highlights - Colombia Fácil

‘You
‘ can easily make a triangular tour:
Cali - Buga - San Cipriano - Cali
One of the oldest colonial cities in Colombia where you can find the black Jesus, own microbrewed ales, swimming in natural pools, discover a beautiful canyon nearby
(tour= 4hrs in total), great panoramic views over the green valley from El Derumbado, go
biking & visit different waterfalls, an old train station & cementary. A small unknown town
but more than interesting!
VALLE DE CAUCA
BUGA
HIGHLIGHTS
99 Plaza de Cabal = The central park of Buga which is super for relaxing; sometimes you
can spot huge iguanas & squirrels, cra 14 # 6.
99 Every Wednesday evening there is Cine in El Parque for FREE @ Simon Bolivar Park,
cra 13 # 1. Sometimes they screen films in English also.
99 Mirador Al Derumbado: A stunning view from the hill overlooking Buga, specially
beautiful at sunset time. Hike = 1hr. You can go on flip-flops.
99 Basilica Señor de Los Milagros with its pedestrian walkway La Plazoleta in front of the
basilica that ends up at the terminal.
99 Parque Natural Laguna de Sonso: Heaven for bird watchers & nature enthusiasts.
You can go in a fishing canoe, Schneider: 310-45 27 333. Bus headed to Yotoco town
(not the park) = 10min, ±1pp/one way.
99 Los Pailones waterfalls: Spend an afternoon swimming in the crystal blue natural
pools and jump off the rocks & do some climbing. You can book a tour @Buga hostel =
25-30pp incl. lunch, transport (20min), historical story about the authentic finca where
the hike starts & which has been in the same family for more than 100 years.
99 Lago de Calima: which is perfect for kite-surfing, windsurfing & water skiing; accommodation (from 18pp/n) @ the town Darien next door. Bus ±1hr, 6pp (one way).
Surf = 90pp/hr; course 8hrs = 640pp.
99
99
HOW2GETTHERE:
Armenia = 2hrs, 15pp. Armenia-Salento = 1hr, 3.4pp. Cali = 1hr20, 8pp.
San Cipriano = 3hrs, 15pp. Terminal = 10min, taxi3/tr. Bogotá = 10hrs, 40-55.
Medellin = 8hrs, 35-45.
81
Cra 13 # 4-83, colonial center of Buga
Tel: 2-23 67 752
FB: brew.hostel
www.bugahostel.com [email protected]
You can walk (15min) from the terminal just past the basilica & turn L.
Buses from Armenia (north) drop you off at the highway where you can take a taxi
= 5min, 3.3/tr to the hostel.
VALLE DEL CAUCA
BUGA HOSTEL & HOLY WATER
ALE CAFE & MICROBREWERY
You will feel VERY welcome from the moment you arrive at this cosy Buga Hostel which
is located conveniently on the way from Cali to the Coffee Region. This non-touristic
pleasing little town is surrounded by beautiful green hills & mountains with nature
reserves & lakes. They can provide you with all the information you'll need to make the
most of your time in Buga, a little-known, tropical & colonial gem. At the end of a day's
exploring, the best way to cool off is by drinking a delicious ‘artesanal’ nano-brewed Ale,
made right in the hostel's own Holy Water Ale cafe. Delicious sourdough bread & pizza
(European style) are also prepared & can be enjoyed on the balcony or their roof terrace,
overlooking the hussle & bussle of daily Buga life. The Holy Water Ale Cafe also serves
up a range of drinks & snacks.
Tours like a cañon trip on which you have to climb, jump & swim (10pp), a daytrip to
Los Pailones waterfalls, bike rental (10/ ½ day, 15/day), bird watching & canoeing in
Laguna de Sonso & Bosque Yotoco (with monkeys & poison dart frogs) or kite surfing
(Lago Calima) & parapenting (El Cerito) can be done from here. Shops, museums, parks
& colonial buildings are close by. Enjoy the silence on the 1 hand & the vibrant energy of
natural beauty on the other hand that is just waiting to be discovered.
zz Dorm = 16pp/n.
zz Double = 35pr/n.
TM
82
‘The
‘ salsa capital of Latin America
Put on your dancing shoes & learn the best salsa steps in the salsatecas; go exploring the
city by bike, try manjar blanco (a sticky, sweet, white spread or arequipe, a pastry filling
made with milk), the juice Lulada (with panela & coffee taste) or avena (oatmeal-based
drink) with pandebono (a hot salty muffin with cheese & yuca). Go kitesurfing in Lago
Calima or enjoy the RUMBA in this lively, exciting & cosmopolitan city, the 3rd biggest in Colombia.
VALLE DE CAUCA
CALI
HIGHLIGHTS
99 Pance’s river: @ South. Don’t go alone! You can get there using the ’Mio’
(Transmileno: green or blue buses) or on a normal bus = 40min from San Antonio, 1.5pp.
Parque de Pance has 15 football pitches & pools. At some places with restaurants you
need to pay, at others entrance is free.
99 Their most impressive church in gotic style = Ermita church @ historical part of the
city, right on the Colombia Ave, close to Plaza de los Poetas.
99 Loma de la Cruz: Artisans´handcraft market, from Bellavista = 15min on foot,
7min by taxi, 5pp. = 10min on foot from San Antonio. Daily from 10am-7pm.
99 Party: Good salsa bars are Bajo Tierra or Tin Tin Deo. In general people dance with their
partners. On Thursdays you can go solo easily & dance with many people. Bars close between
1 & 3am. @ Juanchito: The largest concentration of discothèques in the whole country. It all
started back in the 60’s = 20min from San Antonio. Menga: Bars close at 6am so for the
dancing addicts this is the place to be @ North = 15min from San Antonio, taxi = 9-12/tr.
99 Cerro de las Tres Cruces = Mount of the 3 Crosses: @ Montebello, this monument was
built to chase away the evil spirits. Here you can enjoy an excellent view over the city.
Don’t go there after 10pm, but go in the morning.
99 Carlo's Bike: Go on a bike tour & enjoy nature, river, city & the amazing views of
Dapa's hills, La Paz & los Españoles = 4-5hrs, 20pp.
316-87 92 222, [email protected]. fb: carlosbikecali.
99 San Antonio: Traditional neighborhood: relaxing atmosphere & a mixture of arts.
On the hill (church) you can get an excellent view over the city; perfect for having a beer
as you watch the sunset.
99
HOW2GETTHERE:
Armenia = 2hrs, 15pp. Armenia-Salento = 1hr, 3.4pp. Cali = 1hr20, 8pp.
San Cipriano = 3hrs, 15pp. Terminal = 10min, taxi3/tr. Bogotá = 10hrs, 40-55.
Medellin = 8hrs, 35-45.
83
Cll 5 # 4-56, San Antonio, Cali
Tel: 2-89 38 342
Cel: 317-64 06 813
www.jovitashostel.com
[email protected]
FB: jovitas.hostel & Jovitas Hostel & School of Salsa
Bus airport to terminal = 30min, 5pp. Taxi from terminal = 15min, 7/tr.
Pick-up by hostel from the airport = 1hr, 50/tr. Bus Cali-airport = 1hr!
VALLE DEL CAUCA
JOVITA'S HOSTEL
Jovita’s Hostel is a comfortable, clean & safe hostel with a friendly & relaxed atmosphere; where travelers are greeted warmly & can enjoy 100% salsa. Located in the ♥
of the beautiful city of Cali in the Barrio San Antonio which is home to many artists,
unique for its architecture & 1 of the best viewpoints in the city: the hill of San Antonio.
From here you can walk to the historic center, museums, zoo, bars & restaurants.
They will welcome you into the kindness & friendship of caleños & their culture: salsa
& latin party. The hostel is a huge house with very comfortable spaces, salsa studio,
mini-gym, gardens, hammocks, 24/7 internet & TV lounge (42’’) with home theatre,
games zone ect…
This is the only hostel in Colombia that offers professional SALSA & Latin daily dance
classes, also professional yoga classes (Ishka Yoga) in their hostel & guided tours to
the best salsa bars for FREE!
zz Dorm = 17-30pp/n.
zz Single = 25-30pp/n.
zz Double = 35-100pr/n.
TM
 Show your Colombia Fácil guide & get 20% discount from your
3rd night on.
84
Cra 5 # 3-37, San Antonio, Cali
Tel: 2-89 37 413
www.posadadesanantonio.com
FB: posada.sanantonio
Cel: 313-68 36 091
[email protected]
Taxi from the airport = 30min, 50/tr. Bus from the terminal = 20min, 1.5/pp.
Taxi = 7/tr. Transport arranged from the airport by the posada = 50/tr.
VALLE DEL CAUCA
POSADA DE SAN ANTONIO
What best describes the Posada de San Antonio is the passion that they have to make you
feel comfortable, safe & well cared for. All their staff will be focused on giving you the
best treatment & their fully equipped facilities are waiting for you to provide you with an
excellent holiday.
La Posada with its yellow façade & very warm interior; decorative details mixed with
history, culture & art combined with a Cali breeze amidst a great family atmosphere.
It offers an interior with 2 gardens inside & beautiful flowers, 12 private rooms furnished
with rustic wooden furniture & bathrooms with hot water, TV & fan. Only 5min from
the most important museums & cultural monuments. It is located in the San Antonio
neighborhood with its historic heritage, cultural & architectural treasures in the salsa
capital of Colombia. Rates include taxes & breakfast.
zz Single = 80-90pp/n*.
zz Double = 90-100pr/n*.
TM
 People who can show the Colombia Fácil Guide will get a 10%
discount on tours/excursions offerd in Valle del Cauca.
85
Cra 10 # 1-76, San Antonio, Cali
Tel: 2-89 30 651
www.cafetostaky.blogspot.com
FB: TOSTAKY & cafetostaky
Cel: 300-35 51 650
[email protected]
Coming from the center to San Antonio neighborhood, go up cra 10. Just before the
beginning of the park on your L hand side. Bus from terminal = 20min, 1.5/pp.
Taxi = 7/tr. Taxi from airport = 30min, 50/tr.
VALLE DEL CAUCA
TOSTAKY
Tostaky is the contraction of the expression Todo Está Aquí (It is all here) & in their case,
it is true! They are located in the ♥ of San Antonio (the colonial & bohemian neighborhood of Cali). They offer 24hrs full services, friendly & well informed staff, transportation services, salsa (25pp/hr or 10pp/hr in a group), language classes (15pp/hr),
guides & tours and a variety of food & music in their restaurant/bar which is a meeting
point for all personalities, ages, languages & nationalities. There is a tranquil easy way
of life with an international touch & even a keyboard from the jungle! But they are
realists too. In Tostaky, you will not find an organized trip to the moon or a date with
Shakira but anyhow just give it a try, they are here to help you. Their GOAL = TO SHARE!
zz Dorm = 17pp/n.
zz Single = 25pp/n.
zz Double = 40pr/n.
TM
 They also rent a fully equipped apartment upstairs inside the
hostel. =50pp/n for 1pers & 80pr/n for 2 pers.
Get a FREE beer @ the check-in by showing your Colombia Fácil guide!
86
CAUCA
POPAYAN
‘UNESCO’s
‘
1st gastronomic city
Try Popayans’ Colombian traditional dishes
A colonial city situated at 1700m (5577ft) altitude called ’The White City’ because of its
many white charming buildings, numerous churches (San Francisco, Santo Domingo & La
Hermita, ...), traditional squares & the famous Puente del Humilladero (crucifix bridge)
with the clock tower & sometimes you can even glimpse the snowy peaks of the Puracé
volcano in the background. Drink a beer/coffee on the old main plaza called Parque
Caldas & sit back & relax!
HIGHLIGHTS
99 Las 3 cruces (1850m/6096ft) = 25min walk. Built in 1940 to protect the city.
99 Visit the El Morro or Tulcán, precolonial pyramid built to honor the Spanish foundation
of Popayán = Free. Not recommendable to go during the night.
99 Silvia: A very charming typical Andean village where the locals (Guambianos) still
wear traditional clothing. Every Tuesday there is a market. Bus from terminal = 1hr15,
6-7pp. To save time/money you can make a stop coming from or going to Cali. Take a
walk or ride a horse (for hire = next to the church) along the river to other traditional
villages or/and fishing & eating one of Silvia's delicious trout.
99 Coconuco: Here you'll find 2 thermal bath complexes in beautiful green mountain
surroundings. Aguas Tibias: is the nicest (8pp/day, jeep 7pp from town, motortaxi 2-3pp)
& Aguas Hirviendo (24/7 open): is the hottest (6pp/day, jeep 8pp, mototaxi 3-4pp). You
can visit both these hot springs in 1 day (one from the other = just 5min by jeep).
Bus = 1hr, 3.5pp from 6am to 6pm, every hr.
99 PNN Puracé: See p89.
99 Belen Chapel: Visit this enchanting little church from which you'll have an excellent
view over Popayán. Walk = 7min, follow the stairs from cll 4 # 0.
99 Tierradentro: A historical archeological site with tombs & statues dating from 1000BC,
reconised by the UNESCO. Great spot for birdspotting & sharing local traditions & culture.
Bus 4 ½ hrs, 19pp. Direct bus leaves at 10:30am.
HOW2GETTHERE:
San Agustín = 5-6hrs, 30pp (don’t travel at night). Pitalito = 5hrs, 20pp.
Pasto = 6hrs, 25-32pp. Cali = 3hrs, 14pp. Cruce de Rivera = 8hrs, 45pp
(from here you can travel to La Rivera = 10min, 4pp). Bogotá = 13hrs, 65-77pp.
87
Cll 5 # 6-19, historical center in front of the Parque Caldas, Popayán
Cel: 304-40 11 561
Cel: 300-24 96 240
www.parklifehostel.com [email protected]
FB: ParkLife Hostel
CAUCA
PARKLIFE HOSTEL
From the bus station:
1) Walk = 15min, very nice walk through the colonial city, just ask anyone where the
Cathedral or Parque Caldas is. Cross the iron bridge at the bus station, walk for about
10min until the cll 5. Go L & walk 2 more blocks until Parque Caldas. On the R side of
the park there is the cathedral.
2) Taxi = 3.6-4/tr week days; 4-4.5/tr weekends & nights.
This small elegant hostel is located right in the ♥ of Popayán, next to the Cathedral
- in the main plaza, called Parque Caldas. Their charming colonial house is a piece of
Popayán history as 1 of its most influential & powerful families used to live here.
Get a glimpse of how life used to be like in the old glorious days, enjoy the comfy &
colorful common areas, amazing views of the main plaza & the cathedral or... check
out their organized activities: movie night, afternoon jogging, coffee tour from 40-50/t
(depending on N° of pers), bicycle tour from 40-45/t (depending on N° of pers), food
tour (map provided) & board games. Others include: laundry (10), snacks (1), beer (2),
free maps & free bag storage. The European staff, who were backpackers themselves for
many years know the region at its best & will provide you with excellent suggestions on
how to get the most out of your visit!
zz Dorm = 17pp/n.
zz Single = 32-40pp/n.
zz Double = 40-50pr/n.
TM
 They also sell colorful handmade clothes
& custom made t-shirts @ their reception.
88
@ Situated on a plateau at more than 3000m (9842ft)
& only 1,5hr from Popayán.
CAUCA
PNN P U RACE
WHAT TO DO?
Puracé Volcano: Really nice hike (6-7hrs to ascend & descend) that passes through
bucolic places. The crater has views of Popayán & the Coconuco volcano range.
Termales de San Juan: Swimming pools & rivers of hot water, that when combined
with normal water form nice colors ranging from grey, turqoise blue to pink or green.
Mirador del Cóndor: A valley area where a group of condors live.
Cascada de San Nicolás: 30m (98ft) high in a beautiful Andean landscape (30min
walk from the road).
Azufre mine: Old sulphur mines that are no longer in use anymore & that can be
visited. Beautiful scenery at the foot of the Puracé Volcano.
Laguna de Magdalena: Tour = 250pp leaving from San Agustín.
WHAT TO SEE?
The dominant ecosystem is páramo (moorland). The vegetation is curiously short
& colorful, being this the perfect place to spot the spectacled bear, the pudu or the
condor. The range of Coconuco volcanoes (15 of them) the most accesible 1 is Puracé
Volcano (4750m/15.583ft & that can be climbed in 6-7hrs/return trip) which can be
seen from almost any point in the PNN.
P RICES?
= 19pp Foreigners, 8pp Colombians. Indigenous guides from the Coconuco etnic group
at the different park entrances = 30/t. Hiring them is a good way to understand nature,
their culture & helping them as for most of them this is their only means of support.
TIPS?
Take warm clothes & energy snacks!
HOW2GETTHERE?
Popayán-Puracé 4:30am until 'Cruce de la Mina' (mine cross) = 1,45hr, 8-10pp.
From there walk to Pilimbalá for 30min= park entrance for the volcano climbing.
For other parts of the PNN, ask the driver to drop you off. Return bus @ 2:30pm & 5pm.
89
‘UNESCO
‘
world heritage site
HUILA
SAN AGUSTIN
This idyllic village situated at an altitude of 1730m (5675ft) surrounded by a patchwork
of mountains of a 1000 different shades. A quiet picturesque village where horses still
outnumber the cars & where you can find delightful handcrafted souvenirs, very welcoming people & where you can inmmerse yourself in the mystical history of a myriad of
archaeological sites.
HIGHLIGHTS
99 Jeep- or horse riding tour: Explore the region with Pacho: 311-82 77 972 or ask in
your hostel. Horse riding ½ day = 30-90pp; 1 day = 60-180pp. Jeep tour = 180/t
(max. 6 pers, whole day) during which you visit 3 archaeological & 3 sites of natural beauty.
99 El Tomate: Vegetarian restaurant: Delicious, amazing, innovative fair price affordable
for everyone. Creating a balanced & nutritious food fusion whilst preserving the natural
essence of flavors & food. Breakfast, lunch menu (7pp), wholegrain bakery, natural jams
& more. Mon-Fri 8am-3pm. High season open every day. Cll 5 # 16-04, main road to the
archaeological park. 314-26 55 527.
99 Archaeological Park: Typical sculptures & statues from the region: 8am (one part till
Bosque) - 4pm, (other part) - 5:30pm, 16pp (entrance is valid for 2 days). <15 year:
discount. Taxi from the village = 5min, 5/tr. Here are the waterfalls El Cinco = 1hr hike,
is possible without guide.
99 La Chaquira: Further 3km downhill the El Tablon. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking
view over the canyon at Chaquira, see the hills & the Magdalena river of San Agustín
surrounded by waterfalls, cool & clean air & the exhuberant green carpet of nature
stretching out beyond you. From town taxi = 10min, 6/tr.
99 Activities like: Magdalena rafting = 45pp, rappel waterfalls = 40pp, speleology = 70pp,
hiking = 35pp, tour to the Laguna del Magdalena = 250pp, canyoning = 70pp.
More information @ your hostel.
99 Parque Arq. Alto de los Idolos = 10pp & La Pelota: Archaeological sites & the biggest
statue & walks in the magical valley. Open 8am-4:30pm every day.
HOW2GETTHERE:
Popayán = 5-6hrs, 30pp (don’t travel at night). Bogotá = 10hrs, 60pp.
Pitalito = 45min, 7pp. Pitalito-Mocoa = 2,5hrs, 18-25pp.
90
Vereda la Estrella, San Agustín
Cel: 310-21 59 067 www.hotelcasadenelly.co
FB: casa.denelly
HUILA
HOTEL LA CASA DE NELLY
Cel: 311-53 50 412
[email protected]
From the main square Simón Bolívar you need to go down the road to the L of
the church until you meet a crossroad. Here you need to take a L which curves round
a shop on the R, follow the dirt road along for a further 10min.
There is a turn off on the L with a sign posted ‘La Casa de Nelly’. From here it’s a
steep climb until the gate on the L. Taxi from the center = 5min, 5/tr.
La Casa de Nelly is 1 of the original countryside backpacker hostels in town. It offers
beautiful views of the surroundings, a free welcome drink (hot or cold) waiting for
you, hot showers 24/7, lovely social areas, kitchen for tourists if you want to prepare
your own meals, comfortable lounge in- & outdoor areas with hammocks for reading
& relaxation. As well you can stroll around the colorful garden, observe hummingbirds
& other animals. There is also a bar offering refreshments & cocktails, if you feel like
watching tv or a DVD, Casa de Nelly offers you a great lounge facility, numerous games
& as well as toys for children. The main house was built in 1987 & has a warm &
beautiful style with wooden floors & lots of colors. In the garden you can find different
beautiful individual ecohabs surrounded by typical plants & flowers. There is a peaceful
& quite atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the best holiday. The bilingual staff (also German) will provide the best information for activites in the area. Feel at home at this cosy
French owned hotel - hostel La Casa de Nelly!
zz
zz
zz
zz
Dorm = 18pp/n.
Single = 35pp/n.
Double = 50pr/n.
Cabaña = 35pp/n (max 4 pers).
TM
 Discount after the 3rd night!
91
HUILA
EL JARDIN
Cll 4 # 4-10, San Agustín
Cel: 313-29 50 398 www.hosteltrail.com/eljardin Cel: 314-48 86 220
[email protected]
Arrive at the cll 3 # 11 where all transport services drop you off. On your R hand side
look for cll 4 with the same cra 11. El Jardín is diagonal from the Casa de la Cultura.
El Jardín hostel, located in the center of San Agustín, near the square & public transport
services it is a traditional house with 14 rooms (9 rooms with private bathroom) & cheap
rates per night. The staff will bring you some real Colombian coffee to your room in the
morning to start the day on the right foot. Then let yourself be pleasantly surprised with
the excellent care & the comfort of their beds, both in bedrooms or in cabins.
They have also rooms with TV & a private bathroom with hot water. They offer a breakfast service with fresh fruit juices, warm bread & eggs. You can enjoy TV in the dining
room or relax in their green areas next to the cabins. El Jardín is ... The closest thing to a
home environment ... WARM & FRIENDLY!
zz Private rooms = 12-15pp/n.
zz Cabaña = 25pp/n.
TM
 Internet service all mornings!
92
Km 2 San Agustín
Tel: 8-83 73 437
www.elmaco.ch
FB: elmaco.sanagustin
HUILA
F INCA EL MACO
Cel: 311-27 14 802
[email protected]
Taxi from the center = 7min, 6-7/tr. You can also walk = 25min. Walk the road to the
archaeological park, after 1km (0,62mi) go R to the swimmingpool, 300m/984ft up.
Finca Ecologica El Maco is a unique combination of farm & hotel, located in San Agustín
(1700msnm/5577fasl). San Agustín is famous for it's archaeological park, 1 of the most
important archaeological sites of the continent. The region was inhabited by a mysterious
civilisation which left behind several 100 freestanding monumental statues carved in
stone, as well as a number of tombs.
This & the beauty of the unspoiled vegetation, caused by the mild subtropical mountain
climat, attracts travelers from all over the world. Riding horses, trekking, river-rafting or
archaeology, San Agustin is 1 of Colombia's best adventure destinations.
They offer restaurant service & have the most delicous curry, handmade yogurt &
marmelade, brown own baked bread, laundry service, individual ecohabs (all with
private bathroom & hot showers), dorm, garden & a separate yoga-area in a typical
Maloca with sauna! Activities can be organized via the hostel.
zz
zz
zz
zz
zz
Hammock = 10pp/n.
Dorm = 17pp/n.
Single = 35-45pp/n.
Double = 42-66pr/n.
Camping = 10pp/n (tent & blancket not incl).
TM
 Discount after the 3rd night.
93
‘Admire
‘
unique animals like ’bozo de leche’ (monkey),
’tigrillos’ (little tiger cat) or ’oro pendula’ (birds with yellow
tails) by exploring this green Colombian jungle!
PUTUMAYO
MOCOA
This beautiful natural playground with its numerous waterfalls, foothills, swimming pools,
rivers, indigenous peoples (Kafán & Inga), cristal waters & unspoilt natural surroundings in
the department of Putumayo, in the Amazon region which has the most activities to offer &
has no malaria! Carnival ’Negros & Blancos’ = at the beginning of the year.
HIGHLIGHTS
99 Fin del mundo: A natural reserve in the Churumbelo mountain range. There you will
find the Dantayaco river where you can enjoy spectacular natural bathing pools, crystalclear waterfalls & pristine natural scenery with a stunning waterfall of 80m (262ft).
Entrance = 2pp. Transport to Villagarzón, get out at San José del Pepino. (5 min, 1pp).
99 Cañon del Mandiyaco: Breathtaking canyon (400m, 1312ft) where you can enjoy a
little piece of paradise. Bus 25min, 4pp (one way). When you get out of the bus, 5 min
further on foot.
99 Salto del Indio: 2 Beautiful waterfalls that end in natural swimming pools of cristal
clear water. Transport to Villagarzon = 20min, 1pp. From here 1u20 walk.
99 Tubing on the Mocoa river = 1-2hrs, 35pp; from 2 pers 30pp (incl. transport, life
jacket, helmet, ...).
99 Waterfall Hornoyaco: A natural paradise in the mountain range Churumbelo. Walking
distance from the hostel = 1hr20.
99 Canalandres: Very neat place for chilling, hiking, bird- & butterflywatching & swimming in an enchanting spot with 2 lakes above & another at the base of the waterfalls
= 40min from the hostel.
99 Yagé experience: Ritual of the indian population lead by a taita (shaman) = 50pp.
More information @ hostel.
HOW2GETTHERE:
Bogotá = 12hrs, 55-65pp. Pasto = 5hrs, 30-35pp. Pitalito = 2,5 hrs, 18-25pp.
Puerto Asís = 1hr45, 15-20pp.
Stamp @ International bridge at San Miguel = 5hrs, 18pp.
94
Vereda Caliyaco, vía Mocoa-Villagarzón
Tel: 8-42 04 004
Cel: 314-30 45 050
www.casadelriomocoa.com
[email protected]
FB: Hostal CASA DEL RIO en Mocoa - Colombia
PUTUMAYO
CASA DEL RIO
Located 2.5km (1mi) outside the center of Mocoa (Caliyaco) next to the road heading
to Villagarzón. Taxi = 5min, 5/tr or a shared pick-up truck = 1-2pp. Just ask in town
where you find the 'camionetas' that go to Villagarzón. Get off on the bridge over the
river at 2.5km (1mi) from Mocoa.
You can find Casa del Río in Mocoa, Putumayo department in the south of Colombia.
Tropical Mocoa is called the 'Gate to the Amazon'. At the foot of 2 mountain ranges &
at the start of the Amazon basin you can find lots of natural paradises. If you like hiking
in nature, observing animals, seeing enormous waterfalls, canyons, swimming, tubing,
indigenous rituals with Yagé, an easygoing town... you should pay a visit!
The hostel is located opposite the river at a popular bathing spot called Caliyaco. They
offer 6 private & 2 dorm rooms in chalet style buildings in a wild garden where you can
just relax in the hammocks or take a dive into the river in front of their hostel.
Learn about the unique fauna & flora in the ‘Centro Experimental Amazónico’ or go to
the Mariposario (butterfly farm). Lots of things to do in this one & only hostel in Mocoa!
They sell breakfasts (4.5–5.5). For other meals there is no restaurant but you can use
of their kitchen.
zz
zz
zz
zz
Dorm = 17pp/n.
Single = 32-35pp/n.
Double = 38-41pr/n.
Camping = 7pp/n (tent & bag not incl).
TM
 They have a new tennis court next to the hostel which you
can rent per hour with rackets & balls incl.
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‘‘ Known as the theological center of Colombia because of its
many churches & cathedrals. A pre-Columbian art technique,
typical for this region, called Barniz de Pasto = Pasto Varnish:
Artisanal designs made from a natural rubber of the mopa-mopa tree
NARIÑO
PASTO
This city, famous for its annual festival ’Carnival de Negros y Blancos’ (2-7.01), is located
at the foot of the Volcano Galeras at an altitude of 2527m/8290ft above sea level & in
the cold but fruitful Atriz Valley. Magnificent surroundings & a perfect approach, via the
Pan-American Highway, to destinations like Cali, Ipiales, Mocoa, Popayan & Tumaco.
HIGHLIGHTS
99 El Santuario de Las Lajas: Daytrip to Ipiales & visit this very unique & famous gothicrevival styled church, built inside the canyon of the Guáitara River. Taxi from the terminal
in Ipiales = 5/tr, colectivo = 1.6pp.
99 Laguna de La Cocha: The 2nd largest lake in Colombia (nr 1=Lago Tota, Boyáca) =
41.5 km²/16mi2 surface & 2800m/9186ft above sea level. Taxi collectivo from hospital
departamental or Iglesia Santa Sepulcro = 45min, 5pp. You can also see this lake when
coming from/going to Mocoa. You can overnight there in ecohabs ±25pp/n. No guide
needed. Free entrance. Boat to the island 5pp, entrance island 2pp.
99 Tour Café Alban @ San José Alban: Support the locals & enjoy the very special experience of staying with a warm & friendly local family who cultivate coffee at an altitude
of 1800m (5905ft). Learn about the panela & coffee process; visit the Italian styled
church‚ La Hermita (=1hr from San José Alban); do activities like kayaking in Cañon de
Juanambú or go hiking in the reserve. Accommodation, food, tour & transport = 60pp/n75 pp/n (incl. transport from Pasto).
Edgar Ivan Pasaje (es): 314-63 23 765, Max 312-29 80 312 (uk), www.cafealban.org.
99 Laguna Verde del Volcan Azufral: Cold climate but hot water. No guide is needed.
Bus from the terminal = 2,5-3hrs, 7pp. Free entrance.
HOW2GETTHERE:
Ipiales = 2hrs. San José Alban = 3hrs, 9pp bus or taxi 2hrs, 30/tr.
Popayán = 6hrs, 25-33pp. Mocoa = 5hrs, 30-35pp.
Coming from Ecuador: Get your exit stamp in Lago Agrio (=40min before border);
on Colombian side get stamp at the international bridge in San Miguel (only open
during the daytime).
Coming from Tulcán (Ecuador), cross main border & continue to Ipiales.
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‘‘ ’La Reina del Desierto’ = Rosalina Martinez de Clevez,
she was the very 1st person to promote tourism in the desert
& provide information to foreigners (1902-2012)
HUILA
TATACOA DESERT
Travel through Huila’s most enigmatic landscapes & experience an encounter with the
universe. This 370km2 (142mi²) desert landscape with its entrance via Villavieja, offers
activities like astronomic observation at night & exploration of the desert during the day.
The 3 most important parts are Cusco (ochre color), Los Hoyos (gray color) & La Venta.
Try some goat's milk which is good for combatting viruses or goat meat which is typical in
this region. Admire the huge cacti ’Arepo's’ & see how easily the goats can swallow these
prickly plants (respect them for that at least!).
HIGHLIGHTS
99 Accommodation in the desert: Posada Noches de Saturno in the 1st part of the desert,
Cusco. Hammock 10pp, dorm 20-30pp, doble 50pr/n, camping 5pp with tent - 15pp
without tent. Restaurant: breakfast 5, lunch 8-10, dinner 7-9. Swimming pool = 3pp.
99 Astronomic observation center: Admire the beautiful sky (night watching) & learn
about it. Starts at 6:45pm-9:15pm(every day). Entrance = 10pp. You can go on foot from
the posada, it only takes 10min.
99 Explore Pasaje Rojo @ Cusco (5min walk from the hostel).
99 Take funny pictures in El Ojo del Desierto. This eye was slightly bigger but fell apart in
Semana Santa 2012 due to exceptionally heavy rainfall.
99 When you are waiting for transport visit Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro,
Capilla Santa Bárbara & the museum (2pp) @ Villavieja.
99 Medical tree: Chase away the negative vibes by frittering small branches of the sassafras tree; this gives a wonderful aroma.
99 Guide = 35-50/day; tour with mototaxi in the desert = 80pp/day.
99 Horseriding to Los Hoyos (6.5km/3mi) = 30pp (there & back). You can also go there on
foot which will take 2hrs one way. Taxi = 20min, 50-60/tr (1/2day, max. 6 pers), guide is incl.
HOW2GETTHERE:
Villavieja = 15min, taxi 20/tr. La Rivera-Neiva = 30min, 20pp, mototaxi = 10pp.
Neiva-Plata = 4hrs. Plata-Tierradentro = 3,5hrs. Neiva-Villavieja = 1hr, 6pp.
Neiva-Bogotá = 5hrs, 25-30pp.
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