SPECIAL INFORMATION COLOMBIA  

·      On the flight, you will get a form to fill out.  It is required to put down an address of where you are staying. The address is: Finca Carmen Del Pinar

Avenida El Eden, Kilometro 6, Armenia, Quindio. If asked, it is a friend’s place. No visa needed with American passports. When travelling on Avianca or foreign carriers, make sure you take a print out of your return flight listing. Many foreigners have been traveling to Colombia and not leaving, so they want proof that you have return tickets.

·       You can exchange money at the airport before you leave the USA or you can exchange money at the airport in Bogota. You can also use ATMs to get cash in Armenia. I usually let the bank know that I’ll be traveling to Colombia so that they don’t deactivate my card due to suspected fraud.

·       The weather is usually quite temperate in February is between 65 degrees F and 79 F. Since the Quindio is located in the foothills and valley of the Andes, the temperature for the different places we are going to can vary from quite balmy in the valley (sunblock, sun hat, warm weather clothing suggested) to jacket weather, possibly rain. Usually when it does rain, it’s a quick rainfall. Cocora Valley is located in a cloud forest. Bring closed toed shoes for horseback riding or hiking that you won’t mind if they get muddy.  You can leave jackets, change of clothes, etc, in the limo which the driver will make sure is secure at all times.

·       Mosquito and bugs: We are staying in a Ranch style hotel, so you can expect some bugs, but really, nothing crazy or exotic! I have had minimal mosquito bites, however, it may be a good idea to use anti mosquito bracelets or other repellents.

·       Water in Colombia is potable. We will have plenty of bottled water available.

·       WhatsApp is a great way to stay in touch while in Colombia. Jhon, who will be with us the whole time, will have his phone at the ready so he can pick you up at the airport or help you out if anything comes up. I will also be available.

·       Electrical outlets are exactly the same as the US’, so no converter necessary.

·       Each room has a refrigerator, safe and a private full bathroom and a hair dryer.

·       Travel: Avianca has daily nonstop flights to BOG, 1 from LAX, 8 from MIA, 3 from JFK, 3 from Orlando and 2 from IAH daily. The ZED fair from LAX-BOG costs about $89.00. American has 3 from MIA to BOG and 1 daily flight from DFW to BOG. Jet Blue, United, Delta all fly to Bogota from different cities in the US as well.  Starting Dec 19, 2018, American starts daily nonstop service between MIA-PEI, which is only about 40 minutes from our ranch. We will be happy to pick you up from that airport (small extra fee). If you fly into BOG, you can buy a full fair ticket to AXM, Armenia International Airport. It is only 15 minutes from our place. Full fair costs between $60-$90. There are many options to get there and it’s not that far!

·       I highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. I usually buy just medical insurance. Thankfully, no one has had to use their travel insurance on my trips.

·       In the event that you have difficulty non-revving out of Armenia on the last day, no worries, we’ll pick you up and you can stay another night.