Lorraine Caputo's Home Page

Home Grown Saints

Who knows why, but Venezuela—more than any other Latin American nation—has an abundance of santos caseros (homemade saints) who, although ......

Paria Peninsula

Up in the northeast corner of Venezuela, two peninsulas join together to form a “T.” The western arm is the ......

Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros

Strolling down Avenida Insurgentes Sur in Mexico City, traffic fumes waft through the forest of modern buildings. Just past the ......

Aventuras Sobre Rieles

Not too far from where Pancho Villa led his 1916 attack on Columbus, New Mexico, a new revolution is now ......

Panama Canal

Kuna women are rolling up their molas for the night, and lovers are strolling the old sea wall atop the ......

San Antonio Oeste

In the late afternoon, scores of birds fly along the narrow arm of the gulf. Sunlight dapples the slow waters. ......

Parque Nacional Montebello

Wandering through the grassy ruins of Chinkultik, through ancient plazas with temple mounds, one comes to a small creek meandering ......

Araya Peninsula

Below heavy fortress stones tumbling to the sea, the salina turns rose in the light of late morn. The surrounding ......

Hidalgo del Parral

July 20, 1923: Shots ring out from the building on Avenida Juárez in downtown Hidalgo del Parral, in the Mexican ......

Tela

Powdery white sand beaches littered with shells. Crystalline blue sea. Verdant landscapes. Walks under the full moon, the warm Caribbean ......

Isla de Ometepe

Centuries ago, in the dim past of Central America, a group of wandering Mexica followed a vision south. They believed ......

Mariscos

Cicadas hum in the heat of mid-afternoon. Sunlight gilds the waters placidly lapping against the shore. This water is warm ......

Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle

The mournful voice of a reed horn, the beating of a drum echo down narrow streets, through misty morning mountains. ......

Santa Marta

Jumbled boulders beneath an opalescent sunset. Jade-green waves. Screeching parrots. Banana ships entering the harbor while local fishermen prepare to ......

Macas

A gold and fuchsia sunset erupts across the sky above a virgin jungle stretching across the horizon. A rainbow emerges ......

Tupiza

Traveling for days across the blinding salares of Uyuni, brilliant white, ruby and sapphire, a cold that seeps to the ......

Getting to and away from Reserva Nacional Río Simpson

Reserva Nacional Río Simpson is at Km 37 of the Coyhaique – Puerto Aysén road. Buses making the run between ......

Getting to and away from Reserva Nacional Coyhaique

The access road to Reserva Nacional Coyhaique is on the Coyhaique – Puerto Aysén road, five kilometers (3 mi) north ......

Getting to and away from Pisagua

Pisagua is 183 kilometers (114 mi) south of Arica and 168 kilometers (104 mi) north of Iquique. Take Ruta 5 ......

Getting to and away from Mamiña

Just north of Pozo Almonte, at Km 1808.75 of the Pan-American Highway, is the turn-off for A-65, which goes to ......

Getting to and away from Huara

Huara is on the west side of Ruta 5 (the Pan-American Highway), 26 kilometers (15.6 mi) north of Humberstone and ......

The Ghosts of Iquique

The history of Iquique and neighboring pampas lives in other ways, too. This is a region where the ghosts of ......

Chumbeques

Three thin, flaky shortbread cookies layered with fruit jam to make a square cookie sandwich. This is the confection that ......

Crossing into Bolivia

In winter, Chile and Bolivia are on the same time; in the summer, Bolivia is one hour behind. About a ......

Crossing into Peru

The only official border crossing between Chile and Peru is that between Arica and Tacna. By Bus The road border ......

Getting to and away from Iquique

Bus Most long-distance buses depart from the Terminal Internacional Rodoviario, whose facilities include bathrooms, showers, phone, internet, snack shops and lu ......

When to Go to Iquique

During the summer (December-March), the weather is hot during the day and brisk at night. The rest of the year ......

Getting Around Iquique

Micros, or urban minibuses, go many places within the city and up to Alto Hospicio (until 10 p.m., $0.80-1). Colectivos ......

Iquique Safety

Beware petty theft of belongings on the beach and at the bus terminals. After dark, take special care around the ......

Getting To and Away From Reserva Natural Pampa Del Tamarugal

Any bus going between Arica and Iquique passes by Sector Zapiga of Reserva Natural Pampa Del Tamarugal. For Sector Los ......

Getting To and Away From Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga

To arrive to Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga from Iquique, take Ruta a-16 to Humberstone, at the junction with Ruta 5 ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Villarrica

From Temuco, take Ruta 5 to Freire, then turn off for Villarrica and Pucón (120 kilometers / 72 miles, 1 ......

Getting to and away from Monumento Natural Salar de Surire

The only way to visit Monumento Natural Salar de Surire is on tour or in a private or rented vehicle. ......

Getting to and away from Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

Guallatire is 85 kilometers (51 mi) from Putre and 230 kilometers (138 mi, 5.5 hours) from Arica. The only way ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Lauca

Getting to Parque Nacional Lauca is easy. The paved Ruta CH-11, connecting Arica with La Paz, Bolivia, passes through the ......

Getting to and away from Putre

Putre is 145 kilometers (87 mi) from Arica. Gas is sometimes available at a shop on Calle Canto, near Baquedano. ......

Getting Around Putre

There are no formal services for getting around town. The cruce, or crossroads to the main highway is four kilometers ......

Putre Safety

Be aware of the altitude. Take it slow and easy. Acclimatize, especially if you are hiking in the parks. When ......

When to Go to Putre

Because it is in a valley, the weather in Putre is pretty much the same all year round. Days can ......

Feast Days in the Precordillera de Belén

The villages of the Precordillera de Belén celebrate agricultural, saint days and other religious events. Come to observe the traditional ......

Getting to and away from Precordillera de Belén

If driving, take extra fuel, food and water. Distances are long and isolated. Gas and other services are scarce. Transporte de ......

Getting to and away from Valle de Lluta

From Arica, minibuses leave from Chacabuco 974-976 (Monday-Friday four departures, 6-11 a.m., four afternoon departures 1-8 p.m., last back 10:30 ......

Getting to and away from Valle de Azapa

Rutas A-27 and A-33 are the main accesses to the Azapa valley. Side roads connect them, at Cerro Sombrero and ......

Rock Art

Geoglyphs, petroglyphs, petrographs: These three terms are used to describe artworks done by prehistoric societies. Although they may be used ......

Ciudad de los Césares

Many of the villages the Spaniards founded in the Patagonia were created during attempts to find the mythical Ciudad de ......

Lakes District Border Crossings

In winter, snow can close some of the passes. Check with the carabineros in the nearest town to check on ......

The Lakes District Safety

In terms of personal safety, the Lakes District is generally safe. In the larger cities you should take a bit ......

When to Go to the Lakes District

The Lakes District is a very popular summer destination for Chileans and foreigners. From November to March, the entire region ......

History of the Lakes District

When the glaciers retreated from the Lakes District, humans were already here. The oldest human community in the Americas, dating ......

Sailing the Southern Seas

The southern seas of Chile are a world apart. Around any boats plying these waters leap whales, dolphins and toninas. ......

Getting to and Away from Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Ruta V-65 goes from Puerto Montt to Correntoso village, then on to ranger station at Lago Chapo (46 km/28 mi). ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales

Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales is 64 kilometers (39 mi) from Puerto Varas and 86 kilometers (52 mi) from Puerto ......

Getting to and Away from Frutillar

Paved roads connect Frutillar with Puerto Varas (26 km/16 mi) to the south and Puerto Octay (25 km/15 mi) and ......

Getting to and Away from Puerto Octay

Puerto Octay is approximately 50 kilometers (30 mi) from Osorno, by way of Ruta U-55. With public transportation, you can ......

Getting to and Away from Lago Llanquihue

You can get to the villages around Lago Llanquihue from Osorno or Puerto Montt. Buses connect Puerto Octay with Las ......

The Day the Earth Moved

May 22, 1960, is a date few in southern Chile will ever forget: that is the day the world’s largest ......

How to Eat a Crudo

One of the many culinary gifts of the German immigrants to the Valdivian menu is the crudo, or steak tartar. ......

Getting to and away from Valdivia

Most long distance buses leave from inside the Terminal de Buses, which is equipped with bathrooms, showers, shops, restaurants, call ......

Getting Around Valdivia

Note: Do not confuse Paseo C. Henríquez and Calle C. Henríquez. Busetas, or minibuses, have set routes ($0.70), as do colectivo ......

Valdivia Safety

Care needs to be taken at night when walking, especially along General Lagos and the neighborhoods east of Riquelme. Keep ......

When to Go to Valdivia

People from England and the Pacific Northwest will feel right at home in Valdivia. Winters are cool and rainy. Spring ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Huerquehue

Parque Nacional Huerquehue is 135 kilometers (81 miles) from Temuco, by way of Villarrica and Pucón, to Ruta 119. The ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Puyehue

Parque Nacional Puyehue is on Ruta 215, the international road from Osorno to Bariloche, Argentina. This is the camino international ......

Getting to and away from Lonquimay

Lonquimay is 144 kilometers (86.5 mi) east of Temuco. From the Argentine border, it is 70 kilometers (42 mi) from ......

Getting to and away from Melipeuco

Melipueco is 92 kilometers (55 mi) southeast of Temuco. The village has a gas station. From Temuco, NarBus provides service to ......

Getting to and away from Curacautín

Curacautín is 87 kilometers from Temuco. Two roads go there, one by way of Victoria (56 km/34 mi northwest of ......

Getting to and away from Reserva Nacional Alto Bío Bío

Reserva Nacional Alto Bío Bío is four kilometers (2.4 mi) north off the Camino Internacional Ruta Ch-181 to the Argentine ......

Getting to and away from Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello-Nalcas

Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello-Nalcas is 120 kilometers (72 mi) northwest of Temuco. From Temuco, go to Curacautín, and from there the ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Conguillío

Parque Nacional Conguillío is accessible only by private car or tour from Temuco. The route spanning through Victoria, Curacautín and ......

Getting to and away from Puerto Chacabuco

Puerto Chacabuco is 14 kilometers (8.5 mi) from Puerto Aysén. In winter, snow may close the Puerto Aysén-Puerto Chacabuco road ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Tolhuaca

From Victoria, a paved road heads eastward 63 kilometers (38 mi), through Inspector Fernández village, to the main entrance of ......

Getting to and away from Reserva Nacional Futaleufú

Reserva Nacional Futaleufú is 10 kilometers (six miles) from Futaleufú village. No public transport goes to the reserve. A gravel ......

Getting to and away from Puerto Aysén

Taxi: To hire a taxi to Río Los Palos or Lago Riesco costs about $24 round trip. Transportes Vilu (Ibar 671, ......

Getting to and away from Puerto Cisnes

The turn-off from the Carretera Austral for Puerto Cisnes is 256 kilometers (154 miles) south of Chaitén and 197 kilometers ......

Getting to and away from Parque Nacional Queulat

Parque Nacional Queulat's Sector Angostura is 40 kilometers (24 miles) north of Puerto Puyuhuapi. The southern sectors begin 20 kilometers ......

Getting to and away from Futaleufú

Highway CH-231 from Puerto Ramírez to Futaleufú is washboard grade and from Futa to the border is paved. Villa Santa ......

Getting Around Futaleufú

Futaleufú is a small town. It has no public transportation system or taxis. Centro de Llamadas Ruly rents cars with ......

Futaleufú Safety

Futaleufú is downwind from Volcán Chaitén. Even though much of the volcanic ash has been removed, lots of it still ......

When to Go to Futaleufú

Futaleufú has four distinct seasons. In summer, temperatures reach 30-40ºC (86-100ºF) and is dry. Winters are cold, dipping to -13ºC ......

Getting to and away from Puyuhuapi

Aónikenk rents bicycles (Hamburgo 16). On the north edge of town, on the other side of the bridge, is a gas ......

Getting to & away from Parque Nacional Hornopirén

From Puerto Montt, take the Carretera Austral (Ruta CH-7) southward to Caleta La Arena, then cross Estuario Reloncaví to Caleta ......

Fuegian Film

In the wilds of Southern Patagonia grew one of the shoots of Chile’s fledgling film industry. Two men played a ......

Getting to & away from Parque Nacional Bernardo O’Higgins

Most of Parque Nacional (PN) Bernardo O’Higgins is inaccessible. No land road arrives to it. From Puerto Natales, tour boats ......

Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego Border Crossings

Near Puerto Natales are three pasos, or border crossings. Each gives access to Argentina’s Ruta 40: ......

Safety in Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego

For the most part, dangers in Chile’s Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are the elements. During the summer when ......

When to Go to Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego

From late spring to early fall, especially the months of December to March, southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are ......

History of Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego

Millennia ago this part of the planet was covered with massive sheets of ice. About 12,000 years ago, they began ......

Chile's National Parks

Chile has an extensive holding of protected areas, from the desert and salares to the north to the icy waters ......

Getting To and Away From Porvenir

By boat The main way to get to Porvenir is by ferry from Punta Arenas. The port is at Bahía Chilota, ......

Getting Around Porvenir

The town is small enough to get around on foot. To the ferry port at Bahía Chilota, catch a combi ......

Porvenir Safety

Porvenir is a safe town. If driving into the interior of the island, be sure to carry an extra tire, ......

When to Go to Porvenir

Tourism services are in full swing during the summer months. from October to April. The days are longer and warmer, ......

Getting To and Away From Punta Arenas

Air, bus and boat schedules are published in the local daily newspapers. Bus Punta Arenas has no central bus station. Several companies ......

Getting Around Punta Arenas

Do not confuse Calle Pedro Montt with Calle Jorge Montt, or Pasaje Bories with Calle Bories. City buses (micros) have numbered ......

Getting To and Away From La Reserva Nacional Lago Palena

Reserva Nacional Lago Palena is accessible only by a horseback riding-hiking path. Access is best in summer, when the ranger ......

Reserva Nacional Lago Palena Hotels

Lodging options within the park are at a Refugio Municipal in the Zancudo sector, Refugio Conaf in the Valle Vista ......

Climate in the Reserva Nacional Lago Palena

The climate in the reserve is cold and rainy. Annual precipitation is 900-1200 millimeters (35.5-47 inches) per year, with June ......

Flora and Fauna in the Reserva Nacional Lago Palena

The forest flora is principally lenga, with coigüe de Magallanes and ñirre. Major mammal inhabitants include zorro culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus, ......

Getting To and Away From Lago Yelcho

Puerto Cárdenas is on the Carretera Austral, 46 kilometers (27.5 miles) from Chaitén and 31 kilometers (18.5 miles) from Santa ......

Lago Yelcho Restaurants and Lodging

Many hostels also offer meal service. In El Amarillo: Residencial Marcella (Tel.: 26-4442) — $16 per person Hospedaje Los Mañíos ......

Lago Yelcho

Midway between the coast and the Argentine border stretches Lago Yelcho, a 35-kilometer (21-mile) long sliver of clear, azure water. ......

Getting to and Away from Palena

Alto Palena is located 72 kilometers (43 miles) East of Villa Santa Lucía. From Santa Lucía take highway CH-235 45 ......

Getting To and Away from El Chaltén

By Bus The majority of visitors reach El Chaltén by bus from El Calafate. The trip takes approximately 3.5 to 4 ......

Climbing Volcán Villarrica

Snow crunches beneath crampons as the group of climbers reach their goal: Volcán Villarrica's 200-meter (650-foot) wide crater glowing magenta ......

Skiing

A different type of fun awaits volcano enthusiasts once the snow begins flurrying around the perfect cone of Volcán Villarrica. ......

Camping

Camping within Parque Nacional Villarrica is principally for those wanting to enjoy the many treks there.  In the Chinay area ......

Hiking

Parque Nacional Villarrica has over a dozen trails leading visitors to explore the deepest recesses of the park, from wetlands ......

Getting to and away

From Temuco, take Ruta 5 to Freire, then turn off for Villarrica and Pucón (120 kilometers / 72 miles, 1 ......

Getting to and Away from Osorno

Buses Terminal de Buses (Errázuriz 1400, Tel.: 23-4149, URL: www.terminalbususosorno.cl) is where national, international and most regional buses depart. It ......

Getting Around Osorno

Busetas ($0.80) and colectivo taxis ($1-1.20) have set routes within the city. The main arteries for both are Bilbao (east-bound) ......

Safety

Take care around the mercado municipal and parks at night. The Plaza de Armas is okay, it is patrolled 24 ......

When to Go

Osorno has a rainy, temperate climate. Summer temperatures reach 14ºC (57ºF). Winters, from June to August, are wet and cold, ......

Getting to and Away

Bus All buses leave from the Terminal de Buses (Avenida Diego Portales s/n, Tel.: 34-9011). Services at the depot include phone, ......

Safety

Take care at all hours at the bus terminal and the ports. After dark, Angelmó, the beaches and downtown are ......

When to Go

Puerto Montt has a cool, humid climate. Annual temperatures average 10-13°C (50-55°F), with highest in January and February (20-21°C / ......

Getting Around Puerto Montt

Mini-buses ($0.70) and collective taxis ($0.80) run on set routes. Some regular cabs charge by time, others by distance. All ......

Safety

If doing climbing or multi-day treks in Villarrica or Huerquehue national park, notify the Conaf office in Pucón. Villarrica is ......

Getting to and Away from Pucón

Pucón has no main bus terminal. Most depots are on Palguín, near Uruguay. Also at this intersection is a shop ......

Getting Around

Pucón has no public transport system save for colectivo taxis, which have fixed routes ($0.70). Four private taxi companies run ......

When to Go

The rains in Pucón know no season. They come at any time of the year, though lessen in between October ......

Getting to and Away from Villa Santa Lucía

All transportation leaves from Salón de Té Nachito on the plaza. In the non-summer months, services are drastically reduced. To ......

Getting to and Away from La Junta

La Junta is directly on the Carretera Austral, 68 kilometers / 41 miles south of Villa Santa Lucía and 341 ......

Getting To & Away from Lago Ranco

Travelers can make the journey to that land today by taking Ruta 5 Sur out of Valdivia to Los Lagos, ......

Getting to and Away from Lago Pirehueico

From Panguipulli, Buses Lafit has service to Puerto Fuy (Monday-Saturday 10 a.m., making connection with the transbordador, or ferry; also ......

Getting to and Away Lago Panguipulli

You can reach the village of Panguipulli from Valdivia: Buses Pirehueico (Monday-Saturday every 45 minutes 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday hourly 8 ......

Getting to and Away from Coñaripe

All transport leaves from Calle Guido Beck de Ramberga. Terminal de Buses de Panguipulli : To Panguipulli: Monday-Saturday 3-4 buses daily, Sunday ......

Getting to and Away from Chaitén

Ruta 7 leads into Chaitén from the south. The last 31 kilometers is paved. You might see ash drifts at ......

Getting to and Away from Licán Ray

Licán Ray is connected by road to Villarrica to the north, Coñaripe to the east and Panguipulli to the south. ......

Getting to and Away from Villarrica

All the bus companies in Villarrica are located near one another on Bilboa and Anfión Muñoz. TurBus, Jac and Pullman ......

Getting Around Villarrica

Three routes of busetas, or microbuses, tread the city ($0.60). Another way to get around is by collective taxis, which ......

When to Go to Villarrica

Villarrica has a humid, temperate climate. The wettest months are in fall and winter (May to July). The drier months ......

Getting to and Away from Temuco

Bus The bus terminal, or Rodoviario, is at Vicente Pérez Rosales 01609, about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) north of the ......

Getting Around Temuco

Micros, or city buses, have routes throughout the urban area, passing along Rodríguez and Portales Streets ($0.65). Number 7 from ......

Travel Advisory: Carretera Austral

On May 2, 2008, Volcán Chaitén in Chile’s Patagonia rumbled to life. Chaitén Volcano’s eruption has caused disruptions not only ......

Other Adventure Sports

Out in the desert, up on the hills and under the waves, thrill seekers have other sports to get their ......

Arica Services

Sernatur (Servicio Nacional de Turismo) has information on the entire Arica-Painacota and Tarapacá regions, as well as other parts of ......

Getting to and Away from Arica

Buses leave from Terminal Rodoviario Nacional to Chilean destinations (Avenida Diego Portales 948, Tel: 24-1390). Services include phone, luggage storage, cafés, ......

Getting Around Arica

Minibuses frequently run within the city and to surrounding areas. Many pass by 18 de Septiembre, including those for the ......

Arica Safety

As its history points out, Arica is prone to tsunamis. In such an event, head for higher ground. Evacuation routes ......

When to Go to Arica

Rain only comes to Arica inthe rare sparse drop. Temperatures average 18°C (65°F) Nights are cool. During most of the ......

A Year After

On August 15, 2007, a magnitude-8 earthquake struck Peru’s Southern Pacific Coast. The epicenter was located 48 kilometers (30 miles) ......

Centro Cultural Teatro Orfeón

Teatro Orfeón, constructed in 1848, is Tacna’s oldest theater. Unlike most playhouses we know today, with rows of seating facing ......

Tacna Services

The main office of iPeru is in the old red and white municipalidad building (Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 8:30 ......

Getting Around Tacna

Combis, or microbuses, run throughout the city ($0.25). From Terminal Terrestre Manuel A. Odría to downtown, take the “A”; from ......

Safety in Tacna

Tacna is generally a safe city—but a city nonetheless. Take care in the market areas and the bus terminals. It ......

When to Go to Tacna

The summer months (December-March) are warm day and night, with temperatures 25-28°C (77-83°F). The rest of the year, days dawn ......

Nasca Services

The public tourism office is in the back of the municipalidad, or city hall (Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m. ......

Getting to and Away from Nasca

Most fruits and vegetables are banned from entering Tacna and Moquegua Departments. Bags and vehicles are checked upon entering these ......

Getting Around Nasca

Jirón Bolognesi is also known as the “Boulevard.” In Nasca, people use Jirón and Calle interchangeably for street names; Callao ......

Nasca Safety

Hotel and tour solicitors hang out at the bus terminals. They have a bad reputation. Do not speak with them, ......

When to Go to Nasca

In the summer months (mid-December through March) it is just plain old hot in Nasca. The rest of the year, ......

Huacachina Services

Huacachina has no tourism office, though hotels and tour operators gladly step up to the plate. The police station is ......

Getting to and Away from Huacachina

Buses for other Peru destinations depart from Ica. See Getting To and Away from Ica for details. In the oasis, ......

Getting Around Huacachina

Huacachina is a small enough hamlet to get anywhere on foot. If you are feeling particularly lazy or you need ......

Huacachina Safety

Sandboarding on large dunes can be a tricky proposition, if not down-right dangerous for the novice. Do not go out ......

When to Go to Huacachina

Huacachina’s climate is much like that of the city of Ica. Expect clear skies day and night with plenty of ......

Ica Services

Since the earthquake damaged city hall, Ica no longer has a tourism office. Get information at www.regioica.gob.pe and www.peru.info/ica. The ......

Getting Around Ica

Mototaxis cost $0.70 within the city. Taxis are $1-1.35. City minibuses charge $0.50. ......

Safety in Ica

Beware of thieves and bag slashers at the bus terminals and stops (especially for Nasca), even during broad daylight. Also ......

When to Go to Ica

Ica has a desert climate with sunny days and temperatures reaching to 32°C (89°F). Nights tend to be cool, falling ......

Paracas Services

In Paracas there is no municipal tourism office. Private tour operators are willing to dispense information, as well as eager ......

Getting to and Away from Paracas

Two of Peru’s best bus companies now have depots in Paracas: Cruz del Sur (Hotel Zarcillo Paradise, Avenida Independencia A20, ......

Getting Around Paracas

A taxi to or from the Cruz del Sur terminal costs $0.70. The Pisco-Chaco-Paracas combi goes as far as the ......

Safety in Paracas

The 2007 tsunami that swept over Paracas is a reminder that this earthquake-prone continent is subject to tidal waves as ......

When to Go to Paracas

The best months to visit Paracas are from mid-December through March. The days are hot, the skies clear and the ......

Pisco Services

Pisco has no public tourism office. But, the numerous tour companies at the corner of San Francisco and Progreso are ......

Getting Around Pisco

The only way to presently zip around town is in one of the enclosed motorcycle taxis that look like beetles ......

Safety in Pisco

Immediately after the 2007 earthquake security had actually improved in Pisco, thanks to the presence of military troops. Once they ......

When to Go to Pisco

Pisco has a dry climate. The best weather comes with summer, mid-December to March. Skies are clear and temperatures warm ......

Peru-Ecuador Border Crossings

PERU-ECUADOR BORDER CROSSINGS La Tina, Peru / Macará, Ecuador This is the safest of the border crossings between Peru and Ecuador. La ......

Getting to and Away from Huancabamba

To Piura: Buses depart from the Terminal Terrestre. All companies charge $8.35 and take six to nine hours, depending on ......

Getting Around Huancabamba

A motorcycle rickshaw taxi costs $0.35 within the city and $0.50-0.70 to outlying areas. Always ask the price before boarding ......

Safety in Huancabamba

Many conmen hang outside the bus terminal arranging trips to the Lagunas. The tourism office says to avoid them for ......

When to Go to Huancabamba

The weather in Huancabamba is temperate and humid. In the higher altitude zones, it is cold and very humid. From ......

Getting Around Huanchaco

Taxis and mototaxis ply Huanchaco’s few streets, charging $1 and $0.50 respectively. In 2003, the city renumbered street addresses, making it ......

Safety in Huanchaco

Please remember: Regardless of where you choose to pull up a piece of sand for a little beachside relaxation, be ......

When to Go to Huanchaco

Huanchaco has the same high season as other Peruvian coast resorts, from mid-December through March. Temperaturas—both air and sea—are warmer ......

Getting To & Away From Trujillo

Three areas serve as the central points for bus offices. On Avenida del Ejército, just past Avenida España, are the ......

Getting Around Trujillo

Taxis around town typically cost $1, and more for longer distances. A combi ride within the city limits costs $0.25-0.40. ......

Safety in Trujillo

Visitors are warned frequently about walking beyond the Avenida España ring that circles the city, as well as walking in ......

When to Go to Trujillo

Trujillo has a warm, dry climate. Temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 16°C (61°F). During El Niño years, temperatures rise and ......

New Finds

The desert around Chiclayo continues to prove itself as one of Peru’s most archaeologically rich regions. Year after year, with ......

King Kongs

All over the Chiclayo region the King Kong is a popular treat. This gigantic alfajor has thick wafers layered with ......

Getting Around Chiclayo

Public transportation costs $.35 and taxi cabs $.80-1. Mototaxis are allowed in the outlying areas of the town, but not ......

When to Go to Chiclayo

Similar to other places along the coast, the best weather in Chiclayo is from January to March. Throughout the rest ......

Getting Around Máncora

The Panamerican Highway is the main street in Máncora. North of city hall and the church, it is referred to ......

Safety in Máncora

Because Máncora attracts local and international tourists, it also attracts the thieves. Several armed robberies have been reported on the ......

When to Go to Máncora

Locals say it never rains and the sun shines every day of the year in Máncora. The heat swells from ......

Getting To & Away from Paita and the Coast

In Paita, the Dora bus terminal is on the corner of Jirón Zanjón and Loreto. Buses run ever half hour ......

Getting to and away from Zorritos

The stop (paradero) is at Parque Grau in the Villar section of the village. Bus companies are located north of ......

Getting Around Zorritos

Most people zip around Zorritos in three-wheel motorcycle rickshaw taxi ($0.50-0.70). ......

When to Go to Zorritos

Zorritos is a popular Peruvian vacation destination from mid-December through March and for the Fiestas Patrias at the end of ......

Getting To & Away from Tumbes

Long distance buses to Lima and points between (including Máncora, Piura, Chiclayo and Trujillo) depart from Avenida Tumbes, blocks (cuadras) ......

Safety in Tumbes

The city of Tumbes is fairly safe, well safer than the route north to the border. Of course, take care ......

When to Go to Tumbes

The City of Eternal Summer lives up to its name. The mean annual temperature is 26°C (79°F) during the day, ......

Getting To & Away from Cabo Blanco

From Máncora, take an Eppo bus to El Alto (half-hourly 4 a.m.-7:15 p.m., $0.85, 40 minutes). Upon arriving in El ......

Getting To and Away from Catacaos

From Piura, collective taxis leave from Calle Lima and Jirón Huancavelica, and from Avenida Loreto and Jirón Tumbes ($0.50). Combis ......

When to Go to Piura

Piura is nicknamed “La Ciudad de Eterno Calor” (the city of eternal heat). All year this desert-oasis city is hot ......

Getting around Piura

There are a variety of ways of getting around Piura. Combis run on major streets ($0.35). Taxis cost $1-1.65, depending ......

Getting to and away from Piura

Piura is the crossroads of northern Peru. Many travelers pass through on their way north to Ecuador or south to ......

Dealing with Officialdom and Business

Colombia is also a very business-oriented society. Arrive to appointments on time, even though the other party may not. When ......

Etiquette and Dress

Colombia is an extremely courteous country. When addressing strangers, a Colombian calls someone primo/prima or vecino/vecina. In the countryside, a ......

Travel Tips for Specific Groups

Women Travelers Colombia is a good country for the lone woman traveler. They are hassled less here by the stereotypical ......

Keeping in Touch in Colombia

Mail and Packages The national postal service is Correos de Colombia, also called Adpostal. Most towns have an office. Letters ......

Tips for Budget Travelers

Colombia is a “swing” country for travelers spending six months to two years traveling in the Americas, northward from Argentina ......

Costs in Colombia

Budget travelers can easily get by on about $17 per person per day, including the occasional national park visit and meal ......

Money in Colombia

Money Even though most people travel only with a bank card, a variety of money options should be employed. The ......

Media in Colombia

Colombia is a tough country for journalism. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights First, as well as ......

A Glossary of Rodeo Terms

While in the Llanos region, take the opportunity to go to the rodeo—or, in local parlance, el coleo. To help ......

Highlights of the Llanos and Selva

The pristine southeastern part of Colombia has many beauties to show visitors—if only visitors could arrive there safely. In the ......

Safety in the Llanos and Selva

The security situation in the Llanos and Selva can be summed up in two words: War Zone. This is where ......

History of the Llanos and Selva

After Francisco de Orellana blazed a trail to the Amazon River in 1542, many mid-16th century conquistadores like Diego de ......

Getting to and away from Tabatinga

Tabatinga has two ports: Porta da Feira (at the end of RuaSantos Dumont down by the market) and Porto Fluvial ......

Getting to and away from Santa Rosa

The only way to get to or from Santa Rosa is by launch, leaving from the main street. To Leticia: daily ......

Safety in Puerto Nariño

Puerto Nariño is a safe town. When out after dark, take a flashlight (torch). Do not wander alone into the ......

Getting to and away from Puerto Nariño

The only place really to go is Leticia. All boats leave from the village’s dock. Fast boat to Leticia—Daily 7:30 ......

Holidays and Festivals in Puerto Nariño

Puerto Nariño has a few impressive events on the calendar. April 1 is the Aniversario del Municipio, the town’s birthday ......

When to Go to Puerto Nariño

Although the seasons are similar to those of Leticia, it doesn’t get as hot in Puerto Nariño. The dry season ......

History of Puerto Nariño

The first permanent settlement at the mouth of the Loretoyacü River was a product of love. After marrying, Luis Eco ......

Getting to and away from Sibundoy

Sibundoy is accessible by public transportation from Pasto (several companies with daily departures, $5, 3 hours) and from Pitalito by ......

Safety in Leticia

Within the town of Leticia it is pretty safe, though residents advise against walking toward the airport, the river or ......

Getting to and away from Leticia

Leticia is accessible by river and air. The only road that exists is a dry-weather track to Tarapacá (with public ......

Getting around Leticia

From Parque Orellana leave busetas to the Kilometer villages and the Lagos (5:45 a.m.-6:20 p.m. $0.50-1.85) and to Tabatinga and ......

Holidays and Festivals in Leticia

The big event on Leticia’s calendar is the Festival Internacional de la Confraternidad Amazónica, celebrated every year from July15 to ......

When to Go to Leticia

Leticia has two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from June to September. The rainy begins in October with amounts ......

History of Leticia

The history of Leticia embraces many legends. One legend goes back to the Spanish and Portuguese exploration of the Río ......

Getting to and away from Puerto López

Buses leave from Villavicencio: Macarena, Arimena and Autollanos—hourly 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Bolivariano—11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. All companies charge $5.30 and ......

Festival Nacional de Joropo

The quintessential expression of life on the llanos is the Joropo, both a musical genre and a dance form. The ......

Safety in Villavicencio

For travelers in their own car or on bike, be aware that the highway from Bogotá has a very steep, ......

Getting to and away from Villavicencio

Anything from rains to earthquakes can cause landslides on the road from Bogotá to Villavicencio. To know the present conditions, ......

Getting around Villavicencio

The Instituto de Turismo del Meta has a list of the official prices for taxis. A sample of fares is: ......

Holidays and Festivals in Villavicencio

Towards the end of March is the annual Concurso Mundial de la Mujer Vaquera, or International Women’s Rodeo (www.mujervaquera.com). Participants ......

When to Go to Villavicencio

You will probably encounter a shower or two any time you wander to Villavicencio. The town has 220 days of ......

History of Villavicencio

Villavicencio was on one of the principal routes of the Spaniards searching for El Dorado. The city was founded 6 ......

Medical and Rescue

At La Capilla, about midway on the park road, is a basic puesto de salud, or health post. Hospitals exist ......

Safety

Since the military takeover of the region in 2003, Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy and surrounding villages are now considered ......

Getting To and Away

From Bogotá and Tunja two routes are possible: one through Duitama, Soatá, La Uvita, Guacamayas and Panqueaba; the other through ......

Permits

Before entering PNN El Cocuy you must obtain your permit from the park office in El Cocuy village or Güicán. ......

When To Go

Weather wise, the best months to go into PNN El Cocuy are December to February when it is dryer. June ......

History

The history of PNN El Cocuy begins in the Cretaceous period, when this was a vast inland sea. Then, some ......

Safety in Güicán

The village and surrounding countryside is generally safe due to the national police and military patrols, though few people go ......

Gettin to and away from Güicán

Buses leave only for El Cocuy and other small nearby villages, and direct for Bogotá. To journey north to Málaga, ......

Holidays and Festivals in Güicán

Güicán’s patron saint is the Virgen Morenita whose feast day is February 2 (Candelaria), during which faithful make a romería, ......

When to Go to Güicán

As in other parts of the region, the best time to come to Güicán is when the weather is clear ......

History of Güicán

This sliver of mountain valley was inhabited by U’wa (Güicanes). When their cacique Güaicaní heard the dreaded Spanish were approaching, ......

Safety in El Cocuy

Armed government forces are in El Cocuy village to maintain safety. Assassin bugs (which carry Chagas disease) and non-lethal scorpions ......

Getting To and Away From El Cocuy

All transportation to the village of El Cocuy arrives and departs from Carrera 5 along the Parque Principal. All the ......

Holidays and Festivals in El Cocuy

El Cocuy is a typical village with its share of dates important to its people. A few festivals worth checking ......

When to Go to El Cocuy

December and January are the best months to come to El Cocuy — the nights are colder but the weather ......

History of El Cocuy

El Cocuy was the fourth Spanish town founded in Nuevo Reino de Granada, in 1541 by Captain Gonzalo García Zorro. ......

Safety in Villa de Leyva

As Villa de Leyva is a major tourist destination for Colombians, especially the wealthy ones, the security here has always ......

Holidays and Festivals in Villa de Leyva

Everyone flocks to Villa de Leyva for the national holidays. It might seem a bit surprising that this village has ......

Getting to and away from Villa de Leyva

If you are arriving in your own motor vehicle, street parking is prohibited and the speed limit is 5 kph ......

When to Go to Villa de LEyva

Villa de Leyva enjoys a dry climate, with temperatures averaging 18°C (65°F). The days can get quite warm. The evenings ......

History of Villa de Leyva

During the Mesozoic Era (160-180 million years ago), the inhabitants of this valley came from the great inland Sea of ......

Safety in Cabo de la Vela

Personal safety within Cabo de la Vela and to the nearest sites is okay. Be mindful of personal belongings, especially ......

Getting to and away from Cabo de la Vela

If traveling with public transportation, to get to anyplace out of Cabo de la Vela, you must first go to ......

Holidays & Festivals in Cabo de la Vela

Most of the holidays in Cabo de la Vela are the same as in the rest of Colombia, the most ......

When to Go to Cabo de la Vela

The hottest months in Cabo de la Vela are September to November, with cooling winds in also-toasty January and February. ......

History of Cabo de la Vela

Even though Alonso de Ojeda was the first Spaniard to sail around this cape in about 1498, the first to ......

Safety

Be prepared to spend that length of time in Nazareth, especially in terms of money. Families in Nazareth rent hammocks ......

Getting to and away from Nazareth and Parque Nacional Natural Macuira

Early Sunday mornings an unsheltered truck leaves from Maicao, swinging through Uribia, for Nazareth ($18.65-21). In the high season, there ......

Festival de la Cultura Wayuu

The three-day Festival de la Cultura Wayuu draws participants from both Colombia and Venezuela. In Uribia’s plaza, three-sided huts called ......

Safety in Uribia

Residents of Uribia say the city is very safe. They counsel that if you are going out into the desert, ......

Getting to and away from Uribia

Bicycle rickshaws ply the streets of Uribia; fare depends on the distance. Transportation leaves from Avenida Fundador, the street on ......

Holidays & Festivals in Uribia

The biggest event in Uribia is the annual Festival de la Cultura Wayuu, held the last week of May, highlighting ......

When to Go to Uribia

Uribia is hot all year long. During the daytime, temperatures climb to 30-35 degrees Celsius (86-95 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights are ......

History of Uribia

Uribia is a 20th century city, founded on March 1, 1935 by Capitán Eduardo Londoño Villegas. It is named in ......

Safety in Manaure

When asked about how safe it is in Manaure, especially in staying overnight in the beach kiosks, the response is ......

Getting to and away from Manaure

Manaure is a fairly small town, so it is easy to get around on foot. In the hottest part of ......

Holidays and Festivals in Manaure

The big festival in Manuare occurs in June, giving salute to all the things most important to its economy: Festival ......

When to Go to Manaure

As in the rest of Wajirra, it is hot here and even more so for the salt flats; the most ......

History of Manaure

For centuries, this part of the coast was an important sea salt cultivation spot for Wayuu. The present town, San ......

A Few Words in Wayuunaiki

Wayuunaiki, or the Wayuu language, is of the Arawak language group. Pronunciation is similar to Spanish, except that the “r” ......

Responsible Travel in Wajirra

When asked about etiquette when traveling in their homeland, Wayuu suggest the following to alijuna visitors: • Water is very important. ......

Wayuu Culture

Some describe the Wayuu of the Guajira (Wajirra) as a society where the men do nothing and the women do ......

Highlights of the Guajira

• Bird watching for flamingos and other migratory birds at Santuario Natural Nacional Los Flamencos, near Riohacha; Musichi, Carrizal and Poportín, ......

Safety in the Guajira

Travel with public transportation is safe in the Guajira, even alone. If traveling by private vehicle, stick to main roads ......

When to Go to the Guajira

The Guajira is hot, especially the Media and Alta; temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). ......

History of the Guajira Peninsula

Since time immemorial, the Wayuu have lived in Wajirra. The first Spaniard to sail around the coast was Alonso de ......

Safety in Palomino

Many of the lodging available are in fenced grounds where the administrator-family also lives, thus providing some modicum of security. ......

When to Go to Palomino

Palomino, like the rest of coastal Guajira, is hot, especially from May - July. January winds are brisk. September - ......

Safety in Riohacha

The central part of Riohacha is said to be safe at night, but not the barrios on the far side ......

Getting to and away from Riohacha

There are a variety of ways to get around Riohacha: busetas ($0.35), taxis ($1.30-1.60) and mototaxis ($0.50). The bus terminal, at ......

Holidays & Festivals in Riohacha

Like every town along the Caribbean coast, Riohacha observes the pre-Lent feast of Carnaval beginning the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. ......

When to Go to Riohacha

Expect rains in Riohacha and the surrounding region in September- November. April as well is a showery month. January brings ......

History of Riohacha

This stretch of the coast had long been a meeting ground of indigenous peoples, the Kogui descending from the Sierra ......

Getting to and away from PNN Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (north sector)

Public transportation for various villages on the slopes of the range leaves from Santa Marta’s market area on Calle 11. ......

Getting to and away from Aracataca

From Santa Marta, take any Fundación-bound bus as far as Aracataca (every half-hour, $2.65-3.20, 1.5 hours). You will be let ......

Getting to and away from Minca

Pick-up trucks and other transport leave from Calle 11 and Carrera 12 in Santa Marta (every 1.5 hours 9 a.m.-4 ......

Getting to and away from Ciénaga

Frequent buses leave from Santa Marta (every five minutes, 4:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., $1.05, 30 minutes) and Barranquilla. If coming south ......

Safety

Because it is a wealthier vacationer’s resort, El Rodadero has better security than other towns in this area. On the ......

Getting to and away

El Rodadero is on Santa Marta’s city bus network. Its combis carry people back and forth from here to the ......

Holidays & Festivals

El Rodadero participates in the celebration of the Virgen del Carmen’s feast days the second week of July and the ......

When to Go to El Rodadero

It is even more sultry in El Rodadero than in Santa Marta. It also experiences winds from the end of ......

History of El Rodadero

El Rodadero was just a sparsely populated beach until the 1950s when the first eatery opened. Hotel Tamacá was the ......

Safety in Santa Marta

In general, Santa Marta is safe. Remember it is a port town and a major tourist destination, so take care ......

Getting to and away from Santa Marta

Bus Santa Marta’s bus terminal is about midways between the city and El Rodadero. It has showers, bathrooms, ATM, luggage ......

Getting Around Santa Marta

Santa Marta has a good city bus network, using small combis or vans to shuttle people around the town and ......

Holidays & Festivals in Santa Marta

Like anyplace along the coast, pre-Lenten Carnaval is celebrated by Samarios (Santa Marta residents) with comparsas (dance troupes) and a ......

When to Go to Santa Marta

It is always hot in Santa Marta. Temperatures are moderated by winds from the end of December to the beginning ......

History of Santa Marta

Santa Marta was the first Spanish city founded in South America. It was officially established in 1525 by Rodrigo de ......

Highlights of the Caribbean Coast and Islands

The list of things to do and see on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast and Islands is impressive. Just some of the ......

Safety in the Caribbean Coast and Islands

Petty crimes occur in large tourist cities, like Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta. In these areas use common sense and ......

When to go to the Caribbean Coast and Islands

The Caribbean coast and islands have a hot climate, daytime temperatures reach the upper 20s°C to mid-30s°C (80-95°F). Typically there ......

History of the Caribbean Coast and Islands

The indigenous Arawak-Caribe were the original inhabitants of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast and San Andrés Islands. Included in this group were ......

Baseball

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd Buy me some perros and cerveza I don’t care if ......

Safety in Barranquilla

Barranquilla is not only a large city, but also a port. This is important to remember. Many businesses in the ......

Getting to and away from Barranquilla

Bus Barranquilla’s bus terminal is located in Soledad, five kilometers (3 miles) from the city. It is divided into four modules. ......

Getting Around Barranquilla

Barranquilla has an extensive public transportation network ($0.60-0.80, slightly higher on Sunday and holidays). To go from the Centro to ......

Holidays and Festivals in Barranquilla

Barranquilla is best known for Carnaval, a moveable feast celebrated (i.e. partied) before Lent begins. However, Barranquilleros invite their guests ......

When to Go to Barranquilla

Barranquilla has a hot climate, daytime temperatures average between 19ºC and 25ºC (77-84ºF). The rainy seasons are May to June ......

History of Barranquilla

As historian Alonso de la Espriella says, Barranquilla is a city that was not founded, but rather populated; it’s a ......

Laguna de la Cocha History

In ancient times, the Laguna and its Isla de Corota were sacred sites for the Quillacinga and other indigenous cultures. ......

Religion in Bogotá

Bogotá has become quite a religiously diverse community. There are representations of many Protestant sects and non-Christian faiths. The mainstream ......

Colombian Holidays and Festivals

The following are a list of state, religious and secular holidays in Colombia. Catholic-identified events predominate, but even those are ......

Safety in Eastern Colombia

Eastern Colombia —Boyacá, Santander and Norte de Santander— is much safer than it was before 2003. After President Uribe’s program ......

When to Go to Eastern Colombia

In general, Eastern Colombia experiences two rainy seasons per year, sometime from March to May and September to November. The ......

History of Eastern Colombia

Long before humans left their footprints in this region, a vast inland sea that had covered the landscape deposited its ......

Important Information to know about Parque Nacional del ChicamochaParque Nacional del Chicamocha

In Colombia, a Parque Nacional (national park) is one that belongs to the nation and not necessarily a wildlife reserve. ......

Getting to and away

Curití is seven kilometres (4.2 miles) north of San Gil, off the main highway to Bucaramanga. Catch a bus from ......

Safety

The more remote areas of the park are reportedly safer than they were 10 years ago. However, if hiking more ......

Getting to and away

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is located along the main Caribbean highway, just east of Santa Marta. From Santa Marta, take a ......

When to Go

The rainy seasons are from May to June and September to November. The eastern end of the park, where the ......

Colombia-Venezuela Border Crossings

The most common border crossings between Colombia and Venezuela are at Cúcuta, through the cordillera, and at Maicao, the coastal ......

Colombia-Panamá Border Crossings

No overland route connects the Central American republic Panamá with Colombia; in the debate of building a highway, the jungle—known ......

Safety

All told, Taganga is a pretty safe place to hang out. Nevertheless, locals warn to be careful walking to Playa ......

Getting to and away from Taganga

Busetas to Taganga pass by Avenida de Bastidas, along Santa Marta’s water front every 10-15 minutes from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. ......

Holidays and Festivals

Carnaval, those days before Lent, are observed with dusk costume parades, music and dancing. Get your disguise prepared and join ......

When to Go

As with its big sister Santa Marta, the climate in Taganga is hot, though a bit dryer. The La Loca ......

History of Taganga

The origins of Taganga are lost in the mosaic of the sunlight dancing across the bay’s crystalline waters. Up until ......

Barichara Safety

Barichara has no untoward problems with personal safety, so swear the locals. In this area, no paramilitary or guerrilla presence ......

Barichara Getting to and away

Although a poor camino winds from Socorro to Barichara, the better route is from San Gil. This road is paved ......

Barichara Holidays and Festivals

A hamlet as ancient as Barichara of course has a number of festivals. Some are religious and many celebrate the ......

Barichara When to Go

Barichara enjoys a delightfully warm, dry climate year-round with average temperatures of 22°C / 72°F. As a trendy get-away for ......

History of Barichara

Bahia-chala—At the Heights of a Resting Stop—was inhabited by the indigenous Guane people. The Spanish city, Barichara, was founded by ......

Safety

Even though this city’s streets buzz at night, care still needs to be taken, especially after 9 p.m. Locals warn ......

Getting Around

Three modes of transportation are used for getting around Valledupar: taxis (unmetered; negotiate price; bus terminal to downtown, $1.60), motorcylcles ......

Getting To and Away

The main bus terminal is about 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) from the center, at Carrera 18D (Avenida Simón Bolívar) and ......

Holidays and Festivals

Valledupar is most famous for its Vallenato Music Festival. Of course, it has other fiestas when you can also catch ......

When to Go

When asked when the rainy season is, Valduparenses (or, more commonly, Vallenatos) were unanimous in saying March. Some said also ......

History of Valledupar

When Spaniard Hernando de Santana and his legions arrived here in 1550, Tupe and Chimila indigenous occupied this valley of ......

Dulce de Pata

On Calle 3, near Hotel Los Ídolos, doña María Córdoba passes the day seated on a stool. With two wooden ......

Bucaramanga Religion

Bucaramanga is a religiously diverse city. The Hare Krishnas have a strong presence here, with a restaurant and a retreat ......

Bucaramanga Camera

A number of camera shops are found on Calle 36, between Parque Santander and Parque García Rovira. All offer film ......

Bucaramanga Keeping in Touch

The main Telecom branch has local and national calls at $0.05 per minute, international calls from $0.40 per minute and ......

Bucaramanga Safety

Bucaramanga is one of Colombia's five most dangerous cities - always be street savvy and be sure to take a taxi ......

Bucaramanga Getting to and away

The modern bus terminal is southwest of downtown, on the Girón road. The station is divided into four modules and ......

Bucaramanga Getting Around

If traveling with your own vehicle, be aware of no-drive days that correspond to your plates' last digit. Bucaramanga has good ......

Bucaramanga Holidays and Festivals

Besides celebrating national holidays, Bucaramanga plays host to several festivities of its own: 1 April - Día de la Santandereanidad: A ......

Bucaramanga History

Real Minas de Bucaramanga, or Royal Mines of Bucaramanga, was founded June 3, 1539, by Martín Galeano, some 83 years before ......

Safety in Colombia

The security situation in the country is generally safe. However, there are areas where it is more "fluid" and others ......

When to go to Barrancabermeja

In the same breath as someone from elsewhere in Colombia mentions Barrancabermeja, they will undoubtedly mention the oppressive heat. Rarely ......

Safety

Like any other port--whether land or waterway--Cúcuta has serious problems with security. The streets bustle with commerce and the constant ......

Cúcuta Holidays & Festivals

Apart from the national holidays, Cúcuta has its own observances. February 28 is the commemoration of the Battle of Cúcuta; ......

When to go to Cúcuta

It's always hot and sunny in Cúcuta. June and July can see temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). August and ......

Cúcuta History

Cúcuta is a relatively modern city, in Colombia terms, having been founded in 1734. The city played significant roles during ......

Getting to and away from Cúcuta

Taxis are unmetered; negotiate a price before boarding. Minimum fare is $1.60; to the airport costs $3.70. NOTE: In Cúcuta, ......

The History of San Agustín

The people who carved these monoliths that populate the rolling lands of San Agustín remain a mystery. Today we call ......

San Agustín: When to Go

November, December and January are the best months to visit San Agustín, as there is less rain. July and August ......

Getting to and away from San Agustín

Buses for the Parque Arqueológico leave from the Central Park every half-hour between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. ($0.50, 20 ......

San Agustín Safety

The days of the great adventure to San Agustín appear to be over. In years past, many travelers reported their ......

History

In pre-Spanish conquest times, the Guanes lived in the San Gil area. They were related to the Muisca, of the ......

When to go

The weather in San Gil is pretty much the same all year long; there is no real rainy season as ......

Holidays and Festivals

The Fiesta de San Gil on 17 March is celebrated with civic acts and parades. Other civil holidays include 20 ......

Getting There and Away

You can arrive to San Gil from Bogotá or Tunja. If in Villa de Leyva, you have to return to ......

Safety

San Gil is a safe place to spend a while—just watch out for the motorbikes. When participating in any extreme ......

Services - Tourism Office

San Gil's Oficina de Turismo is located at the front gate of Parque Gallineral (daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Tel: 7-724-4372). ......

Money

Several banks in San Gil have ATMs. Bancolombia has the highest withdrawal limit, $400; it accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express ......

Keeping in Touch

Colombia's national phone carrier, Telecom, charges $0.10 per minute for local and national calls, and from $0.30 per minute for ......

Medical

The main public hospital in San Gil is Hospital Regional San Juan de Dios (Carrera 5 9-102, Tel: 7-723-5513, 723-5549). ......

Camera

Only a handful of camera shops are found in San Gil. Besides providing one-hour film processing, Fotos Peñaloza has all ......

Nightlife

Any night of the week, you can join sangileños and Colombians in sitting out front shops for a beer (or ......

When to go and Holidays and Festivals

Like other areas of the Colombian Andes, Tunja experiences a three-month cycle of wet and dry seasons. Tunja has a ......

Getting There and Away

Tunja has a fine network of city buses; fare is $0.40 ($0.45 Sunday and holidays). The bus terminal is at ......

Safety

The areas around the bus terminal and in the Iglesia del Carmen neighbourhood are said to be dangerous, especially at ......

Services - Tourism Office

The tourism office, Dirección de Cultura y Turismo de Tunja, has excellent maps of the city and information on hotels ......

Money

Major banks have branches in Tunja; many have 24-hour ATMs: Bancolombia (AmEx travellers cheques; ATM: MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus)—Monday-Friday 8-11:30 a.m., ......

Keeping in Touch

Many shops have local and national service for $0.10-0.20 per minute. Telecom is located on the corner of Calle 19 ......

Medical

The public health facility, Hospital San Rafael, is a full-service center (Carrera 11 27-27, Tel: 8-742-2041). There are also a ......

Laundry

Away from the downtown area are scattered several laundries. One you might try is Lavandería Nuevo Milenio, across from Parque ......

Camera

Like all other services in Tunja, camera shops are not concentrated in one area. None, apparently, repairs cameras. However, the ......

Nightlife

When in Tunja, do as the Tunjanos do: They start the weekend night rumba by going to one of the ......

Tunja History

For centuries the Muisca (of the Chibcha linguistic group) lived in the Boyacá region. Hunza was the principal political seat ......

Highlights of Southern Colombia

Here are just a few of the attractions awaiting you in southern Colombia: · Parque Nacional Puracé—Breathtaking landscapes with wild ......

Southern Colombia: When to Go

The Southern region—Nariño, Cauca and Huila Departments—have three distinct climates. Tumaco and other places along the Pacific coast Tumaco are ......

Tierradentro Services

Tourism Office In the Parque Arqueológico part of Tierradentro, a shop offers Información Turística Regional (daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Green house ......

Tierradentro Safety

The area is safe for hiking, even alone; however, locals will advise you not to walk at night. Further afield, ......

Getting to and away from Tierradentro

Arriving at Tierradentro is a trip that can be beset by muddy roads and landslides in the rainy season. Vehicles ......

Tierradentro: When to go

As in other parts of this region, November, December and January are the best months to visit Tierradentro. The clear ......

The History of Tierradentro

The Chibcha-speaking people arrived in these mountains about 7th-9th century A.D. An agricultural society, they crafted weavings, stone carvings and ......

Puracé: When to go

November, December and January are the best months to visit Parque Nacional Natural Puracé and the surrounding region. The clear ......

The History of Puracé

Parque Nacional Natural Puracé was founded in 1961, the first national park in Cauca Department. During the 1990s the guerrilla ......

Getting to and away from Puracé

Parque Nacional Natural Puracé and its villages are most easily accessible from Popayán, though you can reach them from Tierradentro ......

Puracé Safety

Parque Nacional Puracé is now safe. The military claims all landmines have been removed on Volcán Puracé; nonetheless, it is ......

Puracé Services

Tourism Office Before arriving to Parque Nacional Natural Puracé, you must contact Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia Surandina, in Popayán ......

Getting to and away from Pasto

Pasto has a good city bus network. Busetas ($0.20) begin running at 6 a.m.; most routes operate only until 7:30-8 ......

Pasto Safety

Pastusos proudly claim their city is safe; however, one community historian asserts that relocated, demilitarized paramilitary forces are rearming and ......

Pasto Services

Tourism Office The extremely helpful tourism office has information on things to do and see in the city and surrounding ......

The History of Pasto

Like other Spanish cities in Southern Colombia, San Juan de Pasto was founded under orders of Sebastián de Belalcázar and ......

Pasto: When to go

Pasto's altitude gives the city a spring-like climate year round. Anytime is fine to visit, but expect rain showers in ......

Colombia-Ecuador Border Crossings

Border crossings to Ecuador By Land: Rumichaca Rumichaca, on the Pan-American Highway just south of Ipiales, is the principle border ......

Ipiales: When to go

Ipiales and Nariño Department have an agreeable spring-like climate, due to the high altitude of this southern Colombian region. From ......

The History of Ipiales

Several indigenous nations, principally of the Pasto (pas, nation + tax, root) who held off the Inca northward, called this ......

Southern Colombia Safety

The Southern Colombia region has seen much guerrilla and paramilitary activity for more than a decade, especially away from the ......

Accessing Peru via River

Many travelers dream of sojourning up the Amazon and its tributaries by boat, from one country to another. Although not ......

Ayacucho--Getting To and Away

Bus: Be forewarned: trips are long, often overnight, and into the high Andes. Bring along water, food, warm clothing and ......

Back Roads Cusco to Quito

Are you ready for an adventure few will ever take, through landscapes that sing to your soul, and villages and ......

Is It the Real Thing?

You ignore the bustling hum of the market around you. You have found a beautiful sweater to keep you warm ......

Inca Trail Porters

You've waited so long to trek these rugged 43 kilometers to that Incan Holy Grail, Machu Picchu. But after two ......

Volunteering or Working in Peru

If you would like to have a different experience in getting to know Peru, beyond the tourist glitter, consider volunteering. Projects ......

Getting There and Away from Yerbabuena

Signs along the highway designate the paraderos (stops) for transport to other villages: Chachapoyas, Leymebamba, Santo Tomás and Jalca Grande, ......

Pinturas Rupestres of Amazonas

Circles within circles. Men with alpacas. Are they suns? Are they hunting? To this day we don’t know what the ......

The People of the Clouds

For centuries, clouds have blanketed the Chachapoya. Inca and Spanish conquerors described them as fierce warriors, tremendous shamans, skilled builders ......

Kuélap Services

Tingo is 36 Km. south of Chachapoyas on the main highway and serves as a starting point for the trek ......

Getting to and away from Kuélap

Tours to Kuélap from Chachapoyas cost up to 75 soles/$25. Alternatively, take the daily Transporte Roller (Jr. Grau and Salamanca) ......

Chachapoyas Tourist Information and Services

As befitting the capital of a Department, Chachapoyas offers a full-range of services. As money facilities do not exist in ......

Getting to and away from Leymebamba

Leymebamba is accessible by unpaved road from Celendín and Chachapoyas. Virgen del Carmen has buses to Celendín (Sunday noon, Tuesday, ......

Leymebamba Tourist Information and Services

There are no banks in Leymebamba; be sure to have plenty of soles before leaving Chachapoyas or Cajamarca. Three internet ......

Getting to and away from Lámud

Frequent carros (collective taxis) leave Chachapoyas when full from Jr. Libertad, one block from the market, for Luya and Lámud ......

Lámud Tourist Information and Services

The tourism office (on the plaza; Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - noon, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, 8 ......

Getting to and away from Jalca Grande

From Chachapoyas, a combi leaves Monday-Saturday at 1400 from Jr. Hermosura, near Jr. Salamanca (10 soles / $3.30 US; 4 ......

Chachapoyas - Getting To and Away

Bus Service To Celendín: Virgen del Carmen (Salamanca 650)—Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 5 a.m.; 30 soles/$10; 14 hours. Transportes Chuquibamba (Salamanca and ......

Chiclayo - Getting To and Away

Chiclayo's airport is Aeropuerto Capitán FAP José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzales (Avenida Bolognesi s/n, Tel.: 23-3192). LanPeru (Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., ......

Residencial El Taiquino

Four blocks from the bus terminal is Residencial Taiquino. This simple, well-worn hostel is popular with travelers of all nationalities ......

Hotel Gamboa

An old mansion is the setting for Hotel Gamboa. Upon walking in, you are immersed in the abode's age. The ......

Hotel O´Grimm

Hotel O'Grimm is a business traveler and tourist hotel in the center of Puerto Montt. In this stately, four-story inn ......

Club de Yates Restaurant

The murmur of waves washing against the pier leggings of Restaurant Club de Yates fills the salon. The moon's light ......

Iquique

From Humberstone on the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5), a 47-kilometer (29 mi) road cuts across the sere desert plain of ......

Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga

Just north of Colchane is Parque Nacional (PN) Volcán Isluga. This 174,744-hectare park was founded in 1967 and modified in ......

Reserva Nacional Pampa del Tamarugal

La Pampa de Tamarugal stretches across the arid lands of Chile’s north, from Quebrada de Tana to María Elena. Across ......

Pictografías de Vilacaurani

For millennia indigenous peoples have lived and traveled in the area, wending trails between the altiplano and the coast. Wherever ......

Frutillar

On the western shore of Lago Llanquihue is one of the Lake District's most popular destinations, Frutillar. For some travelers, ......

Puerto Octay

Visiting the small, picturesque village of Puerto Octay, on the northern-most shore of Lago Llanquihue, is like taking a step ......

Valdivia

Of all the cities in the south of Chile, Valdivia is one of the most beautiful and fascinating. Its history ......

Parque Nacional Puyehue

Parque Nacional (PN) Puyehue is one of the greatest jewels in Chile's national park system. It is one of the ......

Lonquimay

In a fold of the Andes lies the singularly designed village of Lonquimay, whose name means "The Great Ravine" in ......

Melipeuco

Officially, Melipeuco wasn't founded until January 1981. But for centuries before, the Mapuche lived on this land they called Melipewco, ......

Curacautín

For the Mapuche indigenous, this valley surrounded by mountains was Cura Cahuin, "the Meeting Stone" where they rested in the ......

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

The legendary Carretera Austral leaves from Puerto Montt, hugging the coast of Seno Reloncaví. Just before the end of the ......

Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales

Touching the eastern shore of Lago Llanquihue and extending to the Argentine border is Parque Nacional (PN) Vicente Pérez Rosales. ......

Lago Llanquihue

The crystalline waters of Lago Llanquihue, the country’s second largest lake, shine like the five-pointed star of the nation's flag ......

Reserva Nacional Alto Bío Bío

Although it is quite easy to get to Reserva Nacional (RN) Alto Bío Bío, few travelers ever make it here. ......

Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello-Nalcas

Northwest of Temuco, between Curacautín and Lonquimay, lays the twin nature reserve of Reserva Nacional (RN) Malalcahuello-Nalcas. The Malalcahuello, which ......

Parque Nacional Tolhuaca

Parque Nacional (PN) Toluaca is one of Chile's older national parks, founded in 1935. In Mapudungún, the Mapuche language, Tolhuaca ......

Puerto Chacabuco

After crossing Puerto Aysén's Puente Presidente Ibáñez, the paved Ruta 240 edges the base of the mountains. Just a few ......

Reserva Nacional Futaleufú

To the southeast of Futaleufú town is Reserva Nacional Futaleufú, a 12,065-hectare park founded in 1998 to protect the huemul ......

Puerto Aysén

Thirteen kilometers (8 mi) south of Villa Mañihuales (also spelled Mañiguales) is Bifurcación Viviana. Here the unpaved Ruta 7 Carretera ......

Puerto Cisnes

Just after leaving the Portazuelo Sector of Parque Nacional Queulat is the well-marked turn-off for Puerto Cisnes. This narrow gravel ......

Futaleufú

Pintado por Dios – "painted by god", Futaleufenses say of their land. The village of Futaleufú snuggles down in a ......

Puerto Puyuguapi

From La Junta the unpaved Carretera Austral winds south. Along the Río Risopatrón waterfalls stream down heavily wooded mountains. Bamboo, ......

Parque Nacional Queulat

In the middle of Chile's Northern Patagonia, where the Cordillera Andino Patagónica plunges into the sea and hot springs steam ......

Reserva Nacional Coyhaique

Created in 1948, Reserva Nacional (RN) Coyhaique is one of the oldest nature preserves in the Aysén region. This 2,150-hectare ......

Reserva Nacional Río Simpson

Río Simpson was originally founded as a national park in 1967, but was reclassified in 1999 as a reserva nacional, ......

Monumento Nacional Dos Lagunas

Monumento Natural (MN) Dos Lagunas was established in 1967 as a Parque Nacional de Turismo, and changed to its present ......

Parque Nacional Hornopirén

The adventure along the Carretera Austral is well underway. After arriving in Caleta La Arena, you’ve crossed by ferry to ......

Magallanes

Magallanes is the part of Southern Patagonia most tourists visit. The centrally located capital, Punta Arenas, is a convenient hub ......

Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Parque Nacional (PN) Bernardo O’Higgins is the grandest of Chile’s national parks. It covers 3,525,091 hectares—an area larger than Belgium. ......

Porvenir

Rainbows frequently paint the sky above the Cordón de Boquerón hills in western Tierra del Fuego. The mythical gold at ......

Reserva Nacional Lago Palena

24 kilometers (14.5 miles) south of Palena village ENTRY: Free Reserva Nacional Lago Palena, created in 1965, is a 41,380-hectare ......

Esteli

A jungle, dense with vegetation and animals, wraps around the public library. In a playground, youth defend their nations. On ......

Putre

Highway CH-11 climbs into the Andes to Aymara pueblos on the altiplano plains tucked into the rugged landscape. The largest ......

Palena

Futaleufú may be the rafting capital of Chile’s Patagonia, but Palena is the center for off-the-beaten-track trekking and horseback riding. ......

Lago Puyehue

In the central part of the Lakes District lies Lago Puyehue, the largest body of water between Lago Ranco to ......

Fuerte Reina María Luisa

Manuel Olaguer Felui designed this fortress at the bend of the Río Rahue. Originally called Fuerte de San Luis, its ......

Parque Nacional Villarrica

Most summertime visitors coming to Pucón have their eyes set on one goal: to climb the snowy cone of Volcán ......

Villa Santa Lucía

Villa Santa Lucía is one of the larger settlements between the coast and the Argentine border. Strategically located between Chaitén ......

La Junta

From Villa Santa Lucía the gravelled Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) heads south through evergreen forests. Just past Santa Lucía is ......

Coñaripe

From Licán Ray a good blacktop road heads 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeastward along the north shore of Lago Calafquén ......

Chaiten

Chaitén, the capital of La Palena Province in Chile’s Region X Los Lagos, was the hub for travel into Chile’s ......

Lago Pirehueico

Lago Pirehueico is the eastern-most lake in the Región de Siete Lagos. Like a snake slithering through the Andean foothills, ......

Lago Panguipulli

From Los Lagos on Ruta 5, a paved secondary road heads northeast 39 kilometers (23.4 miles) to Pangipüyü, the Land ......

Siete Lagos Region

Deep in the Andean foothills, off the beaten track for most travelers, is a world where mists swirl around crystalline ......

Licanray

From Villarrica, Highway S-95 crosses the land between Lakes Villarrica and Calafquén to Licán Ray (also spelled Licanray). Cattle and ......

Lago Ranco

The City of Caesars (la Ciudad de Césares) was on the shores of Lago Ranco – or so thought the ......

Osorno

Osorno isn’t much to look at, many claim. Admittedly, it isn’t as beautiful as Valdivia or full of exciting outdoor ......

Monumento Natural Salar de Surire

Coming over the brink of the hill, you see below the distinctive white expanse of a salar, or salt flat. ......

Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

Reserva Nacional (RN) Las Vicuñas, founded in 1983, is a 209,131-hectare preserve to protect vicuña (Vicugna vicugna). Not only, though, ......

Parque Nacional Lauca

One of Chile’s most impressive and beautiful national parks is Parque Nacional (PN) Lauca. Snowy volcanoes embrace dry altiplano plains ......

Precordillera de Belén

East from Arica the land suddenly rises into the soaring Andean mountains. At the range’s base is the Precordillera de ......

Valle de Lluta

About 10 kilometers (six miles) north of Arica on Ruta 5 (the Pan-American Highway) is Ruta CH-11. This major highway ......

Valle de Azapa

East of Arica, along the banks of the Río San José, ribbons an emerald oasis: the Valle de Azapa. This ......

Arica

Arica is a major port in the extreme north of the country. Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring, it has ......

Mirador and Cerro

The Nasca Lines can be viewed from a plane weaving the sky above them, or from other, more down-to-earth vantage ......

Templo de los Jaguares

The path off the road leads along a blue agave cactus hedge. From afar this site, dating from about 1200 ......

Huancabamba

Heading east from the Panamericana, the land stretches flat for hours and kilometers. It is hard to imagine someplace ahead ......

Huaca Esmeraldas

Huaca Esmeraldas formed part of the great Chan Chan citadel complex. Like Chan Chan, it was constructed by the Chimú. ......

Huaca Arco Iris

Huaca Arco Iris garnered several names throughout modern names, as archaeologists and guides try to decide exactly what its feature ......

Paita

Since at least 1700 BC, the coasts West of Piura have been premier fishing grounds. The Tallán lived here, and ......

Cabo Blanco

From late morning on the winds kick up in Cabo Blanco, blowing sand into small dunes. The fishermen have come ......

Catacaos

Traveling southwest out of Piura the desert oasis fans into fields of cotton and forests of carob lining either side ......

Puerto Narino

At the confluence of Río Loretoyacü into the Amazon 75 kilometers (45 miles) west of Leticia is Puerto Nariño, the ......

Santa Rosa

On a island directly across from Leticia is the smallest of the triple-border towns, Santa Rosa. In reality, it is ......

Tabatinga

On the other side of the border, just a kilometer (0.6 mile) from downtown Leticia, is that Colombian city’s Brazilian ......

Sibundoy

Heading from Pasto eastward, the highway passes Laguna de la Cocha and then enters the Putumayo and continues to that ......

Puerto López

From Villavicencio, traversing the Ruta del Amanecer Llanero due east 78 kilometers (47 miles), you arrive at Puerto López. This ......

El Infiernito

The official name is Parque Arqueológico de Monquirá, but everyone calls it El Infiernito. This Muisca site was an astronomical ......

Santuario de Flora y Fauna Isla La Corota

A woman, bewitched by jealousy, was made an island that to this day floats in the middle of Laguna de ......

Laguna de la Cocha

Altitude: 2760 meters / 9053 feet On the Eastern slopes of the Nudo de los Pastos, where the Andes branch into ......

Curití

Curití is a typical Santandereano village of narrow calles lined with white-washed homes. Its residents are famous for their artesanía ......

El Pueblito

The Tayrona nation lived up in heights, escaping the harsh environment of the beaches. They nestled their cities in the ......

Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy

The national park is officially called Parque Nacional Natural de Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Chita y Güicán, but most people ......

Guane

Atop a narrow mesa above the Río Suárez lived the Guane people since long before the Spaniards’ arrival. It was ......

Obando: El Estrecho del Magdalena, petroglyphs & Parque Arqueológico de Obando

Traveling towards the small village of Obando, you’ll cross the Magdalena River at the Estrecho, or Straits, the narrowest point—only ......

Sites Near San Agustín: El Purutal, La Pelota, La Chaquira & El Tablón

Between San Agustín and the Parque Arqueológico are several quite interesting sites. El Tablón, only 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from ......

Parque Arqueológico

The main attraction in San Agustín is the Parque Arqueológico, which encompasses four mesetas (A, B, C and D), artificially ......

Pozo de Hunzahúa

Hunzahúa, the Muisca leader who founded Hunza (Tunja), fell in love with his beautiful sister Noncetá, much beloved by her ......

Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Icy channels and fjords rend the land, fraying it into thousands of islands. Ragged, glacier-frosted mountains scrape the sky. To ......

The Tombs of Tierradentro

Four major archaeological sites, all dating from 600 to 900 A.D., comprise Tierradentro: three burial and one of statures. The ......

Termales San Juan

Sulfur-laden waters bubble from out of the earth, flowing, rushing to a brook winding across the páramo at 3,200 meter ......

Cascada de Río Bedón

More or less parallel to the Popayán-La Plata road, which passes along the north edge of Parque Nacional Natural Puracé, ......

Parque Nacional Sanquianga

Located on the Pacific coast in northwestern Nariño Department, Parque Nacional Sanquianga contains 30 percent of Colombia's Pacific mangrove forests. ......

Villavicencio

At the end of day, the sun paints a mango sky over the flat lands of the llanos, or eastern ......

Leticia

Far below the cloud bolls, a textured green carpet embroidered with pales brown rivers stretches from horizon to horizon. Or ......

Bucaramanga

Continuing North on the main highway to the coast is Bucaramanga, 273 kilometers (164 miles) from Tunja. The paved road ......

Barichara

Barichara is the get-away of choice for better-heeled Colombian vacationers seeking to escape metropolitan hassles. This pueblo perches on a ......

Cocuy

The road from Cordoncillo to El Cocuy is unpaved. This colonial pueblo white and sea-green buildings is the most touristy ......

Guican

From Cordoncillo, a paved road goes to Güicán, which has a more wild-west feel to it than its neighbor El ......

Villa de Leyva

......

Tunja

......

Piedra de los Monos

While at Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Lajas, take a hike down to what was certainly a holy site for ......

Cabo de Vela

......

Uribia

......

Maicao

Mention you’ll be crossing the border at Maicao, and the first response of Colombians and Venezuelans alike is silence. Then ......

Riohacha

If you rely on historical Colombian literature to paint the picture of Riohacha (Wayuu: Süchiimma), you would believe it is ......

Valledupar

......

Taganga

Located just five kilometers (3 miles) from Santa Marta, this once-upon-a-time small fishing village has now become a backpacker's haven. ......

Barranquilla

......

San Agustín

Like silent sentinels guarding the green mountains of southern Colombia, the pre-Columbian statues of San Agustín have long beckoned travelers ......

Puracé

A road heads east from Popayán towards Parque Nacional Natural Puracé. After 18 kilometers (11 miles) it forks: one branch ......

Pasto

Atop a plateau surrounded by verdant hills to the East and Volcán Galeras to the West, is Pasto, 88 kilometers ......

Llanos and Selva

The Llanos (eastern plains) and Selva (jungle) constitute over half of Colombia’s territory. Steeped in the history of the Spaniards’ ......

Eastern Colombia

......

Manaure

......

The Guajira Peninsula

......

Ipiales

A Sunday morning stroll around Ipiales belies the reality of this city. These now-quiet streets will soon bustle with travelers ......

Southern Colombia

......

Santa Marta

......

Complejo Arqueológico Wari

Complejo Arqueológico Wari sprawls along the highway from Ayacucho to Quinua. Five signed entrances lead to the ruins of this ......

Ruinas Vilcashuamán and Baños Intihuatana

A four-hour (110-kilometer) bus journey south of Ayacucho brings you to Vilcashuamán (meaning Sacred Falcon), the Incan provincial capital at ......

Macro

An enigma among the hundreds of Chachapoya ruins in the region, Macro is one of only two known sites built ......

Gran Vilaya

In 1985 a great discovery hit the headlines: Gran Vilaya. Reported to the authorities by Silverio Visalot Chávez, and investigated ......

Kuélap

Clouds wrap around the mountains, around the stones of the Forteleza. A silence pervades the air, a silence of centuries. ......

Levanto and Yálape

Yálape, built 1100-1350 A.D., was a major Chachapoya city. During Inca rule it served as the region’s administrative center. With ......

Óllape

Up on Cerro Ushparán, near Jalca Grande, lie more Chachapoya ruins. The walls of Óllape's circular once-homes peek from beneath ......

Pueblo de los Muertos

Pueblo de los Muertos (Village of the Dead) lies 30 kilometers north of Chachapoyas, near Lámud. The stout purunmachus sarcophagi ......

Karajía

From a cliff ledge, six white figures dressed in red peer across the river valley. Two sport human skulls atop ......

Jalca Grande

Jalca Grande is the most traditional villages in the region. Women still wear their centuries-old clothing. Most still spin wool ......

San Cristóbal del Olto

Leaving the relative modernity of Lámud behind, you begin traversing the Luya countryside. You pass the chapel of El Señor ......

Revash

High up on an escarpment, you can see Revash, a group of white and red buildings. Some have likened them ......

Laguna de los Cóndores

Mists rise from the sapphire lagoon, enshrouding six chullpas nestled into a cliff above the cloud forest. Here is where ......

La Congona

Spread out upon a ridge near Leymebamba, La Congona is an as-yet unexcavated llacta (town). About 30 houses with zigzag, ......

Yerbabuena

A 45-minute bus ride north of Leymebamba is the village of Yerbabuena straddling the highway. During the week it is ......

Leymebamba

Called "The Land of the Millenium Gods," Leymebamba is a friendly, relaxed town on the banks of the Río Utcubamba. ......

Lámud

Lámud is yet a small village. Extensive chacras hide behind adobe walls and roosters crow in the pre-dawn hours. Days ......

Macas

Macas is located in the eastern part of Ecuador, six hours south of Puyo. This  jungle town was founded at ......

Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt is the end of the road for some travelers, and for others a breather before heading to the ......

Lagunas de Montebello

This is a peaceful and pleasant place. The park is made up of more than 50 lakes deep in impressive ......

San Gil

San Gil is great for extreme sports or just for relaxing. San Gil has long been popular with Colombians as ......

Backpackers Hostel

Busy and popular is the best way to describe Backpackers Hostel. Located just a block from Cavancha Beach, this is ......

Residencial El Turista

Residencial El Turista is one of the nicer inexpensive hotels in the market area. The multi-level hotel is like a ......

Camping in Parque Nacional Villarrica

Sector Quetrupillán-Puesco: January 1-February 28 ($14 Chileans, $24 foreigners); March 1-December 31 ($10 Chileans, $16 foreigners).Camping within Parque Nacional Villarrica ......

Chakana Mountain Lodge

In Aymara, Chakana means Southern Cross, that constellation that holds the guiding star for this hemisphere. Chakana Mountain Lodge is ......

Kukuli

Kukuli is a relatively new kid on the block of Baquedano where most of Putre’s hostels are, but it is ......

Hostal Cali

Hostal Cali is one of Putre's cheaper hotels. It has a spare feeling to it, with rooms along a narrow ......

Hotel Marina Villa del Río

Hotel Marina Villa del Río is a top-of-the-line lodging option in Valdivia. On the far bank of the Río Calle-Calle ......

Hotel Melillanca

Hotel Melillanca is a stylish, modern hotel centrally located in Valdivia. Across from one of the city's several pocket parks, ......

Hostal y Cabañas Esmeralda

At the end of the main street in the bohemian arts neighborhood of Barrio Esmeralda is Hostal y Cabañas Esmeralda. ......

Hostal Totem

Hostal Totem is an international traveler’s choice in the heart of Valdivia. It is located five blocks from the bus ......

Residencial Río Calle-Calle

Residencia Río Calle-Calle may be a bit expensive for the true budget traveler, but it is well worth the money. ......

Albergue Latino

Just a five-minute walk from the Plaza de la República is a gaily painted old German manor. This is Albergue ......

Hospedaje Valdivia 545

This blue house has rooms for travelers journeying alone or in groups. Bathrooms are shared. The entire inn has recently ......

Camping in Valdivia

Valdivia has only three campgrounds. The two that are open year-round are both located on Isla Teja. Fundo Teja Norte ......

Hotel El Barranco

Even though Hotel El Barranco is touted as a fishing lodge, it offers something for all discerning visitors to Futaleufú. ......

Cabañas Aguas Blancas

Cabañas Aguas Blancas is a small affair: only two cabins for up to five persons set at the base of ......

Hotel Continental / Hospedaje Nuevo Estilo

Under new administration, Hospedaje Nuevo Estilo is still called by its old name Hotel Continental by many in Futaleufú. This ......

Hotel Rosas

The front façade of Hotel Rosas makes it seem just like another run-of-the-mill hostel, but it is Porvenir’s largest and ......

Hotel Central

Hotel Central is one of Porvenir’s most established hostels. Widower don Pedro continues with the tradition his wife and he ......

Hostería Yendegaia

Another one of Porvenir’s historic houses, this time the mansion of Croatian immigrant Doimo Tafra Popovic which was built in ......

Hostal El Chispa

Once upon a time this was the house that Nicolás Sieckovic built. It later was home for many decades to ......

Residencial Dalmacia

The majestic chalet that used to be the home of the Vincente Mimica family is now Residencial Dalmacia. This hostel ......

El Hogar del Mochilero

Although he had to hang up his walking stick quite a while back, Carlos is still a mochilero (backpacker) to ......

Hotel Lagos del Sur

Hotel Lagos del Sur proclaims itself to be “en el corazón del sur de Chile” – and it is, as ......

Residencial Bilbao

This plain-lined, bright pink hostel is the choice of some tourists who decide to spend the night in Osorno. Residencial ......

Hopedaje San Diego

A mere two blocks from the bus terminal is a simple white house surrounded by a gated fence. You would ......

Hoteles Club Presidente

Hoteles Club Presidente is the place to stay in Puerto Montt for those travelers wanting all the comforts of home. ......

Hostal Pacífico

Two blocks from the bus station, straight up Avenida Salvador Allende, is Hostal Pacífico on the corner of Calle J. ......

Don Tito

Don Tito and his wife have a pleasant, quiet hostel just two blocks up Avenida Salvador Allende from the bus station. ......

Gran Hotel Pucón

The Gran Hotel Pucón is the grand lady in this town. From this stately five-story spa on the shores of ......

Refugio Península

At the foot of the peninsula, about two blocks from Pucón’s main plaza, is Refugio Península. This Hostelling International member ......

Cabañas Mapulay

For travelers looking for a bit of a retreat from the others who are rushing from one high-octane adventure to ......

La Posada del Embrujo

The owner-operators of this hostel spin a spell upon all travelers: 2may the fire of the volcano, the rain that ......

Camping Parque La Poza

Just steps from Playa La Poza is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the region, Camping Parque La Poza. ......

Backpackers Hostel

As well as running a well-respected tour agency, Backpackers also has a popular hostel. It’s a comfortable space with the ......

Hotel Yachting Kiel

Hotel Yachting Kiel is a privileged inn. It is right across from the village’s pier (where, yes, the old yacht ......

Hostal Don Juan

Hostal Don Juan is a pleasant surprise in Villarrica. This modern inn has spacious, well-decorated rooms, with shared or private ......

Panamericana Hotel Temuco

At the foot of Cerro Ñielol rises the buff-pink Panamericana Hotel, formerly known as Hotel Terra Verde. The 74 rooms ......

Hotel Aitué

Located in the heart of Temuco just two blocks from Plaza Pinto is Hotel Aitué. This unassuming three-star lodging choice ......

Hospedaje 525

Daniel and Mirta open their home to travelers on a budget. The spacious rooms have polished wood floors and large ......

Hotel Arica

Between Playa El Laucho and Playa La Lisera, Hotel Arica is much more than the city’s most exclusive hotel. It ......

Hotel El Paso

Opened in 1962 for the World Cup of Soccer, Hotel El Paso is a four-star retreat set on three hectares ......

Hostal Huanta-Jaya

Cleanliness is the first impression when entering Hostal Huanta-Jaya. Everything is very neat, very trim, like the gleaming tiled corridor ......

Hotel Plaza Colón

A half-block from Eiffel’s church is a pink and blue five-story building with white balconies. Hotel Plaza Colón is a ......

Hotel Bahía

On the beach between downtown Arica and Playa Chinchorro, Hotel Bahía has Mediterranean-style architecture set in a palm-shaded estate. All ......

Hotel Lynch

In the heard of Arica's commercial center, Hotel Lynch looks rather non-descript from the outside, but inside is like a ......

Residencias Don Luis

Painted on the yellow wall of Residencias Don Luis, a cry catches your attention: $10 per person, private bath, kitchen, ......

Residencias Real

Residencias Real is one of the least expensive hostels in Arica. Its rooms are clean, large and amply furnished with ......

Hostal Inclán

Hostal Inclán is popular with Chilean bargain hunters. It’s a perfect place for budget travelers, too, looking to spend a ......

Hospedaje Bon Ami

Otherwise known as Buen Amigo, Hospedaje Bon Amigo proves to be a good friend in Tacna. These accommodations have built-in ......

Hospedaje Latino

An up-and-coming hostel on the Nasca scene, Hospedaje Latino offers rooms for two or more guests. A narrow staircase leads ......

Hospedaje Nasca Sur

Hospedaje Nasca Sur is another well-placed hotel in the city, between downtown and the bus depots. Rooms vary in size ......

Hostal Sol de Nasca

Hostal Sol de Nasca is a budget traveler’s choice in the crowded Nasca lodging market. Located midways between the bus ......

Hostal Desert Nights

At last Huacachina has a true backpackers place to hang the hat. The brainchild of a young Vermonter and her ......

Posada del Sol

Hotel Posada del Sol is a tall monument a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and bus depots. The ......

Hospedaje Loreto

Inexpensive lodging is a bit hard to find in Ica. Hospedaje Loreto is one of the cheapest. The staff is ......

Camping in Reserva Nacional de Paracas

Experience the nightime's billions of stars, the sound of the waves and the morning's flocks of birds while camping at ......

Hostal Los Frayles

Hostal Los Frayles’ 11 rooms are medium-sized, clean and nicely decorated. All have private bath with hot and cold water ......

Hospedaje Shalom

Doña Edna’s Hospedaje Shalom has been occupied by aid relief workers since the earthquake and tidal wave, but that hasn’t ......

Posada Hospedaje Gino

A small hostel with a family atmosphere, Posada Hospedaje Gino is one of the few true budget options that survived ......

Albergue Turística de la Municipalidad

For travelers looking for a bucolic retreat, the village has a guesthouse on the outskirts of town. The hill-top lodge, ......

Hospedaje Virgen del Carmen

Hospedaje Virgen del Carmen is considered the best of Huancabamba. The front of the hostel is classic colonial architecture. A ......

Hospedaje El Dorado

Hospedaje El Dorado is an an old building teeming with character. All the guestrooms share common baths that are a ......

Hostal Camping Naylamp

Hostal Camping Naylamp is another near-budget lodging option in Huanchaco, and one of the few that offers campsites. (If you ......

Hostal Solange

Hostal Solange is an old-time favorite of budget travelers. Señora Solange is a bit deaf, but eager to sit in ......

Hospedaje Huascar

On a cul-de-sac off Avenida Los Incas, five blocks from the Plaza de Armas, is a budget traveler’s find. The ......

Hostal Sol Radiante

It seems all hotels in Chicalyo come wrapped up in a glass-panelled modern architecture. Hostal Sol Radiante is no exception. ......

Hostal Victoria

Hostal Victoria is a great deal for people traveling in pairs. Its large rooms are generously furnished with a desk, ......

Hotel Tumi de Oro

Hotel Tumi de Oro is a bit far from the center of town and the bus terminals, but the price ......

Hostel Casa Samara

Right across the highway from the beach access road down is Walter Palomino’s Hostel Casa Samara, owned by surfing great Walter ......

Casa-Hospedaje Crillón

Near the bus stations and one block from the highway, Casa-Hospedaje Crillón is a gem of a place to spend ......

Hostal Grillo Tres Puntas

Hostal Grillo Tres Puntas is the younger sister of Casa Grillo, both owned by the same family. A mosaicked front ......

Hostal Samay Wasi

The centrally located Hostal Samay Wasi is one of Tumbes’ budget lodging options. The large rooms are well-furnished with comfortable ......

Hospedaje Los Viñedos

Two blocks from Tumbes’ Plaza de Armas, Hospedaje Los Viñedos is a resting stop that promises the four most important ......

Hotel Internacional Bagpackers

Formerly Travelers Jungle Home, Hotel Internacional Bagpackers has moved from Tony’s home to a larger, more central location. If your ......

Hotel Casa Selva

Hotel Casa Selva has blossomed into the most expensive and luxurious inn in Puerto Nariño. This two-story, white beauty has ......

Hospedaje Manguare

Hospedaje Manguare is an inexpensive option in the heart of Puerto Nariño. It is convenient for exploring the trails and ......

Alto del Águila

At Alto del Águila you’ll find much more than just eagles. Fray Hector has created a tranquil retreat overlooking the ......

Decalodge Ticuna

The Ticuna had always been one of Leticia’s premier hotels. Since Decameron has taken it over, it has blossomed into ......

Hotel Anaconda

While not the most expensive hotel in Leticia, the extras Hotel Anaconda piles on makes it an excellent value. Its ......

Residencias Amira

Residencias Amira used to be one of the more economical inns in Leticia. However, it has really upgraded recently. Residencias ......

Hospedaje Los Delfines

Hospedaje Los Delfines is a fine place to stay, if you can afford to spend a bit more. All the ......

Residencias del Centro

Officially it is now called Residencias del Centro but everyone still calls it Residencias Colombia. The orange and green sign ......

Mochileros

Mochileros, a European-style backpackers hostel, is a wonderful idea that has come to Leticia—and gone. With once-splendid facilities, including common ......

Kabañas Kanwara

Kabañas Kanwara is probably the most luxurious inn in the park district. The three cabañas have five rooms each (one ......

Hacienda La Esperanza

After being abandoned for a spell, Hacienda La Esperanza has undergone a renovation at the loving hand of Marco Artura ......

Cabaña Gaicany

In a three-story, A-frame chalet, Juan Carlos Carreño and his family provide simple rooms with bunk beds for up to ......

Hotel del Llano

Hotel del Llano has for years been considered one of the finest and most respected luxury inn of Villavicencio. Its ......

Hotel Savoy

The Hotel Savoy is a popular place with business travelers looking for an finer hotel with a comfortable price. The ......

Hotel Tabary

Hotel Tabary is probably the best of the cheaper inns in Villavicencio. The rooms, for the most part, are large. ......

Hotel La Sierra

No sign marks the presence of Hotel La Sierra. However, this house a few blocks downhill from the plaza is ......

Hotel El Frailejón

Hotel El Frailejón isn’t anything special, but it does have two advantages: It’s centrally located near the bus offices and ......

Hotel Brisas del Nevado

Hotel Brisas del Nevado is a pleasant inn located just a half-block from the main plaza and bus stops. Its ......

Hotel Casa Muñoz

The newest hotel in El Cocuy, Casa Muñoz has sharp rooms in an annex of a colonial-era house. Each room, ......

Hotel Restaurante Casa Vieja

Hotel Restaurante Casa Vieja is a bit of a misnomer, since it no longer has a restaurant. However, internationally renowned ......

Hostería del Molina La Mesopotamia

Built in 1568 as a wheat mill, Hostería del Molina La Mesopotamia is now one of Villa de Leyva’s finest ......

Hotel Casa de los Fundadores

Casa de los Fundadores (as it is commonly called) is an inn with a bit of a difference: It is ......

Hotel La Posada de San Antonio

This mid-19th Century mansion on Parque Nariño is now the very fine Hotel La Posada de San Antonio. It has ......

Casa Hotel Villa Cristina

On a quiet dirt street far from the center of town is Casa Hotel Villa Christina. This rambling, multi-story house ......

Hospedería Antonio Nariño

Hospedería Antonio Nariño is actually a modern construction in the heart of Villa de Leyva, but built with the architecture ......

Hospedaje Sol de la Villa

Just off Parque Nariño, a few blocks from the bus station, is Hospedaje Sol de la Villa. A modest bed ......

Hotel Boutique La Española

Hotel Boutique La Española is a relatively new and very special hotel on the crowded Villa de Leyva hotel scene. ......

Hospedería La Villa

Hospedería La Villa is one of the few options for budget travelers to Villa de Leyva. Located just a half ......

Zona de Camping San Jorge

Whereas a common complaint about campgrounds in Villa de Leyva is that they merely warehouse people, experienced outdoors persons say ......

El Arca Verde

El Arca Verde, The Green Ark is the name of an organic, bio-dynamic farm outside of Villa de Leyva. Guests ......

Hospedería Don Paulino

Don Paulino and doña Olga have established a wonderful inn for visitors to Villa de Leyva. Located on a tranquil ......

Casa Campesina / El Solar Camping

Casa Campesina is a very homey place near the corner of the main plaza. Owner Martha de León has become ......

Hospedaje El Mirador

Located not too far from the bus station on a quiet side street is Hospedaje El Mirador. This hostel is ......

Hospedería Colonial

Just a half-block from the main plaza is Hospedería Colonial. In the main part of the house lives the family. ......

Hostal Renacer

Hostal Renacer is a place to be reborn after a day of strenuous sightseeing. Located just outside Villa de Leyva, ......

Kayuusipaa

Many moons ago, doña Conchita opened up one of the very first inns in Cabo de la Vela—and it is ......

Hotel Jarrinapi

The popular Hotel Jarrinapi provides cabañas with hammock or (for those preferring a more conventional sleep) bed, private bath with ......

Restaurant Rosita

Doña Rosita is just one of the dozens of restaurants along the south side of the bay as you enter ......

Hospedaje Villa María

Hospedaje Villa María is the new kid in town, owned and operated by Kaishi tour agency. Along one side of ......

Hotel Juyasirian

Walking into Hotel Juyasirian, you can tell it was built specifically for high-ranking government officials and others of that class. ......

Cabañas Manaure Beach

Cabañas Manaure Beach has a basic, four-room hostel: two quarters have three beds each and the other two, four beds ......

Hotel Unuuipa

Hotel Unuuipa wears the colors of these desert lands: salmon, ochre and melon. Inside are two courtyards around which somewhat ......

Hotel Palaaima

For many years doña Iris has been welcoming visitors to Manaure. Her Hotel Palaaima is the best lodging option in ......

Hotel Gimaura

Undoubtedly, Hotel Gimaura is the great lodging choice in Riohacha. Located at the eastern end of Avenida la Marina, this ......

Hotel Yalconia del Mar

Hotel Yalconia del Mar has upgraded over the years from being a basic hotel to one now providing the weary ......

Hotel Panorama

The rooms at the two-story Hotel Panorama are spacious enough, with built-in concrete platform bed that sport comfortable mattresses. Other ......

Hotel Arhuaco

Everything in the Hotel Arhuaco is done to the perfect tee, from the floral arrangements in the lobby to the ......

Hotel El Rodadero

The modern Hotel El Rodadero's reception area greets its guests with sea-themed stained glass and sand-filled pillars. The staff will ......

Hotel Arrecifes Caribeño

Hotel Arrecifes Caribeño is a perfect lodging choice for travelers in a group. This four-story hostel has rooms for four ......

Tima Uraka Hospedaje

Now El Rodadero is within reach of the budget traveler’s pocketbook. Tima Uraka Hospedaje—The House of the Moon—is a new ......

Camping Cantamar

If you happen to be traveling with your own tent, this is the place to go. Camping Cantamar is located ......

Hotel Yuldama

The Hotel Yuldama is a relic of late 1950s architecture. The disappointingly worn rooms have almost all the comforts one ......

Park Hotel

Since its inception in 1927, the same family has lovingly run the Park Hotel, a favorite inn of Colombian TV ......

Hotel Imperial Caribe

Hotel Imperial Caribe is a travel agent’s favorite place to put up the tourists. Frequently you’ll see the buses pulling ......

Hotel Saboy

Hotel Saboy is one of the many sub-mid-range options within reach of the budget traveler, especially if with a friend. ......

Hospedería Casa Familiar

Hospedería Casa Familiar has long been a standby for shoestring travelers who don't want the party atmosphere of the other ......

Residencias San Jorge

An understated inn tucked amongst the partying-budget traveler and shadier hotels on Calle 10C, Residencias San Jorge promises a family ......

Hotel Las Vegas del Caribe

Clean, friendly, quiet and safe —this is an apt description of the Hotel Las Vegas del Caribe. Its three-story green ......

Hotel El Prado

Greta Garbo stayed here, as well as Grace Kelly and Carlos Gardel. It seems their spirits still roam the arcaded ......

Hotel Villa Dilia

Hotel Villa Dilia is a fine place to stay, with excellent service and pleasant rooms. This is an inn geared ......

Hotel Mezzaluna

Hotel Mezzaluna, in a sleek-lined modern building, bills itself as an executive hotel, geared toward such businessmen, as well as ......

Hotel Girasol

The Hotel Girasol is in an older building with a circular front drive. Rooms are in the main edifice and ......

Hotel Skal

Hotel Skal is the most popular inn amongst backpackers in Barranquilla. It is the least expensive, decent option in the ......

Hotel Los Angeles

Hotel Los Angeles is a mid-range option in the center of Barranquilla. The helpful staff will help you navigate the ......

Hospedaje Cacique Sugamuxi

Hospedaje Cacique Sugamuxi is La Candelaria’s newest hostel, which opened in early 2008. This hostel is above a restaurant and ......

Hotel Centro Plaza

A Star of David subtly adorns the sandstone plaque of the entrance to Hotel Centro Plaza. Although, the hostel is ......

Hotel Internacional

The business card for Hotel Internacional states, “We are the second most happy country in the world.” Upon arriving in ......

Hotel Zaragoza

The Hotel Zagagoza has become the haunt amongst the European non-backpacker, budget travelers. A four-story, green and hot-pink building that ......

Hotel El Dorado

Hotel Dorado is undoubtedly the least expensive hostel in the center of Bogotá, between the Candelaria district and downtown. The ......

Hotel Dorantes

Once upon a time the mid-19th century Hotel Dorantes was a family mansion. It has been a hotel for many ......

Mesón del Cuchicute

As one of San Gil’s finest hotels, Mesón del Cuchicute is still remarkably affordable. A country-club-styled inn with park-like grounds, ......

La Posada Familiar

A small, family-run inn, La Posada Familiar has six rooms with extra touches. The quarters are simply decorated, but come ......

Hotel El Viajero

Conveniently located on Carrera 11, just a few blocks from Parque Gallineral and the market, the Hotel El Viajero provides ......

Independent Lodging

For many years, families have owned and operated lodging options within the park, specifically at Arrecifes. That is where most ......

Concesión Tayrona

Who says you can’t have your luxury within a paradise of a wild, natural park? Avaitur, and its Concesión Tayrona, ......

Casa de Felipe

Literally built by hand, Casa de Felipe is a work of many years of love. Felipe has created a most ......

Hostal Misión Santa Bárbara

This former family mansion is now one of Barichara’s most prestigious inns, without being pretentious. The older part of this ......

Hotel Coratá

Just a block from Barichara’s main plaza, is an old casona that has taken on the life of a hotel. ......

Hospedaje Los Tiestesitos

On the outside, Hospedaje Los Tiestesitos is a pottery workshop. But back behind a small courtyard, doña Alicia has three ......

Hotel Vajamar

One of Valledupar’s finest hotels, Hotel Vajamar has 20 years experience in providing comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms to the discerning ......

Hotel Los Cardones

You walk into the sitting area and reception. Beyond is the restaurant in front of a wall hiding the back ......

Residencias Kennedy

Residencias Kennedy is a no-frills inn: No plants surround the brick-tile courtyard, and no TVs in the habitaciones. The 17 ......

San Agustín Internacional Hotel

So, you and your family are finally taking your dream vacation to Colombia and decide to visit the magical realm ......

Hotel Yalconia

Hotel Yalconia is San Agustín’s oldest luxury-class hotel. Of modern architecture, this two-story building provides all of the comforts one ......

Camping San Agustín

Camping San Agustín is a broad grassy expanse that allows not only tent, but also vehicle camping. If you don’t ......

Hotel Central

This other colonial-era-building-cum-hotel is tranquil, despite being on San Agustín’s main street. With a family atmosphere, Hotel Central is the ......

Hotel Casa de Nelly

Since the mid-1980s, French-owned Casa de Nelly has provided fine cabañas amidst a beautiful forest. Cats and dogs stroll through ......

Hospedaje El Jardín Casa Colonial

The Muñoz family opens the doors of its home in this well-preserved colonial home on a quiet side street in ......

Hotel Colonial

On the main street of San Agustín, right where the collective taxis and pick-ups arrive, is Hotel Colonial. Set in ......

Hotel Los Ídolos

Hotel Los Ídolos is definitely the cheapest place to stay in San Agustín if you have a traveling partner. Be ......

Hospedaje Cambi

Just a half-block from Parque Bolívar, Magola Pérez welcomes San Agustín visitors to these inexpensive, simple, clean rooms in an ......

Finca El Maco

René has created the wonderful ecological Finca El Maco for those budget travelers who want to stay in fresh country ......

Hotel Chicamocha

One of Bucaramanga’s finest hostels is Hotel Chicamocha. Providing the best in services to up-scale and corporate business travelers, Hotel ......

Finca Raval Jardín Ecológico

After months of traveling, do you need to go into retreat? Pamper your physical and spiritual selves at Finca Raval ......

Hotel Balmoral

Conveniently located in the center of the city, Hotel Balmoral is a mid-range option for your visit to Bucaramanga. The ......

Hospedaje D’Kpri

Hospedaje D’Kpri is essentially a boarding house for university students. However, some rooms are rented out to travelers. The small ......

Residencias Las Tres Margaritas

Another family-atmosphere hotel in the city's center that promises three important basics: safety, cleanliness and cheap prices, is Residencias Las ......

Hotel Amparo

A friendly, family-run inn, Hotel Amparo provides its guests with no-frill rooms with or without TV. All have private, cold-water ......

Hotel Colonial

Located a half-block from the Plazoleta Municipal on a quiet street, Hotel Colonial provides its guests with comfortable, clean rooms. ......

Hotel Bolívar

A member of the Spanish Celuisma hotel chain, Hotel Bolívar is probably the smartest place you can stay in Cúcuta. ......

Hotel Las Pirámides

Located between the bus terminal and downtown, Hotel Las Pirámides is a good mid-range choice for the journeyer needing to ......

Hotel Casa Real Cúcuta

Just a few blocks from the bus terminal, Hotel Casa Real Cúcuta is one of the few places along Avenida ......

Carionga Hotel

A time-worn resort built in the contemporary 1960s architecture of glass and metal, Hotel Carionga still provides the best service ......

Hotel Ursua

The Hotel Ursua has always reminded me of my country grandmother’s house: big, overstuffed beds and mis-matched furniture in the ......

Hotel El Llano

Located a half-block from the obelisk in Plazuela Almeida, the Hotel El Llano is one of Pamplona’s cheapest inns promising ......

Granja Agroecoturística Los Guaduales

Get out into the country to a self-sustaining farm. Located 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Málaga on the road to ......

Hotel Santander

Hotel Santander is a ganga, a bargain, just a half-block from Parque García Rovira, in Málaga’s Zona Rosa. The modern ......

Hotel-Restaurante El Viajero

The Hotel-Restaurante El Viajero is one of the two very inexpensive, very basic hotels right on Málaga’s main square, Parque ......

Hotel Oasis

Three generations of women have been housing visitors since 1953 at the Hotel Oasis. It is on of the few ......

Hotel Cordobés

A basic hostel run by the amiable older couple, Luis and Irene, with clean rooms that are simply furnished—beds, large ......

Hotel Boyacá Plaza

One of Tunja's finest lodges, Hotel Boyacá Plaza is in a quieter part of the city. An elevator will whisk ......

Hotel Conquistador de América

Right on the corner of the Plaza de Bolívar, Hotel Conquistador de América is a mid-range lodging option in the ......

Hotel El Cid

The Hotel El Cid is located on the second floor, above a shopping mall. (The manager assures you it's quiet ......

Hotel American

Another upstairs hostel, Hotel American offers respectful rooms at a comfortable price. Some have private hot water baths and televisions. ......

Hotel Dux

A creaky old building, like tattered lace, the Hotel Dux is a classic place to stay. For several generations, the ......

Hotel Don Camilo

Who would ever believe that one of the least expensive inns in Tunja is right on the main plaza? A ......

Macondo Guesthouse

Macondo Guesthouse has become the place to stay in San Gil. Australian-born Shaun opens his doors of this colonial house ......

Hospedaje Pisimbalá

Hospedaje Pisimbalá is another old stand-by for journeyers to Tierradentro. Also a small, family-run inn, this inn offers three rooms ......

Hospedaje Lucerna

Austere on the outside, with only small lettering announcing its presence, Hospedaje Lucerna is big on service. Inside, the rooms ......

Hospedaje y Restaurante Los Lagos

For those preferring to stay in San Andrés Pisimbalá itself, Hospedaje y Restaurante Los Lagos is one of several options. ......

Hotel Capital

If you can afford to spend a dollar more, Hotel Capital is a comfortable choice for budget travelers. All rooms ......

Hotel Panamá

It's cheap, it's clean and the beds aren't bad. The rooms are small, though--not even big enough to swing a ......

Hotel La Casona del Virrey

Hotel La Casona del Virrey is a surprisingly affordable alternative right in the heart of Popayán. This is the perfect ......

Hotel Colonial

As its name implies, the Hotel Colonial is in a building from the early centuries of this city. A small ......

Hotel La Plazuela

A first-class hotel just across from Iglesia San José, Hotel La Plazuela is in a 1742 building rescued after the ......

Hospedaje Barú

Another possible budget traveler choice, the Hospedaje Barú has three patios, as is typical with old architectural style. The first ......

Hotel Boston

For journeyers on a tight budget, the Hotel Boston is one of several good options in the inexpensive sector of ......

Hotel Los Portales

Take a seat in one of the rocking chairs around the front courtyard and listen to the water spilling from ......

Hotel Pass Home

Located four blocks from the bus terminal and five from the historic center, Hotel Pass Home is a convenient place ......

Hotel El Paso

On the second floor of a colonial-era building is the Hotel El Paso, a good mid-range hostel choice in Popayán. ......

Koala Inn

On the outside, the Koala Inn looks nondescript. But once mounting the steps up to the inn, you find yourself ......

Hotel Manhattan

With over 30 years of experience, Hotel Manhattan provides travelers with a restful spot to stay in the colonial heart ......

Hotel Casa López

A very understated sign, a solitary H, marks the Casa López. The López have lovingly converted this home that has ......

Hotel Guaduales del Pacífico

Hotel Guaduales is built of traditional architecture of this region, of giant bamboo. These rooms are simple--a bit rough, but ......

Hotel El Dorado

An up-stairs hotel, El Dorado is one of the oldest lodging options in Tumaco, serving travelers for over 35 years. ......

Hotel Barranquilla

The most luxurious inn out at Playa El Morro, Hotel Barranquilla is a sharp, high rise with well out-fitted rooms: ......

No-Name Hospedaje

Simple, simple, simple describes this Coconuco hotel. A non-descript green building with a second-floor balcony and carved doors, it is ......

Estanco Oficial Residencias

The cheapest place to stay in Coconuco is Estanco Oficial Residencias: Official Liquor Store Inn. In the front is where ......

Residencias Cubita

Simple and plain is this small, four-room hotel. But the rooms are large, each with two beds. A few potted ......

Cabañas

Escape to the tranquility of Parque Nacional Natural Puracé. At Pilimbalá the ranger station are three A-frame cabañas for rent. ......

Hotel Internacional El Nogal

Hotel Internacional El Nogal is one of the newer luxury inns on the Ipiales scene. The tastefully decorated rooms have ......

Imperio Real

After your long journey, just walk across the street to Hotel Imperio Real, no matter what the hour. Its dim, ......

Hotel Belmonte

Doña Olga proudly states, "This is not a luxurious place. It's basic, secure, clean and cheap"--and that is precisely what ......

Platypus

The front of this hostel has no sign announcing its name, only a drawing of this animal to greet its guests. ......

Hostal Baldeón

Conveniently located between the Catedral and the station for the Lima-bound trains, Hostal Baldeón provides you with a safe place ......

La Crillonesa

The Residencial La Crillonesa, across from the main market three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, is a popular choice ......

Hostal Grau

Hostal Grau is located a few blocks from the mercado.  Climb the staircase to the reception, and you will be ......

Hostal “El Bebedero”

This ecological-cultural inn, owned by the family of archaeologist Arturo Ruiz Estrada, offers six basic rooms, each with two beds. ......

Casa Huéspedes El Lirio

This hostel is much like the other ten that follow it along the main road through María—but with one distinction: ......

Casa Hospedaje Cucha Cuella

The courtyard is a working area for the family, with wash areas and, in one corner, a beehive adobe stove ......

Casa Hospedaje León

Sitting on the balcony overlooking the river, you can watch the waters flow and meditate on whom is to win: ......

Hostal El Dorado

El Dorado is an intimate and comfortable hostel close to the Plaza de Armas. Doña Flor offers a number of ......

El Mirador de Kuélap

This hostel offers four warm rooms, two with private bathrooms and two with common bathrooms, for a bargain introductory price. ......

Rumi Huasi

The stone façade of this home-away-from-home is amusing. An occasional face smiles down at you, inviting you to come in ......

Hostal Continental

Labyrinthine hallways lead to the rooms of the Hostal Continental. The four stories echo with the comings and goings, the ......

Las Orquídeas Hospedaje Turístico

Tucked a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, in a quiet section of town, is Las Orquídeas Hospedaje Turístico. ......

Hospedaje Jenny

Hospedaje Jenny is a no-frills, friendly inn that offers habitaciones for one or two persons. All rooms are good-sized and ......

Casa-Hospedaje Laguna de los Cóndores

At first sight this is a pleasant hostel. Tourism posters and a small, flower-filled courtyard greet you. The warm rooms ......

Hospedaje del Rocío

Its sign states, "Spacious rooms—Reservations for national and international tourists." Well, this tourist certainly had reservations about Hospedaje del Rocío ......

Hostal Forteleza de Kuélap

The accommodations of this hostel are situated on the second floor of a classic colonial building. Rooms with common bath ......

Hospedaje L & L

Hospedaje L & L is a new inn sporting white-washed walls and fine-wood trim. The rooms are large and simply ......

Hospedaje Laguna de los Cóndores

This hostel, popular with tour groups, is a half-block from the Plaza de Armas. The common areas are homey. The ......

La Casona de Leymebamba

Walk into this gem, located two blocks from the Plaza, and you are welcomed by an interior garden surrounded by ......

Hotel Escobedo

The hand-painted sign greets you with promises of "modest prices," and that is just what you will receive here: A ......

Residencial El Taiquino

Four blocks from the bus terminal is Residencial Taiquino. This simple, well-worn hostel is popular with travelers of all nationalities ......

Hotel Gamboa

An old mansion is the setting for Hotel Gamboa. Upon walking in, you are immersed in the abode's age. The ......

Hotel O´Grimm

Hotel O'Grimm is a business traveler and tourist hotel in the center of Puerto Montt. In this stately, four-story inn ......

Restaurant El Tercer Ojito

Where can a self-respecting vegetarian go in Iquique to get a meal? It’s pretty hard to find a place catering ......

Capuccino Pizza

In one of the old mansions lining Paseo Baquedano is Capuccino Pizza. This bistro, though, has a lot more on ......

Boccados

On a narrow side street, just up from Paseo Baquedano, a family opens its home to provide one of Iquique’s ......

Salón de Té y Cafetería Vizzio

Salón de Te´y Caftería Vizzio is a popular Iquiqueño getaway. It’s a great place to slip away from the bustle ......

Kuchu Marka

Kuchu Marka in Aymara means “Corner of the village.” This restaurant is a charming nook on Putre’s main street. On ......

Cantaverdi

The rough-painted walls hung with Guayasamín prints, the cloth-draped ceiling, the fireplace and the heavy wooden furniture give Cantaverdi a ......

Rosamel

On the corner of the plaza is Rosamel, a simple eatery popular with local folk. The interior is warm and ......

Legado Jazz Resto Bar

In the artsy Esmeralda neighborhood is the Legado Jazz Resto Bar. Inside of this former home, bare stud walls create ......

Pub-Restaurant New Orleans

On a corner courtyard on Esmeralda in the chic Barrio Esmeralda, the flavors of ol’ Louisiane reportedly have berthed in ......

Café Las Gringas

Low playing jazz music wafts through this quarter-circle café called Las Gringas. Sunlight streams through the large windows and across ......

Salón de Té Entrelagos

Salón de Té Entrelagos is a place to go for an intimate escape from sightseeing. Its small tables are perfect ......

Café Haussmann

This small café, with only four booths and a counter, is Café Haussmann, locally famed for two reasons. One is ......

Fuente Valdiviana

Kunstmann isn't the only bräumeister in town. Fuente Valdiviana only serves another one of the city's beers, Valbier, on tap. ......

La Última Frontera

La Última Frontera proclaims itself to be the last frontier of cafés and rock and roll. The maze of rooms ......

Restaurant Yang Cheng

A calm, elegant atmosphere is what Restaurant Yang Cheng presents to its customers. Its menu has a large range of ......

Restaurant La Estrella

Tuck the napkin into the collar and chow down while watching the goings on at the Feria Fluvial and remeros ......

Sur Andes

Vegetarians can count on suitable dishes at Sur Andes. Mostly the plates are of vegetables with rice, though tofu and ......

Restaurant Martín Pescador

Each day the menu is different at Restaurant Martín Pescador. Depending on what ingredients are available, owner-chef Tatiana creates elegant, ......

Cocina Americana

Despite what its name may imply to foreigners, Cocina American does not specialize in U.S. cuisine. Rather this home-spun restaurant ......

Restaurant de Turismo Patagonia

Restaurant de Turismo Patagonia has the simple, understated elegance of a small village restaurant. Pull up a folding chair at ......

Club Croata

Club Croata is the meeting place for Porvenir’s Croatian community, though anyone is welcomed to partake of the delicious food ......

Restaurant, Hotel Rosas

The restaurant of Hotel Rosas is a popular place to eat for both locals and tourists alike. Its menu features ......

Restaurant, Hostería Yendegaia

Hostería Yendegaia not only does a first-class job on providing lodging for travelers coming to Porvenir, but also in feeding ......

Restaurante Sabores del Mundo

Commonly called just Restaurant Sabores, this is one of Punta Arena’s more popular stops for lunch or dinner. The restaurant ......

El Estribo

If wandering around the wilds of the Patagonia has piqued your stomach into wanting to taste the offerings of this ......

Lomit’s

Lomit’s is quite the hit with Puntarenses (a person from Punta Arenas) and foreigners alike. This eatery serves up typical ......

Restaurant Arco Iris

Before Restaurant Arco Iris opens its doors, a line is already forming outside the door. This tenedor libre restaurant has ......

Jano’s Restaurant

Jano’s Restaurant has it all: 15 types of colaciones (daily specials), pizzas, all styles of sandwiches. There are boards of ......

Restaurant Don Omar

Café Restaurant Don Omar is a much-frequented, small eatery only a few doors down from Osorno’s Plaza de Armas. Its ......

Restaurante Dalí

Dalí is an up-scale bistro tucked in a corner of Patio Freire’s courtyard. The rounded and angular walls of this ......

Pizzaría-Café DiPiazza

Pizarría-Café DiPiazza prepares 25 types of pizza bedded on masa pan (thick) or masa piedra (thin) crust. Vegetarians will ogle ......

Patagonia Deli

Patagonia Deli is, indeed, located in the Patagonia of Chile. With the variety of sandwiches it serves, it could qualify ......

Kalabaza

Kalabaza is a small eatery with little for the vegetarian, but much for those wanting to experience the ultimate in ......

Degustarte

A taste of art is precisely what you get at Desgustarte. In the gastronomic world, the chefs use local ingredients ......

Portal del Sur

Portal del Sur is just a hole-in-the-wall eatery with a half-dozen tables crowded into the small space. The sole meal ......

Restaurant Don Teo

Just a few blocks from the bus terminal is Restaurant Don Teo, an inexpensive, bare bones diner (though it does ......

Madre Tierra

Madre Tierra promises cocina de montaña (mountain cooking) and cultura (culture) to its dining clientele. It succeeds in accomplishing just ......

Buonatesta

Buonatesta is a bit more than a typical Italian restaurant. Yes, the staff prepare pastas. The restaurant also has a ......

Suiza

Sometimes you just have to give in to a bit of sin - the Suiza is willing to help. This restaurant ......

Arabian Café Restaurant

On a side street, a half-block from busy O’Higgins are the aromas and flavors of the Orient. Outside on the ......

Restaurant ¡école!

Vegetarians can get wonderful healthy meals at école! This cozy restaurant prepares delicious international dishes with fresh local produce. Home-made ......

Restaurant Ruca Hueney

Ruca Hueney is another one of the inexpensive eateries on Urrutia. It has a pleasant sidewalk café in front, or ......

Sanguruchos

If you are craving to delve into the fascinating world of Chilean sandwiches, Sanguruchos is the place to go. This ......

Restaurant Coronado

One of the cheapest places to eat in Pucón is Restaurant Coronado. This diner serves up Chilean home cooking. Not ......

Restauro-Bar The Travellers

Restauro-Bar The Travellers is a de rigueur diner on the international journeyers’ itinerary. This restaurant’s menu is just as international ......

Mirador del Lago

On a point of land jutting into Lago Villarrica is a wooden building of modern architectural lines. At whichever table ......

Grapa

Grapa — meaning "Gracias Padre," Thank you, Father — is a dream come true for an Argentine-Chilean couple. This new ......

Restaurant La Parrilla de Miguel

On chilly evenings, a snapping fire warms the polished, yet rustic, décor of Restaurant La Parrilla de Miguel. The best ......

Restaurant Rukayiael Kokaví

Restaurant Rukayiael Kokaví serves up the age-old recipes of the original people of the Araucanía region, the Mapuche. The desayuno ......

Restaurant El Toltén

Restaurant El Toltén is the place to go for good Chilean home cooking at a price that won’t break the ......

Vieja Habana Salsoteca

Salsa had its roots in Cuban son rhythms almost a century ago. With time, the music got spicier, taking on ......

Scala Club

Scala Club is a classy old place. A wide staircase leads up to the anteroom, with couches and overstuffed chairs ......

Restaurant Mi Casa

Restaurant Mi Casa is a pleasant surprise on the budget dining scene in Arica. In an older home, Mi Casa ......

Restaurant Maracuyá

In an old beach house sprawling the coast between Arica and Playa El Laucho is one of the city’s most ......

Terra Amata

From the heights of El Morro, a building below catches the eye, spiraling like a seashell. A block from Catedral ......

Pizzaiola

From behind the lime trees that line the small front patio, colleagues meet, lovers tryst and others people watch the ......

El Andén

On the platform of the old Arica-La Paz station is a fine dining experience to be had while waiting for ......

El Molino Viejo

The interior of El Molino Viejo recreates the feeling of an old mill turned restaurant, but with a touch of ......

Heladería-Cafetería La Fontana

Finding a cup of real coffee can be difficult in Arica. Everyone seems to have only instant and charge a ......

Café Latino

Café Latino is one of four cheap eateries in a row next to the Express Líder supermarket. Like its neighbors ......

Govindas

At Govindas, the Hare Krishnas are leading La Revolución de la Cuchara—The Spoon Revolution. Introducing Arica to the vegetarian lifestyle, ......

Boccatto da Cardenale

During the day, folks come to Boccatto da Cardenale to relax on the front patio, enjoy a leisurely coffee and ......

Restaurant Comida Pakistaní

Primarily serving the resident Pakistani community in Tacna, Restaurant Comida Pakistaní also opens its doors to the public at large. ......

Fu-Lin Restaurant Vegetariano

It’s a small corner affair, but a great refuge for vegetarians (and vegans, for that matter). The Chinese owners of ......

Benvenuti Trattoria

A newcomer to Tacna’s dining scene, Bevenuti Trattoria has already been welcomed by a loyal following of customers. Its luncheon ......

Las Cañas

Built purely of bamboo cane, roofed with petate mats, Las Cañas is a pleasant place to enjoy a liesurely breakfast, ......

Chifa Nam Kug

Chifa Nam Kug allows a break from Peruvian and Nasca’s usual Italian offerings. Following in the great tradition of chifas ......

Restaurant-Bar Vía La Encantada

Restaurant Vía La Encantada does lead you to an enchanted land of international dishes with French and Thai flairs to ......

Da Silva House

By day the front space is a beverage store. But peer beyond the open shelves stocked with multi-colored bottles. Behind ......

Restaurant La Sirena

On the large front porch of La Sirena, a group of travelers share stories as they await the quick arrival ......

Restaurant Moroni

On the very shores of the lake is Restaurant Moroni, the only bistro in Huacachina that affords you an up-close ......

The Mossone

The Mossone has been around since those olden days when people came to this oasis to bathe in the medicinal ......

Restaurant-Bar Desert Nights

Journeyers staying at Huacachina are raving about the food at Restaurant-Bar Desert Nights. Tastily prepared Peruvians and international dishes are ......

Lovera

If your schedule doesn’t allow for you to make a special trip out to a bodega near Ica, sit down ......

Restaurant Vegetariano El Paraíso

Slip into the sunny-colored retreat of the Restaurant Vegetariano El Paraíso. This two-room eatery provides a respiite from the bustling ......

Restaurant Riollo

Restaurant Riollo is one of several inexpensive family eateries on this block. The main feature during lunch is the daily ......

El Chorito

Hostal Santa María’s restaurant, El Chorito, is one of Paracas finest dining establishments. Crystal and white linen is the theme, ......

Johnny y Jennifer

Out of the more up-scale restaurants along the malecón, Johnny y Jennifer consistently dishes up well-prepared food. Meals are generous, ......

Restaurant Row

Along the malecón Boulevard Playa Chaco are a number of restaurants. The ones flanking either end of the beach are ......

Pizzaría Villanova

For a break from seafood and the usual Peruvian cuisine, Pizzaría Villanova is the place to go. Ten types of ......

El Tiburón

El Tiburón has all bases covered. It’s a restaurant that specializes in typical Peruvian food, like all manners of fish, ......

La Cabaña

Etched-glass doors mark the entrance to La Cabaña, one of Huancabamba’s many inexpensive restaurants. Original paintings and shelves of Chulucanas and ......

Café New York

Once upon a time, Felix went to New York City and fell in love with that “Center of the World.” ......

La Mamacha

La Mamacha is the get-away for vegetarians seeking refuge from Huanchaco’s sea food menus. This small bistro serves vegetarian sandwiches ......

Restaurante Turístico El Brujo

Restaurante Turístico El Brujo is a tourist getaway from the crazy border and the town of Tumbes. The apple-green and ......

Restaurant Arriba Perú

Restaurant Arriba Perú is just off the Panamericana. This orange-trimmed, blue and white diner sports a wraparound porch that's great ......

Restaurant Sun Beach

After a day of surfing lessons with Coco, refuel through the food, view and refreshing breeze at the family’s rustic ......

Budabar Restaurant-Lounge

Budabar is the place to go anytime of the day, for anything from breakfast ($1.50-2.70) to a nightcap ($2.70-4). This ......

El Rincón del Sabor

The wait staff hops from table to table, filling the orders of the lunch hour crowd. Many of the diners ......

Chifa Wa Look

Chifa Wa Look serves very authentic Chinese dishes with savory sauces and ingredients you don’t often find, like snow pea ......

Restaurant Vegetariano Vida y Salud

In the crowded market of vegetarian restaurants in Piura, Vida y Salud stands out for its economical meals and closeness ......

Restaurante Margaritas

This diner is haughtily proud of the fact that many tour groups stop here on trips to Lago Tarapoto. The ......

Restaurante Tucunare

Restaurante Tucunare is nothing fancy—just a large, simply dressed eatery serving nothing but down-to-earth meals. It is also one of ......

Perros Fredy

Perros Fredy is more than just hot dogs and hamburgers. It also has some simple à la carte dishes, like ......

Mosshe’s Bar

This corner bar is where people meet to have a drink at the end of a long, hot day. Outside ......

Club de Billares y Cafetería Barbacoas

From even before the pericos begin their morning song to way after they come home to roost, folks are as ......

Tierras Amazónicas

The menu is a plank of wood befitting for the jungle artifact space that is Tragadero y Beberdero Tierras Amazónicas. ......

Mimo’s

Need to cool down on a sultry day? Mimo’s is the place to go for any kind of ice cream ......

Cozinha Fazenda

Cozinha da Fazenda is a truly international restaurant here at the triple border. With a Portuguese name in Spanish-speaking Leticia, ......

Restaurante Tropical

The décor of Restaurante Tropical is just as delightful as the food it serves. Jungle kitsch abounds amongst the plants ......

Restaurante El Sabor

Restaurante El Sabor is one of the old standbys for visitors to Leticia and for locals, too. It offers no ......

Restaurante Sancho Panza

On Leticia’s main drag is Restaurante Sancho Panza, a favorites eatery for villagers of more modest means. The front veranda ......

Restaurante Govindas

In a worn dining room, the young man pulls himself away from the video about natural healing to take your ......

Asadero Hato Grande

Meat-and-potatoes lovers can get their fill of their favorite dish, Colombian style. Asadero Hato Grande serves authentic carne asada a ......

El Saman del Parque

For any meal of the day, drop by El Saman del Parque, just a few doors down from Villavicencio’s cathedral. ......

Restaurant, Hotel Brisa del Nevado

Hotel Brisa del Nevado’s restaurant is a surprising member of Güicán’s meager dining scene. Its two rooms are smartly decorated ......

Restaurant, Hotel La Sierra

Hotel La Sierra looks like an old garage, but at mealtimes its five cloth-covered tables are crammed with people. Breakfast ......

Comidas Rápidas Selecta

Comidas Rápidas Selecta fills with Güicán residents looking for a quick bite to eat in the evening, especially after mass. ......

Café-Bar Escocés

Café-Bar Escocés is a newly opened intimate meeting place on the corner of the plaza in El Cocuy. Low rainbow ......

Disco T-K

Join the locals in closing out a Friday market day at Disck T-K Fogata, the town’s only discoteca. It’s time ......

Asadero Nortibrasas

Asadero Nortibrasas is a good choice for a break from the hotel-restaurant scene and their typical Colombian fare. In the ......

Cafetería y Comidas Rápidas Donde Lilia

Cafetería y Comidas Rápidas Donde Lilia is the place to go for a late breakfast or a quick mid-morning snack. ......

Guarapos

Guarapos is another dance club in Villa de Leyva where you can dance to rumba music until dawn. It prides ......

La Tasca

Where do locals and visitors alike go to shake down to some fine dance music? To La Tasca. Massive green ......

La Alcazaba

La Alcazaba is the center of the Bohemian scene in Villa de Leyva, the café-bar where its intellectuals, writers and ......

Cine Bar El Patriarca

It’s show time in Villa de Leyva! Instead of just hanging out at a bar, sucking down a beer, sink ......

Chichería El Pote

The scent of eucalyptus crushed beneath footfall wells within the small space of Chichería El Pote. Pull up a rough-hewn ......

Restaurante Guananí

Restaurante Guananí provides a break from the standard Colombian and haute cuisine eateries in town. This bistro specializes on German ......

Heladería Los Indios

Heladería Los Indios is said to have the best ice cream in Villa de Leyva—and it is mighty good. Even ......

La Tienda de Teresa

Tienda de Teresa is a good place to fuel up on a hearty Boyacense breakfast ($1.40-2.60) or cazuela boyacense ($2.30) ......

Restaurante Don Quijote

Take table in the patio or the 400-year-old kitchen of this colonial house and take a gander at the eclectic ......

Pizzaría Olivas y Especias

On the corner of the main plaza is one of the most recommended pizzerias in Villa de Leyva. This rather ......

Restaurante Zarina

Restaurante Zarina is an intimate bistro of only four tables, a perfect place for a romantic candlelight dinner. Its Colombian-Lebanese ......

Hechizo de la Luna

Hechizo de la Luna—Moonstruck—you shall be eating at one of Villa de Leyva’s best pizzarias. The moon theme threads through ......

Chepa Chaves

Chepa Chaves, the legend goes, was a charming young women who arrived one day in turn-of-the-20th-century Villa de Leyva. Many ......

Restaurante Casa Blanca

Many hostels in Villa de Leyva recommend Restaurante Casa Blanca to their guests as an inexpensive dining choice. The diner ......

Té y Café Saloom

A quick breakfast or snack, or a close-out-the-evening tea and treat can be partaken at Té y Café Saloom. (Despite ......

Asadero La Villa

At the entrance of Asadero La Villa is and enclosed fire pit. In the flames, meats roast on an upright ......

Restaurant Xirrus

Restaurant Xirrus specializes in vegetarian, vegan and organic cuisine with novo-Colombian flair. À la carte dishes include wraps with a ......

El Fogón de la Gallina

El Fogón de la Gallina is much the same as its neighbor, Restaurante La Parrilla, just a few doors up. ......

Restaurante La Parrilla

Restaurante La Parrilla is a popular choice amongst locals and Colombian families having to watch their pennies a bit. The ......

Pastelería Francesa

For an escape from Colombia—albeit for a moment—walk into Pastelería Francesa. This small café of old-style wooden showcases, photos of ......

Restaurante El Wuashi

Restaurante El Wuashi may have one of the most expensive, modern hotels in Cabo de la Vela, but its restaurant ......

Hospedaje y Restaurante Donde Mamicha

One of the more popular eateries amongst tour groups and vacationing families is Donde Mamiche. This blue and white restaurant ......

Restaurant Isa

A cane-slat picket fence zigzags around a sand-floored restaurant. Within this small space are only two tables. Like the old ......

Asados Mana

Just before dusk, a few tables are put out on the sidewalk and the ever-present barbecue grill is fired up. ......

No-name restaurant

This simple, egg-shell white building with leaf-green roll-up doors restaurant with no name is one of the few dining choices ......

Restaurante, Hotel Juyasirian

In the cool shade of an enramada on the back patio is the restaurant at Hotel Juyasirian. Parrots and macaws ......

Restaurante Manaure Beach

Restaurante Manaure Beach is, as you can expect, right on the shore. The main restaurant is a large, open-sided kiosk ......

Restaurante La Negra

Restaurante La Negra is one of the very few real restaurants in Manaure. At lunch time, the tables inside and ......

Heladería y Refresquería Marce

To seek refuge from the ardent Manaure sun, pull up a seat at one of the tables on the front ......

Casa Vieja Galería Bar

Inside, a small dance floor invites you to groove to the music playing—at just the right volume for this place. ......

Marianos Bar

At the corner of Avenida la Marina and the pedestrian street Carrera 8 are many yellow tables set up full ......

Restaurante-Bar La Tinaja

Restaurante-Bar La Tinaja’s menu includes typical Colombian and Guajiran dishes. However, its specialty is seafood—specifically the cazuela de mariscos, a ......

Marino’s Junior

How many ways can you fix a hotdog? Marino’s Junior has over 50 of them. No, the owner working the ......

Asados Don Pepe

At about 4 p.m., don Pepe begins firing up the grill under a tarp along Avenida la Marina. By 6 ......

Ristorante-Viñería El Sabor de Italia

Only legitimate Italian ingredients are used at El Sabor de Italia, thus guaranteeing authentic Italian flavors. Antipastos start your meal ......

Nader Delicias Árabes

Labne, garbanzo and eggplant tahini, tabboule, fattuch and chanclish ($2.65-3.70) are just some of the Arabian delicias you’ll find at ......

Restaurante El Pibe

El Pibe has arrived from Argentina and unpacked his recipes in El Rodadero. At this sidewalk restaurant you can get ......

Laùtrec Café-Bar

Laùtrec Café Bar is a bar for everyone, it is said, from straight to gay. Bodies sweating in this tropical ......

Burundun

Burundun declares itself as Santa Marta’s Bohemian hotspot. It is quite eclectic, this restaurant-bar and antique shop. Indeed, entering Burundun ......

La Puerta

Founded by the same Frenchmen who established Santa Marta’s Alliance Française, La Puerta has become the spot to go —even ......

Mañe Cayón Restaurante

Some say that the best cazuela de mariscos in Colombia is right here at Mañe Catón Restaurante. This sand-floored, lattice-wood-sided ......

Baguettina Café, Panadería y Delicattesen

Yearning for pastrami, prosciutto, salami, tocineta or imported cheeses? Here’s a deli for you: Baguettina. All sorts of thick sandwiches ......

Deli Krem

Sometimes the only thing that will really take away the sting of a blistery day is ice cream. Most locals ......

Donde Chucho

Tucked in a quiet corner across from the Parque de los Novios is Donde Chucho, one of Santa Marta’s premier ......

Ben & Josep

Ben & Josep serves other dishes, but let’s talk about what has made this place famous: the steaks. Not just ......

Restaurante Lucky Hong Kong

For a different kind of typical set lunch, drop by Restaurante Lucky Hong Kong for Chinese food. The set-plate lunch ......

Tama Café

Tama Café is a great place to slip in and chat while having an excellent, strong mug of organic coffee. ......

Ostras El Juancho

One evening I told the folks at the hotel, “Gee, I have such a craving for seafood.” They looked at ......

Crêpes Expresso Café Bar

Each named after writers and other figures of French culture, the crêpes at Crêpes Expresso Café Bar are haute cuisine. ......

Govinda

Like its sister location in Barranquilla, the Hare Krishna's Govinda restaurant location here in Santa Marta is a small, upstairs ......

Restaurante Mi Pueblo

Restaurante Mi Pueblo is one of those neighborhood eateries crowded with folks at lunchtime and into the evening. The folks ......

Piche Caliche Café Bar

Piche Caliche is a serious party bar. It claims to be the best "Wild On" rumba in the city. It ......

Bar Restaurante La Cueva

La Cueva is said to be the bar of the friends of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Well, La Cueva of today ......

Pepe Anca Steakhouse & Bar

Pepe Anca has to be Barranquilla’s finest steakhouse. Everything has been done up right, from the menu to the interior ......

Restaurante El Huerto

Since 1986 Restaurante El Huerto has been preparing meals and baked goods for vegetarians and dieters. Its luncheon special is ......

Restaurante Sarab

The menu of Restaurante Sarab is typical Middle Eastern. Order labne, fatuch, tahini, taboule, falafel, kabobs, shwarma, and other delicacies ......

Restaurante Country

Yes, even in ritzy Barrio El Prado you can get a fast food at a very comfortable price. At lunch ......

Restaurante La Castellana

Look for the restaurant tucked way back from the street and down a long hall to find Restaurante La Castellana. ......

Govinda

Climb the steps to the second floor and push open the door on your right. As you step into the ......

Pastelería Organización Gers

This bakery shop may not have the most usual name, but Pastelería Organización Gers sure creates some mighty delicious temptations. ......

Donde Tatiana

Donde Tatiana is where many Bogotanos go to have the lunch or dinner special ($1.601.70). Choose from a variety of ......

El Bolón Verde

Creative haute cuisine dished up with sweet jazz awaits you at El Bolón Verde. The eats cannot get more inspired ......

Capachos Asadero

If your itinerary doesn’t include a hop down to Villavicencio and the Colombian plains, you can still try mamona at ......

Restaurante Café Israelí L’Haim

Hummus, matbuja, falafel, shawarma (lamb, veal or chicken), lafa, zoarim, shakshuka: any Middle Eastern comfort food that your stomach has ......

Restaurante Vegetariano Loto Azul

For more than two decades Restaurante Vegetariano Loto Azul has been serving Bogotanos and foreigners delicious vegetarian food. Besides whipping ......

Masai Mara Safari Discoteca-Bar

Ask locals what the most happening dance spot is in San Gil, many will tell you Masai Mara. Yeah, everyone ......

Galería y Cafetería La Polita

Considered by some to have the best coffee in San Gil, La Polita is much more than just a good ......

Restaurante Kowloon Dragones

Find Chinese restaurants in every corner of Colombia, even in San Gil. Restaurante Kowloon Dragones presents the visitor with a ......

Bar-Restaurante Carnes y Carnes

Nothing more than a mere a banner pronounces Carnes y Carnes. Unbeknownst to the casual passer-by, beyond the gate is ......

Pizzaría La Ricotta

Located up the hill, near several schools and the university, Pizzaría La Ricotta serves up oven-hot pizza at student prices. ......

La Casona Criolla

For heaping helpings of good ol' Colombian food, drop by the very popular La Casona Criolla. Pull up a table ......

El Garage Bar

El Garage Bar is the longest-operating nightclub in Taganga. Whereas Matasuegra is more a locals’ hangout, Garage’s clientele is almost ......

Matasuegra

At first glance, this word seems to mean “Kill Mother-In-Law”—but this bar actually takes its name from a type of ......

Restaurante Las Velas

Restaurante Las Velas is one of Taganga's finest restaurants, if not the finest. It offers a full menu, from entradas ......

Restaurante Bitácora

Word is spreading fast about Restaurante Bitácora. With well-prepared foods and a seaview porch shaded by potted plants and match-stick ......

Las Baguettes de María

Where do people go to get a nice hot sandwich, its sauce just beginning to seep into the soft interior ......

Restaurante Algarabia

With recipes learned from Yaya, Francón’s grandmother, Restaurante Algarabia imparts traditional Spanish cooking to the Barichara tourist. From tortilla española ......

Restaurante Color de Hormiga

Color de Hormiga proclaims itself as Comida Atípica —that is precisely what you’ll find here. Much of its menu is ......

Restaurante Patiamarillo

Restaurante Patiamarillo is a clean, well-lit space, with clothed tables and wooden chairs awaiting its dining clientele. The white-washed walls ......

Bartolomé

You don’t have to come to Valledupar in April to catch live Vallenato music. Any weekend night, Bartolomé is just ......

Café de las Madres

Where do Valduparenses go when the setting sun paints the sky? To Café de las Madres, tucked behind Parque de ......

Jerusalem Express

At Jerusalem Express, Lebanese-born Ibraham and his Colombian wife have introduced Valduparenses to healthy Middle Eastern cuisine. They prepare everything ......

Restaurante Nandoburguer

Despite the name, Restaurante Nandoburguer is much more well-known on the local circuit for the hearty home-cooked meals it whips ......

Restaurante Muralla China

Valledupar’s resident Chinese restaurant, Muralla China, has over 80 Sino dishes as well as a few international ones. Start off ......

Restaurante-Café-Bar El Rancho

If you want the restaurant or café, then head down the stairs. To savor a Colombian beer or a trago, ......

Casa de Tarzan

Au-au-au-au-aaauuu. Yes, greet your host in the traditional manner as you walk into the Casa de Tarzan. With rough-paneled walls ......

Restaurante-Cafetería Hotel Los Ídolos

In the front covered courtyard of the Hotel Los Ídolos is another cheap San Agustín eatery. The friendly women here ......

Restaurante-Bar La Casona de San Agustín

One of San Agustín’s finest restaurants has class from the furnishing to the menu. Cuisine covers the gamut of poultry ......

Restaurante La Terraza

Upstairs, above the Banco Agrario, a large orange and white space greets you, made even brighter by the great windows ......

Restaurante Brahama

As you’re heading out one early morning to the Parque Arqueológico, stop by Restaurante Brahama for pancakes, with chocolate or ......

Pizza Mania

Just a half-block from the main square, under the soft, hot-pink light, one of San Agustín’s few forays into international ......

Hotel Colonial Asadero y Restaurante

The candle’s light gleams off the glass covering the red-clothed table. The bowl of hearty soup has already arrived, and ......

Calle de los Mariachis

When I heard Bucaramanga has a Calle de los Mariachis, visions of Mexico City's Plaza Garibaldi began crooning in my ......

Fritanga

Beneath a centuries-old almond tree, you’ll find a market-like place. In today’s zephyr, the signs wave, whispering Donde Lola, Donde ......

Pizzaría Asturias

On this Friday evening a cooling breeze sways the palms lining this verandah in time to the music drifting from ......

Repostería Berna

Swiss-owned Repostería Berna is a time-honored place to have a morning treat or afternoon tea. Select a table on one ......

La Cocina de la Abuela

If you’re craving some of grandma’s cooking hot off the stove, even if it’s the middle of the night, then ......

Govindas

Govindas is an Indian vegetarian delight, brought courtesy of the Hare Krishnas. For a healthy, flavorful lunch pull up a ......

Restaurante Vegetariano y Tienda Naturalista Jiarit

Does Cúcuta ever have a surprise for you, vegetarians—over a half-dozen restaurants to feed your needs. Jiarit is one of ......

El Castillo de Job

In the front courtyard of an old castle, beneath the shade of a large tree, Doña Claudia grills up fish, ......

Pastelería y Biscochería La Araña de Oro

Mission Impossible: Finding a brewed coffee in downtown Cúcuta. Awakening, that is just what I needed. No, not the sugared, ......

Discoteca, Hotel Cariongo

Who do Pamploneses go on Friday and Saturday nights for a bit more elegant dancing? They say to the discoteca ......

Siux Coffee Bar

A comfortable, dimly lit establishment that serves mostly liquor and little coffee. Despite the canned music that at times can ......

Restaurante El Solar

This classy, yet rustic dining hall of worn brick and wood is a pleasing atmosphere in which to sit down ......

Restaurante Desayunadero El Arreiro

An airy restaurant constructed of plaited bamboo slat walls, Restaurante Desayunadero El Arreiro prepares simple criolla dishes. Sit down at ......

Restaurante Govinda

In the courtyard of the Hare Krishna-run Hostal Santa Clara in the fourth chakra of Pamplona is Restaurante Govinda, providing ......

Jirafa´s Bar

When I asked where a woman could go alone and have a drink, several people recommended Jirafas Bar. No, you ......

Bar Karaoke Fuego Verde

Attention, attention: Tonight’s off-key singing to music videos is being pre-empted by the Nacional-La Equidad soccer game on the big-screen ......

Pizza y Lasagna

This restaurant announces on its banner that it also has Mexican food like burritos and tacos. But most days your ......

Restaurante y Cafetería Las Delicias

Down an alley alongside the market is Restaurante y Cafetería Las Delicias. At the noon hours, this place is packed ......

La Esperanza—Restaurante Típica

La Esperanza brings a hungry traveler’s stomach the best in typical Santandereano food, most fresh from local farms: trout, other ......

Pubs Blue Bar

Soft light bathes the dark-blue walls of Pubs Blue Bar. No, this drinking hole doesn’t specialize in Blues music. You’re ......

La Rumba

Outside the front door, doña Agustina sits on a stool welcoming tonight’s imbibers and dancers. She charges no entry nor ......

Restaurante Chef

Another comedor that gets crowded at lunch time, Restaurante Chef serves Capitanejo’s typical comida corrientes, or blue-plate specials: cabro (large ......

Restaurante La Piragua

Restaurante La Piragua offers excellent, home-cooked meals that go on cloven hoof, wing and—occasionally—fin. The Santandereano classic dish, cabro (goat) ......

Asadero Rokoko

If you get tired of the cabro lunches and can’t quite afford a meal of range-raised hen, then bop across ......

Macondo

Los Cien Años de Macondo—or just Macondo, as many locals call it—is a viejoteca, featuring pre-1980 bohemia. Is it just ......

Pussini Café-Bar

Pussini Café-Bar is a great place to prender la rumba--get the party fired up. The lights are soft, the music ......

Trigos

Grab a basket and the tongs--it's time to hit the bakery. Trigos has an incredible selection of fresh-baked breads--raisin, cheeses, ......

Ristorante-Caffe La Buona Vita

A Tuscany-country feel pervades every one of the many rooms and patio of the well-appointed Ristorante-Caffe La Buona Vita. Is ......

Parrilla y Son Restaurante-Bar

The second floor of a colonial building has been converted into a popular restaurant. The main breakfast and lunch area ......

Restaurante Vegetariano Roma

Upon walking in, Restaurante Vegetariano Roma appears small, with only a few tables. But head up the staircase to the ......

Restaurante China

The delivery men are hustling, picking up orders and running out to their awaiting motorbikes. The food here at Restaurante ......

Restaurante Pila del Mono

On a corner plaza guarded by the Monkey in his fountain is one of Tunja's finest dining establishments, Restaurante Pila ......

Restaurante Vegetariano Saludable Delicia

Saludable Delicia lives up to its name, providing delicious, healthful meals to travelling vegetarians. Mornings, the shop sells baked goods, ......

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