Travelers Can Now Explore Colombia By Train For First Time In Over 50 Years

Historical past is within the making in one among Latin America’s premier locations!

For the primary time in over 50 years, vacationers in Colombia will be capable to hear the magic phrases all of us love certifying an epic journey forward, “all aboard!” — or, on this case, extra doubtless, it is “¡todos a bordo!”.

As enormous followers of Colombia ourselves, we at Travel Off Path could not wait to disclose what’s in retailer.

With main cities like Medellin and Cartagena hogging the highlight away from picturesque villages and astounding landscapes, somewhat than dwell the town grind, vacationers can take pleasure in many sudden delights at a slower tempo as they explore Colombia by prepare.

No, this isn’t wherever near Japan’s (or allegedly California’s) lightning-fast bullet rides.

The “new” prepare really is not so new in any respect — it is being revived as a vacationer prepare, not a commuter rail line.

What’s dubbed by a latest report because the “Prepare of Life and Hope” and described as a ‘luxurious expertise’, we’re dwelling as much as our title by going off-path deep into Colombia for probably the most thrilling journey this nation has seen in over half a century.

Uncover Village After Village Off The Typical Vacationer Path

Let’s unpack the complete route, lets?

Earlier than we start, somewhat disclosure for you: should you left your sense of journey again dwelling, this journey isn’t your jam.

For those who’d somewhat relax in Medellin, chowing down on empanadas, sipping world-class espresso, and dwelling the city life to the fullest, you might not be the sort to understand Colombia’s unknown villages that really really feel caught in time.

For instance, this newly revived prepare that relaunched in latest weeks takes off from the map-dot city of Paipa, a scenic hideaway recognized for its majestic sizzling springs, Sochagota Lake, and sensational delicacies, sandwiched between Bogota and Bucamaranga.

From there, you will traverse gorgeous surroundings to the subsequent stopping level, Duitama. This just about unknown metropolis is called “the Pearl of Boyaca”, however it’s a full-fledged metropolis of over 130,000 residents.

Uncover tranquil waterfalls, genuine Colombian life away from expat-overloaded cities, and most famously, Pueblito Boyacense, which is a replicated village serving as a preview for what’s positioned within the surrounding hidden villages.

After that, you will head to Nobsa. Right here, you will discover a charming city well-known for its hand-made wool ponchos, cozy markets, and conventional Andean craftsmanship that’s been handed down for generations.

In different phrases, you possibly can deliver again a memento that absolutely nobody has of their possession. Who wants a boring magnet anyway?

Lastly, your journey with coming to a screeching halt in Sogamoso, a metropolis steeped in historical past courting again to the traditional Muisca civilization, lengthy earlier than the Spanish arrived, so a go to to the Suamox Archaeological Museum is an absolute should.

In abstract, you will go to these 4 off-path cities teeming with tradition, authenticity, reasonably priced costs, and experiences the guidebooks sometimes miss:

• Paipa
• Duitama
• Nobsa
• Sogamoso

Is Colombia Protected To Discover Past The Norm?

With just a bit little bit of analysis, vacationers will certainly have a transparent picture of what to anticipate in such locations as Medellin and Bogota.

However unheard-of cities like Nobsa? Not a lot.

At present, the U.S. State Division has a regarding ‘Degree 3′ travel advisory issued for Colombia, largely on account of ‘violent crime’.

Nonetheless, in relation to Latin America in its entirety, most situations of headline-inducing crime occur close to neighboring borders and main cities, not small cities merely simply dwelling their lives.

Colombia is properly conscious of their repute as a Degree 3 advisory is nothing new, nor are Embassy-issued security alerts.

Whereas there aren’t any studies of security issues for these trains, as soon as the route turns into extra in style, it is all however sure safety forces in a single type or one other will make their presence recognized — however thus far, so good.

Because the prepare launched in late September, rides throughout this lesser-known stretch of Colombia have gone with out a hitch, and locals have been nothing in need of proud to point out off their beloved nation’s hidden gems.

Ticket Costs

Colombia could not solely wish to spend money on safety to make vacationers really feel protected, however it might additionally wish to spend money on selling the prepare, as there’s little or no info to go by.

One factor we all know for sure is that this new journey will not break the financial institution.

For lower than what you’d spend again dwelling on a Pumpkin Spice Latte, you possibly can enterprise throughout Colombia for as little as $4 (relying on which leg of the journey you are taking).

Attending to Paipa is one other query totally. In response to Rome2Rio, should you have been to land in Bogota, it is a 2-hour and 45-minute bus trip to Paipa, costing $18 max.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.