear water. On San Andrés, you can also take a boat trip to the nearby islands like Johnny Cay and Cayo Bolívar, where I enjoyed the quiet beaches and unspoilt nature.

Conclusion: Colombia as a destination for all types of travellers

My two-month trip to Colombia was one of the richest and most diverse experiences I've ever had. From towering palm trees in the Cocora Valley to the vibrant streets of Medellín, from the historic charm of Cartagena to a tropical paradise on the island of San Andrés-Colombia has something for everyone. Its natural beauty, rich culture and hospitable people have left a lasting impression on my heart, and I am sure that one day I will return to discover more of this extraordinary place.