MileHacker Logo
Resources & References

Resources & References

Colombia

Online Aids

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps:

    Use for navigation, public transport directions (Megabús routes), and finding businesses.

  • Google Translate:

    Download the offline Spanish translation pack for use without internet.

  • Ride-Sharing Apps:

    Uber, Didi, InDriver for convenient city transport.

  • WhatsApp:

    Ubiquitous in Colombia for local communication with guides and hotels.

  • Booking/Airbnb:

    Useful for finding and booking accommodation options.

Useful Websites

  • XE Currency:

    Delivers live currency conversion rates, supporting budget management.

  • HappyCow:

    Locates vegetarian and vegan dining options.

  • Migración Colombia:

    The official website for Colombian immigration information. Check visa and entry requirements.

  • Cancillería de Colombia:

    Official website for the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with visa application details.

  • ProColombia Tourism:

    Colombia's official tourism promotion agency. Discover general destination information.

Online Connections

Social Media Accounts

Follow official tourism accounts for Colombia and Pereira (e.g., @Colombia.Travel, @PereiraTurismo) for updates.

Explore Pereira on Instagram

Podcasts & Digital Content

Seek podcasts on "Colombia travel" or "Coffee Region Colombia" for cultural context and stories.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like "La Tarde" or "El Diario" supply current events and insights into daily life.

Read La Tarde Find El Diario

Tangible Guides

Recommended Guidebooks

  • General guidebooks for Colombia (Rough Guides, Fodor's, Moon Travel Guides) are available. Look for recent editions.
  • Physical maps of Pereira and the broader Coffee Axis assist self-driving or rural exploration.
  • "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez mirrors Colombian culture and magical realism.
  • "Colombia: A Brief History" by Michael J. LaRosa and Germán R. Mejían imparts valuable historical context.

Regional Readings

  • Local literature from the Risaralda region yields unique perspectives, perhaps requiring Spanish.
  • Seek out travel blogs for personal insights on the Coffee Region.
  • Connect with fellow travelers and locals through online communities.
  • Language learning Apps like Babbel help with basic Spanish phrases.

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency

  • Police, Ambulance, Fire: 123 (Unified national number).
  • Police direct line: 112.
  • Ambulance/Medical: 125.
  • Fire Department: 119.

Hospital Locations

  • Clínica Comfamiliar Pereira: Carrera 24 #16-81.
  • Hospital Universitario San Jorge: Carrera 27 #39-50.
  • Clínica Los Rosales: Calle 26 #22-09.
  • In emergencies, direct hospital contact is often swifter.

Embassy Information

  • U.S. Embassy Bogotá: Calle 24 Bis No. 51-80, Bogotá.
  • Canadian Embassy Bogotá: Carrera 7 #114A-33, Bogotá.
  • UK Embassy Bogotá: Carrera 9 No 76-49, Piso 9, Bogotá.
  • Australian Embassy Bogotá: Carrera 18 #90-10, Piso 10, Bogotá.

Health & Safety Overview

Safety First

Tourist Police

  • In Pereira, inquire at your hotel for the local tourist police number.
  • Or dial 123 and ask for the tourist police.
  • They assist specifically with visitor concerns.
  • Always report incidents promptly.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Earthquake: "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" under sturdy furniture.
  • If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Information disseminates through radio, TV, or emergency services.

Lost Document Recovery

  • Passport: Obtain a police report (_denuncia_) from DIJIN.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Bogotá for a new passport.
  • Credit Cards: Immediately contact your bank to cancel.
  • Keep copies separate from originals.

Health & Well-being Continued

Medical preparedness

  • Discuss necessary vaccinations with your doctor before travel.
  • Assemble a basic first-aid kit for minor injuries.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking bottled water consistently.

Environmental Precautions

  • Use insect repellent, especially in rural areas or at dusk.
  • Apply high SPF sunscreen regularly.
  • Be mindful of weather changes and potential rain.

Support & Connections

Support Networks

  • Your travel insurance provider contact details should be readily available.
  • Inform a trusted friend or family member of your itinerary.
  • Keep local emergency numbers saved on your phone.

Community Engagement

  • Join local guided tours to meet new people.
  • Engage with locals respectfully for cultural insights.
  • Seek out community-based tourism initiatives.

Online Communities & Learning

Online Forums

  1. Join online travel forums for Colombia or the Coffee Axis.
  2. These provide opportunities to ask questions and share experiences.
  3. Connect with other travelers and gather diverse insights.
  4. Access real-time advice from seasoned visitors.
  5. Share your own discoveries with the community.

Language Learning

  1. Utilize Language learning apps like Babbel.
  2. Learn basic Spanish phrases before your trip.
  3. This preparation greatly enhances your interactions.
  4. A few phrases demonstrate respect and openness.
  5. Practice daily for conversational flow.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

Reputable publishers offer comprehensive guidebooks for Colombia. Seek the latest editions.

Physical Maps

Good physical maps of Pereira and the Coffee Axis assist self-driving or rural exploration.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like "La Tarde" or "El Diario" provide current events and insights.

Important Safety Notice

Always stay informed about local conditions and any advisories from your government or local authorities.

Further Reading & Exploration

Connections

Cultural Learning

  • Documentaries:

    Search for documentaries or travel shows focusing on Colombia's Coffee Region. These provide visual context.

  • Music & Art:

    Listen to traditional Colombian music genres like Salsa, Cumbia, and Vallenato. Explore Colombian art.

  • Literature:

    Explore local literature from the Risaralda region for unique perspectives.

Community & Language

  • Online Forums:

    Join online travel forums or social media groups dedicated to Colombia for questions and experiences.

  • Language Learning:

    Utilize language learning Apps like Babbel for basic Spanish phrases.

  • Interaction:

    Attempting Spanish greatly elevates your interactions with locals.

Diverse Perspectives

Online Travel Groups

Engage with fellow travelers and gain tips from shared experiences.

Historical Readings

Gain a appreciation for Colombia by reading about its rich history.

Colombian Cinema

Watch films and documentaries set in Colombia to visually prepare for your trip.

Cultural Immersion Activities

Experiential Learning

  • Experience salsa dancing at local clubs for an energetic evening.
  • Participate in a coffee tasting workshop to discern regional niceties and flavors.
  • Hike a trail in the surrounding mountains for breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape.
  • Enroll in a photography workshop to refine your skills and capture the region's beauty.

Connecting with the Community

  • Take a cooking class to learn authentic local Colombian recipes and culinary traditions.
  • Volunteer with a local community project for meaningful interaction and contribution.
  • Explore local artisan markets for unique handmade souvenirs and crafts.
  • Practice your Spanish with locals in everyday conversations, improving your fluency.

Outdoor & Nature Adventures

Natural Wonders

  • Discover hidden waterfalls and refreshing natural pools within the region's lush landscapes.
  • Rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the picturesque coffee farm trails at your own pace.
  • Join a birdwatching tour to spot the diverse and endemic species of the Coffee Axis.
  • Visit a butterfly sanctuary to observe and learn about the varied local fauna up close.

Adventure & Relaxation

  • Consider a multi-day trek in Los Nevados National Natural Park for an immersive mountain experience.
  • Relax in natural hot springs after a day of exploration, finding comfort and renewal.
  • Attend a local festival or cultural event for an authentic celebration and insight into the community.
  • Explore nearby towns like Salento or Filandia for different coffee region vibes and unique charm.

Travel Insight

Every interaction with locals in Pereira provides valuable insights and memorable connections.

← Previous
Practical Tips & Hacks
← Back to Pereira
Next →
Pre-Trip Checklist

Next Up: Pre-Trip Checklist

Continue to Pre-Trip Checklist