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Colombia is a country full of contradictions where the tourists can enjoy the cool climate as well as the heat as they move from one place to another. In spite of being tropical country Colombia's weather is not the same across the territory. |
Don't be fooled by a flat map and be prepared to visit a chilly capital city 2.600 meters above sea level, or the extensive warm valley of the Magdalena river 300 meters above the sea level (and only 150 km away). This geographical variety also brings a cultural richness, which added to the colonial history results in a society where racial, ideological and cultural ends meet. Colombia is such a beautiful country from where you can come back full of great memories!
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.
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With just under 1 million inhabitants, Cartagena is the most popular tourist resort town in Colombia. It is divided into two main parts: the Ciudad Antigua (Old City) and the Ciudad Nueva (New City). Cartagena used to be a popular place for the privateers of the Caribbean (the most famous being Sir Francis Drake). |
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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.
