Tag: presupuesto

Today I’m going to tell you about part of my time in Colombia while including key vocabulary related to where I stayed and how I chose those accommodations.

(I wrote this while I was there before completing the trip (in April-May), but the information is still accurate and educational!)

Here’s the breakdown of my budget and what I’ve spent so far on accommodation (y lo que he gastado en alojamiento).

2nd stay in Bucaramanga, 8 days for 864,000 cop

In a month of very generous spending, I’ve spent a total of about 3,500,000 COP (about $1000 USD) on accommodation, which could seem obnoxious (demasiado, insoportable), but let me break it down further.

Disclaimer: This has not been a trip dedicated to tourism in the traditional sense. I chose to pay more to have a place where I would be able to work and live comfortably for several days. So, as a work-away trip, it has been worth every penny (ha valido cada pesito) and far from a waste of money (lejos de un malgasto de dinero).

This was my first stop in Bucaramanga. It basically has all of the essentials (plus an extra bedroom AND hot water) for about $32 USD night.

Booking.com is my friend for booking accommodations, and I actually got a lot of great deals (descuentos/ofertas) with my Genius Level 3 status. I always do extensive research using the filter, taking into account (tomando en cuenta) not just the overall ratings but the worst reviews and particular pain points like location (ubicacion), ammenities (servicios, amenidades, comodidades), comfort, good wifi, and a smart TV.

HOWEVER, did you know you can get an even better deal if you get in touch with the property owner and book off of the platform? Another point to have in mind is that in Colombia, unless it’s a hotel or hostal, private owners will prefer to receive cash or transfer (giros/transferencia) using a bank app or Nequi (Colombian cashapp). They probably don’t have card readers (datafonos), making this the only way they can easily receive the money.

My second destination was located at an hour and a half from Bucaramanga. This would qualify as both a hostel and an ecolodge (“glamping”). I had been recommended Refugio La Roca since 2018, and with a view of the canyon, a minifridge, a fan, and even a hot shower with a view – it really had everything I could ask for. Because of a roadblock (literally, un paro), I ended up staying for 2 extra nights (3 instead of 1 in total). Given how expensive a night in one of their nicest rooms, Ritakuwa, thanks to the circumstances which were out of my control, I got a great deal.

Even though I hadn’t been planning on working there, they even had wifi (Starlink) which worked perfectly for me to teach while I was there. The restaurant space was cool and comfy.

Next stop: San Gil, a scenic town known for its accessibility to extreme sports and colonial charm. This was my second time at Meraki Boutique Hostel. I spent a week there and didn’t get bored of the views, the cool temperatures, warm water, and delicious complimentary breakfast (desayuno incluido). With a room change to the third floor, I was even close enough to a router to work from my room.

Back in Bucaramanga last week, I found a one-bedroom apartment with even BETTER wifi than the first place and a TV in the bedroom (as it should be). I really enjoyed the workspace and all of the amenities such as cleaning supplies (productos de aseo) and a fully equipped kitchen (cocina bien equipada) (minus the microwave, which I did miss).

My last stay for the month is a cozy apartaestudio (studio apartment) with an incredible view of Itagui, a suburb of Medellin located conveniently close to famous nightlife spots (sitios de vida nocturna) such as el Poblado.

Each apartment I picked has had stable internet and a full kitchen and washing machine/laundry area. Mis infaltables! My must-haves!

What are your must-haves?

If you found this post interesting and helpful, let me know in the comments!