Colombia — Destinations
Bogota
Bogota is most visitor's first experience of Colombia, and in many ways this city encapsulates the attraction, history and modern reinvention of the continent's most tarnished tourism jewel.
Despite modest tourist numbers, Bogota is actually South America's fourth largest city, and Colombia's financial and industrial center. Founded in 1538, the city occupies a glorious position 8,500 feet (2,600m) above sea level, in sight of the Cordillera mountain range. In the 1980s, Bogota's longstanding reputation for cultural glory and cosmopolitan life gave way to the corruption and violence of the narco-traffic era. It is only in recent years that Bogota has regained its appeal and now ranks as one of the safest cities on the continent, thanks to modern urban planning and huge emphasis on urban security.
The best of the city is in a condensed area near the center. La Candelaria is famed for its colonial architecture, culture and arts. The residential portion's distinctive wooden balconies and clay tiled roofs are very photogenic, while the many cafes, churches and museums make for a rewarding exploration. The Plaza del Bolivar is ringed with handsome buildings and sites of interest, including the Palace of Justice, Capitol Building and Arzobispal Palace. The nearby Museo del Oro is a fabulous treasure trove of antique gold.
Bogota has a hugely vibrant modern side, too. Its gourmet scene and nightclubs are cutting edge, while boutique shops and design centers seem to open weekly. There is little doubt that Bogota has decisively shed its seedy image to become an essential and highly rewarding stop on any South American itinerary.
Cartagena
Visually, Cartagena is a paradise, with lush bougainvilla winding its way through a maze of cobblestone alleys lined by brightly-painted buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a popular tourist destination for both Colombian and international vacationers. Cartagena's history goes back to 4000BC, and today its skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and colorful colonial facades.
Cartagena's colorful past is evident in the many historical attractions in the city. Most are located in the walled Old Town, which contains beautiful examples of colonial architecture and excellent shopping and restaurants. Neighbourhoods like Center, San Diego, Getsemaní, and the more modern La Matuna all have unique personalities that delight visitors. Old Town is also home to the labyrinthine Bazurto Market, which is more of an opportunity to glimpse the everyday life of a Cartagenan than stock up on souvenirs.
The Palace of the Inquisition, the dungeons of Las Bovedas and the Cartagena Gold Museum are good places to get a feel for Cartagena's history, while the San Pedro Claver Convent and the Santo Domingo Church offer their own perspective. A number of stately mansions and fortresses (including the impressive Castillo de San Felipe) dot the area as well.
The most popular attractions in Cartagena are its sparkling beaches, however the best beaches in Cartagena are to be found a little ways out of the city. Playa Blanca and Sportbaru are popular resorts that offer watersports, boat tours, and other activities as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Ferries are also available for excursions to nearby islands, including the Islas del Rosario.
Bogota
Bogota is most visitor's first experience of Colombia, and in many ways this city encapsulates the attraction, history and modern reinvention of the continent's most tarnished tourism jewel.
Despite modest tourist numbers, Bogota is actually South America's fourth largest city, and Colombia's financial and industrial center. Founded in 1538, the city occupies a glorious position 8,500 feet (2,600m) above sea level, in sight of the Cordillera mountain range. In the 1980s, Bogota's longstanding reputation for cultural glory and cosmopolitan life gave way to the corruption and violence of the narco-traffic era. It is only in recent years that Bogota has regained its appeal and now ranks as one of the safest cities on the continent, thanks to modern urban planning and huge emphasis on urban security.
The best of the city is in a condensed area near the center. La Candelaria is famed for its colonial architecture, culture and arts. The residential portion's distinctive wooden balconies and clay tiled roofs are very photogenic, while the many cafes, churches and museums make for a rewarding exploration. The Plaza del Bolivar is ringed with handsome buildings and sites of interest, including the Palace of Justice, Capitol Building and Arzobispal Palace. The nearby Museo del Oro is a fabulous treasure trove of antique gold.
Bogota has a hugely vibrant modern side, too. Its gourmet scene and nightclubs are cutting edge, while boutique shops and design centers seem to open weekly. There is little doubt that Bogota has decisively shed its seedy image to become an essential and highly rewarding stop on any South American itinerary.
Cartagena
Visually, Cartagena is a paradise, with lush bougainvilla winding its way through a maze of cobblestone alleys lined by brightly-painted buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a popular tourist destination for both Colombian and international vacationers. Cartagena's history goes back to 4000BC, and today its skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and colorful colonial facades.
Cartagena's colorful past is evident in the many historical attractions in the city. Most are located in the walled Old Town, which contains beautiful examples of colonial architecture and excellent shopping and restaurants. Neighbourhoods like Center, San Diego, Getsemaní, and the more modern La Matuna all have unique personalities that delight visitors. Old Town is also home to the labyrinthine Bazurto Market, which is more of an opportunity to glimpse the everyday life of a Cartagenan than stock up on souvenirs.
The Palace of the Inquisition, the dungeons of Las Bovedas and the Cartagena Gold Museum are good places to get a feel for Cartagena's history, while the San Pedro Claver Convent and the Santo Domingo Church offer their own perspective. A number of stately mansions and fortresses (including the impressive Castillo de San Felipe) dot the area as well.
The most popular attractions in Cartagena are its sparkling beaches, however the best beaches in Cartagena are to be found a little ways out of the city. Playa Blanca and Sportbaru are popular resorts that offer watersports, boat tours, and other activities as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Ferries are also available for excursions to nearby islands, including the Islas del Rosario.
Bogota
Bogota is most visitor's first experience of Colombia, and in many ways this city encapsulates the attraction, history and modern reinvention of the continent's most tarnished tourism jewel.
Despite modest tourist numbers, Bogota is actually South America's fourth largest city, and Colombia's financial and industrial center. Founded in 1538, the city occupies a glorious position 8,500 feet (2,600m) above sea level, in sight of the Cordillera mountain range. In the 1980s, Bogota's longstanding reputation for cultural glory and cosmopolitan life gave way to the corruption and violence of the narco-traffic era. It is only in recent years that Bogota has regained its appeal and now ranks as one of the safest cities on the continent, thanks to modern urban planning and huge emphasis on urban security.
The best of the city is in a condensed area near the center. La Candelaria is famed for its colonial architecture, culture and arts. The residential portion's distinctive wooden balconies and clay tiled roofs are very photogenic, while the many cafes, churches and museums make for a rewarding exploration. The Plaza del Bolivar is ringed with handsome buildings and sites of interest, including the Palace of Justice, Capitol Building and Arzobispal Palace. The nearby Museo del Oro is a fabulous treasure trove of antique gold.
Bogota has a hugely vibrant modern side, too. Its gourmet scene and nightclubs are cutting edge, while boutique shops and design centers seem to open weekly. There is little doubt that Bogota has decisively shed its seedy image to become an essential and highly rewarding stop on any South American itinerary.
Cartagena
Visually, Cartagena is a paradise, with lush bougainvilla winding its way through a maze of cobblestone alleys lined by brightly-painted buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a popular tourist destination for both Colombian and international vacationers. Cartagena's history goes back to 4000BC, and today its skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and colorful colonial facades.
Cartagena's colorful past is evident in the many historical attractions in the city. Most are located in the walled Old Town, which contains beautiful examples of colonial architecture and excellent shopping and restaurants. Neighbourhoods like Center, San Diego, Getsemaní, and the more modern La Matuna all have unique personalities that delight visitors. Old Town is also home to the labyrinthine Bazurto Market, which is more of an opportunity to glimpse the everyday life of a Cartagenan than stock up on souvenirs.
The Palace of the Inquisition, the dungeons of Las Bovedas and the Cartagena Gold Museum are good places to get a feel for Cartagena's history, while the San Pedro Claver Convent and the Santo Domingo Church offer their own perspective. A number of stately mansions and fortresses (including the impressive Castillo de San Felipe) dot the area as well.
The most popular attractions in Cartagena are its sparkling beaches, however the best beaches in Cartagena are to be found a little ways out of the city. Playa Blanca and Sportbaru are popular resorts that offer watersports, boat tours, and other activities as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Ferries are also available for excursions to nearby islands, including the Islas del Rosario.
Bogota
Bogota is most visitor's first experience of Colombia, and in many ways this city encapsulates the attraction, history and modern reinvention of the continent's most tarnished tourism jewel.
Despite modest tourist numbers, Bogota is actually South America's fourth largest city, and Colombia's financial and industrial center. Founded in 1538, the city occupies a glorious position 8,500 feet (2,600m) above sea level, in sight of the Cordillera mountain range. In the 1980s, Bogota's longstanding reputation for cultural glory and cosmopolitan life gave way to the corruption and violence of the narco-traffic era. It is only in recent years that Bogota has regained its appeal and now ranks as one of the safest cities on the continent, thanks to modern urban planning and huge emphasis on urban security.
The best of the city is in a condensed area near the center. La Candelaria is famed for its colonial architecture, culture and arts. The residential portion's distinctive wooden balconies and clay tiled roofs are very photogenic, while the many cafes, churches and museums make for a rewarding exploration. The Plaza del Bolivar is ringed with handsome buildings and sites of interest, including the Palace of Justice, Capitol Building and Arzobispal Palace. The nearby Museo del Oro is a fabulous treasure trove of antique gold.
Bogota has a hugely vibrant modern side, too. Its gourmet scene and nightclubs are cutting edge, while boutique shops and design centers seem to open weekly. There is little doubt that Bogota has decisively shed its seedy image to become an essential and highly rewarding stop on any South American itinerary.
Cartagena
Visually, Cartagena is a paradise, with lush bougainvilla winding its way through a maze of cobblestone alleys lined by brightly-painted buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a popular tourist destination for both Colombian and international vacationers. Cartagena's history goes back to 4000BC, and today its skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and colorful colonial facades.
Cartagena's colorful past is evident in the many historical attractions in the city. Most are located in the walled Old Town, which contains beautiful examples of colonial architecture and excellent shopping and restaurants. Neighbourhoods like Center, San Diego, Getsemaní, and the more modern La Matuna all have unique personalities that delight visitors. Old Town is also home to the labyrinthine Bazurto Market, which is more of an opportunity to glimpse the everyday life of a Cartagenan than stock up on souvenirs.
The Palace of the Inquisition, the dungeons of Las Bovedas and the Cartagena Gold Museum are good places to get a feel for Cartagena's history, while the San Pedro Claver Convent and the Santo Domingo Church offer their own perspective. A number of stately mansions and fortresses (including the impressive Castillo de San Felipe) dot the area as well.
The most popular attractions in Cartagena are its sparkling beaches, however the best beaches in Cartagena are to be found a little ways out of the city. Playa Blanca and Sportbaru are popular resorts that offer watersports, boat tours, and other activities as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Ferries are also available for excursions to nearby islands, including the Islas del Rosario.
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