For me, traveling was never just about visiting the main tourist attractions or ticking off the highest number of countries. I always wanted to have authentic experiences with local people, get to know different cultures, and explore places that don’t appear in traditional travel guides. Traveling like a local in Colombia allows for deeper connections and a more enriching journey.

I quickly realized that fast-paced travel wasn’t for me. Trying to see many places in a short time prevented me from enjoying, connecting, and truly learning from my surroundings. That’s why here are the reasons to adopt a slower travel pace and some tips on how to do it successfully while exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia.