My top 10 highlights of South America

1) New Years’ Eve in Rio de Janeiro
2) Iguaçu Falls
3) The desert, culture, and history in Jujuy, Argentina
4) Learning salsa in Cali, Colombia
5) Culinary heaven in Argentina
6) Long, painful, crazy bus and motocycle rides flirting with death
7) Walking around in Cartagena, Colombia
8) Drinking caipinrinhas, trying to Samba, partying in Rio until the sunrise
9) The nightlife in Buenos Aires
10) Road-trip in Colombia

Did you know that?

Did you know that?

- Colombia is one of the most mountainous countries in the world
- Colombia is the leading exporter of emeralds
- Colombia is the country with the largest bird diversity in the world
- Colombia is the second largest exporter of coffee
- Colombians love to have soup for breakfast
- Last but not least, COLOMBIA IS NOW VERY SAFE TO TRAVEL THROUGH

Medellin: City of Eternal Spring

Medellin is by far the most modern city in Colombia and full of history.

Rio Sucio and La pintada

Salento

Salento is a very charming small village in the Zona Cafetera that’s also very popular with Backpackers. Also, take note that at least 50 % of the population consists of elder men with Colombia hats and ponchos drinking and playing pool!

On the road: From Cali to Salento

While in my hostel, Pelican Larry, in Cali I met a group of awesome people who invited me to road-trip with them to Medellin.

Cali

Cali is the 3rd largest city in Colombia but most importantly it's the capital of Salsa. It's a warm, unique, and friendly city. found the people there to be the kindest in Colombia.

You may not believe me but I can finally dance salsa:

Colombia

Colombia is a country that I like more each day! It is rich in culture and the people are fantastic!

Furthermore, the country is running strong campaigns to restore Colombia’s image abroad. Their slogan is:

“Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay.”

Taganga

Most backpackers fall in love with this fishing village and here's a glimpse of why.

Tayrona National Park

Mud Volcano

Being moved around like a human brick in a 2000m deep volcano was probably the weirdest sensation in my life but I highly recommend it!

Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the most beautiful cities that I've ever seen! In my opinion, it's the most beautiful city in South America! It’s a city full of history and boasts magnificent colonial architecture. Furthermore, it’s a classy city full of art, international cuisine, and music. A must see in Colombia!

Bogota by night

The nightlife in Bogota is amazing and by far the best in Colombia!

Bogota with my Mom

Bogota is unlike I expected it. I compare it to Santiago, not particularly beautiful at first site but with so much hidden interesting characteristics. I am fascinated thought. At first glance, I don’t think I would go completely out of my way live here mostly due to the weather and pollution but if I were to live here, I am sure I would like it. Colombia is a very intriguing country and I am most excited to get to know Cali and Medellin. The people are warm and approachable yet the city has a sort of gloomy unpredictable weather. It’s hard to describe but I feel a sort of peace here.
My most pleasant surprise is how cheap it is (at least compared to Rio).

Colombia basic facts

President: Juan Manuel Santos





Population: 45 million

Capital: Bogota

3 largest cities:
1) Bogota
2) Medellin
3) Cali

Most touristic city: Cartagena

Currency: Colombian Peso (about COP 2000 to USD $ 1)

Colombian national anthem:

Good bye Rio!

I'm off to Colombia tomorrow.

Here are my top 10 for Rio:

1) New Year's on Copacabana beach-
I will never stop talking about those fireworks (link coming soon)




2) Samba schools - in particular Mangueira- EU SOU MANGUEIRA




3) Hiking and waterfalls in Parque Nacional da Tijuca
This park is the world's biggest national park in a metropolis and provides the most amazing views over the city of Rio! You're guarenteed to see animals you've never seen and if you get lost, you have plenty of jaca fruits to feed off of.
Swimming after hiking over massive trees and using metal chains to get on top of big rocks gives it's share of adventure as well.






4) Ipanema beach - volleyball, sunsets, posto 9
Amazing sunsets, beautiful people, and huge waves!




5) Paraty boat trips and snorkeling
I swam with turtles in turqoise water!!

6) Copacabana beach - late night caipinrinhas and the most ethereal sunrise after lapa
It might be the caipinrinhas but the sunrise was heavenlike!





7) Sucos - my favorites abacaxi and hortela, carambola, laranga e acerola
I'm opening a suceria in NYC!!

8) Hiking in Ilha Grande
Beautiful island, amazing trails leading to stunning beaches!

9) Mototaxi to the top of Rocinha
Yes, I almost got killed by oncoming vehicles but the views and the experience was worth it!

10) Prainha
Surfer paradise

Honorable mention: drunken combi rides and rollercoaster buses!