{"id":5708,"date":"2012-12-05T15:01:52","date_gmt":"2012-12-05T20:01:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/seecolombia.travel\/blog\/?p=5708"},"modified":"2016-05-05T12:02:26","modified_gmt":"2016-05-05T17:02:26","slug":"top-5-how-to-not-look-like-a-dope-on-colombian-trails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seecolombia.travel\/blog\/2012\/12\/top-5-how-to-not-look-like-a-dope-on-colombian-trails\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5: How to not look like a dope on Colombian trails."},"content":{"rendered":"

If you haven’t noticed aready, I’ll come right out and say it: I’m a dope. I’m generally quite comfortable with my dopiness, but sometimes it is cause for concern. Here’s an example, just a little sample:<\/p>\n

OK, so if you want to see this:<\/p>\n

\"Tayrona<\/a>
Beautiful, right?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Or this:<\/p>\n

\"Cocora<\/a>
No less beautiful.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You need to go on one of these:<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
A path (well, duh).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Tell us something we don’t know, you dope,” I hear you muttering in exasperation. Alright, so, while I have enjoyed the beauty of Tayrona’s sublime beaches and backdrops, and Cocora Valley’s mist-shrouded gorgeousness, I have, due to my aforementioned dopiness, been caught out on trails in both places. I’ve been thoroughly footsore, demoralised, and have found myself quoting Frank O’Hara : “I can’t even enjoy a blade of grass unless I know there’s a subway handy, or a record store or some other sign that people do not totally regret<\/em> life.” It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Colombia has such a variety of sublime natural destinations that are decidedly worth a brief little walk. And, through my mistakes, I’d like to put forward my top 5 things to consider if you don’t want to look, and feel, like a dope.<\/p>\n

1. Talk to Locals. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Don’t be too scared, or proud, to ask Colombians that live around the area for directions or advice. Even if your Spanish is terrible, a simple “donde esta…” plus map-pointing and gesturing will probably be enough to convey your meaning. I haven’t met a local on a trail yet that’s not less than happy (if a little amused) to point out directions to a poor, bedraggled, gringo.<\/p>\n

\"Locals<\/a>
All these guys are just waiting to answer all your “donde esta” questions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Wear the right footwear.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just like in fancy clubs, you don’t want to be caught out with inappropriate shoes. You don’t need the latest, super-extreme, radiation-proof hiking shoes with blue-tooth and GPS, but how I cursed my crappy, ill-fitting flip-flops when I was traipsing through Tayrona’s aromatic mud, attracting bemused glances from locals in their gumboots. A good, sturdy pair of shoes or boots that you don’t mind getting a little dirty can be your best friend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
For a number of reasons, I kinda regretted wearing these, too…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Pack plastic.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Which brings me to my next point. If you don’t want a sodden, possibly useless, passport, or a fried mobile phone, take some plastic bags with you. They don’t have to be the fancy-pants zip-lock ones; just a couple of shopping bags you picked up from the supermarket should suffice in keeping your valuables safe and dry.<\/p>\n

4. Clothes, darling, clothes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I like outrageous flares. However, I didn’t like them that much after I’d traipsed through mud and water around Cocora Valley. Even if you’re Disco Stu, a pair of no-nonsense shorts or three-quarter pants are probably a better option. Maybe a powder-blue safari suit….?<\/p>\n

5. Knowledge is Power. <\/strong><\/p>\n

I can be fairly lackadaisical when it comes to preparation for a trip, and that’s often fine. However, as signage can sometimes be scarce or confusing, I’ve realised that if I plan to go on a Colombian trail, it’s probably best to know where I’m going. Browse our website here, do a bit of googling, and quiz anyone you see (vide point 1 above) about how to get to those majestic wax palms or that beautiful, secluded beach.<\/p>\n

\"One<\/a>
One of the beautiful beaches of Tayrona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paul Giles<\/p>\n

And\u00a0VOTE FOR US<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you haven’t noticed aready, I’ll come right out and say it: I’m a dope. I’m generally quite comfortable with my dopiness, but sometimes it is cause for concern. Here’s an example, just a little sample: OK, so if you want to see this: Or this: You need to go on one of these: “Tell […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88889,"featured_media":1836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[3,115,128,626,4,70],"tags":[2735,2885,2891,300],"yoast_head":"\nTop 5: How to not look like a dope on Colombian trails. - Colombia Travel Blog by See Colombia Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seecolombia.travel\/blog\/2012\/12\/top-5-how-to-not-look-like-a-dope-on-colombian-trails\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 5: How to not look like a dope on Colombian trails.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you haven’t noticed aready, I’ll come right out and say it: I’m a dope. 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