March 2016 Travel Recap: From Colombia's Amazon to Mexico City and What's Next
In my monthly round-ups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travel—what highlights stood out, challenges faced, and adventures ahead.
Where I’ve Been
March 2016 proved the most unpredictable month yet. On March 1, deep in the Colombian Amazon, I had no idea I'd end up in Mexico City by month's end—an unexpected pivot in plans. Quick itinerary: Flew from Leticia (Amazon) to Pereira in Colombia's zona cafetera (coffee region), then Salento for hikes in the stunning Valle de Cocora, and north to Medellín—my final Colombian stop for now. Next, Mexico City, followed by Poza Rica for the El Tajín ruins and Cuetzalan, one of Mexico's enchanting 'Pueblos Mágicos.' Now back in Mexico City for work before a semi-vacation next week.
What I’ve Been Up To
It feels like ages since leaving the hospital and wrapping up in Colombia's Amazon. Early March was tough: Flying solo to the zona cafetera after weeks surrounded by people, still recovering from illness amid cold, rainy days—a stark shift from the Amazon's humid heat.
I booked a flight to Mexico to reunite with friends—not the Canadian Rockies detour I'd considered (canceled due to health and bad NYC weather reports). Sacrificed Medellín time but maximized it; one bite of flor de calabaza quesadilla erased regrets. Colombia's food had grown tiresome—I craved variety.
This marks my fourth Mexico trip, blending favorites with new spots. Mexico City never disappoints—endless discoveries in a metropolis of 22 million. A week here revealed changes since 2012. Side trips hit snags (details below), but balance is key. Read on for highs, lows, and April excitement!
March Highlights
Kayaking in the Amazon
Despite illness post-hospital, I ended Amazon time memorably: Kayaking through mangroves, spotting monkeys, swimming in a lake amid towering trees—serene waters, just us.
Back in Mexico
Impromptu flights fuel my passion! Thrived in Mexico City—street food, markets, blooming jacarandas (first time seeing them here). Explored two UNESCO sites: Cuetzalan's caving and private pyramids; El Tajín's Pyramid of the Niches. Home away from home.
A Culture-Filled Month
Big cities feed my creative soul. Medellín: Botero sculptures, Museo de Antioquia, modern art museum. Mexico City: Museums, Night of the Museums, pre-Columbian sites like El Tajín and Yohualichan. More ahead—see Upcoming Travels.
What Went Wrong
Flight Nightmare Due to Storm
Worst: Bogotá to Pereira flight (Amazon to coffee region). Departed 5pm, storm forced circling, return to Bogotá after 30 minutes. Rechecked luggage, delayed till 9pm takeoff. Landed Pereira 10pm, starving (only nuts after 4.5 hours aboard, post-hospital weakness).
Solo Travel While Sick
Waking alone in Pereira, ill: Road sickness hits hard without support.
Semana Santa Chaos
Forgot Easter week's travel surge—bookings vanished instantly. Pivoted to Veracruz for indigenous festival at ruins.
Rained-Out Festival
El Cumbre Tajín: Paid well, but first day washed out. Waited; second day rainy and cold (forgot rain jacket—lesson learned). Mood dampened, but grateful for usual good weather.
Losing Gear Again
Pattern persists: Pajama set from Bangkok, Sennheiser headphones, replacements—gone. Travel cheapies next time!
Other Noteworthy Moments
First Temazcal Experience
Post-ayahuasca, tried Mexico's ancient steam bath: High-heat herbal sauna for purification, guided by songs/prayers. Ours? Guide overwhelmed by heat, 'leafing' felt like whipping, short session, iffy massage. Worth retrying properly—I love saunas.
Upcoming Travels
April looks epic: Fly to Cancún for Yucatán road trip with fave buddy—Mayan ruins, cenotes, beaches, turtle snorkeling, picturesque towns, surprise Caribbean island finale.
Then Southern Arizona 'desert retreat'—housesitting in Tucson area. Next roundup from there!
