Places to see in Colombia, with maps and advice on how to get there.

Rafting the Guejar Canyon

How to raft the beautiful Guejar Canyon in Colombia´s Llanos region, a day´s drive from Bogotá.

Salento and Cocora: Colombia´s charmed valley

The rural town of Salento, with its Valle de Cocora, in heart of Colombia’s Quindío province, was a popular tourist spot even before Disney film producers rocketed the region to fame (and prices rises to match!) with their Oscar-winning film ‘Encanto’.

Diving in San Andrés

The clear warm waters of San Andrés offer perfect diving, here´s some information.

Colombia’s fantastical fossils – and where to find them

Colombia had some freaky fauna in its pre-history, from giant sloths, weird mammals, biggest-ever snakes and crocodiles to ferocious marine reptiles. Here’s a guide to getting on the fossil trail and exploring the lives of these ancient beast, many of which were unique to South America. Don’t expect Smithsonion-style mega-museums: palaeontology is not well funded in this part of the world. But fossil sites like Villa de Leyva and The Tatacoa Desert unique finds, and local palaeontologists and keen amateur

Hiking up to Bogotá’s Cerro Aguanoso

The impressive slab of Andean mountain that dominates downtown Bogotá is Cerro Aguanoso, a 3,500 meter (11,500 feet) peak that is the highest of the Cerros Orientales bordering the city, just south of La Candelaria. The return hike from Guadalupe Sanctuary is around 3 or 4 hours depending on your speed. Kids can also enjoy the hike, but bring warm jackets as the wind howls over the peak most days. The trail opens Saturdays, Sundays and Festivos (Bank Holidays) but

Venezuela’s incredible Orinoco river delta

In 2022 I worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the delta of the Rio Orinoco, known locally as the “Delta Amacuro”, supporting local health services. This vast wetland of swamps and jungle on Venezuela’s Atlantic shore is home to the Warao, one of the country’s largest ethnic group. This blog was published by MSF in May 2023. Rounding a bend of the Rio Orinoco, we startle a large river dolphin that leaps high in front of the boat. It hangs there

Colombia’s Check-Mig: the on-line form for international air travellers

The free on-line migration form Check-Mig continues post-Covid-19 – as do the scammers trying to make you pay. Here’s an update for 2023 and links to some ‘How To’ videos (and which to avoid).

Entrenubes: the Best View in Bogotá?

Locals claim their mountain park, Entrenubes, high in the Andes on Bogotá’s southeast flank has the best views in Bogotá. They’re right.

Bogotá Hiking: Quebrada La Vieja

Hike to the beautiful Cerros Orientales (Eastern Hills) up the easily accessible Quebrada La Vieja. Here’s some photos and practical advice on how to safely enjoy one of Bogotá’s best excursions, open most days of the week. And it’s free.

Providencia Island: old caribbean charm

Providencia is Colombia’s remote paradise, a laid-back english-speaking volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs. Here’s how to visit…

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