Introducing Colombia
Colombia’s back. After decades of civil conflict, Colombia is now safe to visit and travelers are discovering what they’ve been missing. The diversity of the country may astonish you. Modern cities with skyscrapers and nightclubs? Check. Gorgeous Caribbean beaches? Check. Jungle walks and Amazon safaris? Check. Colonial cities, archaeological ruins, high-mountain trekking, whalewatching, coffee plantations, scuba diving, surfing, the list goes on.
No wonder the ‘magic realism’ style of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez emerged from here – there is a dreamlike quality to Colombia. Here at the equator, with the sun forever overhead, the fecund earth beneath your feet, heart-stopping vistas in every direction and the warmth of the locals putting you at ease – you may find it difficult to leave.
Colombian culture, like the country’s weather, varies by altitude. The essence of Colombia resides in the mountains in the alpine cities of Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, and the smaller cities of the Zona Cafetera. This is the industrial heartland of the country. Geographical isolation has kept the accent relatively unaffected by outside influence; Spanish here is precise and easy to understand. The infrastructure in the mountain region is good, the water drinkable, the roads well maintained. In the heat of the Caribbean coast, life is slower, and the culture more laid-back. The accent is the unhurried drawl of the Caribbean basin, and the infrastructure, unfortunately, is still in need of some attention.
In darker days people used to say, ‘if only it weren’t for the violence and drugs, Colombia would be paradise.’ Well the drugs may still be here but the violence is gone, at least for now, and it is, indeed, paradise. It is an easy country to fall in love with, and many travelers do. It could well become your favorite country in South America.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
Sights in Colombia
Activities in Colombia
Bogotá
Bogotá is on the move.
Tours in Colombia
Caribbean Coast
Soaked with sunshine and steeped in history, the Caribbean coast offers a wealth of attractions that make it Colombia's biggest draw for both domestic and international visitors.
Colombia destination guides
Cali & Southwest Colombia
From the sultry, palm-filled Valle del Cauca to the barren grandeur of the Andes, southwest Colombia encompasses an astonishing variety of natural beauty.
Hotels in Colombia
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Colombia
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Colombia
Apartments in Colombia
Medellín
Forget everything you've read about Medellín - it's probably old news by now.
Entertainment in Colombia
Cartagena
Unesco World Heritage site perfect for romantic meandering and dining.
Shopping in Colombia