THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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Barbosa is a magical place.
With proper restrictions – to control
overdevelopment and ensure there is not overtourism – this area should be unlocked
for those who respect nature and appreciate unique local experiences.
I cannot wait to come back.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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Yes, Pablo Escobar held Medellin and
Colombia hostage for more than a decade.
And certainly, the FARC and other groups
aiming for revolution have done bad things.
But during a week in the center of
Medellin and two days in the countryside – I felt as safe as anywhere in
America.
When you think about how dangerous our
driving is and how we do nothing in the U.S. to curb gun violence – I think
Colombia has rapidly become more safe and tranquil than the nation I was born
in.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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When you are knee deep in cool, pure
water -- looking up at cascades of mountain water -- you will reconnect with
nature.
Like everybody, I have my concerns
about clients, earnings, savings, health and poor local, state and federal
government in the U.S.
Hearing rushing water, then coming out
of the trees and lush greenery to see a unique waterfall – it is a deeply
spiritual and profound experience.
This is one of the most physically and
mentally renewing day trips possible.
In less than an hour, you are driven
from the urban intensity of Medellin into the paradise that is rural Colombia.
The tour passes the quaint center of
the town of Barbosa.
It visits we will visit the Cascada Chorron
plus two other waterfalls that I believe are roughly translated to the
Waterfall of the Wind plus the Cave of Love/Enchantment.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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The lavish local lunch, as well as an
optional brief breakfast, is included in the price along with transportation
and admission to the natural sites.
Expert guide Camilo Escobar helped
keep my camera and wallet dry during my Andean adventure.
The price is a bit more than the
typical Medellin area big group tour -- but it is worth double what is charged.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
Barbosa native Camilo Escobar is a
passionate and brilliant guide who will emphasize safety while taking you to three
hidden waterfalls.
There are three convenient pickup
sites, but because I was the only one who booked the $120 tour that day – Camilo
came directly to my hotel in Laureles that morning.
He quickly shares his expertise about
and love for Barbosa's spectacular nature.
Camilo supplied aqua shoes, a precision
walking stick and a steadying hand over slick rocks during small river
crossings.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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Once a feared place, it is a modern
city with fabulous gastronomy, green spaces, neighborhoods, historic buildings,
transit, music and people.
Colombia is one of the most naturally
beautiful nations on earth.
We very highly recommend a day trip
outside of the hustle and bustle of Medellin – and into the lush green
mountains and cool pure water.
Guatape plus Piedra de Penol are the
most famous day trips – but we say under the radar Barbosa is well worth some of
your time and money.
ILLUMINATED CROSSWALK STRIPS IN DOWNTOWN MEDELLIN
Crosswalk edges light up neon green to
tell pedestrians it is time to cross safely.
Most of these are in La Candelaria
Medellin Colombia — the congested and chaotic centro.
Alternately, the edge of crosswalks in
the urban core light up neon bright red — to signal pedestrians that it is not
safe to cross.
The red-green “walk” system helps
combat the ambient noise confusion created by motorcycles, cars and booming
music.
INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF
IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA
The value is amazing. I paid about
40 USD per day for a spacious modern room, a great support staff, a free
gourmet breakfast, free WIFI in room and on property, very clean pool and a
location close to the action but quiet enough to sleep.
I will return for sure.
INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF
IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA
Getsemani is a 15 minute walk over
a bridge.
The Walled City and its Colonial
Architecture and tourist attractions, is a 25 minute maximum.
The typical Uber ride to Getsemani
was 3 USD with tip. To the Old City -- about 4 USD with tip.
The hotel also is close enough to
walk to the chaotic, vibrant and fantastic Mercado de Bazurto -- where all the
top chefs shop early for the freshest seafood, tropical fruit and more.
INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF
IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA
It might want to think about signs specifying the common areas and gym
equipment are closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to let guests sleep.
Crews were rebuilding the room on the floor below mine.
When I routinely came back from lunch for a pool plunge and nap to avoid the most extreme heat -- it was tough to rest because of the construction noises.
But I get it, the work has to take place sometime and
midday is preferable to overnight or predawn.
Again, I'm a light sleeper and
these are very minor suggestions to improve a place that is already very close
to 10 out of 10 stars.
INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF
IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA
On 3 of my six nights, the festival
played very loud music past midnight -- even though the festival was advertised
as closing at midnight.
The noise traveled over a small
body of water and I could hear it in the room despite a white noise machine and
ear plugs.
It's not Hotel de Marques de Manga's fault that Cartagena likes to party hard and until the wee hours.
But perhaps
when it comes time for renovations, soundproofing could be done.
Each pod of room is built over a mini lobby with seating etc.
Mine had the weights/gym equipment.
Sound echoed
from this common area right up to my sole interior-facing window.
INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF
IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA
In the reception area, they sell
water, soda, local beers and convenience items at a very fair price.
The pool is not large, but it is
kept sparkling clean and is a fabulous place to take a refreshing plunge when midday
heat is 100 degrees.
There's also a lounge chair area
with plenty of fresh towels.
The property is in a sleepy
neighborhood of homes and apartments -- no nearby clubs or bars to make noise.
INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF
IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT
CARTAGENA
They answered several questions
before my stay -- suggesting places to eat in Manga and in nearby Getsemani and
in the Old Walled City.
There is hot water.
This is a
rarity in Cartagena, even at fairly costly properties.
The bed was firm and comfy --
another plus as Colombians are known to favor cement hard beds.
The breakfast was amazing.
Dozens
of fresh foods to choose from -- with an emphasis on local breads, arepas,
juices and tropical fruits.
QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES
IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA
On check out, Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia’s machine was not processing Visa cards.
I was directed,
on departure day, to go to an ATM to pay full in cash.
I didn't
want to lose air miles or proof of purchase that Visa delivers.
They
demanded US dollars, then gave most of them back.
It took a
few days, stressed communications and using PayPal to pay my bill.
The hotel is
like staying with an oddball family, albeit in a great location at a great
price.
They mean well
-- they just are nothing corporate at all.
Overall,
with six nights’ stay costing half what one night would cost in New York -- I’ll be back.
QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES
IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA
The Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia could benefit from having a staff member who speaks decent English.
I
communicated in my mediocre Spanish in person and used Google Translate via
WhatsApp to talk to the manager.
Some things
were missed.
I wanted no
housekeeping, but came back late one night to find my misarranged because a housekeeper had serviced it.
I did a day
trip a day late over confusion with the manager on booking a driver for a faraway
trip, not in-town visiting.
QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES
IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA
The Rio Cali, and its wonderful park filled with cat sculptures, is very close by Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones in Cali Colombia.
Breakfast is
about 2 dollars and includes coffee, hot chocolate, toast, arepas and eggs done
many ways.
For security, they lock the front door.
You can get out at any time, but to get back in,
you need to ring a buzzer.
I think it dates back to rougher times -- I felt 100% safe all over Cali, even well past midnight, and the Casa Farallones neighborhood is quiet, sleepy and safe around the clock.
I would return.
QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES
IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA
The Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia air conditioning is strong – a huge positive because a lot of properties in Cali do not have AC despite 90 degree days.
Platillos
Valadores, world class restaurant, is practically next door.
We had some
confusion, but they ultimately found me an English speaking driver who took me
past gorgeous scenery in Cauca -- to historic/colonial Popayan -- and back for
$60 USD (a tour company would want triple).
QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES
IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA
Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia is quirky.
They try to
charge you for shampoo, but it's only a dollar per packet.
They do not
speak English.
Google
translate use is a must unless you speak Spanish.
An odd
(mainly all restaurants and drug stores but with a tremendous supermarket) mall
is very close by and the dorm sized fridge allows you to store some milk,
berries and beverages.
QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES
IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA
The Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia value/price point is incredible.
The hotel
also was super quiet at night -- something not all properties in Cali can
deliver.
The location
is great.
You are walking distance from colonial San Antonio, posh El Penon, vibrant Granada and quirky Centro neighborhoods --
Most of what a visitor would want to see in
terms of museums, restaurants, architecture, music, nightlife, culture, etc.
