Hola todos!  So I last left you in Cali, the Salsa Capital of South America.  As I said in my last post I’m not much of a Salsa dancer and Cali was not the most attractive city to spend time so I decided to see what other juicy adventure I could sink my teeth into that beckoned in the near vicinity.  That is how I came across San Cipriano, a small town that is “supposed” to be a couple hour bus ride from Cali.  I read a bit about the place…jungle, tiny, river, hiking, no roads in or out of the town.  Yep.  I’m in.  Was even more exciting because it is definitely off the beaten path with few tourists visiting the town.  Karinna, my Chilean travel companion that I had met in Popayán was also interested in coming along so we packed our bags and set off.  We met a couple of other travelers at the bus station who were also on their way to San Cipriano, a guy from Spain and a local from Cali.  We all ended up becoming friends and sharing in the adventure of exploring this mysterious jungle town.  Turned out that us four we were the only outsiders in the whole town (yea…off the beaten path)!

So, I decided to take The Scenic Route to a new level and to make my first official “Scenic Route” video production.  I have never made a video before so had to learn a new software program and well, lets just say I have a new respect for those who make videos.  I edited the entire thing on a tiny (and not so powerful) little netbook computer and after a couple days of having my eyes glued to the screen…without further adéu, I hope you enjoy the end product:

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Where, What, When, How Much, How Long, and Personal Recommendations

• Bus To San Cipriano / Arriving– You have to take a bus to a town called Córdoba, 25 min from the coast.  One way ticket is $7500 COP (can´t bargain).  Will take 2.5-3 hours.  Make sure the driver knows to let you off in Córdoba otherwise you will end up in Buenaventurea.  When you get off the bus you walk 5 minutes down a steep paved road to reach the train tracks.
• Brujita– Defintely dont pay anymore than $5,000 COP one way, you might even get it for less.  They say it can be a little more expensive on weekends (and there are also some Colombian tourists who come weekends so if you want the place for yourself go during the week)
• Accomodation – We stayed at Hospedaje David.  Very basic but acceptable. $10,000 COP per person.
• Innertube rental– Half day $3000 COP full day $5,000 COP
• Park entrance– The town actually sits in a national park.  When you enter you have to pay $1,500 COP