For years backpackers have been put of Colombia by tales of danger, but with increasing security, Colombia is now back on South America's backpacking route. As a backpacker, you'll find budget hotels throughout the country, and those with time to spend could easily spend up to two months travelling the main sites.
There's a few places of legendary status for those backpacking in Colombia. Top of the list is Park Tayrona, where you'll either be camping or sleeping in a hammock on the beach. Park Tayrona is a great place to hang out for a few days, weeks or even longer. The beaches are quite spectacular and the place has quite a chilled, even hippy-ish vibe.
Adventure backpackers will head to Ciudad Perdida, Colombia's "Lost City" - it's a five day hike through the rainforest to spectacularly situated ancient ruins. You'll either be camping or sleeping in hammocks for the journey. Nearby Taganga is a fishing village that the best option for staging trip to Ciudad Perdida.
Another popular backpacker hangout is San Cipriano, which is not far from Cali in the South of Colombia. The gravity powered train journey there is highly memorable, the locals are friendly and the town is a great place to chill out and swim in rivers for a few days.
Backpackers will invariably also visit capital city Bogota, and the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena. If travelling overland, a great stop off point to split up this long journey in colonial San Gil, Colombia's adventure sports capital.
The male backpackers who might be reading this should definately check out Cali and it's amazing salsa based nightlife and stunning local women.
See also the related section on the cost of travel to Colombia.
