@jyxz don't let any Colombianos hear you refer to it as Columbia or they will cut you up!!
My only experience there is an inadvertent one. I took a boat to the Tres Fronteras and wanted to continue going down the Amazon, but getting stamped out of Peru and stamped into Brazil was a complete shambles (seriously, DON'T ATTEMPT THIS CROSSING!). It took an entire day which meant that I missed the onward boat that I wanted to catch and was stuck in the sketchiest drug trafficking bordertown I've ever seen. I'm generally unfazed by hoods that others deem unsafe, but this tested even my limits, and then I came across elderly Mormon missionaries who were preaching in some village way downriver and they advised me to GTFO before dark (could just be that they were appalled by the depravity I naturally exude but they did legit seem concerned for my welfare)! I had to shake off a Venezuelan economic migrant who'd latched herself onto me (felt bad but I can barely bankroll
myself), hailed down a passing motorbike, and convinced its rider to smuggle me into the neighbouring bordertown on the Colombian side. (I can't remember why I didn't just go in legally but I'm sure there was a good reason at the time!) Hid out there for three days waiting for the next boat and had the LOVELIEST time: pools! veg restaurant! awesome ppl! and
much less sketchy than los otros fronteras! Promised I'd return someday when exploring Colombia properly but that's yet to happen. Every Colombian I've met IRL has been either a diamond or absolutely batshit insane so I definitely sense that the country at large is very ME.
As for PERU... it's wonderful! SO much to see (I did not do it justice) and, for better or worse, the tourist infrastructure is hella robust there compared to the rest of the continent - even people with limited travel experience would have a great time there imo. I recommended it to all my less adventurous friends after getting back home. My abiding memory (besides Machu Picchu appearing through the mist which is
everything it is claimed to be) is leaving my English translation of Vargas Llosa's
Conversation in the Cathedral on a bus in Puno and the amazing political/literary discussions that I had with various transport workers and booksellers whilst trying to get it back. One of the things I love about the entire damn continent is how candid people are in conversation. Refreshingly different from where I live.
Also what is this about needing a solo travellers tour group? Book yourself into a hostel (that has privates if necessary)! You'll meet tonnes of people, inc. people in your age bracket I'm sure. I'm gonna try and spend a good month or so in Central America (Costa Rica included) in either May or June as it's a gaping blind spot in my map of the world, so if you think you can get away then and keep up with old spice lmk. You might DIE but you'll have a BLAST doing so, trust!
