Colombia

By Freddie Sumption

Say ‘Colombia’ and most people will immediately think of something negative; drugs, guerrilla warfare, corruption, kidnappings, crime. This is hardly surprising, since these are some of the few factors about the country that regularly reach the international press.

But the truth is that Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America, and there are still many places there which are just as safe to visit as other destinations on the continent. So, if you stick to certain areas, don’t stray too far from the main tourist areas and heed current safety advice, there is no reason why you shouldn’t include it in your itinerary.

Those that do travel here are well rewarded; Caribbean beaches, Andean highlands and fertile rainforest claim the highest diversity of flora and fauna on the continent after Brazil, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Yet even those places deemed safe and developed for tourism have hardly been touched by outside visitors. But it’s not just natural wonders that draw the few that come here; good food, great bars and fantastic coffee are a Colombian trademark, while the locals are reputed to be some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world, despite their hardships, and certainly haven’t lost their party spirit.

Places not to miss on your trip to Colombia:

Bogotá: A well restored colonial center, cosmopolitan atmosphere and excellent restaurants and bars make the capital worth visiting despite the noise, dirt and crime it is renowned for.

The combination of Colonial history and Caribbean beaches make Cartagena popular with both foreign and Colombian tourists.

Take the six-day trek through the northern lowlands to the Ciudad Perdida (lost city), one of the largest pre-Columbian towns ever discovered in the Americas.

The islands of Providencia and San Andres off the Caribbean coast boast some great beaches, plus diving, snorkeling and nature watching.

Leticia, on the southern tip bordering Peru and Brazil, is a good base for treks and boat trips into the Colombian Amazon Basin.

All information for this Colombia overview was written and researched by Freddie Sumption.