Safety in Filandia, Colombia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Filandia is VERY safe. It is a quaint and cute town. We stayed in a hostel, and the owner Guillermo was incredibly nice and told us to be careful with our belongings, but other than that, there are no worries here.
Filandia is incredibly safe. Obviously, keep an eye on your valuables, But, you don’t have to worry so much. Our hosts showed us which streets to stay on and if you follow their instructions, you will be fine.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Filandia, Colombia Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Ministry in Filandia was one of my favorites. Absolutely a 4 I would suggest ministry here. Our hosts, Karson and Eyson, were so organized. They gave us some mornings and evenings off throughout the week to rest. I really learned a lot in this ministry about just being consistent. The kids here aren’t desperate for attention, they have balanced family lives, but they still love spending time with you. Consistency is so key here. I loved every minute of our ministry.
Lodging
Lodging in Filandia, Colombia Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
We stayed in Filandia in a hostel. It was about a 2 minute walk from downtown. IT was super cute, and the owner Guillermo was SO kind. He honestly became someone that we invested a lot of time in. Everyone had their own bed. We had 3 rooms – the rooms had 2/3 beds per room. They were comfy. We had hot showers, and a kitchen. The kitchen was a sweet place to hangout/have team times. The toilets were normal.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Filandia, Colombia What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Karson and Eyson bought breakfast food for us-cereal, milk, eggs, etc. For lunch and dinner we ate at Sol’s restaurant. Our favorite dinner was empanadas and hot chocolate! 🙂 lunch was a soup, rice, veggies, fried plantain, and a meet. We also communicated that someone was gluten and dairy free and they accommodated.
Our food in Colombia was incredible. Karson and Eyson set it up for us to have lunch every day at a restaurant owned by a woman named Sol. The food was really healthy and delicious. Typically rice, a veggie, and chicken. It usually came with a soup before too. For breakfast and dinner, Karson and Eyson took us to a large grocery store in Armenia (kinda like a Costco/Sams). It was really easy to stay in budget. We made simple foods like quesadillas, tacos, pastas, etc.
Transportation
Transportation in Filandia, Colombia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
You can easily walk everywhere you need to go in Filandia. The only reason you will need to use public transportation is to get to and from some ministries.
Medical
Medical in Filandia, Colombia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
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Communication
Communication in Filandia, Colombia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
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Financial
Financial in Filandia, Colombia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
There are two ATMs located in the city park area. They are a bit unreliable at times. Sometimes they run out of money. But, usually if one has no money, the other does.
Translators
Translators in Filandia, Colombia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Filandia, Colombia What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
For our off days, we walked around and went to coffee shops. GO TO MoCafe!!!! The owner is so kind and the coffee is delicious. The coffee here is so good. It’s the coffee region of Colombia. Some of our squad also went horseback riding at the place right next to Karson and Eyson’s foundation. Other than that, we didn’t do many activities. We just adventured and stared at the mountains. So beautiful here.
The best thing we did in my opinion was go hiking to the waterfall, you need a local to take you, it’s a easy hike, but not easy to find trail, take you swimming clothes.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Filandia, Colombia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
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Tips
People’s Opinions
There is a gym close by, called Rockhouse, right near the foundation. Paid $9 for the 3 weeks we were there. Dance classes and crossfit, classes available at both 7 am and 7 pm.
Additional Info
Additional Info in Filandia, Colombia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?