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| Colombia |
| Colombia Travel Guide |
"Vibrant cities with soaring skyscrapers, elegant port towns cut by cobbled alleys and bougainvillea-shrouded balconies, spectacular national parks from tropical to heavenly-high-alpine, cruise boats, party buses, late-night salsa dancing and glorious shopping. This is Colombia we're talking about!
On the surface, Colombia is a seemingly untroubled country. Media reports, however, still speak of coca fields, violent crime and kidnappings. Beyond the headlines is a thriving society with a rising middle class, some of the best health care and universities in South America, and improved security." |
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Cartagena International Film and Television Festival
"The Cartagena International Film and Television Festival embraces international cinema, with a special emphasis on Latin American film and Colombian television.
The longest-running film festival in Latin America, screenings of films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Peru and Colombia take place at a number of different cinemas around the city."
Volcn de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano)
"The northern coast of Colombia is awash with geographical gems that capture the imagination of the traveller, but none are able to purify the skin in the same way as the mud volcano El Totumo, found close to Cartagena.
For all of you looking for that beautifully natural look, then your search should take you to the Colombian department of Atlntico. Here you will find, rising 15 metres from the ground like an oversized anthill, El Totumo, one of the best examples of a mud volcano and certainly one of the messiest.
A mud volcano is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground. As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge it grows in size, gradually forming what you can see today - a miniature volcano with a rich, creamy mud crater at the top"
Medelln Flower Fair
"The centre of Medelln bursts into flames of colour and a delicious bouquet of sweet smells during the Flower Fair, the city's most important cultural event.
Colombia is famous for its flowers and exports them all over the world. This annual celebration has been going strong since 1957 and is always held during the first two weeks in August."
"Rock in the Park"
"Rock al Parque (Rock in the Park) in Bogot is the biggest and best annual rock festival in Latin America. Three hundred thousand people squeeze into Parque Simn Bolivar to enjoy the consistently great line-up.
Bogot's rock fans can enjoy a wide variety of international, national and local bands performing for free. In the weeks leading up to the event, local up-and-coming groups take part in a battle of the bands for the privilege of performing." |
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Bogota
"the capital of Colombia also known as the Athens of the Americas, is set at an altitude of over 2600 m (>8000 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east. You may need some time to adjust to this altitude, especially if you are arriving from lower parts of the country or flying in. Most of the sights of the city are in the historic central neighborhood of La Candelaria. The Plaza de Bolivar is the principal square in the city and it is where the seat of both Federal and Local governments are housed. The buildings in the surrounding areas are built in the colonial style with wide-eaved balconies. Sitting on the main square, you may also see and visit the First Cathedral, built back in the late 1500's. The most breathtaking museum in Colombia is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum).
Downtown Bogota is filled with shops, business offices and cafes. The banking district is also an interesting area to stroll around. Most of the best hotels, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques are located in the Northern end of the city.
Accordingly, the Spanish invested heavily in thick walls to protect this important harbour from attacks. The walls are over 10km long and enclose the pleasant Ciudad Antigua, built in 1533 along a beautiful Caribbean harbor. It is very pleasant to stroll down the narrow streets and take a look at the stylish colonial architecture. The cathedrals and palaces face cool shady plazas, where you can buy little cups of coffee (tinto) and watch the world go by. Around Cartagena there are some very fine beaches, where you can get a tan under the tropical sun. Nightlife in Cartagena is quite lively, as there are a number of bars with good (Salsa) music and cheap beer."
"Cali"
"Colombia's third-largest city, is noted more for its laid-back atmosphere and its Salsa scene than its tourist attractions. Cali is the capital of the department of Valle del Cauca, one of the most prosperous regions of the country and the home of the large sugar mills and numerous industries. Located in the Cauca Valley, Cali is also known throughout Colombia and the rest of South America for its salsa music and beautiful women.
At the end of the year, between December 25 and January 1st the Cali Fair takes place, with all kinds of street festivities. At this time of year the Bullfighting Festival, one of the most important events of its kind in the country takes Just 20 miles east from Cali is Palmira a nice and industrious town that is worth a visit. Cali is best for the natural views."
Medellin
"is an extremely attractive town which serves as the industrial and commercial centre for the surrounding region of Antioquia. With roughly two million inhabitants, it is Colombia's second city. The city is known as the ""City of Eternal Spring"" due to its mild climate all year long.
Although most of the colonial architecture no longer remains, the churches in the center of town are worth a vist. The Basilica de la Candelaria is one of the most popular.
San Agustin is one of the most important archeological sites of Colombia as well as of the whole of South America. The area around the present day town was inhabited by a mysterious Indian civilization which left us hundreds of carved statues. The civilization flourished from the 6-th to the 14-th century, and probably disappeared because the Inca's conquered them. The some 500 statues and tombs are scattered in groups over an area on both sides of the Rio Magdalena Gorge. The town of San Agustin is set in the middle of the valley and is the best place from where to visit them."
Manizales
is built on a fairly straight stretch at the foot of one of the Cordillers Central Mountains. This typical Colombian city is dominated by the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, is not overrun by tourists (yet) and can be reached easily from Bogota. Several fires and a devastating earthquake in 1878 ruined a great part of the old buildings. Nowadays, it bears a rather modern character and it has five universities, attracting students from all over the area. The Cathedral de Manizales, located at the central square, is an impressive architectural piece of art and a must for visitors. Besides this, Manizales is known for its annual festivals, such as the Manizales Fair in January, the International Theatre Festival in September and the Bullfighting competitions. |
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"Time Zone"
GMT - 5
Language Spoken
"Spanish is the official language of Colombia
Spanish, Wayuu, Paez, Embera, Romani are other languages spoken on a regular basis in Colombia."
Passport/ VISA
British nationals must have a passport but do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Climate
Generally the climate is wet and tropical. Summer is the principal rainy season although there is no specific dry season. The eastern Caribbean and Pacific coastal lowlands experience an equatorial climate with high temperatures and high humidity all year round, with rainfall averaging 40 inches (1,000mm) a year. In the mountainous parts conditions are cooler and can be changeable depending on prevailing winds, altitude and topography. |
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