Going Back to Colombia

After saying goodbye to my parents I headed back to Colombia.  I have heard so many great things about this country that I really wanted to spend more time and to make sure I go to know the country as best I can. 

I crossed the Ecuador/ Colombia border once more and headed to Popayan, a small colonial town in the south.  When I last left Colombia, I hot footed it straight from Cali without stopping so I was keen to see what the south had to offer. 

Bus window scenery ... driving through the south of Colombia is beautiful!

But it does rain sometimes!

Popayan is a very beautiful town, perfect for recovering from long bus journeys and border crossings. 

After a couple of nights I went to San Agustin to see some of Colombia’s finest archaeology and some of the most gorgeous countryside.  Although the bus journey is bumpy and windy the scenery is beautiful and I was very grateful I’d made the decision to explore this part of Colombia.

San Agustin did not disappoint.  Surrounded by lush green mountains, it’s a sleepy town with nothing much to do apart from be amazed by the carvings and statues and explore the countryside. 

I stayed at Casa de Nelly, a lovely house with a gorgeous garden complete with parrots, tortoises and dogs!  The perfect place to appreciate San Agustin from.

A day at the Archeological Park ...

And then we watched the celebrations of the San Pedro Fiesta which involved everyone galloping around the town on horses!  Sparks literally flew!!

And my favorite day in San Agustin ... Monday.  Inspired by all the horse riding I went on a trek to see more statues and scenery.  We galloped through the countryside ... past coffee plantations, banana plantations and lulo (new favourite fruit!) plantations.  Soaking up the scenery and the culture on horse back was a perfect way to spend a Monday!

Once recovered from the bus journeys and feeling revived by the countryside I headed back to Cali … I just couldn’t resist the pull of the salsa and seeing all the lovely people that I had met there before…