Visas! They are not pleasant, but I learned the hard way! Over the past 10 or so years the government of Colombia has switched from a bulky and clumsy paper system to a {mostly} new and digital system! Its easier than ever before! (not quite as easy as I'd like though)

You can get up to six months on a tourist visa, then I would recommend a 1 year student visa which is very flexible and easy to get - perhaps some sustainable agriculture practicuum or something ;p

A lot of people cross to Ecuador and come back when they feel like, the border is like a 'visa-reset' zone.

Yes! And I think steem has a lot of potential - the key element is converting the SBD to local goods and services - I'd love to have a peek at what you've got growing over there in Goa ;p