SECOND PART
Punctual as never before, my plane n. 1,896 of the Turkish Airlines Company in the direction of Ataturk Airport, located in Bakırköy fraz of Istanbul in Turkey, (return ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Bogotà with a stopover in Istanbul: Euro 468.01).
Punctual arrival at 6.40 pm, at Ataturk Airport, located in Bakırköy fraz of Istanbul in Turkey. There is 1 hour of time zone, compared to Italy.
Punctual as never before from Ataturk Airport, located in Bakırköy fraz of Istanbul in Turkey at 02.10 am, my plane no. 0175 of the Turkish Airlines Company in the direction of El Dorado International Airport in Bogotà (Colombia), (return ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Bogotà with a stopover in Istanbul: Euro 468.01).
I therefore arrive at 08.00 am, at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotà (Colombia), located about 13 km north-west of the city. There are 7 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Colombia for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 60 days.
Keep in mind that inside the El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, it is possible to exchange money at advantageous rates, similar to those in downtown Bogotá. For example, on 22/05/2016 I changed at the following rate: 1 Euro = COP $ 3.180.
From El Dorado International Airport in Bogotà (Colombia), to reach the center of Bogotà it is necessary to take the free shuttle called "16-14 Aeropuerto" which leaves between Puerta 7 and Puerta 8 every 10 minutes from 4.00 to 23.00 and arrives in about 10 minutes at Portal El Dorado, and then the TransMillenio J6 bus to the Universidades stop, which is located next to Las Aguas Station which can be reached via an underground tunnel.
To use the Bogota TransMillenio urban transport system, it is necessary to have a Tarjeta, which can be purchased at any desk at each stop. There are different types but the most useful for a tourist is the Frecuente Customer Tarjeta, which costs COP $ 2,000 and can be loaded up to a maximum of COP $ 85,000 and is valid not only on Trans Millennium buses but also on SITP vehicles. Keep in mind that the fares for each single ride are COP $ 1,500 or COP $ 1,800 and vary depending on whether it is rush hour or not.
TransMillenio buses run frequently and operate from 5.00 to 0.15 from Monday to Saturday and from 5.55 to 11.15 on Sunday.
To reach the Cerro de Monserrate cable car and funicular station from Las Aguas Station, it is possible to take a short 20-minute walk uphill in a north-easterly direction, bearing in mind that the area is safe only on Sunday Morning when there are many pilgrims around. Alternatively, take a minibus (free on Sundays) or a taxi for COP $ 5,000.
The peak of Monserrate mt. 3,170, can be reached in about 1 hour by walking up a steep climb of 1,500 steps (safe only on Saturday and Sunday mornings when many pilgrims travel), or by taking the funicular or the adjacent cable car. The return ticket costs COP $ 10,000, on Sunday and COP $ 17,000 from Monday to Saturday and can be used both for the cable car which operates from 7 to 24 from Monday to Saturday and from 6 to 18 on Sunday and for the Funicular which generally closes at 12.00. However, keep in mind that the latter does not reach the summit but only a short 10 minute walk uphill from it.
On the summit of Cerro de Monserrate is located the Sanctuary of the Senor de Monserrate, from which you can enjoy an exceptional view of Bogotà.
La Candelaria, which is the historic center of Bogota, can be visited safely until sunset, as it is meticulously guarded by the police. In the same there are also some Case de Cambio where you can change money.
Museums on Sunday are free in Bogota and the historic center is very crowded especially Carrera 7.
To reach the Bus Terminal, located about 5 km west of the historic center in the La Salitre district, the cheapest way is to take the Transmillenio to El Tiempo station, located along the M86 / K86 and J6 / lines. K6.
Once out of the aforementioned station, cross the pedestrian bridge on the right and then take the sidewalk on the right. At this point, go straight on for a block and a half to Carrera 69 and then turn left between the Chamber of Commerce and the Worl Business Port buildings. Then continue for 5 blocks passing by the Maloka on the left and cross two pedestrian bridges (respectively on Calle 24a and Av La Speranza), then continue for 300 meters. on the sidewalk until you reach the terminal. Walk this route only during the day as safety is not guaranteed after sunset.
From module 2 (blue) of the Bogota bus terminal I bought the ticket of the Berlinas Company, for Santa Marta, in second class, at a price of COP $ 62,000. The double-decker bus (the first in first class the second in second class), has a bathroom and a small snack is served in the same. The bus leaves at 16.00 and takes about 17 hours to reach Santa Marta. There are several buses a day that operate this route, even from other companies such as Omega and Copetran.
The Santa Marta Bus Station is located in the south-eastern outskirts of the city and can be reached from the center by taking one of the frequent minibuses that depart from Carrera 1C on the sea side. To reach the center from the Bus Station, exit it, walk for about 100 meters. until you reach the busy main road. Cross it without getting hit and wait for one of the minibuses headed to the center and to the Mercado. The fare, which lasts about 20 minutes, is 1,700 copies and is paid directly to the driver before getting off. These minibuses run from Carrera 5 and therefore also stop next to Plaza de la Catedrale upon request.
To reach Cartagena from Santa Marta, it is possible to take one of the minibuses that depart every hour from the aforementioned Terminal. The cost of the ticket that can be taken at the desk before boarding or after boarding the bus is COP $ 24,000. The minibus also stops in Barranquilla and also stops everywhere on request. The trip lasts 4 hours.
Usually most of the buses coming from any location in Colombia arrive at the Terminal de Transporte, located on the eastern outskirts of the city. To reach the center you need to take a Metrocar Bus just outside the Terminal, at a price of 2,000 COP $. You pay the driver before getting off. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Cartagena is the most touristic city in Colombia and its historic center protected by Unesco is guarded by 2,000 policemen and appears safe even at night. You can easily get around it on foot.
From the Terminal de Transporte, located on the eastern outskirts of Cartagena, I bought the ticket of Compagnia Brasilia, for Medellin, at a price of COP $ 130,000. The bus has a bathroom. The bus leaves at 21.30 and takes about 12/13 hours to reach the Terminal del Norte in Medellin. There are several buses a day that operate this route.
From Terminal del Norte in Medellin, minibuses leave approximately every hour for Guatapè. The cost of the ticket that can be taken at the desk before boarding or after boarding the bus is COP $ 13,000. The minibus also stops at the world famous Pietra de Penol and also stops everywhere on request. The trip takes about 2 hours.
The Medellin Metro is clean and safe. The cost of a single ride is COP $ 2,150, but you can save some money by purchasing a rechargeable card.
In Medellin I slept at Kuberan Hostel, located in Carrera 41 n. 9-12 in El Poblado, one of the municipalities south of Medellin, for the price of COP $ 2,150, in a dormitory with free wifi. Clean and comfortable hostel located less than a kilometer from the El Poblado metro stop.
The Jose Marìa Cordoba International Airport of Medellin is located in Rionegro, 35 km south-east of the city. To reach it, the cheapest solution is to take a minibus of the Ombuses S.A. which starts in the center of Medellin and precisely behind the Hotel Nutibara in Carrera 50a no. 53-13. There are rides every 20 minutes from 5.00 to 21.00. The cost is COP $ 9,000. You pay before getting off the bus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
SECOND PART
Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. Leaves from Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland) at 10.30. 7I 7702 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of the International Airport Josè Marìa Cordoba in Medellin (Colombia), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes 1) Valencia (Venezuela) - Curacao, 2) Curacao - Aruba, 3) Aruba - Medellin ( Colombia): USD 273.60).
Punctual arrival at 11.00, of the International Airport Josè Marìa Cordoba in Medellin (Colombia), located in Rionegro 35 km south-east of the city. There is 1 hour of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Colombia for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 60 days.
Keep in mind that inside the Josè Marìa Cordoba International Airport in Medellin (Colombia), it is possible to change currency at very disadvantageous rates. For example, on 05/06/2016 there was the following exchange rate: 1 Euro = COP $ 2,800.
From the International Airport Josè Marìa Cordoba of Medellin to reach the center of Medellin it is necessary to take a minibus of the Ombuses SA Company which leaves outside the Arrivals Terminal every 20 minutes from 5.00 to 21.00 and arrives in the center of Medellin and precisely behind the Nutibara Hotel in Carrera 50a n. 53-13. The cost is COP $ 9,000. You pay before getting off the bus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
The Medellin Metro is clean and safe. The cost of a single ride is COP $ 2,150, but you can save some money by purchasing a rechargeable card. The stop for Terminal del Norte is the Caribe stop.
For those who intend to take a pleasant day trip from Medellin, keep in mind that from the Terminal del Norte in Medellin, minibuses leave approximately every hour for Santa Fè de Antioquia. The cost of the ticket that can be taken at the desk before boarding or after boarding the bus is COP $ 10,000. The trip takes about 2 hours.
Near the Bus Terminal of Santa Fè de Antioquia, mototaxis are stationed which, at a price of 6,000 COP $ (including one way, return and a stop for a 30-minute visit - bargain), take you to see the beautiful Puente de Occidente. located 5 km east of the city.
The beautiful colonial town of Santa Fè de Antioquia can be easily explored on foot.
To reach Bucaramanga, from Medellin, you have to go to the Terminal del Norte, where 5 or 6 buses a day run by the Cootrasaravita Company. The penultimate is at 20.00, while the last is at 22.00. The journey takes approximately 8 hours. The ticket, costing COP $ 50,000, can be purchased at the Desk of the aforementioned company. There is also a bathroom on the bus.
The Bucaramanga terminal is located about 4 km southwest of the center.
San Juan de Giròn is a beautiful colonial town just 9km southwest of downtown. To reach it, take one of the numerous buses that pass from the center of Bucaramanga, or from the state road not far from the Bus Terminal. The cost of the ticket is COP $ 2,000. You pay before getting off the bus. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
San Juan de Giròn is perfect for walking.
Bucaramanga, on the other hand, is a modern city.
To reach the Bucaramanga Terminal from the center, go to calle 15 and take the Metrobus P10. In theory, you have to buy a rechargeable card to use the Metrobus, but the lady at the desk still picked me up without a card after paying the COP $ 2,000 fare.
From the Terminal of Bucaramanga, located about 4 km south-west of the center, minibuses of the Cotrasangil Company depart every half hour, in the direction of San Gil which stop on request, after about an hour, also in front of the entrance to the Parque Nacional del Chicamocha. Cost of the ride COP $ 13,000. You pay before you get off.
The Parque Nacional del Chicamocha is open from Wednesday to Friday from 10.00 to 18.00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00. The cost of the ticket is COP $ 20,000. From the mirador you can enjoy an exceptional 360 ° panorama.
To reach the town of San Gil from the Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, it is necessary to stop the minibuses from Bucaramanga on the main road adjacent to the park entrance. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Cost of the ride COP $ 8,000. You pay before you get off.
The aforementioned minibuses finish their run at Cotrasangil Malecon Terminal, in Carrera 11, a few hundred meters southeast of Parque Libertad and 200 meters west of Parque El Gallinerai.
In San Gil you can travel either on foot or by minibus for COP $ 1,500.
In San Gil there are several ATMs, but if you need to change money you can go to Sam's Vip Hostel, located on the south-east side of Parque La Libertad. Please note that they only accept US Dollars.
From the Cotrasangil Malecon Terminal, located in Calle 15, near Rio Fonce, about 200 meters. to the west of Parque La Libertad, minibuses from the Cotrasangil Company depart every half hour from 6 am to 6.45 pm in the direction of Barichara. Cost of the ride COP $ 4,500. You pay before getting off or at the Terminal desk. The very scenic journey lasts a scant hour.
In Barichara the aforementioned minibus arrives and departs from the south east side of the Parque Principal.
The beautiful Colonial Town of Barichara is perfect for walking around.
If you want to reach Bogota, Bucaramanga, Sogamoso, Tunja, ect, you have to go back to San Gil.
The Terminal Principal of San Gil is located 3km west of the city center and the cheapest way to get there is to take a minibus which also stops on the south side of Parque La Libertad. Cost of the ride COP $ 1,500. You pay before you get off.
From the Terminal Principal of San Gil, to reach Monguì it is necessary to first go to Sogamoso and then from there take the minibus to Mongul. Keep in mind that there are very few buses a day to Sogamoso and they are sometimes full. The least used is that of 1.30 at night. The trip takes approximately 6 hours. Fare: COP $ 50,000. If all buses are full, take one of the many buses to Tunja and then change and take the bus to Sogamoso. Logically, the trip lengthens a bit.
From the Sogamoso Terminal mt. 2,569, minibuses of the Cootracero Company leave every twenty minutes, headed for Monguì. Cost of the ride COP $ 3,800. You pay before you get off. The very scenic journey lasts a scant hour.
In Monguì the aforementioned minibus arrives and leaves in the main square.
The beautiful Colonial Town of Monguì mt. 2,900, in the middle of the mountains, you can get around very well on foot.
If you want to reach Bogota, Bucaramanga, Sogamoso, Tunja, ect, you have to go back to Sogamoso.
If from the Sogamoso Bus Terminal, you want to go to Villa de Leyva, you must first take a bus or minibus to Tunja, which leaves approximately every 20 minutes. Cost of the ride COP $ 6,000. You pay on the bus. The journey takes about an hour and a half.
From the Terminal of Tunja the minibuses for Villa de Leyva leave approximately every hour. Cost of the ride COP $ 6,500. You pay before you get off. The very scenic journey takes about an hour.
The Terminal of Villa de Leyva is located on the southwestern edge of the historic center at about 300 meters. from Plaza Mayor.
The beautiful Colonial Town of Villa de Leyva mt. 2,140, in the middle of the mountains, you can get around very well on foot.
From the Terminal of Villa de Leyva, minibuses leave approximately every hour from 5. to 17.00, in the direction of the Bus Terminal of Bogota. The same also stops on request also near some Metrobu stops, also on the K line, which runs from the center to the airport. Cost of the ride COP $ 23,000. You pay before you get off. The trip takes about 3 hours.
To return to El Dorado International Airport in Bogota (Colombia), the cheapest solution is to take Metrobus line K, to Eldorado station and then line K86, to the airport.
At El Dorado International Airport in Bogota (Colombia), it is possible to change money in the Arrivals Hall.
Punctual as never before from El Dorado in Bogotà (Colombia) at 09.30 my plane no. 0175 of the Turkish Airlines Company in the direction first of Panama Airport and then of Ataturk Airport, located in Bakırköy fraz of Istanbul in Turkey, (return ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Bogota with a stopover in Istanbul: Euro 468, 01).
Punctual arrival at 10.25 am the next day at Ataturk Airport, located in Bakırköy fraz of Istanbul in Turkey.
I spend a day in Turkey. I'm going to Edirne by car.
I booked the car rental through Economy Rentals.com. The car rental company is Assist Car Rental (they do not speak English) with collection and return of the car at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Price for one day: 23 Euros.
Price of parking in Edirne: 4 Lire Taurche.
Punctual as never before from Ataturk Airport, located in Bakırköy fraz of Istanbul in Turkey at 21.45 my plane no. 1877 of the Turkish Airlines Company in the direction of the International Airport of Malensa - Va, (return ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Bogotà with a stopover in Istanbul: Euro 468.01).
Therefore, I arrive at 11.45 pm at Malpensa International Airport (Va).
My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:
http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2016/08/viaggio-in-colombia-aruba-curacao.html
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