In my itinerary so far I have been slowly going South. To recap: After leaving Bogotá, I first headed to the Eje cafetero, an important coffee growing region where I stayed a couple of weeks to enjoy the beautiful nature.
So, after leaving the coffee zone (gray area in the map), I traveled onward to Cali, a hot and humid city in the valley. It’s a beautiful and in places quite hectic place. In the San Antonio neighborhood where I stayed, life is very tranquil however. I walked around a lot and enjoyed the small cafes and crafts shops.
In the city center things are quite different. In the old town it is very hectic. It is essentially one big “shopping center”. Street vendors are everywhere and try to aggressively sell their wares. It is fun and also a bit exhausting. I did not feel unsafe, fortunately.
After my weekend in Cali, I head further south towards San Agustín. To break up the otherwise long bus trip, I stay a night in Popayán. It is a beautifully preserved colonial small town with white facades ind picturesque streets.
I also experienced some proper rain in Popayán. From one minute to the next all streets were converted into rivers. The climate is very unpredictable in the mountains.
The trip to San Agustín on the next day is also quite the adventure. You travel on a minibus over the Andes on a largely unpaved road. Surprisingly, this dirt path seems to be an important connection road for Colombians and there is lots of traffic. The ride is long and strenuous but you are rewarded with beautiful views and a traditional lunch.
And then, I finally reach San Agustín. As it is located near the source of the Magdalena river, the landscape is spectacular. The river has carved a deep canyon into the land. I enjoy a swim in the fresh water.
