Trip review
Colombia

All local tours/guides were good, some were outstanding and standout as our favourite aspect of the trip. Sorry. If we forget a name, we met so many wonderful individuals! Balthazar (sp??) and Mike (Bogota); bike tour (Villa de Leyva); Luis (Barichara); Christian (Pereira); Denny (swamp tour in Cartagena). Our drivers were professional, helpful and fun. Special thanks to our driver between Villa de Leyva/Barichara/Bucaramanga. Although we didn't speak Spanish, we did understand enough Spanish to know what he said to us and he always made us feel comfortable and safe. (And during the drive we got to watch a bonus cycling road race that was a thrill as we are huge cycling fans!) Colombia was our 35th country to visit and we always try to learn about other cultures. We are happiest when we can have meaningful conversations with locals about how they see their country - pros and cons. We found the guides we had on this trip to be great representatives and ambassadors to their country, We always try to keep an open mind when we visit a new country, an although Colombia has had a turbulent past, we were so impressed with the ambitious, hardworking and passionate individuals we met in our journey. The artisans we encountered on our journey were also outstanding. One option we would suggest is a hiking tour in Cocora Valley that offered an overnight with a local indigenous family. We would have said yes in an instant!