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On my trip around the world I voluntarily tied a block to my leg.
I study Spanish for eight weeks at a language school in Medellín.
Five times a week, two hours of lessons plus one hour of homework - there is no time for long journeys within Colombia.
Fortunately, Medellín is a good starting point for weekend trips, the classic is a two-hour bus ride to Guatapé.
There is an hourly bus to the town from Terminal del Norte.
In Corona times, tourist places are pleasant to travel to, because the number of visitors is limited.
The gigantic parking lot in front of the top attraction: the towering rock called Piedra del Peñol proves that things are usually different here.
The rock alone is worth a visit.
From the Piedra del Peñol you can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountain landscape furrowed by water veins
Source: Getty Images / Pintai Suchachaisri
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The real highlight can only be reached after around 700 steps on the summit: Here you have a magnificent view of the mountain landscape furrowed by water veins.
In the 1970s, a power station was built in the area and the valleys were flooded for it.
This picture book motif was created as a side effect.
Although there are boat excursions on every corner, I opt for a kayak in order to soon find out: I liked the Mecklenburg Lake District with its enchanted canals better, at least on the water.
In the old town of Guatapé, the facades of the houses shine in bright colors
Source: pa / robertharding / Chris Mouyiaris
But Guatapé scores with an old town that has been dressed up for perfect photo motifs.
The facades shine in bright colors, there is an alley covered by umbrellas and a "plazoleta", a kind of patio in the city center with cafes, street musicians and stairs to linger.
Guatapé is definitely worth a short trip.
Excursion from Medellín to the El Salto waterfall
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Less popular, but also just two hours from Medellín, is Santa Fe de Antioquia.
While Guatapé is a little cooler than Medellín, in Santa Fe you are immediately greeted by oppressive heat.
If you book accommodation here, you should pay attention to a pool when it comes to equipment.
I choose to stay with a family.
They pride themselves on offering the cheapest accommodation in the whole town, including a pool.
"Our competition did not survive the tough corona lockdown economically," explains Matteo, the owner.
During a hike, he showed me one of the most impressive suspension bridges in Latin America not far from the city limits: the Puente de Occidente.
The Puente de Occidente, which spans the Rio Cauca, is almost 300 meters long
Source: pa / prisma / Heeb Christian
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It spans the Rio Cauca for almost 300 meters.
Erected in the 1880s, it was the longest suspension bridge in South America at the time.
The floor is still made of wooden boards on which pedestrians and tuk-tuks and motorbikes rattle.
We pass the bridge and continue straight to a small waterfall called El Salto - a welcome refreshment.
On the way, Matteo tells me about the most beautiful places in Colombia and his dreams of traveling to Europe.
One of the most beautiful cities in Colombia
Back from the hike, I marvel at the old town of Santa Fe.
I have seldom seen such picturesque places that are adorned with blooming plants and invite you to socialize.
People stroll by, sit down, feast on their ice cream and walk on.
They are romantic backdrops for daydreaming.
For Matteo, Santa Fe de Antioquia is the most beautiful city in Colombia.
It's still too early for me to decide.
My next weekend destination is Jardín, around four hours from Medellín.
This mountain village is located in the so-called coffee triangle between Medellín, Bogotá and Cali, so there is delicious coffee on every corner.
It is best enjoyed around the main square in front of the imposing basilica.
Hiking to the "cave of splendor"
Then it's on to another attraction: La Garrucha is an old cable car that helps cross the river valley.
It is a small cage for six people that moves up and down.
The view is modest, but the station on the mountain slope with a top view makes up for it.
I visit Jardín because of the hiking trails.
After hiking 160 kilometers through the Himalayas alone at the beginning of my world tour, I am respectful but fearless when it comes to mountain hikes.
Be careful wet and slippery: the Cueva del Esplendor in Jardín
Source: Martin Lewicki
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Instead of just walking a three-hour hiking trail, I'll take a six-hour trail straight away.
I cannot miss the difficult to access Cueva del Esplendor - the “cave of splendor”.
A waterfall streaming through the ceiling makes for a unique sight.
The price: On the way back, heavy rain catches me, the landscape turns into a minefield of mud, cow dung and rubble.
Now I'm looking forward to mud-free Medellín again.
Read more parts of the world tour series “One Way Ticket” here. The column appears every two weeks.