Are you planning a solo trip to Colombia and wondering how to make the most of it?
This isn’t a traditional blog, this is the story of how Zhen, a Chinese woman, decided to Rent a Local Friend to explore Colombia in a very unique way!
Keep reading if you want to get inspired and get insightful information about her trip.
Hola! I am Juani, local host in Bogota, Colombia and co-founder of Zebra Fisgona Tours. I went with Zhen on this trip and here is our story.
Why Rent a Friend was a perfect fit for Zhen
Zhen dreamed of a month-long road trip across Colombia but struggled to find Solo Tour Packages that matched her pace and interests. She didn’t want to be part of a large group and valued flexibility in crafting her itinerary. When she found “Rent a Friend” service at Zebra Fisgona Tours, it felt like a perfect match.
With Rent a Friend, she got more than just a guide – she found someone who shared her curiosity and love for adventure.
PS: We are still friends!
Sound like something you’d enjoy? Explore our Rent a Local Friend service here!
Colombian road trip with Rent a Local Friend
Once Zhen booked the service, we planned the ultimate Colombian road trip together. Here’s what our itinerary looked like:
Stops: Bogota → Villa de Leyva → Medellín → Coffee Region → Popayan → Ipiales.
With the car ready, open minds, and a shared excitement for the journey ahead… our Colombian trip started! Let me take you through the highlights of our journey!
- Total distance: 1.517km
- Days: 28 days
1. Bogota: Colombia’s Capital
In Bogota, we explored the city’s must-see attractions and hidden gems:
The first day we strolled through the historic center, visiting Monserrate, the Gold Museum, and the colorful streets of La Candelaria. For the second day we explored the trendy neighborhoods of La Macarena and Chapinero, enjoying their artsy vibes and local cafés. This was the perfect introduction for our journey.
For the last day, on our way out of the city, we stopped at the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia’s first wonder and a must during any visit to the country!
Tips for Bogota:
- Visit Monserrate early in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Try “Ajiaco,” a traditional soup, in La Candelaria.
- Wear comfortable shoes! You will walk a LOT!
2. Villa de Leyva and Sáchica, Boyacá
After visiting the impressive Salt Cathedral, we headed to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial town that feels like a trip to the past. On the way, we stopped at Puente de Boyacá, a peaceful historical site where we stretched our legs, enjoyed the scenery, and had a great cup of coffee.
We spent two nights in Villa de Leyva. Zhen was really curious about Colombia’s pre-Hispanic history, so we explored several important Muisca sites, including:
- The Muisca Astronomical Observatory, an ancient site where the Muiscas studied the stars.
- The Muisca Astronomical Museum, where we learned more about their culture and traditions.
- The Path of the Muiscas, a trail with amazing rock paintings that tell their stories.
In the evenings, we walked through the town’s cobblestone streets, soaked up its lively atmosphere, and enjoyed delicious local meals. Villa de Leyva’s charm is hard to put into words, it’s a mix of history, beauty, and a great place to relax.
Tips for Villa de Leyva:
- Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Pack a light jacket, it gets chilly in the evening.
- Don’t miss the main square, one of the largest in Latin America.
3. Medellín and Guatapé, Antioquia
From Villa de Leyva, we drove to Medellín. The trip was long (about 12 hours due to some constructions on the road), but the views along the way made it worth it.
What we loved about Medellín:
- Comuna 13, where the colorful street art and the stories behind it are unforgettable.
- The Botanical Garden, perfect for nature lovers like Zhen, who had a blast photographing the flowers.
- Visiting Parque Arvi, a true hidden gem of Medellin, we loved the cable car ride and the natural areas.
After exploring Medellín, we traveled to Guatapé, a colorful town surrounded by beautiful scenery. We stayed in a cozy house overlooking the dam and El Peñol Rock, a peaceful spot to rest. We climbed the rock together, and the view from the top was incredible.
In town, we wandered the bright streets, shopped for unique souvenirs, and enjoyed delicious local dishes. Guatapé felt like a perfect little getaway.
Tips for Medellín and Guatapé:
- Take a guided tour of Comuna 13 for a deeper look into its history and art.
- Stay overnight in Guatapé to fully enjoy its peaceful vibe.
- Don’t miss trying the local trout – it’s fresh and tasty!
4. Coffee Region: Manizales, Pereira, and Salento
The Coffee Region was a highlight for both of us, especially with its mix of nature, adventure, and stunning views. Every day felt refreshing, surrounded by green hills and the smell of fresh coffee.
Our favorite experiences included:
- Hiking in Valle del Cocora, with its giant wax palms and breathtaking landscapes.
- Birdwatching in Pereira, where we saw over 25 different bird species in just one day.
- Coffee farm experience, where we got to see the process from bean to table and even enjoy a coffee tasting.
Tips for the Coffee Region:
- Plan at least five days to really enjoy the area.
- Visit Valle del Cocora early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- If you love coffee, don’t miss a farm tour to learn how it’s grown and processed.
5. Popayán and Puracé National Park
Our last stop was Popayán, known as the White City for its stunning colonial buildings. From there, we visited Puracé National Park, which was an unforgettable experience.
At Puracé, we waited patiently and were lucky to spot the Andean condor, Colombia’s national bird. The park’s landscapes, with its volcanoes and hot springs, were absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect way to wrap up our journey.
Tips for Popayán and Puracé:
- Always visit Puracé with a local indigenous guide, they have the best stories to share.
- Bring warm clothes, Puracé is much colder than Popayán.
- Be patient at the condor viewing spot. Sometimes it takes a while, but it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts
This 28-day travel itinerary will always hold a special place in my heart. It was an amazing journey that allowed me, as a local host, to share a unique side of my country and culture with Zhen. For her, as she described it, it was an unforgettable experience. We’re still friends and stay in touch, hoping to travel together again someday.
With Rent a Friend, Zhen was able to design a trip that truly reflected her interests, free from constraints, rigid schedules, and large group tours.
If you’re someone who craves unique and personalized travel experiences, this is your sign to take the leap. Whether you’re planning to spend weeks in Colombia, like Zhen, or just a few hours exploring Bogota, Rent a Friend now and make your trip truly unforgettable!
