Next stop … Colombia!
Transporting our bikes from our Hostel to the bike shop in Medellin!
Transporting our bikes from our Hostel to the bike shop in Medellin!
Minorista Market, Medellin
Minorista Market, Medellin
Minorista Market, Medellin
Guayaba = Guava
Inside of a Guayaba (Guava)
Tomate de Arbol = Tree Tomato
Inside of a Tomate de Arbol (Tree Tomato)
Lulo = Little Orange
Inside of a Lulo (Little Orange)
Chontaduro = Peach Palm
Chontaduro = Peach Palm
You need to boil and peel Chontaduro (Peach Palm). The Colombians like to eat them with honey and salt!
Minorista Market, Medellin, Colombia
Inside of a Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit)
Guanabana = Soursop
Uchuva = Cape Gooseberry
Uchuva = Cape Gooseberry
Mangostino = Mangosteen
Inside of a Mangostino (Mangosteen)
Feijoa = Guavasteen
Inside of a Feijoa (Guavasteen)
Passionfruit at Minorista Market, Medellin
There are 4 different kinds of passionfruit in Colombia!
Curuba = Banana Passion Fruit
Inside of a Curuba (Banana Passion Fruit)
Inside of a Maracuya (Yellow Passion Fruit)
Exotic Fruit Tour with Real City Tours, Medellin!
Arepa Stall (Arepa is the bread of choice in Colombia)
Arepa Stall (Arepa is the bread of choice in Colombia)
David in the herb alley, Minorista Market, Medellin
The tour ended with a yummy fruit juice!
Taking the cable car to Arvi Park, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Our very healthy lunch at Arvi Park, Medellin
Views from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Views of Medellin from the cable car, Medellin
Medellin’s amazing cable car, Medellin
Medellin’s amazing cable car, Medellin
Plaza Botero, Medellin
One of the fabulous sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, Plaza Botero, Medellin
More wonderful sculptures by Fernando Botero, Plaza Botero, Medellin
More wonderful sculptures by Fernando Botero, Plaza Botero, Medellin
Plaza Botero, Medellin
Stunning Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, Plaza Botero, Medellin
Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, Plaza Botero, Medellin
Visit to a shrine patronised by Pablo Escobar’s drug cartel, Medellin
Visit to a shrine patronised by Pablo Escobar’s drug cartel, Medellin
The house where Pablo Escobar was killed, Medellin
View from the cemetery where Pablo Escobar is buried, Medellin
View from the cemetery where Pablo Escobar is buried, Medellin
Pablo Escobar’s grave, Medellin
The cemetery where Pablo Escobar is buried, Medellin
On our way to the Alto de Minas pass
On our way to the Alto de Minas pass
On our way to the Alto de Minas pass
On our way to the Alto de Minas pass
Camping on our first night out of Medellin, Alto de Minas pass
We were very happy to be camping again! Alto de Minas pass
David and Tobi at our campsite, Alto de Minas pass
Our neighbours for the night! Alto de Minas pass
Making friends! Alto de Minas pass
Alto de Minas pass at dusk
Our campsite at dusk, Alto de Minas pass
Our campsite at dusk, Alto de Minas pass
We camped behind this excellent restaurant and were given a FREE breakfast in the morning!! Alto de Minas pass
Our campsite above the restaurant, Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Nasty crash!
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass,
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Views on our descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Jo waving to the passing cars – everyone was so friendly in Colombia!
Jo enjoying the long descent from the Alto de Minas pass
Enjoying a juice and the free wifi in La Pintada!
Views on the way to Irra
Views on the way to Irra
Andre on the way to Irra
Views on the way to Irra
Beautiful views in the coffee region
On our way to Manizales – it was pretty much uphill for 18kms from here!
On our way to Manizales
A female cyclist from Manizales joined us on our climb up to Manizales
Jo on the way up to Manizales
Look out for cyclists! Colombia is super bike friendly
David on the way up to Manizales
Views on the way to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
The road to Manizales
Lunch stop on the way to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
Jo on the way up to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
Views on the climb up to Manizales
Nearly there …. 1km to go to Manizales!
David and Andre took a downhill MTB tour with Kumanday from the edge of Nevado del Ruiz (4050m) back to Manizales
Views of Nevado del Ruiz, near Manizales
The boys ready to hit the downhill, Nevado del Ruiz, near Manizales
Views of Manizales from Nevado del Ruiz
Views of Manizales from Nevado del Ruiz
Cool street art, Manizales
The amazing Monumento a los Colonizadores, a sculpture depicting the progression of the people from Medellin to Manizales and the hardships they endured, Manizales
The amazing Monumento a los Colonizadores, a sculpture depicting the progression of the people from Medellin to Manizales and the hardships they endured, Manizales
The amazing Monumento a los Colonizadores, a sculpture depicting the progression of the people from Medellin to Manizales and the hardships they endured, Manizales
The amazing Monumento a los Colonizadores, a sculpture depicting the progression of the people from Medellin to Manizales and the hardships they endured, Manizales
Andre, Jo and Tobi and the Monumento a los Colonizadores
Andre, Jo and Tobi and the Monumento a los Colonizadores
Iglesia de Chipre, Manizales
Iglesia de Chipre, Manizales
View from the Iglesia de Chipre, Manizales
View from the Iglesia de Chipre, Manizales
Templo Del Sagrado Corazon Los Agustinos, Manizales
Templo Del Sagrado Corazon Los Agustinos, Manizales
Inside the Templo Del Sagrado Corazon Los Agustinos, Manizales
Statue outside the Templo Del Sagrado Corazon Los Agustinos, Manizales
Templo Del Sagrado Corazon Los Agustinos, Manizales
Catedral Basilica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Manizales
Inside the Catedral Basilica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Manizales
Inside the Catedral Basilica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Manizales
The Bolivar-Condor statue, Plaza de Bolívar, Manizales
The Bolivar-Condor statue, Plaza de Bolívar, Manizales
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, Manizales
Inside the Iglesia de la Inmaculada concepcion, Manizales
Centro Comercial Parque Caldas, Manizales
Jo went on a coffee tour at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Learning about the coffee process – from bean to cup! Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Roasting some coffee beans!
We had free, unlimited coffee – it was SO good!!!
This is how your cup of coffee starts out …. coffee berries! Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the processing plant, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
The beans are washed in these big containers, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Our guide explains the drying process, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Touring the processing plant, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Our guide showing us the ovens where the beans are dried, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
The huge ovens, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Sacks for coffee beans, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Sacks of coffee beans ready for sale, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Coffee beans! Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
The Guest House, Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Beautiful gardens at Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
Peacocks are a sign of wealth in Colombia – Hacienda Venecia had several!
Hacienda Venecia, near Manizales
On the road to Pereira
A hearty Colombian lunch!
Views of Pereira
Views of Pereira
Taking a break before descending into Pereira
Hiking through Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Hiking through Valley de Cocora, near Salento
David on the hike through the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
We crossed numerous wooden bridges like this! Valley de Cocora, near Salento
David crossing one of the numerous bridges! Valley de Cocora, near Salento
One of the wooden bridges, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
David on the hike through the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Views on our hike through the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Parts of the hike were full of mud …
Views on our hike through the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
We paid $5 to visit the Acaime Hummingbird Reserve, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Hummingbirds! Acaime Hummingbird Reserve, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Hummingbirds! Acaime Hummingbird Reserve, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Acaime Hummingbird Reserve, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
David hiking up to “La Montana”, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Hiking up to “La Montana”, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
“La Montana”, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Views from “La Montana”, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
“La Montana”, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Jo at “La Montana”, Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Stunning views on the descent into the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Beautiful views while hiking through the Valley de Cocora
Valley de Cocora
Valley de Cocora
Valley de Cocora
Valley de Cocora
David descending into the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
David descending into the Valley de Cocora, near Salento
Jeeps transport hikers between Salento and Valley de Cocora
Jeeps transport hikers between Salento and Valley de Cocora
The main square in Salento
Enjoying a delicious lunch at Beta Town after the hike, Salento
Yum – grilled chicken breast with fried cassava roots, Beta Town Bar & Grill, Salento
One of the best burgers ever! Beta Town Bar & Grill, Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Mmmm …. a dessert shop! Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Street performers in Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
The colourful streets of Salento
The colourful streets of Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Colourful buildings in Salento
Time for an afternoon nap! Salento
The view from our morning coffee stop at El Parisino on our way to La Paila
David enjoying the view from El Parisino
Views on the way to La Paila
David on the way to La Paila
Views on the way to La Paila
We cycled past fields of corn and sugar cane on the way to Popayan
Jo cycling towards one of the many toll booths – bikes pass for free
Enjoying some wonderful fresh fruit juices!
Enjoying some wonderful fresh fruit juices!
Enjoying some wonderful fresh fruit juices!
A well deserved lunch – pork and platano fritters
Views on the way to La Paila
Views on the way to La Paila
Views on the way to Buga
Views on the way to Buga
David on the way to Buga
Views on the way to Buga
Jo on the way to Buga
It was hot and humid on the way to Buga
Iglesia San Francisco, Buga
Historic streets of Buga
Catedral de San Pedro, Buga
Park across from the Catedral de San Pedro, Buga
Señor de los Milagros Basilica in Buga
David and the Señor de los Milagros Basilica in Buga
Jo and David and the Señor de los Milagros Basilica in Buga
Inside the Señor de los Milagros Basilica, Buga
Inside the Señor de los Milagros Basilica, Buga
Inside the Señor de los Milagros Basilica, Buga
Inside the Señor de los Milagros Basilica, Buga
Buga’s lighthouse!
Señor de los Milagros Basilica in Buga
Buga Hostal, Buga
On the road to Santander de Quilichao
On the road to Santander de Quilichao
On the road to Santander de Quilichao
On the road to Santander de Quilichao
Views on the way to Popayan
Views on the way to Popayan
Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Popayan
Inside the Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Popayan
Parque Caldas, Popayan
Parque Caldas, Popayan
Parque Caldas, Popayan
Park Life Hostel, Popayan
Views from our hostel in Popayan – Park Life Hostel
Clock Tower, Popayan
One of the many beautiful churches in Popayan
Historic streets of Popayan – the “White City”
Iglesia San Francisco, Popayan
Pineapple anyone? Popayan
David enjoying some pineapple on the streets of Popayan
Beautiful historic architecture in Popayan
Beautiful Popayan
Puente Del Humilladero, Popayan
Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Popayan
Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Popayan
On the way to El Bordo
On the way to El Bordo
On the way to El Bordo
On the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Taking a break from the climbing for some fresh orange juice!
For safety, we followed the Pan American Highway through Colombia
Well kept roadside shrine on the way to El Bordo
Well kept roadside shrine on the way to El Bordo
Taking a breather on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
View from above the mountain town of Rosas
Jo crossing a bridge on the way to El Bordo
Jo on one of the many climbs to El Bordo
Jo on one of the many climbs to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
Views on the way to El Bordo
On the way to El Bordo
We stopped to watch a local soccer match in El Bordo
On the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Jo enjoying the long descent from El Bordo
On the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Local house on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
On the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Cattle crossing!!!
On the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Views on the way to Pueblito El Tablon Gomez
Homemade blackberry helados (ice-cream)!
Views on the way to Pasto – we are definitely in the Andes now!
Views on the way to Pasto
Views on the way to Pasto
Views on the way to Pasto
Views on the way to Pasto
A typical Colombian lunch – chicken, 3 types of carbs (rice, fries and platano) and lentils!
David’s bike stand finally gave up on the way to Pasto – 60 kgs was clearly a bit too much weight!
Views on the way to Pasto
Road side shrine on the way to Pasto
Yum – homemade “coconut” ice-cream
Views on the way to Pasto
Views on the way to Pasto
We saw this lovely rainbow on our way to Pasto
Taking a break before the final ascent to Pasto
Our first glimpse of Pasto
Our first glimpse of Pasto
We cycled out of Pasto on a little dirt track!
Beautiful views on the way to San Juan
Beautiful views on the way to San Juan
Views on the way to San Juan
Views on the way to San Juan
Tobi on the way to San Juan
More lovely views on the way to San Juan
Beautiful river views on the way to San Juan
Views on the way to San Juan
The stunning Las Lajas Sanctuary, a basilica church built within the canyon of the Guáitara River
The Las Lajas Sanctuary, a basilica church built within the canyon of the Guáitara River
The Las Lajas Sanctuary, a basilica church built within the canyon of the Guáitara River
The Las Lajas Sanctuary, a basilica church built within the canyon of the Guáitara River
The Las Lajas Sanctuary
Statue outside of the Las Lajas Sanctuary
Statue outside of the Las Lajas Sanctuary
The Las Lajas Sanctuary
Inside the Las Lajas Sanctuary
Inside the Las Lajas Sanctuary
The Cascada, Las Lajas Sanctuary
David can’t wait to try Cuy – Guinea Pig!!