Hello all. Wondering if any of you out there have experience traveling to other destinations of Colombia and could provide a little insight on the scene? Other areas of interest are Armenia, Bucaramanga, Leticia, Santa Marta, or any other towns within the country? I will be spending 2 months in Colombia this winter wandering throughout the country. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I also want new info on Santa Marta. Someone has been asking about this city elsewhere, but there is not too much info. Thanks!

Bucaramanga was next on my to do list, as is Pereira. Can't find too much on either on the other boards I visit, but I've met too many lovelies from these cities to not visit. Bucaramanga is supposed to be very beautiful with parks and colleges.

The coffee valley cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia are gorgeous, delightful, and safe. I bussed between them in Jan. of this year. They are all in the range of 500 to 700K people metro. I was with a novia so I didn't get any stray stuff.

Pereira seemed the most cosmopolitan. Where are the hottest chicas? Colombia. It doesn't matter where you are.

So true Tomtom, Colombianas are indeed, pound-for-pound, the most gorgeous women IMO. I may visit Pereira w/a novia as well and will meet a gal friend in Bucaramanga, it'll be fun to see who much p4p I can squeeze in.

Has anyone been to Monteria in Cordoba province? I have to go in January and any info I can get will be greatly appreciated

Tomtom, just wondering..how was your experience bussing between the cities? What was the cost? quality of experience? And did you feel relatively safe doing so? Have you ever bussed between the major cities like Medellin, Cali or Bogota?

Actually my bus trip was from MDE to Manizales to Pereira to Armneia to Cali. I stayed one night each in the smaller cities and three nights in CLO. I spend more time in MDE.

I have also taken the bus from CTG to BAQ(10K pesos).

In general the bus is quite safe, comfortable, and cheap. Be sure of your routing before you bus. I would not advise trips from CTG to Bucaramanga or Cucuta by bus. CTG to MDE is 12-15 hours. For that reason alone, I wouldn't do it.

Anyone know a driver to get me from Barranquilla to Santa Marta safely? Been to Colombia once, headed back to the Sierra Nevada to research a novel, to base myself in Santa Marta. I have to get there from the Barrranquilla airport. Should I fly or is the road safe. Help please!!

Alex, the roads are safe. You can go by bus or try http://www.invertours.com/.

alex, good resource guide for you in santa marta area-traveled with him throughout parque tayrona, honest and knowledgeable guy.. contact giovanny escorcia..954224985, cell 3106912968