Travelers can now explore Colombia by train for the first time in more than 50 years

History is being made in one of Latin America’s most important destinations!

For the first time in more than 50 years, travelers in Colombia will be able to hear the magical words we all love that confirm an epic journey ahead: “All aboard!” – or, in this case, more likely, it is “¡todos a bordo!”.

As big fans of Colombia, we at Travel Off Path couldn’t wait to reveal what awaits us.

With major cities like Medellin and Cartagena shifting the spotlight away from picturesque villages and amazing landscapes, instead of experiencing the city grind, travelers can enjoy many unexpected pleasures at a slower pace while exploring Colombia by train.

No, this doesn’t come close to the lightning-fast bullet rides in Japan (or so-called California).

The “new” train is actually not that new at all; it is being revived as a tourist train, not a commuter rail line.

What is dubbed by a recent report as the “Train of Life and Hope” and described as a ‘luxury experience’, we live up to our name by continuing off the path deep into Colombia for the most exciting adventure this country has seen in more than half a century.

Discover village after village off the typical tourist route

Let’s unpack the full route, shall we?

Before we start, a little revelation for you: if you’ve left your sense of adventure at home, this trip isn’t your problem.

If you’d rather kick back in Medellin, eat empanadas, drink world-class coffee, and live city life to the fullest, you may not be the type to appreciate Colombia’s little-known villages, which really feel like you’re stuck in time.

For example, this newly revived train, which has been relaunched in recent weeks, departs from the city dotted on the map Paipaa scenic retreat known for its majestic hot springs, Sochagota Lake and sensational cuisine, wedged in between Bogotá and Bucamaranga.

From there you cross a beautiful landscape to the next stop point, Duitama. This virtually unknown city is known as “the Pearl of Boyaca”, but it is a fully-fledged city with more than 130,000 inhabitants.

Discover tranquil waterfalls, authentic Colombian life away from the congested expat cities, and most famously Pueblito Boyacense, a recreated village that serves as a taste of what lies within the surrounding hidden villages.

Then you go to Nobsa. Here you will find a charming town famous for its handmade wool ponchos, lively markets and traditional Andean craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations.

In other words, you can take home a souvenir that no one is likely to own. Who needs a boring magnet anyway?

Finally, your journey comes to a screeching halt Sogamosoa city with a rich history dating back to the ancient Muisca civilization, long before the Spanish arrived, so a visit to Archaeological Museum of Suamox is an absolute must.

In summary, you will visit these 4 off-road cities full of culture, authenticity, affordable prices and experiences that travel guides usually miss:

• Paipa
• Duitama
• Nobsa
• Sogamoso

Is Colombia safe to explore outside the norm?

With just a little bit of research, travelers will surely have a clear idea of ​​what to expect in places like Medellin and Bogota.

But unheard of cities like Nobsa? Not so much.

Currently, the U.S. State Department has issued a concerning “Level 3” travel advisory for Colombia, largely due to “violent crime.”

However, when it comes to Latin America as a whole, most headline-grabbing crime cases occur near contiguous borders and large cities, not in small towns simply going about their lives.

Colombia is well aware of their reputation as a Level 3 consultancy. This also applies to security warnings issued by the embassy.

While there have been no reports of safety issues for these trains, once the route becomes more popular, security forces will almost certainly make their presence known in some form – but so far so good.

Since the train launched in late September, journeys through this lesser-known part of Colombia have been seamless, and locals are downright proud to show off the hidden gems of their beloved country.

Ticket prices

Colombia may not only want to invest in safety to make tourists feel safe, but it may also want to invest in promoting the train, as there is very little information available.

One thing we know for sure: this new adventure won’t break the bank.

You can travel all over Colombia for less than what you would spend on a pumpkin spice latte at home only $4 (depending on which part of the trip you are doing).

Getting to Paipa is an entirely different question. According to Rome2RioIf you were to land in Bogota, it’s a 2 hour and 45 minute bus ride to Paipa, costing a maximum of $18.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.

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