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BUGA �You can easily make a triangular tour:

Cali - Buga - San Cipriano - Cali

One of the oldest colonial cities in Colombia where you can find the black Jesus, own micro-brewed ales, swimming in natural pools, discover a beautiful canyon nearby (tour= 4hrs in total), great panoramic views over the green valley from El Derumbado, go biking & visit different waterfalls, an old train station & cementary. A small unknown town but more than interesting!

HIGHLIGHTS 9 Plaza de Cabal = The central park of Buga which is super for relaxing; sometimes you

can spot huge iguanas & squirrels, cra 14 # 6. 9 Every Wednesday evening there is Cine in El Parque for FREE @ Simon Bolivar Park,

cra 13 # 1. Sometimes they screen films in English also. 9 Mirador Al Derumbado: A stunning view from the hill overlooking Buga, specially

beautiful at sunset time. Hike = 1hr. You can go on flip-flops. 9 Basilica Señor de Los Milagros with its pedestrian walkway La Plazoleta in front of the

basilica that ends up at the terminal. 9 Parque Natural Laguna de Sonso: Heaven for bird watchers & nature enthusiasts.

You can go in a fishing canoe, Schneider: 310-45 27 333. Bus headed to Yotoco town (not the park) = 10min, ±1pp/one way.

9 Los Pailones waterfalls: Spend an afternoon swimming in the crystal blue natural pools and jump off the rocks & do some climbing. You can book a tour @Buga hostel = 25-30pp incl. lunch, transport (20min), historical story about the authentic finca where the hike starts & which has been in the same family for more than 100 years.

9 Lago de Calima: which is perfect for kite-surfing, windsurfing & water skiing; accom-modation (from 18pp/n) @ the town Darien next door. Bus ±1hr, 6pp (one way). Surf = 90pp/hr; course 8hrs = 640pp.

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HOW2GETTHERE: Armenia = 2hrs, 15pp. Armenia-Salento = 1hr, 3.4pp. Cali = 1hr20, 8pp. San Cipriano = 3hrs, 15pp. Terminal = 10min, taxi3/tr. Bogotá = 10hrs, 40-55. Medellin = 8hrs, 35-45.

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BUGA HOSTEL & HOLY WATER ALE CAFE & MICROBREWERY

Cra 13 # 4-83, colonial center of Buga Tel: 2-23 67 752 FB: brew.hostelwww.bugahostel.com bugahostel@yahoo.com

You can walk (15min) from the terminal just past the basilica & turn L. Buses from Armenia (north) drop you off at the highway where you can take a taxi= 5min, 3.3/tr to the hostel.

You will feel VERY welcome from the moment you arrive at this cosy Buga Hostel which is located conveniently on the way from Cali to the Coffee Region. This non-touristic pleasing little town is surrounded by beautiful green hills & mountains with nature reserves & lakes. They can provide you with all the information you'll need to make the most of your time in Buga, a little-known, tropical & colonial gem. At the end of a day's exploring, the best way to cool off is by drinking a delicious ‘artesanal’ nano-brewed Ale, made right in the hostel's own Holy Water Ale cafe. Delicious sourdough bread & pizza (European style) are also prepared & can be enjoyed on the balcony or their roof terrace, overlooking the hussle & bussle of daily Buga life. The Holy Water Ale Cafe also serves up a range of drinks & snacks. Tours like a cañon trip on which you have to climb, jump & swim (10pp), a daytrip to Los Pailones waterfalls, bike rental (10/ ½ day, 15/day), bird watching & canoeing in Laguna de Sonso & Bosque Yotoco (with monkeys & poison dart frogs) or kite surfing (Lago Calima) & parapenting (El Cerito) can be done from here. Shops, museums, parks & colonial buildings are close by. Enjoy the silence on the 1 hand & the vibrant energy of natural beauty on the other hand that is just waiting to be discovered.

z Dorm = 16pp/n. z Double = 35pr/n.

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CALI �The salsa capital of Latin America

Put on your dancing shoes & learn the best salsa steps in the salsatecas; go exploring the city by bike, try manjar blanco (a sticky, sweet, white spread or arequipe, a pastry filling made with milk), the juice Lulada (with panela & coffee taste) or avena (oatmeal-based drink) with pandebono (a hot salty muffin with cheese & yuca). Go kitesurfing in Lago Calima or enjoy the RUMBA in this lively, exciting & cosmopolitan city, the 3rd biggest in Colombia.

HIGHLIGHTS 9 Pance’s river: @ South. Don’t go alone! You can get there using the ’Mio’

(Transmileno: green or blue buses) or on a normal bus = 40min from San Antonio, 1.5pp. Parque de Pance has 15 football pitches & pools. At some places with restaurants you need to pay, at others entrance is free.

9 Their most impressive church in gotic style = Ermita church @ historical part of the city, right on the Colombia Ave, close to Plaza de los Poetas.

9 Loma de la Cruz: Artisans´handcraft market, from Bellavista = 15min on foot, 7min by taxi, 5pp. = 10min on foot from San Antonio. Daily from 10am-7pm.

9 Party: Good salsa bars are Bajo Tierra or Tin Tin Deo. In general people dance with their partners. On Thursdays you can go solo easily & dance with many people. Bars close between 1 & 3am. @ Juanchito: The largest concentration of discothèques in the whole country. It all started back in the 60’s = 20min from San Antonio. Menga: Bars close at 6am so for the dancing addicts this is the place to be @ North = 15min from San Antonio, taxi = 9-12/tr.

9 Cerro de las Tres Cruces = Mount of the 3 Crosses: @ Montebello, this monument was built to chase away the evil spirits. Here you can enjoy an excellent view over the city. Don’t go there after 10pm, but go in the morning.

9 Carlo's Bike: Go on a bike tour & enjoy nature, river, city & the amazing views of Dapa's hills, La Paz & los Españoles = 4-5hrs, 20pp. 316-87 92 222, carlosagmorante@hotmail.com. fb: carlosbikecali.

9 San Antonio: Traditional neighborhood: relaxing atmosphere & a mixture of arts. On the hill (church) you can get an excellent view over the city; perfect for having a beer as you watch the sunset.

9 HOW2GETTHERE:

Armenia = 2hrs, 15pp. Armenia-Salento = 1hr, 3.4pp. Cali = 1hr20, 8pp. San Cipriano = 3hrs, 15pp. Terminal = 10min, taxi3/tr. Bogotá = 10hrs, 40-55. Medellin = 8hrs, 35-45.

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JOVITA'S HOSTEL Cll 5 # 4-56, San Antonio, CaliTel: 2-89 38 342 Cel: 317-64 06 813 www.jovitashostel.com jovitashostel@gmail.comFB: jovitas.hostel & Jovitas Hostel & School of Salsa

Bus airport to terminal = 30min, 5pp. Taxi from terminal = 15min, 7/tr. Pick-up by hostel from the airport = 1hr, 50/tr. Bus Cali-airport = 1hr!

Jovita’s Hostel is a comfortable, clean & safe hostel with a friendly & relaxed atmos-phere; where travelers are greeted warmly & can enjoy 100% salsa. Located in the ♥ of the beautiful city of Cali in the Barrio San Antonio which is home to many artists, unique for its architecture & 1 of the best viewpoints in the city: the hill of San Antonio. From here you can walk to the historic center, museums, zoo, bars & restaurants. They will welcome you into the kindness & friendship of caleños & their culture: salsa & latin party. The hostel is a huge house with very comfortable spaces, salsa studio, mini-gym, gardens, hammocks, 24/7 internet & TV lounge (42’’) with home theatre, games zone ect… This is the only hostel in Colombia that offers professional SALSA & Latin daily dance classes, also professional yoga classes (Ishka Yoga) in their hostel & guided tours to the best salsa bars for FREE!

z Dorm = 17-30pp/n. z Single = 25-30pp/n. z Double = 35-100pr/n.

Show your Colombia Fácil guide & get 20% discount from your 3rd night on.

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POSADA DE SAN ANTONIO Cra 5 # 3-37, San Antonio, CaliTel: 2-89 37 413 Cel: 313-68 36 091 www.posadadesanantonio.com info@posadadesanantonio.comFB: posada.sanantonio

Taxi from the airport = 30min, 50/tr. Bus from the terminal = 20min, 1.5/pp. Taxi = 7/tr. Transport arranged from the airport by the posada = 50/tr.

What best describes the Posada de San Antonio is the passion that they have to make you feel comfortable, safe & well cared for. All their staff will be focused on giving you the best treatment & their fully equipped facilities are waiting for you to provide you with an excellent holiday. La Posada with its yellow façade & very warm interior; decorative details mixed with history, culture & art combined with a Cali breeze amidst a great family atmosphere. It offers an interior with 2 gardens inside & beautiful flowers, 12 private rooms furnished with rustic wooden furniture & bathrooms with hot water, TV & fan. Only 5min from the most important museums & cultural monuments. It is located in the San Antonio neighborhood with its historic heritage, cultural & architectural treasures in the salsa capital of Colombia. Rates include taxes & breakfast.

z Single = 80-90pp/n*. z Double = 90-100pr/n*.

People who can show the Colombia Fácil Guide will get a 10% discount on tours/excursions offerd in Valle del Cauca.

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TOSTAKY Cra 10 # 1-76, San Antonio, CaliTel: 2-89 30 651 Cel: 300-35 51 650 www.cafetostaky.blogspot.com cafetostaky@gmail.comFB: TOSTAKY & cafetostaky

Coming from the center to San Antonio neighborhood, go up cra 10. Just before the beginning of the park on your L hand side. Bus from terminal = 20min, 1.5/pp. Taxi = 7/tr. Taxi from airport = 30min, 50/tr.

Tostaky is the contraction of the expression Todo Está Aquí (It is all here) & in their case, it is true! They are located in the ♥ of San Antonio (the colonial & bohemian neighbor-hood of Cali). They offer 24hrs full services, friendly & well informed staff, transporta-tion services, salsa (25pp/hr or 10pp/hr in a group), language classes (15pp/hr), guides & tours and a variety of food & music in their restaurant/bar which is a meeting point for all personalities, ages, languages & nationalities. There is a tranquil easy way of life with an international touch & even a keyboard from the jungle! But they are realists too. In Tostaky, you will not find an organized trip to the moon or a date with Shakira but anyhow just give it a try, they are here to help you. Their GOAL = TO SHARE!

z Dorm = 17pp/n. z Single = 25pp/n. z Double = 40pr/n.

They also rent a fully equipped apartment upstairs inside the hostel. =50pp/n for 1pers & 80pr/n for 2 pers. Get a FREE beer @ the check-in by showing your Colombia Fácil guide!

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POPAYAN �UNESCO’s 1st gastronomic city

Try Popayans’ Colombian traditional dishes

A colonial city situated at 1700m (5577ft) altitude called ’The White City’ because of its many white charming buildings, numerous churches (San Francisco, Santo Domingo & La Hermita, ...), traditional squares & the famous Puente del Humilladero (crucifix bridge) with the clock tower & sometimes you can even glimpse the snowy peaks of the Puracé volcano in the background. Drink a beer/coffee on the old main plaza called Parque Caldas & sit back & relax!

HIGHLIGHTS 9 Las 3 cruces (1850m/6096ft) = 25min walk. Built in 1940 to protect the city. 9 Visit the El Morro or Tulcán, precolonial pyramid built to honor the Spanish foundation

of Popayán = Free. Not recommendable to go during the night. 9 Silvia: A very charming typical Andean village where the locals (Guambianos) still

wear traditional clothing. Every Tuesday there is a market. Bus from terminal = 1hr15, 6-7pp. To save time/money you can make a stop coming from or going to Cali. Take a walk or ride a horse (for hire = next to the church) along the river to other traditional villages or/and fishing & eating one of Silvia's delicious trout.

9 Coconuco: Here you'll find 2 thermal bath complexes in beautiful green mountain surroundings. Aguas Tibias: is the nicest (8pp/day, jeep 7pp from town, motortaxi 2-3pp) & Aguas Hirviendo (24/7 open): is the hottest (6pp/day, jeep 8pp, mototaxi 3-4pp). You can visit both these hot springs in 1 day (one from the other = just 5min by jeep). Bus = 1hr, 3.5pp from 6am to 6pm, every hr.

9 PNN Puracé: See p89. 9 Belen Chapel: Visit this enchanting little church from which you'll have an excellent

view over Popayán. Walk = 7min, follow the stairs from cll 4 # 0. 9 Tierradentro: A historical archeological site with tombs & statues dating from 1000BC,

reconised by the UNESCO. Great spot for birdspotting & sharing local traditions & culture. Bus 4 ½ hrs, 19pp. Direct bus leaves at 10:30am. HOW2GETTHERE:

San Agustín = 5-6hrs, 30pp (don’t travel at night). Pitalito = 5hrs, 20pp. Pasto = 6hrs, 25-32pp. Cali = 3hrs, 14pp. Cruce de Rivera = 8hrs, 45pp (from here you can travel to La Rivera = 10min, 4pp). Bogotá = 13hrs, 65-77pp.

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PARKLIFE HOSTEL Cll 5 # 6-19, historical center in front of the Parque Caldas, PopayánCel: 304-40 11 561 Cel: 300-24 96 240www.parklifehostel.com info@parklifehostel.comFB: ParkLife Hostel

From the bus station: 1) Walk = 15min, very nice walk through the colonial city, just ask anyone where the Cathedral or Parque Caldas is. Cross the iron bridge at the bus station, walk for about 10min until the cll 5. Go L & walk 2 more blocks until Parque Caldas. On the R side of the park there is the cathedral. 2) Taxi = 3.6-4/tr week days; 4-4.5/tr weekends & nights.

This small elegant hostel is located right in the ♥ of Popayán, next to the Cathedral - in the main plaza, called Parque Caldas. Their charming colonial house is a piece of Popayán history as 1 of its most influential & powerful families used to live here. Get a glimpse of how life used to be like in the old glorious days, enjoy the comfy & colorful common areas, amazing views of the main plaza & the cathedral or... check out their organized activities: movie night, afternoon jogging, coffee tour from 40-50/t (depending on N° of pers), bicycle tour from 40-45/t (depending on N° of pers), food tour (map provided) & board games. Others include: laundry (10), snacks (1), beer (2), free maps & free bag storage. The European staff, who were backpackers themselves for many years know the region at its best & will provide you with excellent suggestions on how to get the most out of your visit!

z Dorm = 17pp/n. z Single = 32-40pp/n. z Double = 40-50pr/n.

They also sell colorful handmade clothes & custom made t-shirts @ their reception.

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PNN P URACE@ Situated on a plateau at more than 3000m (9842ft) & only 1,5hr from Popayán.

WHAT TO DO? Puracé Volcano: Really nice hike (6-7hrs to ascend & descend) that passes through bucolic places. The crater has views of Popayán & the Coconuco volcano range. Termales de San Juan: Swimming pools & rivers of hot water, that when combined with normal water form nice colors ranging from grey, turqoise blue to pink or green. Mirador del Cóndor: A valley area where a group of condors live. Cascada de San Nicolás: 30m (98ft) high in a beautiful Andean landscape (30min walk from the road). Azufre mine: Old sulphur mines that are no longer in use anymore & that can be visited. Beautiful scenery at the foot of the Puracé Volcano. Laguna de Magdalena: Tour = 250pp leaving from San Agustín.

WHAT TO SEE? The dominant ecosystem is páramo (moorland). The vegetation is curiously short & colorful, being this the perfect place to spot the spectacled bear, the pudu or the condor. The range of Coconuco volcanoes (15 of them) the most accesible 1 is Puracé Volcano (4750m/15.583ft & that can be climbed in 6-7hrs/return trip) which can be seen from almost any point in the PNN.

PRICES? = 19pp Foreigners, 8pp Colombians. Indigenous guides from the Coconuco etnic group at the different park entrances = 30/t. Hiring them is a good way to understand nature, their culture & helping them as for most of them this is their only means of support.

TIPS? Take warm clothes & energy snacks!

HOW2GETTHERE?Popayán-Puracé 4:30am until 'Cruce de la Mina' (mine cross) = 1,45hr, 8-10pp. From there walk to Pilimbalá for 30min= park entrance for the volcano climbing. For other parts of the PNN, ask the driver to drop you off. Return bus @ 2:30pm & 5pm.

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SAN AGUSTIN �UNESCO world heritage site

This idyllic village situated at an altitude of 1730m (5675ft) surrounded by a patchwork of mountains of a 1000 different shades. A quiet picturesque village where horses still outnumber the cars & where you can find delightful handcrafted souvenirs, very welcom-ing people & where you can inmmerse yourself in the mystical history of a myriad of archaeological sites.

HIGHLIGHTS 9 Jeep- or horse riding tour: Explore the region with Pacho: 311-82 77 972 or ask in

your hostel. Horse riding ½ day = 30-90pp; 1 day = 60-180pp. Jeep tour = 180/t (max. 6 pers, whole day) during which you visit 3 archaeological & 3 sites of natural beauty.

9 El Tomate: Vegetarian restaurant: Delicious, amazing, innovative fair price affordable for everyone. Creating a balanced & nutritious food fusion whilst preserving the natural essence of flavors & food. Breakfast, lunch menu (7pp), wholegrain bakery, natural jams & more. Mon-Fri 8am-3pm. High season open every day. Cll 5 # 16-04, main road to the archaeological park. 314-26 55 527.

9 Archaeological Park: Typical sculptures & statues from the region: 8am (one part till Bosque) - 4pm, (other part) - 5:30pm, 16pp (entrance is valid for 2 days). <15 year: discount. Taxi from the village = 5min, 5/tr. Here are the waterfalls El Cinco = 1hr hike, is possible without guide.

9 La Chaquira: Further 3km downhill the El Tablon. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the canyon at Chaquira, see the hills & the Magdalena river of San Agustín surrounded by waterfalls, cool & clean air & the exhuberant green carpet of nature stretching out beyond you. From town taxi = 10min, 6/tr.

9 Activities like: Magdalena rafting = 45pp, rappel waterfalls = 40pp, speleology = 70pp, hiking = 35pp, tour to the Laguna del Magdalena = 250pp, canyoning = 70pp. More information @ your hostel.

9 Parque Arq. Alto de los Idolos = 10pp & La Pelota: Archaeological sites & the biggest statue & walks in the magical valley. Open 8am-4:30pm every day. HOW2GETTHERE:

Popayán = 5-6hrs, 30pp (don’t travel at night). Bogotá = 10hrs, 60pp. Pitalito = 45min, 7pp. Pitalito-Mocoa = 2,5hrs, 18-25pp.

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HOTEL LA CASA DE NELLY Vereda la Estrella, San AgustínCel: 310-21 59 067 Cel: 311-53 50 412www.hotelcasadenelly.co hotelcasadenelly@hotmail.comFB: casa.denelly

From the main square Simón Bolívar you need to go down the road to the L of the church until you meet a crossroad. Here you need to take a L which curves round a shop on the R, follow the dirt road along for a further 10min.There is a turn off on the L with a sign posted ‘La Casa de Nelly’. From here it’s a steep climb until the gate on the L. Taxi from the center = 5min, 5/tr.

La Casa de Nelly is 1 of the original countryside backpacker hostels in town. It offers beautiful views of the surroundings, a free welcome drink (hot or cold) waiting for you, hot showers 24/7, lovely social areas, kitchen for tourists if you want to prepare your own meals, comfortable lounge in- & outdoor areas with hammocks for reading & relaxation. As well you can stroll around the colorful garden, observe hummingbirds & other animals. There is also a bar offering refreshments & cocktails, if you feel like watching tv or a DVD, Casa de Nelly offers you a great lounge facility, numerous games & as well as toys for children. The main house was built in 1987 & has a warm & beautiful style with wooden floors & lots of colors. In the garden you can find different beautiful individual ecohabs surrounded by typical plants & flowers. There is a peaceful & quite atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the best holiday. The bilingual staff (also Ger-man) will provide the best information for activites in the area. Feel at home at this cosy French owned hotel - hostel La Casa de Nelly!

z Dorm = 18pp/n. z Single = 35pp/n. z Double = 50pr/n. z Cabaña = 35pp/n (max 4 pers).

Discount after the 3rd night!

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EL JARDIN Cll 4 # 4-10, San AgustínCel: 313-29 50 398 Cel: 314-48 86 220www.hosteltrail.com/eljardin hospedajeeljardincolombia@hotmail.com

Arrive at the cll 3 # 11 where all transport services drop you off. On your R hand side look for cll 4 with the same cra 11. El Jardín is diagonal from the Casa de la Cultura.

El Jardín hostel, located in the center of San Agustín, near the square & public transport services it is a traditional house with 14 rooms (9 rooms with private bathroom) & cheap rates per night. The staff will bring you some real Colombian coffee to your room in the morning to start the day on the right foot. Then let yourself be pleasantly surprised with the excellent care & the comfort of their beds, both in bedrooms or in cabins. They have also rooms with TV & a private bathroom with hot water. They offer a break-fast service with fresh fruit juices, warm bread & eggs. You can enjoy TV in the dining room or relax in their green areas next to the cabins. El Jardín is ... The closest thing to a home environment ... WARM & FRIENDLY!

z Private rooms = 12-15pp/n. z Cabaña = 25pp/n.

Internet service all mornings!

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F INCA EL MACO Km 2 San AgustínTel: 8-83 73 437 Cel: 311-27 14 802www.elmaco.ch info@elmaco.chFB: elmaco.sanagustin

Taxi from the center = 7min, 6-7/tr. You can also walk = 25min. Walk the road to the archaeological park, after 1km (0,62mi) go R to the swimmingpool, 300m/984ft up.

Finca Ecologica El Maco is a unique combination of farm & hotel, located in San Agustín (1700msnm/5577fasl). San Agustín is famous for it's archaeological park, 1 of the most important archaeological sites of the continent. The region was inhabited by a mysterious civilisation which left behind several 100 freestanding monumental statues carved in stone, as well as a number of tombs. This & the beauty of the unspoiled vegetation, caused by the mild subtropical mountain climat, attracts travelers from all over the world. Riding horses, trekking, river-rafting or archaeology, San Agustin is 1 of Colombia's best adventure destinations. They offer restaurant service & have the most delicous curry, handmade yogurt & marmelade, brown own baked bread, laundry service, individual ecohabs (all with private bathroom & hot showers), dorm, garden & a separate yoga-area in a typical Maloca with sauna! Activities can be organized via the hostel.

z Hammock = 10pp/n. z Dorm = 17pp/n. z Single = 35-45pp/n. z Double = 42-66pr/n. z Camping = 10pp/n (tent & blancket not incl).

Discount after the 3rd night.

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MOCOA �Admire unique animals like ’bozo de leche’ (monkey),

’tigrillos’ (little tiger cat) or ’oro pendula’ (birds with yellow tails) by exploring this green Colombian jungle!

This beautiful natural playground with its numerous waterfalls, foothills, swimming pools, rivers, indigenous peoples (Kafán & Inga), cristal waters & unspoilt natural surroundings in the department of Putumayo, in the Amazon region which has the most activities to offer & has no malaria! Carnival ’Negros & Blancos’ = at the beginning of the year.

HIGHLIGHTS 9 Fin del mundo: A natural reserve in the Churumbelo mountain range. There you will

find the Dantayaco river where you can enjoy spectacular natural bathing pools, crystal-clear waterfalls & pristine natural scenery with a stunning waterfall of 80m (262ft). Entrance = 2pp. Transport to Villagarzón, get out at San José del Pepino. (5 min, 1pp).

9 Cañon del Mandiyaco: Breathtaking canyon (400m, 1312ft) where you can enjoy a little piece of paradise. Bus 25min, 4pp (one way). When you get out of the bus, 5 min further on foot.

9 Salto del Indio: 2 Beautiful waterfalls that end in natural swimming pools of cristal clear water. Transport to Villagarzon = 20min, 1pp. From here 1u20 walk.

9 Tubing on the Mocoa river = 1-2hrs, 35pp; from 2 pers 30pp (incl. transport, life jacket, helmet, ...).

9 Waterfall Hornoyaco: A natural paradise in the mountain range Churumbelo. Walking distance from the hostel = 1hr20.

9 Canalandres: Very neat place for chilling, hiking, bird- & butterflywatching & swim-ming in an enchanting spot with 2 lakes above & another at the base of the waterfalls = 40min from the hostel.

9 Yagé experience: Ritual of the indian population lead by a taita (shaman) = 50pp. More information @ hostel. HOW2GETTHERE:

Bogotá = 12hrs, 55-65pp. Pasto = 5hrs, 30-35pp. Pitalito = 2,5 hrs, 18-25pp. Puerto Asís = 1hr45, 15-20pp. Stamp @ International bridge at San Miguel = 5hrs, 18pp.

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CASA DEL RIO Vereda Caliyaco, vía Mocoa-VillagarzónTel: 8-42 04 004 Cel: 314-30 45 050www.casadelriomocoa.com casadelriomocoa@gmail.comFB: Hostal CASA DEL RIO en Mocoa - Colombia

Located 2.5km (1mi) outside the center of Mocoa (Caliyaco) next to the road heading to Villagarzón. Taxi = 5min, 5/tr or a shared pick-up truck = 1-2pp. Just ask in town where you find the 'camionetas' that go to Villagarzón. Get off on the bridge over the river at 2.5km (1mi) from Mocoa.

You can find Casa del Río in Mocoa, Putumayo department in the south of Colombia. Tropical Mocoa is called the 'Gate to the Amazon'. At the foot of 2 mountain ranges & at the start of the Amazon basin you can find lots of natural paradises. If you like hiking in nature, observing animals, seeing enormous waterfalls, canyons, swimming, tubing, indigenous rituals with Yagé, an easygoing town... you should pay a visit! The hostel is located opposite the river at a popular bathing spot called Caliyaco. They offer 6 private & 2 dorm rooms in chalet style buildings in a wild garden where you can just relax in the hammocks or take a dive into the river in front of their hostel. Learn about the unique fauna & flora in the ‘Centro Experimental Amazónico’ or go to the Mariposario (butterfly farm). Lots of things to do in this one & only hostel in Mocoa! They sell breakfasts (4.5–5.5). For other meals there is no restaurant but you can use of their kitchen.

z Dorm = 17pp/n. z Single = 32-35pp/n. z Double = 38-41pr/n. z Camping = 7pp/n (tent & bag not incl).

They have a new tennis court next to the hostel which you can rent per hour with rackets & balls incl.

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PASTO � Known as the theological center of Colombia because of its

many churches & cathedrals. A pre-Columbian art technique, typical for this region, called Barniz de Pasto = Pasto Varnish: Artisanal designs made from a natural rubber of the mopa-mopa tree

This city, famous for its annual festival ’Carnival de Negros y Blancos’ (2-7.01), is located at the foot of the Volcano Galeras at an altitude of 2527m/8290ft above sea level & in the cold but fruitful Atriz Valley. Magnificent surroundings & a perfect approach, via the Pan-American Highway, to destinations like Cali, Ipiales, Mocoa, Popayan & Tumaco.

HIGHLIGHTS 9 El Santuario de Las Lajas: Daytrip to Ipiales & visit this very unique & famous gothic-

revival styled church, built inside the canyon of the Guáitara River. Taxi from the terminal in Ipiales = 5/tr, colectivo = 1.6pp.

9 Laguna de La Cocha: The 2nd largest lake in Colombia (nr 1=Lago Tota, Boyáca) = 41.5 km²/16mi2 surface & 2800m/9186ft above sea level. Taxi collectivo from hospital departamental or Iglesia Santa Sepulcro = 45min, 5pp. You can also see this lake when coming from/going to Mocoa. You can overnight there in ecohabs ±25pp/n. No guide needed. Free entrance. Boat to the island 5pp, entrance island 2pp.

9 Tour Café Alban @ San José Alban: Support the locals & enjoy the very special experi-ence of staying with a warm & friendly local family who cultivate coffee at an altitude of 1800m (5905ft). Learn about the panela & coffee process; visit the Italian styled church‚ La Hermita (=1hr from San José Alban); do activities like kayaking in Cañon de Juanambú or go hiking in the reserve. Accommodation, food, tour & transport = 60pp/n-75 pp/n (incl. transport from Pasto). Edgar Ivan Pasaje (es): 314-63 23 765, Max 312-29 80 312 (uk), www.cafealban.org.

9 Laguna Verde del Volcan Azufral: Cold climate but hot water. No guide is needed. Bus from the terminal = 2,5-3hrs, 7pp. Free entrance. HOW2GETTHERE:

Ipiales = 2hrs. San José Alban = 3hrs, 9pp bus or taxi 2hrs, 30/tr. Popayán = 6hrs, 25-33pp. Mocoa = 5hrs, 30-35pp. Coming from Ecuador: Get your exit stamp in Lago Agrio (=40min before border); on Colombian side get stamp at the international bridge in San Miguel (only open during the daytime). Coming from Tulcán (Ecuador), cross main border & continue to Ipiales.

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TATACOA DESERT � ’La Reina del Desierto’ = Rosalina Martinez de Clevez,

she was the very 1st person to promote tourism in the desert & provide information to foreigners (1902-2012)

Travel through Huila’s most enigmatic landscapes & experience an encounter with the universe. This 370km2 (142mi²) desert landscape with its entrance via Villavieja, offers activities like astronomic observation at night & exploration of the desert during the day. The 3 most important parts are Cusco (ochre color), Los Hoyos (gray color) & La Venta. Try some goat's milk which is good for combatting viruses or goat meat which is typical in this region. Admire the huge cacti ’Arepo's’ & see how easily the goats can swallow these prickly plants (respect them for that at least!).

HIGHLIGHTS 9 Accommodation in the desert: Posada Noches de Saturno in the 1st part of the desert,

Cusco. Hammock 10pp, dorm 20-30pp, doble 50pr/n, camping 5pp with tent - 15pp without tent. Restaurant: breakfast 5, lunch 8-10, dinner 7-9. Swimming pool = 3pp.

9 Astronomic observation center: Admire the beautiful sky (night watching) & learn about it. Starts at 6:45pm-9:15pm(every day). Entrance = 10pp. You can go on foot from the posada, it only takes 10min.

9 Explore Pasaje Rojo @ Cusco (5min walk from the hostel). 9 Take funny pictures in El Ojo del Desierto. This eye was slightly bigger but fell apart in

Semana Santa 2012 due to exceptionally heavy rainfall. 9 When you are waiting for transport visit Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro,

Capilla Santa Bárbara & the museum (2pp) @ Villavieja. 9 Medical tree: Chase away the negative vibes by frittering small branches of the sas-

safras tree; this gives a wonderful aroma. 9 Guide = 35-50/day; tour with mototaxi in the desert = 80pp/day. 9 Horseriding to Los Hoyos (6.5km/3mi) = 30pp (there & back). You can also go there on

foot which will take 2hrs one way. Taxi = 20min, 50-60/tr (1/2day, max. 6 pers), guide is incl. HOW2GETTHERE:

Villavieja = 15min, taxi 20/tr. La Rivera-Neiva = 30min, 20pp, mototaxi = 10pp. Neiva-Plata = 4hrs. Plata-Tierradentro = 3,5hrs. Neiva-Villavieja = 1hr, 6pp. Neiva-Bogotá = 5hrs, 25-30pp.

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