Located 2600m above sea level at the base of the Guadalupe and Monserrate mountains is Colombia’s capital and one of South America’s leading cultural destinations. Patrons of the arts are spoilt for choice with the city’s museums, art galleries, stage theatres, and national monuments. So impressive is Bogota’s collection of libraries and academic institutions that the city has earned itself the nickname 'The Athens of South America'. The historic district of La Candelaria boasts many of these offerings as well as some truly breathtaking historic architecture. Must-see attractions in Bogota include the weird and wonderful Museo Botero; famous Museo del Oro, filled with astonishing displays of gold items and pre-hispanic art; and the atmospheric, grandiose Church of San Francisco, with origins dating to around 1557.
Situated in the Tolima Department of Colombia, the town of Honda is a popular tourist destination. It is known as the ‘City of Bridges’ featuring over 40 bridges crossing over a network of rivers. Owing to its ideal riverside positioning, this city once served as a launching point between the Caribbean Coast, and the city of Bogota in the hinterland. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including: viewing the town’s impressive colonial architecture, discovering the winding alleyways of the historic cobblestoned Calle de las Trampas, taking a walk across the Navarro Bridge and attending the annual Subienda Carnival. Don’t miss the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Botanical Expedition of José Celestino Mutis.
Located in northwest Colombia, the Antioquia Department stretches over the majestic Andes Mountains. It boasts a diverse cultural heritage, remarkably scenic landscapes and historical architecture. Known for its gold, coffee, textile and flower industry, Antioquia has developed the country’s second-largest economy. It is home to the city of Medellin which serves as the capital of the region and features the impressive must-see Museo de Antioquia, showcasing works by Fernando Botero, a famous Colombian artist. Visit a coffee plantation and enjoy a cup of locally grown freshly roasted coffee; discover the charming town of Santa Fe de Antioquia with its colonial buildings, tamarind candies and winding cobbled lanes; and enjoy a weekend retreat at Guatape, a resort town on the banks of the Penol-Guatape Reservoir.
Once considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities, Medellin has since shed its bad reputation and is now more commonly referred to as “The City of Eternal Spring”, treating residents and visitors to consistently warm temperatures. Medellin is located in Aburra Valley and surrounded by seven hills that provide excellent views of the city. Back in town, visitors can experience the work of world-famous artists such as Fernando Botero in local parks and plazas, wonder at the beautiful display of Christmas lights during the festive season, and celebrate as the city is overrun with colour during the 10-day Feast of Flowers festival.
Colombia is known to produce some of the world’s best coffee – in a picturesque mountain region called the Zona Cafetera - meaning the Coffee Triangle. Encompassing the Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío regions, Zona Cafetera has embraced tourism and offers a wide range of authentic hotels or traditional farmsteads, from which travellers can tour the area’s emerald-green hilltops, fertile valleys and famous high-altitude coffee plantations. Visitors can spend time on the farms, learning about the coffee growing process, which is especially fun during the harvest seasons that run from April to May and October to December. Those looking for a laid-back local experience will enjoy the sleepy little backpacker town of Salento in the Quindío department, while nature lovers shouldn’t miss trekking in the breathtaking Valle de Cocora and visiting the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, one of Colombia’s most famous national parks.
As previously described
Situated just east of the Andes in Colombia, the Los Llanos is a vast grassland plain. These seasonally flooded lowlands cover almost half the country and boast archaeological treasures, natural wonders, and beautiful views. The Los Llanos teems with abundant wildlife - over 100 species of mammals and reptiles, and over 700 species of birds have their home here (including some of the most endangered species on earth). However, for many travellers, the undeniable highlight here is the multicoloured Cano Cristales river network, within the Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de La Macarena. Visit a local hacienda, try horse riding or piranha fishing, or take guided hikes. Don’t miss the opportunity to make use of the wide selection of safari-style game drives on offer.
As previously described
