Essential Colombia, from Bogotá to the Beaches of Barú

About the destination: Colombia's cosmopolitan capital city Bogotá, with a population about 8 million people, is located at an altitude of about 2640 m in the Andean Highlights. This gives it constant spring like weather. Bogotá is not only a getaway for travel throughout the country but also an interesting city to explore. It has an attractive old quarter, La Candelaria, ia a mixture of old and modern with beautiful old colonial buildings and palaces, bohemian cafés, art galleries and theatres and some excellent examples of modern, futuristic architecture. The city is known for its collection of pre-Columbian gold art, splendid colonial churches, great museums such as the superb Museo del Oro, considered one of South America's best museums. Bogotá offers visitors everything that a modern city can give, including a vibrant and diverse cultural life. El Centro is filled with shops, offices, cafés and a financial district. Most of the best hotels, restaurants, cafés, boutiques and nightclubs are located in Zona Norte. Day trips from Bogotá include a trip to Zipaquirá, where you will find the impressive underground cathedral built out of a salt mine. Another interesting place to visit is Monserrate, which offers a fantastic views over the city

About the destination: Salento is a Colombian town located near the Andes, west of Bogotá. It is famous for its coffee plantations and its lush landscape. To the east is the Cocora Valley, known for its wax palms, a symbol of the country, and for the rare species of parrots that live there. It is the gateway to the snow-covered peaks of Los Nevados National Park, located northeast of the town. In Salento, Calle Real has colorful buildings and craft shops. El Mirador is located northeast of the town.

About the destination: Medellin is the second largest city in Colombia, and the capital of Antioquia. Due to its pleasant spring-like climate all year round the city is known as the City of the Eternal Spring. Despite its reputation of dangerous city throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Medellin is now considered to be one of the safest cities in Latin America.Medellin is a modern city of significant elegance, with luxurious restaurants, stylish bars and cafés, boutiques and galleries. Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero was born here, you'll find many of his sculptures spread throughout the city, especially in Plaza Botero where there are 23 sculptures of the Colombian artist. There are several museums and old churches to visit, an impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, a superb Botanical Garden and many lively squares. Many people come here for the nightlife, which has the reputation to be one of the best in Colombia. Medellin is also known for its noteworthy festivals and events, such as the International Poetry Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the International Tango Festival, the Flower Parade and Los Alumbrados, the Christmas lights decorating Medellin, which make it the most beautiful Latin American city for the holidays.

About the destination: Guatapé is a municipality in the Department of Antioch, Colombia. This is known as one of the most colorful and beautiful places in the country. In Guatapé we can find beautiful places such as the Peñón del Guatapé, the zocalo museum or the Chapel of Our Lady of Santa Ana.

About the destination: Declared part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1984, Cartagena de Indias is quite possibly one of South America's most beautiful city. Facing the Caribbean Sea to the west with Cartagena Bay to the south, the city is Colombia's top travel attraction. The city encapsulates all the charm of Spanish colonial architecture. The old town of Cartagena is immaculately preserved, with numerous beautiful plazas, churches and old buildings to marvel at. Walking down its picture-perfect streets is just a delight. Stroll along an enchanting maze of cobbled alleys and admire the Spanish colonial buildings including the Palace of the Inquisition, the Clock-Tower and the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas. Eating out is another form of entertainment in Cartagena, with countless choices of new and exotic flavours in its local and international restaurants. Cartagena offers all the enchantment of its history and it is considered one of the greatest cultural treasures in the Americas.

About the destination: Barú, an island bound by the Bay of Cartagena, the Canal Dam, and the Caribbean Sea is a popular tourist spot with white and pink sand beaches and crystal clear water, allowing you to see as far as the ocean floor and its many colorful fish. There are nearby streams bordered by mangroves, mirrors of water, and underwater gardens. Bird watching is a popular activity here. You could say that this destination is an outdoor museum , but has more than just culture and history to offer. Walking the beaches of Baru is an extraordinary experience . It is a destination still little exploited , therefore tranquility is its main feature . In addition it complements nature and grace of the Colombian people combine with the landscape. Cartagena natives refer to this island as "paradise on earth