colombia
Cali:
STAY: Caelum Hostel - It's very central and friendly. Lots of planned tours to join, and they ahve a Nintendo 64!!!
There's another hostel called El Viajero which has a pool and is meant to be really good so might be worth checking that out.
EAT: Waunana Restaurante (pretty pricey but worth it. It's essentially a blind tasting and absolutely delicious).
DO: Salsa Classes - Cali is the home of Salsa so there are loads of clubs to cut some shapes on. The best is La Topa salsa club. It is unreal! Also try and experience flashmob salsa at Parque de Loma de la Cruz. The hostel will probably have a board with the day by day activities and what days it's best to go so just ask the staff.
Bogota:
STAY: Cranky Crocs Hostel.
DO: A few people didn’t like Bogota but we loved it. Do a graffiti walking tour and eat at La Xarouteria (2 days). It's very cool for you history buffs out there.
Salento:
STAY: La Serranna Eco Hostel - beautiful food and they offer dinner every night. You can get there in the back of a jeep taxi for cheap.
EAT: Brunch - amazing food and portions. We ate there 3 times haha. They also do a really good packed lunch (you only need the small size as it's huge) and you can take this on your Cocora Valley trek. The peanut butter brownie is amazing!
DO: Cocora Valley trek - tallest palm trees in the world. Ocasa coffee tour (can walk or get jeep from La Seranna). Then you could do horseback riding to the waterfalls or rent bikes.
Medellin:
STAY: Happy Buddha – Happy Buddha hostel is the big party one (Good for a few days) but recommend staying nearby at Arcadia and just going to Happy Buddha to pre before a night out.
EAT: So many places near Happy Buddha. Opposite the supermarket there is a small cafe with their quick bites on display. Their empanadas are addictive! The Indian opposite Happy Buddha is pretty tasty. Also a burger place on the street behind Happy Buddha is very well priced and decent grub.
DO: So much to do and see! Go to Communa 13 (Do a free tour where you tip). Make sure you go when the football is on and watch Nacional play at home. Arrange through your hostel, or just go to the ground, and buy the shirts and tickets. Unbelievable atmosphere like nothing I have ever experienced but make sure you're with the home fans. Do a day trip to Guatape, to climb the big rock for the view and go paint-balling in Pablo Escobar’s house (you can book this at a tour shop above a barbers on the same road as Happy Buddha (on the same side of the road as well). This is a must and so interesting.
TIPS: Book flights around Colombia in advance - sometimes they can be cheaper than buses.
Santa Marta:
STAY: Dreamer hostel.
DO: A day trip to Tayrona National Park or stay there for the night to explore it a bit more slowly (1/2 days)
TIPS: Go to Costena Beach Surf Hostel on your way to Tayrona Park. It's a great hostel on the beach, really chilled atmosphere. Ask the bus driver to drop you there and he will know where. Then get a motor bike to the beach. They have them waiting on the side of the road. It's a great place to chill and they cook dinner every night and it's a great family vibe. (2 days)
Minca:
STAY: Case Elemento - big hammocks and amazing views.
EAT: The hostel makes food every night which is so good. You just need to sign up and pay at the end.
DO: Go to the waterfalls near Minca - we walked there and got a motorbike back. The furthest away waterfall isn't worth it.
TIPS: Leave your big bag at dreamer hostel and only take a little bag for a few day. You have to get motor bikes up or you can pay for a jeep but they've more expensive.
El Rio:
EAT: Same as Casa Elemento. They make all food there. Even better you have a choice of mains and other options. The breakfast is very good!
DO: Tubing, horseback riding & the Saturday Night Party.
TIPS: El Rio is a hostel between Palomino and Santa Marta right on the river with sick parties, so go for a weekend. No phone signal and in the middle of nowhere but so fun - voted second best hostel in South America. Just remember to bring your mosquito repellent. (2 days)
Cartegena:
STAY: Media Luna - parties on Wednesdays.
EAT: Too many places to write down. Spoilt for choice.
DO: Walk around as it's a really pretty colonial town with colourful streets, beautiful verandas, and creative street art. Museums and walking tours are available and worth a look. You can do a day trip to Isla Rosario / Blanca but we didn't. The day trip to mud volcano was funny but so touristy and felt a bit fake so save your money. Also from Cartagena look at going to the hostel in the middle of the sea. It's called Casa en El Agua you need to book in advance.
TIPS: From Cartagena look at going to San Andres island. We didn't make it there due to money and time but our friends went and loved it. You can complete your PADI there.