Colombia, a true jewel of South America
When you hear this name, you may not think of this country as a tourist destination. A few decades ago, drug trafficking and internal warfare made Colombia a feared destination for some travelers around the world.
However, the great governmental efforts have allowed Colombia to be on the tourist map of many travelers as a safe, diverse and surprising destination. From beaches in the desert to green mountains and from big cities to small indigenous towns on the banks of the Amazon river, this country offers adventures for all tastes and types of travelers.
BEACHES
The varied geography of Colombia allows this country to be bathed by two oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and no matter which beaches you choose you will be surrounded by an incomparable natural richness.
In the Caribbean Sea and very close to the most touristic city of Colombia, Cartagena, is the island of Barú, well known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. One of these paradisiacal beaches is Playa Blanca, a must-see destination for local and foreign travelers, where they can enjoy its warm waters, freshly prepared seafood and refreshing cocktails.
It is possible to get to Playa Blanca by land or by sea and once you get there you can find plenty of accommodations available for all budgets. It is an ideal destination to escape from routine and enjoy the sun and the beach.
However, if you are looking for adventure and a true connection with nature and biodiversity, the beaches of Bahia Solano are the best choice. This beach is among one of the most exotic in the country and perfectly combines the warm golden sands of the Pacific and the blue water with the jungle surroundings.
A landscape without equal, where you can also enjoy between the months of July and October the visit of one of the most special mammals in the world, the humpback whales.
NATURE
Colombia, as part of its natural resources, has a wide variety of climates and forests. One of its main attractions are the green mountains where one of its emblematic products, coffee, is produced. The region made up of the departments of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas is known as Eje Cafetero and is home to numerous plantations that have opened their doors to those who want to know more about the coffee production process. The warmth of its climate and of its people is present all year round, so there is no recommended time to go and enjoy that “freshly harvested and ground” cup of coffee any day of the year.
HISTORY
If you want to know about the history of this country, the recommended stop is its capital city Bogotá. Its large size and population density make this the most chaotic city in the country, however the mixture of colonial and modern makes this city captivate the hearts of its visitors.
Bogota offers a varied cultural offer, perfect for tourists looking for history and entertainment. One of the most recommended museums in the city is the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), house of one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic goldsmithing in the world. Its exhibitions will allow you to delve into the life of the Colombian ancestors, the organization of their societies, their customs and their believes. By visiting this museum you will understand the different legends created around the treasures of America, such as the Legend of El Dorado.
