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Every time folks speak about journey to Colombia, they’re usually met with trepidation and concern monger as a result of its infamous historical past, however as time strikes on, increasingly more individuals are realizing that Colombia is a hotspot vacation spot to go to.
Colombia isn’t the place it as soon as was within the 80s and 90s, and though tourism has flourished within the nation, it’s nonetheless a vacation spot that usually will get neglected.
From vibrant nightlife to the world’s finest espresso, to decadent delicacies and numerous landscapes and biodiversity, there are lots of causes to go to Colombia and make it your chosen journey vacation spot this yr.
On this information, we share these predominant the reason why vacationers select so as to add Colombia to their journey bucket checklist.
1. A vibrant and inventive tradition
Colombia is a tapestry of tradition that’s not like every other nation in Latin America. It has a ton of historical past and distinctive traditions, however most of all, Colombians have fun artwork and has a ardour for creativity.
One factor I like about Colombian tradition is that it’s filled with pleasure, heat, and hope. That is most frequently represented in its road artwork, to which it’s extensively celebrated throughout the nation and never seen as a type of vandalism as it’s with different international locations.
Within the coronary heart of Medellín, the colourful streets of Comuna 13, come alive. This was as soon as the poorest neighborhood within the metropolis, and is now recognized for its putting murals that inform tales of resilience and transformation.
One other inventive flare that you just see represented in Colombia is salsa dance. The rhythm of salsa, which has been extensively adopted throughout the nation, is a solution to carry folks collectively and share in one another’s pleasure.
You’ll discover many salsa golf equipment in Armenia, the capital of salsa, in addition to in main cities like Medellin and Bogota.
2. Beautiful nature spots
Colombia is a nature lover’s paradise. It has an astonishing array of landscapes and nature websites which can be as numerous as they’re stunning.
From the towering peaks of the Andes to the serene seashores of the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Coast, the nation’s numerous landscapes provide one thing for everybody.
Head to Salento, nestled within the mountains within the Espresso Triangle (Eje Cafetero), to trek in Cocora Valley, the place you can see wax palms that seemingly contact the sky.
They’re the tallest palms on this planet and have a type of cartoonish high quality as they develop as excessive as 200 ft (60 meters).
Or you’ll be able to enterprise into the Amazon rainforest, an iconic pure world teeming with unique wildlife and vegetation.
The beautiful Tayrona Nationwide Park provides a serene hike by way of tropical jungles earlier than rewarding you with pristine seashores, and let’s not overlook the ethereal La Macarena and the Caño Cristales, usually known as the River of 5 Colours, which is called probably the most stunning river on this planet and dazzles you with its vivid hues in the course of the moist season.
Colombia’s can have you amazed by the breathtaking wonders of Mom Earth.
3. Tons of outside actions
Colombia is an adventurer’s playground. From mountain climbing the breathtaking trails of Los Nevados Nationwide Park, traversing snow-capped peaks and gazing on glacial lakes, to whitewater rafting by way of the verdant jungles that line the Rio Verde.
Colombia can be an incredible place to go paragliding, go on wildlife safaris, or canoeing and kayaking the various winding rivers.
The Caribbean coast is the place to go for world-class diving within the crystal-clear waters of Parque Nacional Pure Tayrona, recognized for its vibrant coral reefs.
No matter your journey, Colombia has it.
4. A foodies paradise
Colombia’s delicacies is a sensory overload – however in one of the best ways! The meals is flavorful and fragrant, and numerous relying on the areas.
Every dish tells a narrative, reflecting the wealthy cultural heritage and native substances that outline Colombian delicacies.
No journey to Colombia can be full with out making an attempt a hearty bandeja paisa, a platter of beans, rice, avocado, and succulent grilled meats.
In case you’re on the lookout for snacks, strive arepas, a flexible dish made from corn truffles that may be full of every little thing from cheese to greens to pulled pork.
The coastal areas provides recent seafood dishes with spices, comparable to ceviche and fried fish served with coconut rice.
Don’t miss the possibility to discover the bustling markets, the place you’ll be able to pattern recent produce purchased straight from the farmers.
5. Numerous local weather
Colombia has a various panorama made up of each seashores and mountains, and with the high-elevation, it boasts a variety of climates, making it a year-round vacation spot to go to.
Nestled close to the equator, it has a variety of microclimates. The highlands of Bogota are temperate with cool breezes, whereas the sun-soaked metropolis of Cartagena has the nice and cozy Caribbean solar all yr spherical.
The perfect time to go to Colombia is from December till March, when the climate is heat and dry for many of the nation. October and November are time to go to because it’s simply earlier than the height season, and is subsequently quieter.
The wet season is from April till June, however can generally fall into early July, which is the time to keep away from touring in Colombia as a result of flash flooding.
6. Distinctive festivals
As I discussed earlier, Colombia is a rustic steeped in tradition and artistry, so it is smart that its traditions are dropped at life in spectacular vogue, with some energetic festivals that commemorate the nation’s heritage.
The Barranquilla Carnival (Carnaval de Barranquilla), is a UNESCO-recognized occasion the place the streets are remodeled right into a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and elaborate costumes, showcasing the infectious rhythms of cumbia and salsa.
In Medellín, the Flowers Competition (Feria de las Flores) is the place you will note breathtaking floral shows and energetic parades, whereas the The Vallenato Legend Competition (Competition de la Leyenda Vallenata) in Valledupar is a music pageant that pays homage to the normal vallenato music, drawing artists and lovers from throughout.
From the religious occasion of Semana Santa in Popayán to the joyous celebrations of the Competition of the Black and White in Pasto, every pageant in Colombia showcases the center and soul of Colombian tradition.
7. Tons of wildlife
Colombia is a wildlife fanatic’s dream. As one of the vital biodiverse international locations in on the planet, it provides the possibility to come across distinctive species of their pure habitats, from the luxurious Amazon rainforest to the rugged Andes mountains.
Think about crusing down the Amazon River, the place you may spot playful pink river dolphins within the water or colourful macaws hovering overhead.
Within the cloud forests, the elusive spectacled bear roams among the many misty treetops,and within the coastal areas, it’s not unusual to witness majestic Humpback whales breaching off the Pacific Coast throughout their annual migration.
Colombia is the place eco-tourism thrives, permitting you to see wildlife in its pure habitat with out disturbing them.
8. An all-round journey vacation spot
Colombia is a vacation spot that provides all kinds of choices. From metropolis breaks to mountain retreats, to beachy holidays to adventurous off-the-beaten-path experiences, you’ll be able to have all of it in Colombia.
From the bustling streets of Bogotá, the place modernity meets historical past, to the beautiful colonial structure of Cartagena, with its colourful facades and Caribbean air, Colombia is a rustic of contrasts.
A few of my favourite locations in Colombia are:
Previous City Cartagena and Getsemani
The most well-liked vacationer locations in Cartagena are the outdated city space and the Getsemani neighborhood.
Previous-town Cartagena is the realm throughout the outdated metropolis partitions adorned with bougainvillea and it’s beautiful to stroll round. There are a variety of vacationers on this space and it could get very crowded.
As you stroll by way of the cobblestone streets of Previous City, the energetic plazas are alive with the echos of laughter from the locals and the melodies of road musicians.
Only a brief stroll away, Getsemaní has a youthful power, the place murals adorn each nook and the air is full of the tantalizing aromas of road meals distributors.
This neighborhood was as soon as a bohemian enclave and is now a blossoming cultural hub, brimming with artwork galleries, energetic bars, and welcoming hostels.
La Candelaria
La Candelaria in Bogotá is a fascinating neighborhood recognized for its colonial structure with intricate balconies and road artwork murals.
The world is dwelling to a few of Colombia’s most vital cultural landmarks, together with the beautiful Gold Museum and the spectacular Botero Museum, showcasing the whimsical works of famend artist Fernando Botero.
The colourful plazas, comparable to Plaza de Bolívar, invite you to take a seat and soak within the environment with a sizzling cup of Colombian espresso which the Catedral Primada takes you on a journey by way of Bogotá’s religious historical past.
9. Pleasant locals
Colombians are a number of the friendliest folks on this planet. Though English isn’t extensively spoken (you had higher brush up in your Spanish earlier than visiting), they’re nonetheless prepared to attempt to talk and assist vacationers the place attainable.
An amazing facet about touring solo is that you’re extra approachable to folks. It’s good to make a private reference to somebody, particularly a neighborhood.
The folks of Colombia love vacationers, for the reason that nation isn’t closely touristed in lots of areas, so individuals are very inquisitive about vacationers and need to say hey.
10. Nonetheless a hidden gem
Colombia is commonly overshadowed by different international locations in South America, with many vacationers favoring visits to Peru to see Machu Picchu or Brazil to discover the Amazon, however that’s precisely why you must go to Colombia whereas it’s nonetheless a hidden gem.
Now could be the time to expertise its breathtaking landscapes, pure wonders, vibrant cities, revolutionary spirit, music, artwork, and culinary delights earlier than they develop into overrun.
Colombia is not only a vacation spot; it’s an expertise. In case you’re an intrepid traveler who prefers to journey away from the throngs of individuals, that is your vacation spot.
Ultimate Ideas
Visiting Colombia was one of the vital superb journeys I’ve ever taken. Touring to a growing nation will not be for everybody, however I nonetheless look again at my photos and pinch myself pondering how fortunate I’m that I went.
And the way grateful I’m that I didn’t determine to go some place else as a result of considerations my family and friends expressed.
That’s not to say that you just don’t should be cautious if you go to Colombia. It doesn’t imply that dangerous issues don’t generally occur, and there are essential issues to know earlier than visiting Colombia.
However, in case you are good about the place you go and the way you do it, this is without doubt one of the nice international locations to go to in South America.
Colombia is a spot you need to take the time to actually get to know.
It’s essential to be educated of the nation’s historical past however to not let is cease you from falling in love with the place it’s as we speak.
I hope this information provided some helpful insights into Colombia in addition to given you some essential journey security suggestions so you may make your Colombia trip as stress free and memorable as attainable.
What do you assume? Do you assume Colombia is price visiting? Tell us within the feedback.
