COLOMBIA
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.
ARUBA (HOLLAND)
Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. Leaves from the International Airport Josè Marìa Cordoba in Medellin at 12.00. 7I 7703 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of the Reina Beatrix International Airport of Oranjestad (Aruba), located 3 km south-west of the center of Oranjestad, (multi-route ticket price including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).
I therefore arrive at 2.30 pm, at Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland), located about 3 km southwest of the city of Oranjestad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Aruba for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. Instead, it is necessary to have a return flight ticket.
Keep in mind that inside the Reina Beatrix International Airport of Aruba (Holland), it is not possible to change money, but only to withdraw it from ATMs. Having said that, it should be noted that even if the Aruban currency is the Aruban Florin, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere and therefore if you have dollars, you do not need to change currency. Finally, I point out that the rest is given in Florins.
From Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland), to reach the center of Oranjestad in an economical way, you need to exit the Arrivals Hall, cross the entire car park and also the main road until you find the bus stop, marked from a small sign. Every half hour from 5.00 to 23.00 every day (less frequent on Saturdays and Sundays), buses and minibuses pass from San Nicolas to the Bus Terminal and to the center of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. , all, in Wihelminastraat. You can pay the driver in USD Dollars (2.0 for minibuses and 2.5 for Buses). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
In Aruba I slept at the Guesthouse Posada San Bartola, located in Wihelminastraat 86 - 88 in Oranjestad, at the price of USD 24 (bookable through Booking), in a dormitory with free wifi. Clean and comfortable guesthouse located almost in the center.
Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba can be visited on foot and / or with the help of the Beautiful Free Tram, which runs until 5.00 pm in the evening.
To reach the Resort area and therefore the most beautiful beaches in Aruba such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, located 3/5 km north - west of Oranjestad, you need to go to the Terminal, located west of the city center and take one of the many Buses that run on this route every day from 5.00 to 23.00. You can pay either at the desk or the driver also in USD Dollars (2.5 per way). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
To reach Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (The Netherlands), you need to go to the corner of Wihelminastraat and Oranjestraat and take a minibus which leaves every day, every 20 minutes, from 5.00 to 23.00, in the direction of San Nicolas they also stop on request on the main road at 200 meters. from the Airport. You can also pay the driver in USD Dollars (2 per way). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
CURACAO (HOLLAND)
Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. Leaves from Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland) at 08.15. 7I 402 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4 ) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).
I therefore arrive at 8.50 am, at the Hato International Airport in Curacao (The Netherlands), located about 20 km north-west of the capital Willemstad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Curacao for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. Instead, it is necessary to have a return flight ticket.
Please note that outside the Terminal of Hato International Airport in Curacao (30 meters to the right for those leaving the Arrivals Hall), it is possible to change money, but usually only in the afternoon. Having said this, it should be emphasized that even if Curacao's currency is the Dutch Antillean Guilder, the US dollar is accepted everywhere and therefore if you have dollars you don't need to change currency. Finally, I would like to point out that the rest is given in Fiorini.
From Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), to reach the center of the capital Willemstad in an economical way, you need to exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right and walk for about 200 meters, pass the rent car desks and arrive at the bus stop, indicated by a small sign. Every half hour from 5.00 to 23.00 every day (less frequent on Saturdays and Sundays), buses and minibuses pass and go to the Otrobanda Bus Terminal (Willemstad) or, less frequently, to Punda ( Willemstad). You can pay the driver in USD Dollars (2.0 for minibuses and 1.5 for Buses). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Willemstad, the capital of Curacao (Holland), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot. Be careful after dark in the Otrobanda district.
To reach the beautiful town of Westpunt, located on the northwestern tip of Curacao Island, you need to take bus no. 9A departing from Otrobanda Bus Station from Monday to Sunday at 7.00, 9.00, 11.00, 13.15, 15.15, 17.15, 19.15 and 21.15. The journey takes about an hour and ends in the square in front of the Westpunt Church and Playa Grande, from which you can also walk to other interesting beaches in a few minutes. The trip costs 2.5 USD and is paid directly to the driver when boarding.
To return to Otrobanda from Westpunt, the bus times are: from Monday to Sunday at 8.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.15, 16.15, 18.15, 20.15 and 22.15.
When you leave the country of Curacao, at Hato International Airport, you must pay an exit tax of 39 USD before going to the security check, Customs and Gate. This is never included in the air ticket and is reduced to 5 USD if you stay in the country for less than 24 hours.
GUYANA
Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. Leaves from Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland) at 9.30 pm 7I 711 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of Cheddi Jagan Airport in Timehri (Guyana), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).
I therefore arrive at 11.35 pm, at the Cheddi Jagan Airport in Timehri (Guyana), located about 41 km south of the capital Georgetown. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Guyana for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days.
From Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Timehri (Guyana), to reach the center of the capital Willemstad in an economical way, it is necessary to leave the Arrivals Hall, turn right and walk for about 100 meters. and get to the bus stop. Every half hour, both day and night every day, minibus no. 42 and headed to Stabroek Market behind the Parliament, in the center of Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs 300 GYD. You pay directly to the driver when you get on.
In Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, I slept at the YWCA Hotel, the cheapest in the city, located in Brickdam Street n. 106, on the eastern outskirts of the city, 200 mt. west of the D’Urban Park for the price of GYD 2,000 per night, in the dormitory.
Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, can be visited on foot during the day or by minibuses which cost GYD 80. In the evening and at night the city is not so safe and therefore it is advisable to travel by taxi for the price of 500 GYD. for each ride in the center.
In Georgetown to change money, go to Stabroek Market or New Market Street in the section between Carmichael Street and Main Street.
If you want to reach the Suriname border, your best bet is to spend the night in the adjacent town of Corriverton, located 10km north of Moleson Creek. To get there, take a minibus from Stabroek Market behind the Parliament in downtown Georgetown, which leaves when full. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs 1,500 GYD. You pay directly to the driver before getting off. There are many trips a day from sunrise to sunset.
In Corriverton, on the Main Street (Public Road), there are several hotels close to each other. I chose to sleep at The Ritz Hotel, at a cost of 5,000 GYD per night for a double room (there are no singles). Free Wifi.
From Corriverton, to reach Moleson Creek, I took a taxi for the price of 1,000 GYD. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
Keep in mind that to reach Suriname from Moleson Creek, there is only one ferry a day, at 11.00 am, which also carries trucks and cars and takes about 45 minutes to cross the Corentyne River to South Drain in Suriname. The check in to board is open from 7.00 to 10.00, during which it is necessary to buy the ferry ticket (one way 3.140 GYD) and obtain the exit stamp from the country in the passport. You can change currency, in black, before checking in.
SURINAME
I therefore arrive at 12.45 (Suriname is one hour ahead of Guyana), at the South Drain border. Make sure you are one of the first to get off the ferry to avoid a long wait at border control.
To enter Suriname for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 60 days, it is necessary to obtain a visa by applying for it to: Embassy of the Republic of Suriname # 200 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt - 1050 Brussels - Belgium, by sending the following documents by courier:
1. Original Passport;
2. One copy of the Passport;
3. A complete filled out visa application form;
4. Copy of plane ticket;
5. Copy of Hotel reservation in Suriname;
6. Two photo;
7. Travel Itinerary;
8. Copy bank transfer of Euro € 54.20 (multiple entry two (2) months € 47.20 + applying through mail fee (secured mail EXTRA € 7, within Europe)):
Account: Embassy of the Republic of Suriname
Account number: 210 0625013 94
IBAN code: BE87 2100 6250 1394
BIC code: GEBABEBB
Keep in mind that if there are no problems, the visa is issued in a single day and the passport, paying an extra 7 Euro, is retransmitted by courier to the address you specified;
At the South Drain river border, you have to fill in 2 forms and then they stamp your passport and finally they check your baggage.
Keep in mind that in Suriname, being a former Dutch colony, everyone speaks Dutch and many also English and that almost all tourists or students are Dutch.
Keep in mind that in Suriname, many taxi drivers, hotels and travel agencies accept the euro, although in my opinion it is better to always pay Surinamese Florins (SRG), as the exchange rate applied by them is often disadvantageous.
Keep in mind that at the South Drain river border, it is not possible to change money, but that there are several exchange counters, open until late in the evening in the center of Parammaribo.
Outside the ferry and Customs terminal, various means of transport, shared taxis and minibuses await you to Nieuw Nickerie and Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname.
The best solution is to take the minibus to Paramaribo which for the price of 70 SRG, in about 3 hours and 30 ', takes all passengers, first to change money in Paramaribo (for those who need it) and then in front of the Hotel or address you desired. It starts when full.
In Paramaribo I slept at Guesthouse Un Pied-à-Terre located 1 km north of the historic center in Costerstraat 59, Telephone: +597470488, for the price of 18 Euros, for a single room, including wifi and free computer use.
In the center of Paramaribo, whose historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you can easily walk alone until 10 in the evening. Beyond this time it is better to move on foot.
To go to French Guiana you must first reach the border town Albina and to do so you can take Bus (9 SRG) and minibus (30 SRG) or collective taxis (70 SRG) departing from Paramaribo, but keep in mind that on Sunday morning to For example, or in other circumstances there are only collective taxis that depart from a pitch on the outskirts of the capital, reachable by taxi at the price of 8 SRG (5 minutes).
Collective taxis usually depart from Paramaribo when they are full and arrive at the Albina Customs Office after about 2 hours. The fare is 70 SRG.
Get the Suriname exit stamp and board a small motor boat that crosses the Marowijne River in 10 minutes. The same part very frequently, only in daylight, even with only one passenger for the price of 50 SRG. The fare is fixed and does not change according to the number of passengers.
FRENCH GUYANA
This leads to the French Guiana border of St Laurent du Maroni. Remember to have the entry stamp affixed to the country at the appropriate desk.
To enter French Guiana, which is a French overseas region, a visa is not required for any reason. The currency is the Euro.
From the Custom Building, located about 1 km south of the center of St Laurent du Maroni, to reach it, you can walk for 15 minutes or take a taxi for the price of 3 Euros.
In the center of St Laurent du Maroni, you can easily walk alone, at least during the day.
When full, several minibuses (less frequent on Sundays) leave from a lay-by located in Av du General de Gaulle to Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana. The trip takes about 4 hours. The fare is 35 Euros. You pay before you get off. If there are no minibuses on Sunday afternoon or evening, you can always get on a private car which charges 40 Euros to reach your destination (approximately 3 hours).
The lay-by for minibuses departing and arriving in Cayenne is located in Av de la Libertè, adjacent to the Canal Laussal, just west of Rue Prevot, south of the center, in an unsafe area, especially at night where you need to be careful .
The center of Cayenne can be easily explored on foot during the day, on weekdays. On Sunday, however, it empties dramatically and its deserted streets arouse a great deal of restlessness.
Sleeping in French Guiana is very expensive, minimum 50 Euro per night, but if you want to save something you can always be accommodated in a house of a local that for 15 Euro offers you a seat on a sofa in the room, as happened to me in St Laurent du Maroni.
To return to Suriname, obtain the French Guiana exit stamp at St Laurent du Maroni and board a small motor boat that crosses the Marowijne River in 10 minutes. The same part very frequently, only in daylight, even with only one passenger for the price of 4 Euros. The fare is fixed and does not change according to the number of passengers.
SURINAME
I therefore return to Albina, in Suriname where, after completing the appropriate entry form, I have the entry stamp placed in the country.
To go to Paramaribo you can take Bus (9 SRG) and minibus (30 SRG) or collective taxi (70 SRG) departing from the Albina river border post, but keep in mind that on Sunday morning for example or in other circumstances only collective taxis are in operation.
Shared taxis usually leave Albina when they are full (mine left with only 3 people on board) and arrive in Paramaribo after about 2 hours if there is not too much traffic in the capital. The fare is 70 SRG. You pay when you get off. If you are as lucky as I was, the same door in front of your hotel or at the address you want without any additional cost.
In Paramaribo I slept the first night at Guesthouse De Kleine Historie (booked through booking), located in Mr. Dr. J.C. De Mirandastraat 8, in the historic center - Phone: +597 521 007, for the price of 79 SRG (they also accept Euros), for a bed in a dormitory, including wifi and free breakfast.
In Paramaribo I slept the second and third night at Zus & Zo Hotel, located in Grote Combèweg, in front of Palmentuin, at a price of 17 Euros (they also accept SRG) per night, for a double room, including free wifi. Bikes for hire are also available here.
If from Paramaribo you want to make a day excursion to Brownsberg Nature Reserve independently, keep in mind that a very difficult task: you have to go early in the morning to Saramacastraat, west of the Central Market, where minibuses and collective taxis leave for Djumu when they are full which also stop on request in Brownsberg. (50 SRG, 1 hour and a half).
The minibus, at your express request, will leave you at the crossroads for Brownsberg Nature Reserve. From here there are still 15 km to go in the middle of the forest, a dirt road with gigantic holes that becomes impassable after heavy rains. So it is necessary to ask for a paid ride to someone from the Village or, as I did, to stock a ride to someone going to the park.
Entrance to Brownsberg Nature Reserve costs 20 SRG. From the park it is possible to enjoy a wide view of Lake Brokopondo and make excursions of 50 minutes or an hour and a quarter to two beautiful waterfalls.
From Brownsberg Nature Reserve, to return to Paramaribo, you have to follow the reverse procedures to those above, bearing in mind that the Park Guards are available to take you to Brownsberg for 100 SRG, where you can take a minibus coming from Djumu and heading to Paramaribo (50 SRG, 1 hour and a half).
Keep in mind that if you want to take an excursion to Brownsberg Nature Reserve, without worrying about solving the above problems, several Travel Agencies offer a day trip to the Park in question, at the price of 65 Euros, including lunch, transport entrance.
The same agencies also organize half-day excursions on the Commewijne River, to see the Pink Belly Dolphins, departing on Wednesday at 16.00 from Leonsberg and returning at 19.30. The cost is 27.5 Euros and includes in addition to the boat transport, a guide who speaks English and Dutch, a snack on the boat, a snack and a short walk in a typical village of the area.
The taxi ride from Paramaribo to Leonsberg, 10 km northwest of the city, where the excursion to see the Dolphins begins, costs 30 SRG, but by bargaining strongly you can also reach 20 SRG.
To reach the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), located in the Town of Zanderij, 45 km south of Paramaribo, during the day you can take a minibus from Heiligenweg, near the central market, for the price of 6 SRG. If, on the other hand, your flight is at night or early in the morning, you must book an Airport Shuttle through the hotel where you are staying, which will pick you up at the hotel about 4 and a half hours before the flight, at a price of 15 Euros or 75 SRG. A private taxi instead will cost 40 Euros. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
CURACAO (HOLLAND)
Punctual as never before, my plane no. 7I 702 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), (price of the multi-leg ticket including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4 ) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).
I therefore arrive at 8.45 am, at the Hato International Airport in Curacao (The Netherlands), located about 20 km north-west of the capital Willemstad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Curacao for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. Instead, it is necessary to have a return flight ticket.
Please note that outside the Terminal of Hato International Airport in Curacao (30 meters to the right for those leaving the Arrivals Hall), it is possible to change money, but usually only in the afternoon. Having said this, it should be emphasized that even if Curacao's currency is the Dutch Antillean Guilder, the US dollar is accepted everywhere and therefore if you have dollars you don't need to change currency. Finally, I would like to point out that the rest is given in Fiorini.
From Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), to reach the center of the capital Willemstad in an economical way, you need to exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right and walk for about 200 meters, pass the rent car desks and arrive at the bus stop, indicated by a small sign. Every half hour from 5.00 to 23.00 every day (less frequent on Saturdays and Sundays), buses and minibuses pass and go to the Otrobanda Bus Terminal (Willemstad) or, less frequently, to Punda ( Willemstad). You can pay the driver in USD Dollars (2.0 for minibuses and 1.5 for Buses). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Willemstad, the capital of Curacao (Holland), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot. Be careful after dark in the Otrobanda district.
To reach the beautiful town of Lagun, located on the northwestern part of the island of Curacao, you need to take bus no. 3C departing from Otrobanda Bus Station from Monday to Sunday at 6.30, 8.30, 10.30, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 19.00 and 21.00. The journey takes about an hour and you can ask the driver to drop you off in front of the beautiful Playa Lagun. The trip costs 2.5 USD and is paid directly to the driver when boarding.
To return to Otrobanda from Lagun, the bus timetables are: from Monday to Sunday at 7.30, 9.30, 11.30, 14.00, 16.00, 18.00, 20.00 and 22.00.
When you leave the country of Curacao, at Hato International Airport, you must pay an exit tax of 39 USD before going to the security check, Customs and Gate. This is never included in the air ticket and is reduced to 5 USD if you stay in the country for less than 24 hours.
VENEZUELA
With half an hour delay my plane no. 1 leaves from Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland) at 21.05. 7I 655 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of Aeropuerto Internacional Simon Bolivar (Caracas - Venezuela), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).
I therefore arrive at 21.40, at the Aeropuerto Internacional Simon Bolivar (Venezuela), located about 26 km north of the capital Caracas.
A visa is not required to enter Venezuela for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days.
To date, currency exchange is a big problem in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan currency is called Bolivar Fuerte (VEF - BsF). The Venezuelan exchange system is extremely complex, as it sees the coexistence of 4 different rates. The first is set at $ 1 = 7.3 Bf, the second, which should fluctuate around the parity $ 1 = 12 Bf, is intended for companies, while the third fluctuates around $ 1 = 400 Bf and that's what comes today applied to international credit cards or from exchange houses. The fourth, on the other hand, is the black market rate which fluctuates around $ 1 = 800 Bf / 1,000 Bf. Keep in mind that changing the currency in black is illegal and therefore if you are caught in fragrant you could be arrested and therefore if you decide to opt for the latter option try to do it with your hotel where you are staying and not at the airport where dodgy dudes come up to you to change money. Finally, keep in mind that the Bolivar Fuerte is heavily devalued and therefore if you decide to exchange 70 USD you should be aware that the volume of the Bolivar purchased will be equal to a small backpack.
Venezuela today is very dangerous and especially Caracas and therefore the bus to and from the airport is not recommended. Therefore I opted for a taxi booked through my hotel at a cost of 3,000 Bf.
The first night in Venezuela I slept at the Hotel Plazamar, (booked by e-mail from home), located in Macuto in Piazza Andres Mata, in the center - Phone: +58 212 3395242 - Fax: +58 212 3554048 - E- Mail: plazamarhotel@hotmail.com, about 15 km east of the Aeropuerto Internacional Simon Bolivar, at the price of 5,000 Bf, for a double room, including free wifi and use of the computer.
Through the aforementioned hotel, I booked an off-road vehicle with driver to move safely and freely in Caracas and its surroundings at the price of 30,000 Bf per day.
Although Caracas is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, in the center and in the Metro during the day the situation appears quite safe. Logically it is advisable not to show jewels, watches, cameras, smartphones and to dress in an inconspicuous way. Plaza Bolivar is guarded by the police during the day.
To reach Valencia, from Caracas it is necessary to go to the La Bandera Terminal, located 3 km south of the center. Several buses a day depart in the direction of Valencia. The ride takes over 3 hours and costs 450 Bf. You pay on the bus.
From the Bus Terminal in Valencia (Venezuela), located about 4 km from the center, I took a taxi at a price of 1,500 Bf to reach the Continental Hotel located at Av 98 Boyacà n. 101 - 70, at 200 mt. about from Plaza Bolivar. The cost of a double room with fan is 1,000 Bf, with air conditioning 1,500 Bf. The structure does not have wifi and the room rates are at the minimum wage.
Although Valencia (Venezuela) is one of the most dangerous cities in Venezuela, in the center, the situation appears quite safe during the day. Logically it is advisable not to show jewels, watches, cameras, smartphones and to dress in an inconspicuous way. Plaza Bolivar is guarded by the police during the day.
The Arturo Michelena International Airport of Valencia (Venezuela) is located 7 km south-east of the center. Even if there are buses that connect it to the center, for safety reasons it is advisable to reach it by taxi, spending 2,000 Bf.
Keep in mind that at the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia (Venezuela), it is not possible to change currency and therefore you should make sure you have done so first if necessary.
If you travel with Insel Air, before leaving the country of Venezuela, at the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, before going to the security check, Customs and Gate, you must pay an exit tax of 1,140 Bf.
ARUBA (HOLLAND)
Punctual as never before from the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia (Venezuela) at 3.00 pm, my plane no. 7I 634 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of the Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), (price of the multi-leg ticket including taxes 1) Valencia (Venezuela) - Curacao, 2) Curacao - Aruba, 3) Aruba - Medellin (Colombia) : USD 273.60).
I therefore arrive at 4.15 pm, at the Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), located about 20 km northwest of the capital Willemstad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
I stay for about 4 hours and 30 'in the transit area where it is possible to charge the cell phone with energy.
Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. Leaves from Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland) at 20.40. 7I 413 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of the Reina Beatrix International Airport of Aruba (Holland), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes 1) Valencia (Venezuela) - Curacao, 2) Curacao - Aruba, 3) Aruba - Medellin (Colombia ): USD 273.60).
I therefore arrive at 21.10, at the Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland), located about 3 km southwest of the city of Oranjestad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.
A visa is not required to enter Aruba for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. Instead, it is necessary to have a return flight ticket.
Keep in mind that inside the Reina Beatrix International Airport of Aruba (Holland), it is not possible to change money, but only to withdraw it from ATMs. Having said that, it should be noted that even if the Aruban currency is the Aruban Florin, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere and therefore if you have dollars, you do not need to change currency. Finally, I would like to point out that the rest is given in Fiorini.
From Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland), to reach the center of Oranjestad in an economical way, you need to exit the Arrivals Hall, cross the entire car park and also the main road until you find the bus stop, marked from a small sign. Every half hour from 5.00 to 23.00 every day (less frequent on Saturdays and Sundays), buses and minibuses pass from San Nicolas to the Bus Terminal and to the center of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. , all, in Wihelminastraat. You can pay the driver in USD Dollars (2.0 for minibuses and 2.5 for Buses). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
In Aruba I slept at the Aruba Harmony Hostel, located in Palmitastraat 9, in Ponton - Oranjestad, 2 km north of the center of the capital at the price of USD 30 (bookable through Booking), in a dormitory with free wifi and swimming pool. Very comfortable and clean but inconveniently located away from the center. In the evening after 10.00 there are no more minibuses to reach it and also early on Sunday morning, but there are private cars that act as taxis that transport you for the price of 2 $.
Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba can be visited on foot and / or with the help of the Beautiful Free Tram, which runs until 5.00 pm in the evening.
To reach the Resort area and therefore the most beautiful beaches in Aruba such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, located 3/5 km north - west of Oranjestad, you need to go to the Terminal, located west of the city center and take one of the many Buses that run on this route every day from 5.00 to 23.00. You can pay either at the desk or the driver also in USD Dollars (2.5 per way). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
To reach Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (The Netherlands), you need to go to the corner of Wihelminastraat and Oranjestraat and take a minibus which leaves every day, every 20 minutes, from 5.00 to 23.00, in the direction of San Nicolas they also stop on request on the main road at 200 meters. from the Airport. You can also pay the driver in USD Dollars (2 per way). The journey takes about 10 minutes.
COLOMBIA
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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