We have finally arrived in Salento. What was supposed to be a routine, seven hour bus ride from Bogota to Armenia turned into a 22 hour bus ride from hell. Instead of freeways, Colombia opted for two lane winding roads. Splash in a little rain and some already moist soil and you have yourself the perfect recipe for a mudslide. That is exactly what mother nature served us last night. Our bus stood idle for most of the drive, stuck in traffic with other buses and trucks. We finally arrived in Armenia around 6 this morning. Caught a smaller bus that took us to our hostel in Salento.
Salento has been a nice change of pace. This small town offers a colonial feel and fantastic scenery. The population is only around 7,000 and the town center is a must see. Lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and a large church on the south end, it is easy to spend a lot of your time (and money) on this cultural experience. The locals are friendly and welcoming to outsiders.
After arriving by bus, we were taxied to our hostel by a jeep. Sitting in the back while it putts along bumpy, dirt roads, you may start humming the theme song to “Indiana Jones” in your head. We arrived at our hostel (La Serrana) in time for breakfast. After, we went on a hike and tour of a local coffee plantation with a few of the residents. On our way into town for lunch we got caught in a torrential downpour. The cheap jacket I bought at Target is not waterproof. We live and we learn.
Our stay here will be short. We are catching a late night bus tomorrow to Pasto. The drive is supposed to take 12-14 hours so I expect it to last a few days. The plan is to stop in Pasto for the night then continue at day break and make our way across the Ecuadorian border. We have to be in Riobamba on the 21st to start work on a farm owned by a Shaman and his family. We hope to work there for about a month. I do not know what internet access will be like but I will update this as much as possible.
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