I booked this trip way back in May 2015.
Got the Avianca flight for $ 714.
A few weeks later the 4 inter-Colombian flights for $ 261.
Finally the Bogota-Quito (return) for $ 414.
Next was the task of booking 3 apartments and 1 hotel in the 4 venues. This was done without a hitch.
All until the week after Christmas.
The dude whose "Cartagena Sky Lounge" I had booked sends me 2 e-mails. The first was to inform me that his place had been trashed over the holidays, including severe water damage, and damage to the Fitness Centre, etc. Then to advise that the building manager has forbid him to rent out his apartment for the Season.
The 2nd e-mail was to indicate that my deposit on "PayPal" had been returned in full.
No need to panic!
Searched around and found an equivalent pad for essentially the same amount of $$$.
Then, 2 days prior to departure, the agency representing the Bogota apartment, e-mails me to advise that my selection "Atlantis" is no longer available due to "maintenance issues".
They offered an alternate apartment in the same building.
Now this really pissed me off, as I didn't really accept the other.
I wrote a direct & forceful reply. I had used these people several times in the past throughout the world.
Within 24 hours they responded. I would get a 50% discount for my 4 night stay in the "Cimmera" unit.
I reluctantly accepted their offer.
It was now time to pack.

Dr. J.