Islote De Santa Cruz

Arriving at the stunning eco hostel of Casa en el Agua we were in paradise. A place of isolation and bliss where one can switch off, forget the time and just enjoy each and every moment of the day.

A short kayak away, albeit in slightly turbulent conditions in the sea, we made it across to Islote De Santa Cruz. It is the size of two football pitches and commonly referred to as the most densely human populated island on earth. It really was a magical place full of community spirit. I would have loved to stay longer to visually document the island.

Coasts and Mountains

This leg of the trip takes us into humid temperatures starting at Santa Marta, which was very much a base to then explore heights of Minca and the highly instagrammed net hammocks up at Casa Elemento.

A 4 hour car journey from Santa Marta to Cartagena offered the opportunity to take some candid shots from the perspective of the motorist. We encountered very typical life of street vendors and local commuters.

Cartagena was simply too hot to walk around the fortified colonial old town but I did grab a shot or two of locals.

Medellin

Medellin is the cultural hub of Colombia. The Museum of Modern Arts was an incredible architectural wonder within 15 mins from our accommodation. Upon arrival we were told there was a power cut and were not able to gain access inside.

The views of Medellin is what this whole trip was about for me. The sense of Pablo Escobar standing at the peak of Medellin and admiring the city that he called home and was seen to influence much of the city’s infrastructure.

Guatape Tour

Medellin, synonymously associated with Pablo Escobar’s Medeliin Cartel. The trip would not be complete without visiting one of his mansions. Totally destroyed by Los Pepes. Seeing the property and the associated land really put matters into perspective.

Following a whirlwind tour of the Escobar grounds, and being served lunch by a close acquaintance of his, we set forth to the colourful town of Guatape and the 675 step towering Guatape Rock. The views from the top were breath-taking.

Comuna 13, Bogota

Comuna 13, The most notorious neighbourhood in Bogata exceeded all expectation. A dense favela packed with activity, children playing sports, dancing, learning music and a general great community environment.

Upon ascending the 6 escalators to the iconic view point over looking the Comuna, you really get a sense of the sheer scale of the living conditions. It is easy to see how it can be an intense network for criminal activity but from what I saw, I take a very positive experience from this immersive and intriguing part of Bogota.

Graffiti Tour, Bogota

I was in awe of the vibrant murals and artistry enveloping the urban fabric. The idea that the people have a degree of flexibility to peacefully and respectfully express their creativity and in particular their political beliefs through the medium of graffiti is incredible.

I could have spent weeks and months photographing such works. Here is a small flavour of what I came across. It is very much worth the visit.

La Candelaria, Bogota

Bogata was the first stop on a recent trip to Colombia. Watching Narcos religiously back to back prior to the trip, I had obvious misconceptions about what the socio-economic landscape of Colombia would be like! I arrived with apprehension and rightly so immediately noticing the high level of armed security patrolling the streets.

A stunning city which has left a lasting impression.

Further blogs on Bogata will look specifically at the incredible graffiti and at the infamously notourious Comuna 13.