Post: #1

I'm planning on visiting Colombia from December 27 to January 6. I've been to Bogota many times before and Cartagena a few times as well, so I thought about trying something new.

There are two Ferias occurring over this period - the Feria de Cali and the Feria de Manizales. Does anyone have some recent experience at any of these events? Considering there isn't a ton of conventional info on them in English, I'm hoping being a gringo will still have some value. I'll be rolling solo, am white, and speak very good Spanish. If they suck, then i may consider Medellin or even going back to Cartagena instead.

thanks!

Post: #2

Medellin is not going to be good around that time. Too many people leave town.

Cartagena has an electronica festival from January 2 - 6. They have some top tier DJs booked. Search for Summerland or Ultramar from more details.

Cali and Manizales will both be good in their own way. There are RVF trip reports written for both cities. They are regular season reports, but not much changes during the feria except more events and people have more free time.

New Years Eve can be an unpleasant surprise for travelers to Colombia. Locals spend it at home with family until after midnight. They may possibly hit the bars after that, although most just continue on at home. Try and score an invitation to someone's home for that night. Lower your expectations for how good that night is going to be.

Post: #3

Thanks - that's very actionable advice. I found out that the Feria de Manizales is a week later in any case, which is too bad because that seemed to hold more potential than the Feria de Cali.