Colombia is one of South America’s undiscovered gems and if you can put aside the country’s reputation for crime, you will find a beautifully diverse and unspoiled land. Colombia’s beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific, as well as its tropical rainforests, snowy mountains and fertile valleys are ripe for exploration. There are also a number of amazing ancient sites such as the Lost City and don’t forget the historically charismatic cities of Cartagena and Bogota.
Bogota
Colombia’s capital city sits high in the Andes Mountains and offers a great hub from which to explore the country. Most visitors stick to the neighborhoods of the city centre such as the Zona Rosa or La Candelaria, the oldest and most historically interesting part of town. The colourful, chaotic street life makes up much of the charm of this colonial city. Wandering the streets is the best way to experience it, but be sure to bring along a reliable local guide, as safety is always an issue.
Botanical Gardens (Bogota)
These relaxing gardens located near the Parque Simon Bolivar are the perfect way to experience the diverse Colombian flora and fauna if you don’t feel comfortable getting out into the countryside to see it first hand. The massive greenhouse recreates all of the diverse climates which are found in Colombia. Visitors will feel the change in temperature as they move from the tropical rainforest to the mountainous alpine section (tel: +57 01 311 5324).
Cerro de Monserrate (Bogota)
This imposing white church on the summit of a mountain dominates the cityscape and is of great importance to the people of Bogota. Pilgrims regularly pay visits to the shrine of Senor Caido, adding to the colourful atmosphere. The church also offers the best panoramic views of Bogota. On the grounds you can find a handicrafts market and several cafes. A cable car or funicular will take you up to the mountain top (tel: +57 01 243 8231).
Museo de Arte Moderno (Bogota)
If you’re interested in what contemporary Colombian artists are capable of, this is the place to go. The museum has the finest collection of painting and sculpture by Colombian artists from the 20th century. A small cinema also shows Latin American art house films (tel: +57 01 286 0466).
Museo del Oro (Bogota)
The Gold Museum is a fascinating place overflowing with 34,000 gold pieces of artwork from every major pre-Hispanic culture in Colombia. Most of the objects are displayed in one massive room, making for an impressive sight. There’s also a good exhibition on the historical and social aspects of pre-Colombian culture (tel: +57 01 343 2222).
Museo Nacional (Bogota)
Colombia’s national museum has three floors of interesting exhibits ranging from pre-Colombian artifacts to modern art. Each floor covers a different period in the history of this ancient country and is the single best place to get a feel of Colombia’s cultural development (tel: +57 01 334 8366).
Plaza de Bolivar (Bogota)
This plaza lies at the heart of Bogota. Colombia’s most important institutions are located along the plaza with a statue of Simon Bolivar in the centre. This is a popular meeting place for locals and offers some of the best people-watching in the city. Interesting events also regularly take place here.
Plaza de Santander (Bogota)
This plaza in front of the Gold Museum is another fascinating spot to watch local life go by. The picturesque and lively environment is always busy with street performers, photographers and local Bogotanos just hanging out.
Cartagena
Colombia’s most pleasant and interesting city is also one of the safest in the country. Cartagena is a wonderfully picturesque, walled fishing village on the Caribbean coast. The quaint buildings, fine cathedrals and Spanish colonial architecture create an unequalled historical atmosphere. The white sandy beaches and clean warm water are another bonus to this charming city. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage city and should not be missed.
Visit the Lost City
Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City, was built sometime between the 11th and 14th centuries but its history is much older. One of the largest pre-Colombian towns ever discovered, it is hidden deep in the forest among rugged mountains, far from any roads. It takes 6 days to hike to the city and return, but it’s about as adventurous an expedition as you can find in the world. In fact, the Lost City was only rediscovered in 1975, after being lost for nearly 400 years. If you are an intrepid traveller, this could well be the highlight of your trip.
Travel to undiscovered islands
Two of the safest destinations in Colombia are the small islands of San Andres and Providencia, located far off the coast in the Caribbean. The tiny archipelago has several coral reefs and cays, making for some of the most stunning and untapped diving and snorkeling in the world. The locals are a mix of African descent, which gives the islands a unique cultural feel. Tourism is the main income for the islanders, so they are happy to take you sailing, fishing or snorkeling. You can fly from Bogota or take a very long boat ride.
Walk the streets of old Cartagena
This incredible town on the Caribbean coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Cartagena de Indias is legendary among world travellers both for its beauty and its history. The walled city is like a step back in time, with its 17th century forts, pastel-coloured houses and Spanish colonial architecture. There are excellent restaurants, hotels and shopping as well. Another bonus is the stunning white beaches which surround the city’s majestic bay. Don’t come all the way to Colombia and miss out on this treasure.
Take in a show at the Teatro Colon
The Italian-style Teatro Colon in Bogota was first built in 1885 and is a beautifully designed building by the Italian architect Piertro Cantini. The interior is lavishly decorated, as you’d expect from a grand theatre. It is only open for performances, so you’ll have to choose from an opera, concert or ballet performance to enjoy the opulent atmosphere inside. But you won’t be disappointed.
Go in search of a miracle
The spectacular neo-Gothic Santuario de las Lajas is built on a stone bridge which spans an impossibly deep gorge. When an image of the Virgin Mary appeared on the enormous rock face sometime in the 18th century, a church was built directly against the wall of the gorge where the vision appeared. This is a hugely popular destination for pilgrims in search of a miracle. Between the dramatic location of the church and the flocks of truly devoted pilgrims praying for help, it’s hard not to feel the potential for something special to happen.
Wander the Barrio of La Candelaria
La Candelaria is the neighborhood where Bogota was originally founded and is full of fascinating historical reminders. As you wander around the streets of this area, you will witness many of the traditions typical of Old Bogota, leaving you with the most powerful memories of your trip to the capital. You can drink the famous Bogotano hot chocolate at a real chocolateria, linger in the busy Plaza Bolivar and discover several of the other smaller squares where life goes on undisturbed as it has for hundreds of years.
Catch a bullfight
If you visit Bogota during January or February, you can watch an authentic Colombian bullfight at the Plaza de Toros La Santamaria. This impressive arena was designed in the Andalusian style and is a big favourite among Bogotanos. For a sneaky peek, you can visit in the morning when young bullfighters take to the ring to polish their skills. The real action takes place every Sunday during the bullfighting season. Come and experience the excitement with thousands of cheering, festive Colombians. It’s something you won’t soon forget.
