It’s been over one month now since I’ve relocated to Bogota. I’ve been meaning to write a blog sooner but was busy adjusting, buying things for the apartment and getting to know people and places. Now that I think I know the city a tiny bit better, and it being the new year (HAPPY NEW YEAR!), what better time to write a post on my Colombia Bucket List for 2016. I made a vow that on top of discovering Colombia, 2016 is all about learning new skills and making sure it’s filled with fun memories and action packed!
Learn to Scuba Dive in San Andrés
Ever since experiencing my discovery scuba dive session in the Philippines, I’ve been wanting to get my Padi Open Water qualification which will allow me to dive up to 18m with another certified buddy. San Andrés is a caribbean island that belongs to Colombia and near the coast of Nicaragua. Most planes run from Bogota and is just over 2 hours away by flight. I managed to find a very cheap deal with budget airline, Viva Colombia for only around 170,000 COP round trip in February!
Learn to Freedive in Santa Marta
On top of scuba diving, freediving is another skill I have been longing to learn. It’s a form of underwater diving that relies on the divers’ ability to hold their breath until resurfacing. It will allow me to explore the ocean in a much more natural way, using less gear, going anywhere I want but it is also a way to understand yourself by redefining the limits of your body and mind. After doing some research, I managed to find a professional freediver based in Santa Marta that offers 2 days courses. His name is Carlos Correa and he runs Delphinus Freediving Club. More on this to come!
Paraglide over Medellin
What better way to experience paragliding for the first time with a view of Medellin. I’ve heard so many good things about Medellin, from the food, weather to the friendly, warm people. Can’t wait to check out this city!
Take Salsa Classes in Cali
Cali is known to be the world capital of salsa. I’ve taken some salsa classes in Cuba earlier last year and fell in love with the dance and music. Colombian salsa has a different style and I’d be silly not to check it out.
Learn to Make Coffee at the Coffee Triangle
Coffee to me was purely a drug that kept me going at my job. My mother on the other hand knows how to appreciate a good cup of coffee. A big fan of Brazilian coffee beans in fact and she would grind them up herself. After not drinking coffee for a while, I had my first sip of the year yesterday and for the first time, I was impressed with the flavour. I wouldn’t call myself an expert yet but I would definitely love to learn more about understanding how it’s made and the quality of it all. The Coffee Triangle is known for it’s scenic and lush Cocora Valley, Salento village and coffee farms. Many tour companies are offering 7 – 14 days retreats.
Whale Watching in Nuquí
Between June and October is the whale watching season in Colombia. Along the Colombian Pacific Coast, humpback whales pass by every year and Nuquí is the place to be. They can also be seen from the beaches of Ladrilleros. Seeing that my birthday is in July which sits in the whale high season, I am going to try to make this the highlight!
I’m constantly surprised by how much there is to do in Colombia and the variety of activities. I’m sure I’ll think of more to add to this bucket list, but tell me what your thoughts are or would love to hear about your best experience in Colombia.
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