Boarder crossing from Ecuador to Columbia was rather scary as I'd read so many reviews on hijackings and robberies happening on buses. After walking from great hostel at 3 in the morning to get my 4am bus in Banos to the Ipiales boarder was rather scary. I was assured that it was perfectly safe to walk. The bus journey started off really empty and by the end of it there were more people than seats.

I met a Columbian guy John who did the crossing with me which made it less terrifying. We shared a taxi to the Ecuadorian boarder and then onwards to Ipiales. It was fun hanging out the afternoon. When his bus left for Bogotá I went to explore the church I heard so much about about 15min taxi ride away. It turns out that the church ranks at the top of my list of churches I´ve ever seen. The location next to a river with a waterfall in sight may have helped creating this feeling, however the architecture and building material mix with fantastic angelic sculptures was mind blowing.

At this point I had to decide where to go, I wasn't sure what would be best, but after getting the opinion of a local waitress I decided Cali would be the place. John previously advised to go with Boliviano bus company and was the right choice as they go in convoy with other buses to prevent hijacking, was comfortable and had Wi-Fi onboard. I met 3 great people who said they were going to stay at El Viajero, so I simply tagged along.