Columbia - Back On The Hottest Tourist Destinations
Columbia may have been associated with drug and violence for a long time with civil conflict adding to its problems. However, the exotic South American country is now a safe place to vacation. The likes of notorious smugglers and drug lords like Pablo Escobar are no more, making it back to the top destinations in the world. For the most part, Columbia is a country of diversity where beaches, jungle safaris, majestic mountains, the rainforest, and modern cities with nightclubs that are packed to capacity every night, present great opportunities to experience the best of almost every environment possible.
Columbia is a haven for sports lovers with plenty of opportunities for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale and dolphin spotting, and trekking up to the highest points in the country. No matter which direction you turn, Columbia has something to offer the discerning traveler and a local population that welcomes tourists with open arms. Columbian culture is an eclectic mix that changes with altitude. The majestic mountains are home to the cities of Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. These cities are well equipped to handle tourists and offer great opportunities for sightseeing. The other part of the country embraces the industrial heartland which is home to smaller cities of the Zona Cafetera and its coffee plantations. Then again, you have the section of the Caribbean Coast, with its laid back coastal setting that is the perfect location for a quiet getaway.
Bogota, Columbia's capital is soon becoming a hotspot in Latin America's urban scene and a booming metropolis. The city is famous for its beautiful churches, numerous parks with an abundant of flora and fauna, museums, and a vibrant nightlife with bars, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs dotted throughout the city. La Candelaria is a tourist hotspot around where a number of churches, museums, and cafes that serve the most delicious coffee and traditional snacks are located.
Cartagena de Indias ought to be a place to visit on any traveler's agenda. A stroll through the cobblestone streets with huge churches and open cafes on either side, makes it among the most romantic places to visit. The city is also famous for its horse drawn carriages and offers a variety of dining and accommodation options to suit every budget. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to enjoy Columbia's cultural treasures.
Zona Cafetera is where the country gets most of its coffee crop. The area has the most pleasant temperatures with lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks, which make it a perfect place to vacation. The Paisas were dominant in the region which is evident from its architecture and cuisine, which is mainly meat-based. Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to this beautiful region of Zona Cafetera.
The town of Pamplona in the Valle del Espíritu Santo in the Cordillera Oriental is one of the most serene places with old churches in the region of central Columbia. A major part of the town was destroyed in an earthquake in 1875, which was when it lost much of its colonial character. There are several museums worth visiting in the town. If you are planning a visit to Columbia, December to March or July and August are the perfect time to combine plenty of activities including the carnival feasts, where you will find event the locals in a relaxed, holiday mood.