Last weekend marked the vibrant Candle Festival in Colombia, with a spectacular parade lighting up the streets of Medellin on Sunday. Adding to the festivities was an electrifying concert by none other than Feid, one of the country’s most celebrated singers.
Despite the excitement, finding accommodation proved to be a major challenge. Budget hostels and hotels were completely booked out due to the influx of visitors. Throughout my journey, I had to secure rooms at least a day or two in advance, which was incredibly frustrating. Over the weekend, I spent two memorable days in Guatape, marveling at the iconic giant rock. The festival there, set against the backdrop of colorful architecture, radiated warmth and joy.
But that wasn’t the end of my adventures. Not by a long shot! Yesterday, as I planned my trip to Bogota, I encountered yet another hurdle. The roads were jam-packed with vehicles, and to my dismay, there were no bus tickets available for the day. Panicking, I scrambled to find last-minute options, only to face repeated payment failures. Eventually, I resorted to visiting each bus company in person, but they all regretfully shook their heads.
In the end, I embarked on a 6-hour bus ride to Puerto Boyaca, followed by a grueling night bus departing at 11:45 PM for another 6-hour journey to Bogota. Despite the exhaustion, the small town offered a surprising charm—safe, lively, and brimming with energy even under the cover of darkness. The constant ticket checks and transfers were undoubtedly tiring, but they came with their own set of experiences.
For anyone planning a trip during such festive times, my advice is simple: book as early as possible. On the bright side, these unexpected challenges gave me a glimpse into the local culture, including their bustling slums and lively parades.
