Even in a country with a wealth of beautiful landscapes, the Valle de Cocora still stands out. The broad, emerald green valley stretches east of the village of Salento into the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados where it is framed by sharp peaks. Everywhere you’ll see wax palm, the largest palm in … Continue reading
On our way down a side street to a late dinner in Bogota one evening, we passed this gentleman face-down in a pile of garbage. It was a cold night (Bogota’s elevation is 8,661 feet above sea level), but I figured that was his problem and not mine. Just a short while before in Plaza … Continue reading
Salento Population: 3,500 Elevation: 1,900 meters Salento was founded in 1850 and is one of the oldest (and possibly the smallest) towns of Quindio. The town is 24 kilometers east of Armenia and today survives on coffee production and trout farming. Aside from the nearby Valle de Cocora and Don Elias and his coffee plantation, … Continue reading
Maxim magazine recently voted Bogota the “hardest city” in the world. Here’s how they explained their decision: Bogota is tough. Drug barons and guerrillas infest the place like flies and brutal violence occurs daily. Around 23 people are murdered each day, and the leading cause of death for citizens aged between ten and 60 is … Continue reading
I was intrigued by the motorcycle regulations in Colombia. Although the picture below is far from perfect it helps to illustrate the fact that all riders are required to have their license plate numbers prominently displayed on a vest they are required to wear as well as their helmet (also required). This is, of course, … Continue reading
Now, I think a lot of people would have enjoyed this one – Matthew Downing, Jimmy Ames and Ian Bowman come to mind immediately, but I know there are plenty of others. Upon arriving in Salento, Colombia, my Italian and I learned of the friendly Don Elias who welcomes visitors to his small, organic coffee … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 