Colombia Forum

CAtoMDE
Joined 2016
Posts: 420

5 years ago

Concluded 2.000 km long road trip - brief notes experiences

5 years ago

April/May Long Road Trip (the 4th or 5th of this year already)

End of April 2019 and returned to Medellin May 3, 2019

Duration was 10/11 days

Total ground covered was 1.940 km

Total of 26 tolls (none in all of Quibdo/Choco area) total fees were 239.000 COP

5 tankfulls of gas at average 70 mil totals 350.000 COP

Hotels costs ranged from the 30 mil per night road side truckers hotel to 100 mil in a decent hotel in Quibdo, Cali and Bogota.

Kia Picanto held up well despite the abuse on the dirt and mud/rock mountain passes

No infractions this road trip (paid 430.000 in San Gil in early April) for illegal passing truck outside of Bucaramanga.

Basic route of travel:

Medellin (starting point)
Tarso (Antioquia/near Jerico)
Jerico
Jardin
Cuidad Bolivar
Quibdo, Choco
Cartago, Valle de Cauca
Cali
Santander de Quilichao, Cauca (could not pass the mountain range to get to Neiva)
Armenia
Girardot
Fusagasuga
Bogota
Villeta
Rionegro
Medellin (ending point)

Many experiences along the way but reflecting back on this road trip I must say that the highlight was my boat trip up and down the Atrato river in Quibdo. A great experience although I doubt that I would ever return or even recommend anyone to visit the Choco area as it is a cursed area to live (per my paisa amigos words).

Also pleased with the new sense that I experienced staying and exploring the north part of Cali as my general overall opinion of Cali got much better.

I did not make it to the Tatacoa Desert as I would have liked so another trip is on the horizon.

Bogota is bogota. Also enjoyed my first ever visit/stay in Jerico, a charming and quaint town.

Good to be back home in my apartment in Medellin and catching up on much need rest and sleep but knowing me in a few days I will again start to get antsy and want to hit the road.

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.