Ipiales is a practical, high-altitude border city where most visitors stay in simple hotels, apartments, and hostels rather than resort-style accommodation. It is a good base for visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary and for crossing between Colombia and Ecuador, with central locations being the most convenient for transport, food, and day-to-day errands. Below, I’ll cover the two … [Read more...]

Popayán is a compact city where staying near the historic center puts churches, museums, restaurants, and the main sights within walking distance. Accommodation mostly consists of guesthouses, small hotels, hostels, and apartments, with a few higher-end historic properties. Holy Week is an especially busy time to visit, so central accommodation is worth booking well … [Read more...]

The Pacific coast around Bahía Málaga is a remote, low-key destination where accommodation consists mostly of small family-run hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and cabins rather than large resorts. Juanchaco, Ladrilleros, and La Barra are the main bases, with a few more secluded options farther along the beach or across the bay. It is best to book in advance during busier periods, … [Read more...]

Cali is a large, energetic city where the best place to stay depends heavily on the kind of trip you have in mind. San Antonio is ideal for colourful streets, cafés and a more bohemian atmosphere; Granada is better for restaurants and evenings out; while the west side offers a greener, quieter base near several cultural sights. Since the city is spread out, choosing the right … [Read more...]

Filandia is a colourful coffee-region town with a compact centre, traditional guesthouses, family-run hotels, hostels, and rural properties in the surrounding countryside. Accommodation is generally moderate in price, while rural stays offer more space, nature, and views at the cost of transport convenience. The town sits on a hill at around 1,900 metres, so evenings can feel … [Read more...]

Montenegro is one of the most practical bases in Colombia’s Coffee Region if you want to be close to Parque del Café without staying in busy Armenia. Accommodation ranges from simple town guesthouses and apartments to family-oriented aparthotels, coffee-country fincas, and larger villas with pools. We stayed for a day to see the town during our road trip through central … [Read more...]

Ibagué is a practical city base in central Colombia, with accommodation ranging from simple hostels and guesthouses to business hotels, serviced apartments and country-style stays on the outskirts. The historic center is compact enough for sightseeing, while newer northern districts are more convenient for restaurants, shopping and modern hotels. We stayed for a day during … [Read more...]

Tatacoa Desert is a remote, semi-arid area in Colombia’s Huila department, with accommodation split between Villavieja and small lodges scattered through the desert itself. Expect simple guesthouses, desert cabins, glamping-style stays, and a few more polished small hotels rather than large resorts. We visited and stayed for a day during our road trip through central … [Read more...]

Honda is a historic river town in northern Tolima, where the Magdalena and Gualí rivers meet, and the heat shapes the rhythm of a stay. Accommodation ranges from simple hotels and apartments to restored colonial houses with pools, gardens, and air-conditioning—features worth prioritizing here. The most atmospheric properties are concentrated around the old centre, while more … [Read more...]

Murillo is a very small, high-altitude village in northern Tolima, best known as a base for the páramo landscapes, hot springs, and routes around Nevado del Ruiz. Accommodation is limited and mostly consists of simple, locally run guesthouses, cabins, and holiday homes rather than large hotels. The village sits at about 2,950 metres, so cold nights are normal; warm bedding and … [Read more...]