Sometimes, I like to combine my love of travel with yoga—two things that keep me grounded and refreshed. Over the years, I’ve taken yoga retreats in places like Costa Rica, Peru, Italy, and Greece with my local studio. Yoga sessions were usually held in the mornings and evenings —leaving the rest of the day to explore or relax.
After a while, I started looking for new experiences outside my local group. That’s when I found The Travel Yogi. Their website was easy to navigate, and the photos of their trips—places like Bhutan, Panama, and Bali—looked beautiful. So, I booked a retreat to Santorini with them, and it was perfect. The hotel, food, and excursions were spot on. After that, I joined them on two more retreats: one to Southern France and, most recently, Colombia.
Colombia has so much—rainforests, mountains, beaches, music, and delicious food. It felt like the perfect place for adventure and relaxation.
Cartagena
My trip began in Cartagena, where I met up with the Travel Yogi group. We explored Getsemaní, a colorful and lively neighborhood (you can read my blog: Exploring Getsemani: Cartagena’s Edgy, Lively, and Most Colorful Neighborhood).
After a couple of days in Cartagena, it was time to change pace and head to Barichara.
Cartagena to Barichara
Getting to Barichara wasn’t easy—it involved two flights, a cable car ride across Chicamocha Canyon, and a long but scenic drive through the mountains. Our trip included a lunch stop and coffee tour at Hotel Hacienda El Roble. I’ll start by saying the grounds were beautiful, filled with lush, gorgeous flowering bushes. The lunch looked like it might have been good, but sadly, there were so many flies swarming that I lost my appetite.
After a long day of travel, we arrived at Casa Yahri—and it was gorgeous. The hacienda had beautiful gardens and a lovely patio where I could enjoy meals and watch the sunset. My room even had a private pool right outside the door—an unexpected bonus.
As a vegetarian, I was thrilled with the attention to detail in my meals. The chefs took great care not only in the food but also in the presentation.
In the mornings, I was always treated to piping hot arepas and delicious, freshly brewed coffee—the perfect way to start the day. Arepas are round cornmeal cakes grilled, fried, or baked, and they’re usually stuffed or topped with cheese or meat. They’re popular in Colombia and Venezuela. The ones for breakfast were plain—perfect to add a bit of butter and jam to.
There was also plenty of fresh-cut fruit and made-to-order omelets. We were truly well taken care of.
Barichara, with its whitewashed buildings and terracotta roofs, felt calm and laid-back. Founded in 1705, its cobblestone streets and slower pace made it a great place to unwind and enjoy the scenery, whether strolling through town or taking in the mountain views.
Hiking the Camino Real
One of the highlights of my time in Barichara was hiking the Camino Real, a historic stone path that dates back to colonial times. Originally built by indigenous communities, it connects Barichara to the village of Guane and winds through beautiful countryside. The weather couldn’t have been better—sunny with a nice breeze. The trail followed stone walls lined with aloe plants and yellow oleanders. Along the way, we passed cows grazing in the fields, with stunning mountain views all around.
After a few hours of hiking, we reached Guane, where we enjoyed a cold beer before jumping on a brightly painted Chiva for a bumpy but scenic ride to Finca San Pedro Cocina. The lunch there was terrific, and later, we spent time with our host learning how to macrame a bracelet—a simple but lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Horseback Riding and Exploring Barichara
The next day, four of us went horseback riding through the countryside. It was a beautiful ride, and I felt really brave getting back on a horse. I haven’t ridden much since being thrown off years ago in Colorado, which had left me with a couple of broken ribs. Thankfully, this ride was uneventful.
Afterward, I visited some local shops and galleries in Barichara and stopped by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception located in the town center.
The day ended with another great dinner at Casa Yahri. One of the night’s most memorable moments was when the chef created an edible masterpiece for dessert. Using a large marble slab like a canvas, they arranged caramels, chocolates, and fruit compotes into a beautiful and delicious work of modern art—a perfect way to end our time in Barichara.
I absolutely loved Barichara and only wish I had had another day or two to enjoy it. The area’s vibe was incredible, and the stay at Casa Yahri was perfect. The Travel Yogi did an excellent job finding this beautiful place.
A few other things to do in town:
And, of course, I highly recommend walking the Camino Real.
Though Barichara is small, it has a good mix of restaurants serving everything from traditional Colombian dishes to vegetarian options. And, though the town has a small restaurant scene, there is definitely enough variety.
Tierra Bomba: Island Relaxation
From Barichara, we took two flights followed by a ten-minute boat ride to Tierra Bomba, an island off the coast of Cartagena. Since the boat couldn’t pull up directly to shore, we waded through shallow water to the beach and then followed a pathway to Palmirito Beach Club. The resort was beautiful—with a pool, shaded sun beds, and cushioned loungers—it seemed like the perfect place to relax during our last days.
Our yoga sessions were held in a straw-covered gazebo surrounded by greenery—the perfect place to practice. Afterward, we enjoyed fresh fruit juices and coffee.
One day, we took a boat ride around the Rosario Islands, stopping for several hours at Agua Azul Beach Club. I liked this place much better than the Palmarito Beach Club because it had a lovely beach area. The water was crystal clear and calm—perfect for a swim. There were also options to rent paddleboards and kayaks, though we weren’t really there long enough for it to make sense to rent one. We spent the afternoon at Agua Azul lounging in hammocks under palm trees, swimming, and taking walks along the beach. They also prepared a wonderful lunch at tables set outside under the palms. I had a vegetarian dish, while the rest of the group enjoyed fish, which they all seemed to like.
On the last day, I relaxed by the pool with a piña colada and plantain chips with guacamole—a laid-back way to wrap up the retreat.
Though Palmirito Beach Club was a pleasant and comfortable enough stay, it felt like it needed to be more staffed. The beach could have been nicer, so guests like us ended up spending most of our time by the pool. I had hoped to explore more of the island, but the lack of transportation options and minimal help from the resort made it difficult, limiting my experience. However, they did offer some nice massage options, which I took advantage of.
Cartagena to Bogotá
When it was time to leave, we took a boat back to the mainland. Not ready to head home, I extended my trip with a few extra days in Bogotá.
I stayed in the Zona Rosa area, which is full of shops and restaurants. A friend with family in Bogotá had recommended the area to me, wanting to ensure I was in a safe location—and she was right. It felt safe, and the busy streets made me feel comfortable. I stayed at Hotel NH Bogotá Boheme Royal, which was comfortable and conveniently located.
There are plenty of places to eat nearby. One night, I had dinner at Le Biferia Steak House, which surprisingly had great vegetarian options. I had grilled avocado, plantains, and a mojito—everything was fantastic. Honestly, months later, I am still dreaming about those delicious grilled avocados with the cilantro lime sauce.
The next day, I arranged for a guide to explore the city with. The first stop of the day was Café de la Fonda, named after the traditional roadside inns where travelers and their mules would rest along their journey.
After a quick tour of their coffee roasting process, I enjoyed one of the most delicious cappuccinos I’ve ever had—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced.But of course, it was to be expected — I was in Colombia after all!
From there, we headed to Paloquemao Market, one of the busiest spots in Bogotá— located west of the city center. It clearly seemed to be a favorite among locals, filled with everything from fresh produce, meat, and fish to tons of flowers.
Colombia is the second largest flower exporter in the world, shipping millions of roses to the U.S., especially in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Walking through the market gave me a real feel for the everyday life in the city.
Then, we headed to La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic area, where many of the buildings are covered with beautiful murals painted by both local and international artists. Quite a few of the murals depicted indigenous people or had cultural themes. The whole area felt like an outdoor gallery, and the flags and umbrellas hanging over the streets added even more color.
Beyond the art, La Candelaria had a lot of quaint and inviting coffee shops and cafes —perfect for taking a break and soaking in the vibe. With so much to explore, I felt like I had barely scratched the surface.
Here are a few other suggestions for things to do in Bogota:
My trip to Colombia, organized by The Travel Yogi, was an unforgettable blend of vibrant cities like Cartagena, peaceful towns like Barichara, and a quiet retreat on Tierra Bomba. Whether practicing yoga in serene settings, exploring local markets, or hiking historic trails, Colombia offers a beautiful balance of adventure and relaxation. The food, culture, and street art made every day a discovery, and I left feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired by my experiences.
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