I have a month off in December/January and I can fly to Colombia, Ecuador or Peru for free. Which one should I visit? I'd like to spend some time hiking and exploring remote communities, and some time relaxing on the beach. I'd also like to practice my Spanish a bit.
Question
Posted on Jul 10, 2011
9 Answers
I lived in Colombia for a year, and having traveled all over Latin America, I have never found another place that I love as much as Colombia. The people are amazing - friendly, hospitable, and fun-loving. As Jerry mentioned, the country is incredibly diverse, so whether you are looking for bit cities, outdoor adventure sports, beach, mountain climbing/hiking, etc. you can find it. Let me know if you need any specific recommendations and I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have!
Posted Jul 13, 2011
Add a commentHi Sarah! What about the security situation for a solo traveler? Are there places I would need to avoid?
Posted on Jul 27, 2011
Overall, the security situation around the country, especially in the cities has improved drastically in the past decade.
For the most part, anywhere you find in a guidebook or have any interest in going to as a tourist, whether that be cities, the beaches along the Caribbean, the coffee region, etc, you will probably be ok :) The main areas that still have guerrilla and/or paramilitary presence are deep in the jungle in very remote areas of the country that you wouldn't be able to get to anyway.
The one exception to this that I would be cautious of is the border area between Colombia and Ecuador (if you do decide to travel between these two countries). This area can sometimes get sketchy and I haven't heard much recently, but I would just suggest looking into that a little more if you plan to travel in the southwest border region. Hope that helps!
Posted on Jul 27, 2011
Also, lots of festivals going on in Colombia in Dec/Jan. Look up the Feria de Cali (salsa capital of the world) that is usually between Christmas and New Years, the Black & Whites Carnaval in Pasto and the Feria de Manizales (in the coffee region) which are both in early January. Colombia has so many amazing carnivals and festivals and at this time of the year you could easily hit one, two or even three of these.
Posted on Jul 27, 2011
Thank you, Sarah. This is all VERY helpful.
Posted on Jul 28, 2011
OH Colombia! My family is from there and I visit a lot. In fact, I love it so much, I'm going to Grad School there next year!!! You should start in Bogota and move around from there. To the north are the mountains for snowboarding, to the south are the plains. Neary is the "Zona Cafetera". They have an amusement park to show you how coffee is made. LIke Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. (Super cheesy...but super fun!)
Posted on Aug 18, 2011
I vote for Peru, though you could use Ecuador as a jumping-off point for the Galapagos Islands - fly into Cuzco, take it easy for a couple of days to adjust to the altitude, then take the train to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. You can join a tour group or go solo. Back down at sea level, it's probably worth spending a day in Lima to see the center of the city. There are many nice places to stay in the Miraflores neighborhood.
Posted Jul 10, 2011
Add a commentThanks, Tony. Any thoughts about the weather there in Dec/Jan? I read that it's their rainy season...
Posted on Jul 27, 2011
I guess I am the only person who would vote for Ecuador. I did live there for three years so I may be biased. That said, the great thing about Ecuador is that in a country the size of Colorado you have rain forest, the Andes and the beach. In terms of beaches my personal favorite was Canoa which was not yet overrun by tourists and so wonderfully peaceful (and the Bamboo restaurant/hostel makes a mean ron and maricuya). As for hiking there is a plethora of options depending if you wanted to be in the Andes, the jungle or a cloud forest. And of course there are the Galapagos just a quick flight away.
Posted Jul 16, 2011
Add a commentThanks, Carey. Having lived there for 3 years do you remember what the weather is like in Dec/Jan?
Posted on Jul 27, 2011
Oops. Just saw this. As for the weather it more depends on what part of the country you are in. Since it is smack dab on the equator, the temperature stays the same for much of the year. December usually starts the rainy season but it varies from year to year. In the Andes it is warm during the days and cool at night. But, it really depends on what altitude you are at (the higher you go, the colder it gets). In the Amazon you can bank on hot humid weather regardless of time of year and the same for the coast. It should be noted that the rainy season does mean that it rains all the time. On the coast there is usually an afternoon downpour which leaves things humid for the rest of the day.
Posted on Aug 31, 2011
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Posted on Aug 31, 2011
It sounds like you've not been to any of those places yet, so I would vote for...PERU. Machu Picchu is definitely one of those 'bucket-list'-places. (I don't even really like the term 'bucket-list,' but seriously, if you get the chance to go to Machu Picchu, all cliches aside, it's truly one of those 'once-in-a-lifetime'-kinds of places.) Once you get down to Peru, flying within the country is relatively inexpensive. Tickets from Lima to Cusco aren't expensive, and you can either trek for several days, hiking along the Inca trail (with porters who take your equipment and cook dinners) or you can take the train from Cusco down along the Urubamba River, descending from 12000' to 8000' feet, and then take a short but STEEP bus ride up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. If your time is limited, then you'll never forget going to Machu Picchu. If you have some more time, there is so much more to see--from the jungles on the eastern side of the Andes to the white-volcanic-stone city of Arequipa in the southern highlands, to the Nasca lines, colonial Trujillo, and even Lima itself has some quaint areas, despite the otherwise depressing sprawl. Buen viaje!
Posted Jul 10, 2011
Add a commentThanks, Joseph. Do you know if the weather would impact travel much in Dec/Jan?
Posted on Jul 27, 2011
Since everybody is saying Peru let me tell you about Colombia. Bogota is one of the most vibrant cities in South America, full of life and fantastic people. Cartagena is a walled city on the coast, Cali is the city of flowers and the most beautiful women in the country. You can also go on the Amazon River as it starts in Colombia or visit the great city of Medellin which is not the drug capital it was and has changed into a very cosmopolitan place. Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Atlantic and the Pacific, it is also a mecca for birdwatching. I can go on but I think this gives you an idea
Posted Jul 12, 2011
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Peru, is amazing country, from the ppl, to food, to the sights. i plan on returning.
Posted Jul 10, 2011
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I would actually say start in Colombia, get on a bus and travel to Ecuador and then Peru. No need to pick just one! My 68 year-old father did this trip by bus last year and he had an amazing time. It sounds like you have a flexible schedule, so hey, enjoy all three countries!!
Posted Jul 22, 2011
Add a commentYour father rocks! Did he use a travel company to bus through the three countries? What route did he take? Any tidbits would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted on Jun 13, 2012
I agree with Melina! Those are all great places to visit, and i love Colombia and Peru equally for different reasons! If you can see all three!
Posted Jul 23, 2011
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I've been to Peru and Ecuador and yes, both are amazing. So much to see. I haven't been to Columbia yet (a friend went and took the bus and stayed in hostels throughout the country last year) but I want to go badly. I've heard the architecture in Cartagena is gorgeous! Since you have a month, why not take the bus and see all three?
Posted Aug 02, 2011
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