In the Colombian Coffee Axis, the most adventurous way to travel is by Jeep Willys! The open air, varying road quality, yet vehicles with
the endurance to cover almost any terrain yet slow enough to soak up the beauty of the rural landscapes and tropical mountains.
From one small town to the next, I hunker down on a bench with as many people as can fit, luck out to get a front seat, or revel in the open wind on my face as I stand on the back bumper platform.
The most adventurous way to travel, in Colombia, is by Jeep Willys!
TThe iconic Jeep Willys, once a popular cast-off from World War II, have significantly transformed the Colombian transport system. With their arrival, the landscape shifted from mule trains to small, high-built, low-geared, and sturdy vehicles capable of overcoming obstacles with ease.
This is the most adventurous way to travel, but NOT ADVISED for people who suffer chronic neck and back pain. If you are able bodied and have the arm strength, you may even be called upon to stand on the back so an elderly person or mothers with infants can sit.
Come along and learn about some of my favorite Jeep Willy experiences and routes for other intrepid travelers to experience!
How Do Jeep Willys Work?
Jeep Willys are the vehicles that go where buses and trucks can’t. Terrain has long been one of the greatest challenges for farming in Colombia. In the central and coastal regions, the Andes Mountains consist of three separate corridors, each presenting its own rugged terrain.
The Jeep Willys can navigate this rough terrain thanks to their short length and low gear ratios, which are built as standard features. These physical characteristics, combined with the vehicle’s ability to carry many people in a compact space, provided the perfect solution for traversing steep mountains, deep valleys, rough terrain, and unpaved, rain-eroded roads.
To reach city centers or food plazas with produce, and then return to the farms with basic necessities, people rely on Jeeps or Chivas. In smaller pueblos, Jeeps serve two main functions:
- Taking people into the countryside.
- Transporting people and goods to nearby pueblos.
When traveling from one pueblo to another, the term used in Spanish is escala, meaning “steps.” For example, you might say, “Yo quiero hacer una escala desde Viterbo hasta Manizales en Jeep,” which translates to, “I want to make stops from Viterbo to Manizales by Jeep.”
The longest escala I have ever done is Viterbo to a Crossing Point then Risaralda jump to Arauca and arrive in Manizales. They take more time, but it’s a great way to meet the people who live and work in rural Colombia.
The Most Adventurous Way Travel is by Jeep Willys
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While it’s not difficult, it’s important to be cautious. Jeeps don’t always follow the expected routes. On major highways, you can usually flag down public transport anywhere.
The fare may be collected upfront or when you reach your destination. A basic understanding of Spanish is essential, as you’ll need to communicate the specific farm or corregimiento (rural area) you want to reach.
Corrigimiento, a type of community outside of small towns where economic activities happen.
For example, in Caldas, you can travel from Arauca to Risaralda, but not directly to San José or the junction of San José and Belalcázar. Instead, you’ll need to take a jeep to Risaralda, then another to San José, and finally to Viterbo. Alternatively, you can take a jeep to Risaralda, a taxi to Anserma, and then another jeep to Viterbo
This is just one small area, but traveling by Jeep Willys in Colombia won’t be as straightforward as taking a bus from a regular terminal. Instead, you’ll venture through open-air cars on winding country roads, surrounded by beautiful scenery and plenty of adventure.
Part of the excitement is in the journey itself when you travel by Jeep Willys.
To get started on this adventurous way to travel, it’s best to ask around. It’s easier in smaller towns, where locals are more likely to take a jeep, compared to cities where people typically leave from the main bus terminal.
Most pueblos have at least one jeep route connecting to another town, and discovering these routes is the key to planning your trip. However, there may be times when you find yourself waiting on the side of the highway for a bus or taxi to bridge the gap between two points where no jeep routes exist.
It’s important to avoid unnecessary risks. In post-COVID Colombia, the ongoing economic recession has led to an increase in highway
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Conclusion
If you love the feel of wind on your face, seatbelts forgotten, and a little bit of risk, then the most adventurous way to travel is by Jeep Willys. But, it doesn’t come without the risks.
- Do not stand on the back unless you have the strength and balance to hold on for hours at a time. If you are getting tired, ask for help.
- Risking an accident is not worth proving how tough you are, or just sticking it out until you get there.
- Try to avoid traveling after dark. As they say in Colombia “No Dar Papaya,” or don’t give advantage.
This is a great way to explore farm country in Colombia. Jeeps go to places where birds, exotic flowers and waterfalls are waiting for you to come see them.
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The journey may not always be easy, but that’s what makes the destination so special. Keep in mind that things don’t always go as planned—jeeps may not depart on time, break down, or take unexpected routes. Always double-check with the driver to ensure you’re not left stranded or in an unsafe situation.
Now that you know the Most Adventurous Way to Travel, we will show you WHERE to travel!!!
Top 20 Colombian Coffee Axis Destinations 2020
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