Colombia is a country of incredible geographical, cultural and climate contrasts.
It offers fabulous beaches on the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, the Andean Mountain Range blending into the Amazon Jungle, and the oriental flatlands of the “Llanos”.
The country has emerged over the last ten years as a wonderful travel destination with its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture and hospitable, friendly people.
For food, you will find everything from local panaderias to gourmet restaurants and delicious fresh fruit sold in street markets. Try the Ajiaco, a typical soup from the Colombian Andes, and don’t forget to sample Colombia’s delicious coffee after your meal!
Colombia’s main destinations offer hotels ranging from large international chains to smaller locally-owned guesthouses and boutique hotels.
For more info and ideas, contact us today.
Where to go in Colombia
General Info
Capital: Bogotá
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
Time zone: GMT −5 hours
International dialling code: +57
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Bogota
Bogotá, the capital city located in the highlands of the Andes 2,600 metres above sea level, is a modern city with a great historical heritage, where cosmopolitan meets magical colonial architecture as you can see in La Candelaria, the city's cultural epicentre. Thanks to this fusion, Bogotá is an ideal location with history, entertainment, delicious cuisine, culture, business, and much more.
Cartagena
A beautiful walled city with its red tiled roofs, balconies and shady courtyards, and a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Caribbean coast. Enjoy a plethora of restaurants and cafes, and some lovely, small boutique hotels, which make the perfect base for exploring this charming city. Visit in January to enjoy the cultural events and workshops of the Hay Literary Festival which takes place every year in the city of Cartagena.
Beaches
Go snorkelling and diving off the Rosario Islands, or enjoy a day at a beach in the crystalline water of Baru Island, or relax at the white sand beaches of the Caribbean island of San Andrés.
Tayrona National Park & Santa Marta
Go trekking and spot monkeys in the lush tropical forest of Tayrona National Park, set back from the deserted white sand beaches of the Caribbean, and visit Santa Marta, the oldest city in Latin America which combines a sense of history and culture with even more wonderful beaches.
The Andean Highlands
Explore the colonial towns of Villa de Leyva, Popayan and Cali with beautiful architecture and old churches as well as interesting haciendas and the opportunity to see the lovely Andean highlands and Colombia's coffee region.
When to go
A year-round destination with tropical, balmy weather on the Caribbean coast throughout the year.
We recommend travel during the dry season (December to March). Cities at high altitude - such as Bogotá - often have lovely crisp clear days but can be cold at night.
It is hot and humid in the Amazon region bordering Peru and Brazil.
Where to go next
We recommend combining Colombia with a trip to Peru. Spend an action-packed week visiting Peru’s highlights, including the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, before slowing the pace for a week in Colombia with a stay in colonial Cartagena and time to unwind on one of the Caribbean white sand beaches of Tayrona National Park.
Another good combination is Colombia and neighbouring Panama. It is just a one-hour flight from cosmopolitan Panama City to Cartagena.
Map of Colombia
Entry Requirements
Valid passport required.
For the latest visa info, see: www.VisaHQ.co.uk
Immunisations
Always check with your doctor or medical centre in advance of travelling.
For current vaccination recommendations see:
