I think Colombia is simply a country with an incredibly fascinating character, where you can push yourself beyond your limits and have adventures.
With his trip to Colombia, Manuel fulfilled his dream of experiencing Latin America firsthand. During his Hostel Experience project in Santa Marta, he met people from all over the world, discovered impressive places like Tayrona National Park and Ciudad Perdida, and got to know himself better. In his experience report, he takes you along on his first days in the project, talks about his daily life, his encounters with people, and why Colombia has left a lasting impression on him.
I was inspired to take this trip by a book about a backpacker in South America. After reading so much in it about the warm-hearted people and the beautiful landscapes, I decided to travel to a country in South America myself. I was drawn to Colombia mainly because of its vibrant culture, diverse natural scenery, and music (both traditional and „reggaeton“).
I did a lot of research in advance about Colombia, my travel destination: which cities and regions there are, what there is to do there, and what the culture has to offer.
After that, I started packing, using WanderWorld’s packing checklist as well as the many other useful travel tips and preparation calls. I really enjoyed diving into the trip planning; I was full of anticipation—especially because I always felt well taken care of and knew I could turn to WanderWorld with any questions.
I finally booked the flights about 3 months in advance.
Before my trip, I was mostly curious to see what experiences awaited me, since I didn't really have a clear idea of what to expect. I didn't really start to get excited until the evening of my departure, just before my flight took off that night.
When I arrived, I was initially busy taking in all the new impressions after the long flight and the short night.
But I felt right at home there from the very beginning, and I really enjoyed exploring the city with my fellow volunteer.
The orientation day was relaxed, and I learned a lot about Colombia and the city of Cartagena from Jan, and I was able to ask any questions that came up on the spot. I liked that we also went out for lunch together, received SIM cards, and that all of this was included in the price.
During my first few days on the project, I started by getting to know the hostel and its routines. I really started to settle in after about the first week, by which time I had already become good friends with the other hostel staff and was somewhat familiar with the area.
My job was to work the evening shifts at the bar on the rooftop terrace from Thursday through Sunday (6:00 p.m. – midnight). I particularly enjoyed approaching the guests and getting to know them there, meeting many interesting and inspiring people, and picking up some travel tips along the way.
That was also what I was able to take away from that time: actively reaching out to new people, seeking out conversations, and—quite naturally—making new acquaintances.
I got along great with the hostel management, and one volunteer from Colombia in particular was always there to listen to me and was able to answer all kinds of questions I had about Colombia and the hostel in English.
Since I knew I could contact WanderWorld's WhatsApp support at any time—and they also reached out to me proactively—I felt well taken care of in every way.
I often spent my free time with another volunteer who worked at a hostel two streets away, and otherwise I also went out with guests I’d gotten to know during my free time. I especially liked the many beaches around Santa Marta (Playa Rodadero, Playa Blanca, Playa Grande, …) because they were so diverse.
I especially remember the trip to Tayrona National Park, and my absolute highlight was the four-day trekking tour to „Ciudad Perdida“: an intense hike that pushed me to my limits and allowed me to improve my Spanish through the many conversations I had with my tour guide.
This was the first time I’d done things all on my own to this extent—like taking a day trip to a nearby beach, going out to party in the evening, exploring the city, or going out to eat. In that sense, I definitely pushed myself beyond my limits.
I felt very welcome in Colombia, and I especially appreciated the open, honest way people are there.
During the first few days, I hadn't gotten used to the currency yet and, for example, would often give 50 pesos instead of 5, but I was always reminded of this when paying.
What surprised me most was how relaxed life is there: People tend to take each day as it comes, worry less, and everything moves at a much more leisurely pace. For example, items are scanned at the supermarket checkout with complete calm, and no one is rushing through the store.
I've learned from the local people that it's possible to lead a happy and fulfilling life even with a lower standard of living, and that a lot of it simply depends on one's attitude.
During my four-day hiking tour through the jungle, on the way to „Ciudad Perdida,“ I had a very enriching experience with my Colombian guide. Since I was the only one who started the tour that day, there was no one else in my group, and we had in-depth conversations: He improved his English, and I improved my Spanish.
At the end of the tour, I sent him another message on WhatsApp to thank him for the wonderful time and to wish him and his family all the best. He replied that he had also really enjoyed the time, that he’ll never forget the fun tour with me, and that my message had moved him to tears. His reaction and our encounter really touched me, and I, too, will cherish the memory.
I think that, thanks to my open and friendly nature, I was able to share interesting insights about Germany with many Colombians, and that this may have inspired them in some way. Above all, I would advise others to approach people with the same openness and friendliness that they show in Colombia.
During my trip, I was particularly fascinated by the city of Cali. The city was full of artists, and you could really feel the passion for salsa. This became especially clear when I had the chance to spend a wonderful evening on „Calle del Sabor.“ In the evenings, lots of people gather there to dance and make music together in the street.
At first, I slept in a dormitory with other guests, but toward the end, there was a dorm just for the volunteers.
I always felt comfortable there and slept well, even though, when it came to hygiene, I had to get used to sharing the room and the bathroom with other people.
I think Colombia is simply a country with an incredibly fascinating character, where you can push yourself beyond your limits and have adventures.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the music and culture and who isn't just looking for a peaceful vacation, but really wants to have an experience.
I was particularly fascinated by the diverse natural landscape and the cities—which are truly very different from one another (in terms of climate, sights, and people)—within the vast country of Colombia. You can really experience so many different kinds of adventures here!
I was also particularly taken with the open, friendly, and laid-back nature of the people, and I don't think this will be my last trip to South America. I can imagine visiting other countries, such as Peru and Panama, in the future.
If I had to describe Colombia in three words, they would be warm, loud, and adventurous!
When it comes to the topic of security, I've gathered various impressions.
I felt pretty safe in Santa Marta and often went out on my own. There are some things—like the presence of homeless people on the streets—that you’re not used to in Germany, but which are part of everyday life in Colombia. Unfortunately, I also witnessed a case of corruption, where the police demanded money from someone I knew for flimsy reasons.
Unfortunately, during my free time while traveling, I also had a few experiences where I felt unsafe in certain areas or accidentally wandered into dangerous areas in the evening.
I would advise future visitors to find out exactly which areas are safe and, starting around 9:00 p.m., to stick to larger groups, especially if you’re venturing away from the main tourist center. I was told that, unlike in Germany, even the locals—especially in large cities—no longer walk alone through quiet alleys late at night and tend to drive or take a taxi directly to their destination.
For one thing, I was able to significantly improve my social skills by reaching out to so many people and making new connections, and at the same time, I also learned to spend time alone and do whatever I felt like doing, independent of others.
In addition, I've developed a certain resilience that allows me to keep a cool head, not give up, and always think as positively as possible, even when things don't go smoothly.
I'm proud of myself for having made noticeable progress, for having managed well throughout the entire trip, and for having planned the rest of my journey on my own.
You should be able to find Latin America fascinating and, above all, be open-minded and adaptable. This is exactly the area where I was able to grow, since I often had to improvise and had the chance to meet many people.
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
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