Hi all. M24 Canadian. Just graduated from Uni and want to fuck off solo a little with a $2500-$3000 CAD budget.

I am trying to figure out where to go adventure between Mexico and Colombia. Never been to either, nor many Latin countries. No previous backpacking experience, but have traveled a lot and more on the adventurous side than the classic gringo tourist side. I am currently learning Spanish, to help me out and be able to enjoy more the rural areas and cities.

My vision for this trip is to have a balance between nature immersion, social life, and "digital nomad" (as I will need to do some computer work and have access to the internet weekly). I prefer the mountains over the beach but still want to explore both.

Currently, after extensive research, I have 2 major alternatives:

Mexico: Land in Mexico City, and do most major hikes and volcanos surrounding the area. Then move down to Oaxaca, find a beach surf town to chill there for a week or such, and do some computer work here and there. Then, I want to move East, passing by the Nacional Canon del Sumidero Park and slowly make my way to Tulum to fly out.

Colombia: I am keen to do something similar to what the BrokeBackpacker suggests as a 4-week itinerary (https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/backpacking-colombia/). So, in Bogota, then Barichara, San Gil to do some adrenaline activities (paraglide, bungee jumping). Then, go to Santa Marta to access the Tayrona National Park. Do some trecks there, el Pico Cristobal Colon, Cuchilla San Lorenzo. Then, down to Cartagena, south to Medellin for some socials. Then would maybe consider going to the National Natural Los Nevados Park followed by the National Park around Buenaventura to chill and surf. Fly out of Cali if possible.

For both, I expect to have some days/weeks of more intense traveling and activities but also want some slower and more relaxed moments where I can spend a week or such in a little town.

That being said, I would be grateful for any advice on which one you recommend and why? If my itineraries are too ambitious? Any "musts" I forgot? Or anything else that can help me make up my mind and slightly plan this trip as my window of opportunity is coming up fast.

Thanks a lot!!