A few hours north of Barranquilla along the coast are the resort city of Santa Marta and the department of La Guajira, which is known for its unique natural wonders and indigenous culture. To make my trip complete, I booked 5 nights in Barranquilla, while continuing north by bus and spending 2 nights in Santa Marta and La Guajira, respectively.

Colombia is a country of stunning natural diversity. There are at least five to seven different ecosystems in this mid-sized South American country. In June 2023, I had been living in Bogota, Colombia’s capital, for a few months. My short-term lease was coming to an end and I had a full month off before starting a new job. I packed a small suitcase and embarked on a month-long journey through Colombia’s interior. My plan was to spend a week a week in different regions and cities along the Andres mountain range, including major cities such as Medellin and Cali, as well as the coffee region and small colonial towns straight out of postcards.