After deciding on a which destination I will travel too, I do extensive research on blogs, Google and TripAdvisor. When researching activities to do on TripAdvisor, I came across Colombian Buddy. It is is a service provided by local people who live in Colombia. Most people look to book tours but they pride themselves on creating experiences.
I arrived at the airport and Paolita was there holding a sign with my name on it. Outside the terminal, we got rail transport cards for about $1.50. Although a taxi would have gotten us to our destination quickly, I enjoyed taking the rail. It allowed me to see the city and use transport like a local.
Initially, Paolita and I were going drop off my luggage at my Airbnb before going sightseeing. We didn’t receive a quick response from the host, so we dropped my belongings off at the Colombian buddy headquarters.
I was so hungry after my flight our first stop was lunch. Paolita attempted to have me try local Colombian food but I choose to eat Mexican food. Of course, it was not good at all. Paolita teased me because she said, “why would you want to eat Mexican food in Colombia”. Needless to say, I didn’t try any more Mexican food during my stay in Colombia.
Our next stop was the Mount Monserrate in the center of Bogota. You can climb to the top or use the tramway, I opted for the tramway which was about $15 for two people.
If you are afraid of heights, it may scare you. Don’t fret, I felt very safe going up and down. When you arrive at the top, you can visit the church, eat at one of the two restaurants, see the gorgeous views below or shop for souvenirs.
Mount Monserrate rises to 3,152 meters (10,341 ft) above the sea level, so be mindful of the altitude. I did have a slight headache but it was not ongoing and didn’t prevent me from doing any activities while in Bogota.
Unfortunately, while enjoying the views of Monserrate, I received news that my Airbnb was no longer available due to an insect issue. Of course, I was highly upset, annoyed, irritated and anxious because I had nowhere to stay for the next two nights while in Bogota. I am extremely thankful for my Colombian Buddies. They helped me searched for additional Airbnb’s, hotels and even offered to allow me to stay in their apartment. Although I didn’t take them up on their gracious offer, I’m not sure what I would have done without them. Imagine being a solo traveler in another country, no access to WiFi, limited comprehension of the local language and no idea of additional places to stay. After heading back to there headquarters, Paolita was able to find a small hotel in Bogota. Even after leaving my Colombian buddy, Paolita contacted me the next day to make sure that everything was going well in Bogota for the duration of my stay.
I know the biggest question on your mind is how much do they charge? They suggested price is $15 an hour. In addition, you pay for both the buddy and yourself for meals and entry fees to attractions. Although there is suggested Colombian Buddy fee, it is paid based on how happy you are with the services provided. At the end of the trip, I asked how much should I pay and Paolita responded, “We don’t tell you how much to pay” and she handed me an envelope to put my money inside.
Overall I recommend Colombian Buddy especially if you are new to the city, you want to see Colombia from a local perspective.
Things often go wrong while traveling, what has been your experience with lodging gone wrong while traveling?
This is so awesome! I think tours are cool, but exploring a new place through the eyes of someone who lives there is so much better! Looks like you had an awesome time.
Yes, you have a much better experience with a local who shows you there city from there perspective! I had a great time in Colombia
Columbian Buddy sounds awesome. I wonder if other countries will also be adding buddies to their resources for travelers!
I hope they do add this service, its a great idea and a great way to make money!
Oh, this sounds like an AMAZING service. I think it also gives a platform for people who are proud of their city and country to show the scenery in a way you couldn’t get from asking around. I need to pin this to remember for when I visit Colombia.
It was a great service and I was super grateful for them. So true, I should look into showing off my city. yes please pin, thanking you in advance.
Wow, what a beautiful view. It’s nice that they provide services like these to help those new to the area.
The view was great although I don’t think I enjoyed as much because I was too worried about not having a place to stay but it worked out in the end! Thank God 🙂
Wow, I was just in Colombia for a few weeks earlier this year and I never knew of Colombian buddy. I’ve often thought destinations should have something like this but didn’t know it actually existed. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip!
I loved Colombia! What was your favorite city and what did you enjoy the most? I think the buddy is a great idea and people should start doing in various cities.
My favorite was actually a trip out to a Colombian finca in Anapoima.
I love the idea of a buddy. That would enhance my experience. Thank God for them and helping you find another place.
Yes I was so grateful!Don’t know what I would have done with out them?!
Hey I enjoy reading about your travels. I would like to ask you some questions about nomad life off the blog. Can you send me your email address or in case you aren’t comfortable, here’s mine: phillygirl77@rocketmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, I read your blog post as well. I will email you shortly from my email address, so we can further talk.
It looks like you had a great trip! I can’t wait to travel more and experience more culture.
I had a great time! Where would you like to travel too??
Native tour guides usually help travelers have a more authentic and memorable experience. I’ve heard of Colombian Buddy but Paolita sounds like she was a nice person. I’m glad you have a great experience overall. When traveling, I’d be willing to try out the service.
Its so true! That is why I love hanging out with the locals when I travel. Yes, def try it and I’m pretty sure they have this similar type of service in other cities as well.
Wow I haven’t heard of Colombian Buddy, but it’s definitely a service that seems worth it. There’s so many trips that have gone wrong for me, but I loved how your experience still went great!
Yes in my time of need, it was completely worth the service. Traveling is great but it def comes with mishaps but you have to roll with the punches. 🙂
That is such a cool concept! Glad you had fun. Colombia looks beautiful!
Colombia is beautiful 🙂
What a smart idea! I had never considered that you could have a buddy to hang out with you for a bit when you travel solo.
Yeah I think its a genius idea, I should start something like that in Los Angeles. LOL
Omg what an incredible experience. I have not heard about Buddy service ever before, but sounds so cool and personalized. Glad that you had a rocking time in your first solo international trip.
Thank you for stopping by Ketki. I had never heard of them before but I’m so glad I choose them. They literally saved the day 🙂
Colombia buddies are the Best … speak english perfectly and are soo anxious to make your trip more fun and exciting that it becomes more memorial. Also they know all the little secrets about the ins and outs and eateries and bars also! Best places to see and at specific times ..Enjoy!
I absolutely agree that Colombian Buddies are the best. They were super helpful and I highly recommend using them !