Known as the only South American country bathed by two oceans (Atlantic and Pacific) and the second most populated throughout the region after Brazil, Colombia is a nation that has won all the rights as top destination to be visited in any season the year.
With a wide variety of landscapes and cultures that would be difficult to find in other parts of the world, Colombia offers an interesting variety of ecosystems. From the Amazon jungle in Leticia, the desert of La Guajira to the northeast of the country, the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, to the tropical islands of San Andres and Providencia, there are options to choose from for all tastes.
Culture, like climate varies by region you visit. The essence lies in Colombia's major cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali and in the so-called coffee belt. These destinations are considered the heart of Colombia, and in large cities the pace of life is faster and moved, while in the Caribbean coast everything progresses more passive and relaxed.
Despite the internal conflict between the government, guerrillas and paramilitaries, which carries more than 4 decades, there has been a huge increase in national security, which has led to tourism report the highest levels of recent years.
Other Interesting Data
On the subject of drugs, but the drug trade is still in the country, the violence that was part of it has practically disappeared. This has allowed both foreign and local now feel more confident to explore the exciting paradise of rain forests, beautiful Caribbean beaches, islands renowned and highly attractive colonial cities abound throughout the territory.
The currency is the Colombian Peso (COP) and the bills come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000 pesos. If you want to know as it is the Colombian peso change to your local currency, you can find out using the following currency converter.
Travelling in Colombia is undoubtedly an experience in style. For example, from the capital Bogotá, whether you head north, south, east or west, you can go to nearby sites whose landscapes are diverse and amazing. The same applies to other cities like Medellin and Cartagena, just to mention a few. Certainly, the greatest risk we can experience is that done for staying in Colombia.
Approximate costs
Lodging: There are several options for accommodation as hotels, hostels, guest houses, whatever you want. As for prices of flights, the cheapest will depart on $ 6- $ 12 a night and hotels from $ 15 a small private room. Couchsurfing is frequently used in the large cities and for sure you will not find too inconvenient in bed. Given the size of Colombian cities and much to do in each of them, the best option (if time count on) would rent a room or apartment.
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Transport: bus tickets are one of the most expensive is in South America and one cost depends on the quality of the bus. A trip 9-12 hours costs you about $ 30 and 16 hours leaves you hovering around $ 55. Companies like Express Brasilia, Copetran, Saloons and Fast Ochoa made travel north, meanwhile Bolivarian Coomotor Expreso Palmira and go south. If you prefer to travel by plane, you should fly with low-cost airline Live Colombia.
Food: Estés in cities or towns, you will see small restaurants offering typical "set meals" ready meals which are not worth more than $ 3. Franchising of local restaurants, the most popular are Kokoriko, El Corral, and Gokela Presto, the latter specializing in vegetarian food. Doing the weekly shopping in a supermarket should not exceed $ 50, and even less if possible. Do not forget to try favorite dishes like donut, pie, corn bread, stew and sweet tres leches.
Bogota: With more than 8 million inhabitants, is the largest and most populous city in the country. Bogotá is developed based on the churches and squares abound in many neighborhoods, so it is not surprising that these are considered landmarks when located. Try to go to districts Usaquén, Park 93, La Macarena, Chico and La Candelaria, which is where we find most of the activities and sights. Also, do not miss going to the Gold Museum, the largest of its kind in terms of gold collection in the country.
Islands of San Andres and Providencia: These two islands are located near the coasts of Nicaragua and are known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and a Caribbean atmosphere like no other. The wide variety of fish and coral is one of the main reasons why divers come to these islands throughout the year.
Popayan: This small town is situated in a large valley and is one of the most visited destinations of southern colonial Colombia. Popayán has a wide variety of churches and museums, with the Museum of National History and the Church of San Francisco's most impressive of its kind. Furthermore, you can visit the nearby National Park and the Indian village Puracé Silvia.
Cali: As the third largest city in the country, Cali is a major center of industry of Colombian coffee, and tourists an excellent opportunity to dance salsa (not by something known as the Capital of Salsa). Every night of stylish bars to dance this genre, and there are places to learn to dance.
Cartagena: A destination that is synonymous with partying, beaches and sun, Cartagena is a must in your itinerary. Its foundation dates from 1533, and has since been an important port on the Caribbean. However, tourists are coming to enjoy the pleasant climate, colonial history and parranderas goats, buses designed to walk around town and drink while dancing to the beat of music with others. You can start by walking the Walled City and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
Lost City: Discovered by the year 1976, the Lost City (Teyuna in indigenous languages) are the remains of an ancient civilization, the Tairona Indians, located in the region of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Today there are only some 169 circular stone terraces in the middle of the jungle, but the views and location are extraordinary. Those who visit live boast one of the best adventures in South America.
Salento: Located in the so-called coffee belt, Salento is a small town that comes to play a major role in the coffee growing industry in Colombia. Similarly, it is a significant tourist town for being the access point to the Cocora Valley, home of the wax palm (national tree of the country). The valley also provides for activities such as mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding.
Medellin is the second-largest metropolis and is known as the "City of Eternal Spring". It is also the birthplace of Fernando Botero, one of the most famous painters and sculptors of Latin America. In the 1980s and 1990s, Medellín was one of the most dangerous places in the world thanks to the Medellin Cartel, but with the demise of this organization in the mid-90s, his image has improved a lot. The perfect time to visit is during the month of August, when the great event of the Flower Fair is held.
San Agustín Archeological Park: This is a large park located in the basin of the Magdalena River, south of Colombia. The site is famous for its stone carvings dating from the years 100 and 1200 AD, and some of them have a height of over four meters. St. Augustine was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995.
Carnival: When it comes to carnivals, Colombia has nothing to envy to others. The Carnival of Barranquilla, declared a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2003, is the busiest in the world after Rio de Janeiro. In this celebration you will live four days of dancing, concerts, parades, where cultural events take place throughout the city. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto Carnival is another renowned and celebrated in early January.
Nevado del Ruiz Volcano: This volcano is the highest of the volcanoes of the Los Nevados National Park. From Manila, you have the opportunity to take a tour on one of the many agencies that take you up to 4800m, and from there you can climb to the summit. Similarly, you have the Nevado de Tolima and the Nevado de Santa Isabel, the latter in a state of inactivity and has the best views of the other mountains.
Tayrona National Park: Undoubtedly, this is the number one choice for anyone looking to relax with the beach on one side and the jungle on the other. Tayrona is a strip of beach near Santa Marta tourism and is very popular with those looking for sunbathing, walking on the beach, play some surfing or just spend the day relaxing in a hammock.
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