Columbia is not always the first country people think of when planning a vacation to South America. However, I recently returned from a Columbian vacation and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. Here are 5 reasons to consider a Columbia vacation.
Visiting Fortificaciones de Cartagena de Indias.
A very cool fortress in a very HOT city! It took 112 years to complete.
1. Columbia is a Beautiful Vacation Destination
Columbia is beautiful and offers a diverse landscape, with rich tropical rainforests, coastal cloud forests and open savannas. Because of the diverse landscapes, Columbia is the 2nd most biologically diverse country in the world. Over 10% of worlds plant and animal species call Columbia home. Notably, this diversity makes for amazing sight-seeing and gorgeous pictures. One of the prettiest National Parks in South America in located in Columbia, The Tayrona National Park is development free and features palm trees, sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoons.
2. Columbia Makes for a Great Adventure Vacation
Are you looking for an adventure vacation? A Columbia vacation is a great choice! The rugged terrain and varied eocosystems in Columbia make for fantastic hiking, biking, climbing, and other outdoor adventures. One popular Columbian adventure is the trek to an ancient lost city – Ciudad Perdida at the Teyuna archaeological site. The trek is strenuous and it takes 3 days to reach the lost city because it is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Santa Marta. Climbing the 1200 steps is totally worth it! Believed to have been founded at the start of the ninth century Ciudad Perdida is about 650 years older than Peru’s Machu Picchu.
Ciudad Perdida The Lost City of Columbia
3. Cartegena – The Walled City of Columbia
Looking for a little history and rustic charm? Cartegena was one of my favorite places! This city features a walled city center consisting of the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego. The stunning architecture is one of the finest examples of persevered colonial architecture in the Americas. It is packed with churches, monasteries, plazas, palaces and mansions.
Just chilling in one of my new favorite cities – Cartagena, Colombia
4. Columbia Offers World-Class Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The Colombian islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina offer access to the third largest coral reef system on Earth! Scuba Divers will enjoy exploring the diverse marine life, beautiful coral gardens and even pirate ships. The Rosario Islands (just a short boat ride from Cartagena) also offer a fantastic diving opportunity.
5. Bogota Street Art
Bogota’s decriminalized graffiti in 2011 and this move spawned a creative boom. The city has become a canvas for some world’s best street artists. The art is spread throughout the city and can be found on hostels, storefronts, parks, cultural institutes. Some areas on the outskirts of Bogota feature incredible macro murals – one design that spans several houses.
My Tip for Traveling to Columbia
Most people of Columbia only speak Spanish, so admittedly the language can be a bit of a challenge if you are not fluent in Spanish. I did find that Google translate was a lifesaver and allowed me to communicate easily when I needed too. (The Google Translate app is available for both iOS and Android, so be sure download it before you leave!)
Ready to book a Columbia Vacation?
Be sure to give luxury travel advisor, Margi Arnold a call to discuss your Columbian vacation. With over 25-years’ experience in the travel industry Margi is an expert that will help you personalize your trip and will ensure a worry-free vacation. Start by completing a vacation request or call Margi at 303-694-8786.