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.
GREAT VALUE AND SAFE AT SEA WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL
ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
They are up
front about telling you what sub is conducting your tour.
When I
arrived at the docks, an English speaking person told me I was the only one
that booked for my time.
I feared I
would be left to fend for myself, despite having a very tight daily schedule.
No, he
placed me on another boat with a top notch captain and English speaking guide.
All was well.
No worries with Viator.
GREAT VALUE AND SAFE AT SEA WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL
ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
So when I
swear by Viator -- that means the company is doing something right.
We left
right on time, returned right on time and every moment at sea felt safe and
sound.
The
narration was spot on.
Going out
the channel gives a great view of Old Lagos.
Getting out to
the rock formations and grottos -- on the way to and at Ponta da Piedade, gives
you a picture post card view from the Atlantic up to the amazing cliffs and
openings.
GREAT VALUE, SAFE AT SEA AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING
WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
The guide
took photos of each person that wanted one of them at Benagil.
On the
speedy return to port, he gave tips on what else to see and where to eat in the
area.
This allowed
me to visit the amazing network of boardwalks near Carvoeiro to Algar Seco,
based on his insights.
The trip was
a great value and felt very safe at sea.
GREAT VALUE, SAFE AT SEA AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING
WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH
SPEAKING GUIDE
So when
Viator impresses me, it means its tours are the best of the best.
The Benagil
Caves by speedboat left right on time.
We saw
everything advertised and then some.
The guide
had perfect English.
He was the
ideal blend of informative about history, culture, etc. -- while also being
humorous.
MY ENDURING SKEPTICISM WITH STAIR-CLIMBING WHEELCHAIRS
People without
disabilities always seem to being (foolishly, arrogantly) staking their claim as
those that know what best for people with disabilities.
I am
able-bodied, but a third of a century of being married to (and warmly serving
as the caregiver to) a spouse who uses a wheelchair for mobility, has informed
my opinions.
While I
wouldn't stop research into super-human, super-costly mobility devices, I
loathe the idea of "fixing" people with disabilities.
My wife is a
Person with a Disability (PWD).
She is not
broken.
Rivers bend,
trees twist -- they are not considered disabled, they are considered beautiful.
Diversity is
seen throughout nature.
It makes
life interesting, rich and worth living.
PWDs are a
significant portion of the population and buildings, parks, transit, streets,
sidewalks, crosswalks, mobility devices and civic space should be designed to
accommodate them.
About those
I-Bots, exoskeletons and super wheelchairs sold as solutions to barriers for
PWDs
I knew a
wealthy person with a stair climbing wheelchair.
It cost him a
fortune.
It performed
about 8 hours per day.
That meant
he had to have a backup standard power wheelchair and could never rely on the
stair-climbing super chair to meet his daily work and living needs.
The stair-climbing
gyroscope of a wheelchair not only cost more than 95% of the population could
afford, but it also was subject to very expensive repair and maintenance.
Something
that works 1/3 of the day and is out of price reach of nearly all -- IS NOT A
SOLUTION.
