Colombia is a country which is located in northwestern South America bordered to the east by Venezuela and to the north by the Caribbean Sea. Colombia is very safe for travelers with lot's to discover. The beauty and charm of this country may astonish you.
Amacayacu National Park - Far, far from civilization in the Amazon rainforest, a huge national park explorable via boat, full of monkey islands and pink dolphins!
Plane - (MDE) Jose Maria Córdova International Airport - There are daily direct flights to and from the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.
Car - Enter from Ecuador by the Tulcan-Ipiales (Rumichaca) pass. Or through Lago Agrio - Mocoa
Bus - It is very straightforward to enter Colombia from Ecuador. Travel to Tulcan, where you can get a taxi to the border.
Where to sleep
Bogota - Hotel El Dorado, In the heart of Bogotá, Colombia’s Parque 93 District, you will find one of the city’s most unique luxury hotels. Cloaked in shimmering golds, lush greens and water features in celebration of Lake Guatavita, Hotel El Dorado Bogotá is a modern, high-design gem of a hotel steeped in the Legend of El Dorado.
Medellin - Hotel San Fernando Plaza, The San Fernando Plaza Hotel is the first choice of travelers and executives when visiting this beautiful city. It is located in the road corridor known as the “Golden Mile” (Avenida el Poblado), see the San Fernando Plaza Financial and Cultural Center; most exclusive sector of the Capital of Antioquia.
Cartagena - Casa Pestagua Relais Chateaux, It is said that Casa Pestagua is the most beautiful house in Cartagena. Painted ceilings, carved stone windows, courtyards and royal palms... this Moorish-inspired colonial palace was built in the eighteenth century, in time of splendour for the city and Spanish galleons laden with gold and precious stones.
Cali Tour - A guided tour of the grand city of Cali.
What to eat
In many areas of Colombia, it is common to eat bunuelos (deep fried corn flour balls with cheese in the dough) and arepas (thick corn tortillas, often made with cheese and served with butter), both are delicious!
For lunch, especially on Sundays, you should try a sancocho de gallina (rich chicken soup, served with part of the chicken itself, rice and vegetables/salad). Sancocho is widespread throughout the country, with countless regional variants. On the coast it features fish, and is highly recommended.
What to drink
Colombian coffee is considered to be the richest coffee in the world. Called "tinto", it's served freshly-brewed to every house guest or office visitor as a common courtesy.
The water is drinkable straight from the tap in most of the major cities, but be prepared to buy some bottles if you go to the countryside.
There is also a variety of rum beverages, like "Ron Santa Fe" (also from Cundinamarca), "Ron Medellin Anejo" (also from Antioquia), "Ron Viejo de Caldas" (also from Caldas) among others.
