An Introduction to Colombia

A country offering the enigmatic Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains, archaeological ruins, colonial cities and the gorgeous Caribbean coast; Colombia delivers something for everyone. So, read on and discover, the sights, sounds and must see’s of this fascinating country…

Diverse Landscape

There are very few countries in the world where you’ve got rainforests, mountains, beaches as well as a whole lot of history, all in one small country. Witness the incredible wildlife of the Amazon; soak up the sun along the Caribbean Coast; and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the soaring summits of the Andes.

History

Colombia boasts a remarkable history and its old cities are impeccably preserved. You can expect cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. It’s like stepping back in time, particularly in Cartagena; a walled old town founded in the 16^th century. Cartagena is one of the most well preserved cities in South America.

Culture

Historically, Colombia boasted a wealth of ancient civilisations. Thousands of years have passed and these civilisations left behind an incredible array of archaeological and cultural sites throughout Colombia.

The ancient city of, Ciudad Perdida (translates to Lost City), built between the 11th and 14th centuries, is one of the continent’s largest ancient cities and only discovered in 1972.  After the Spanish Conquest, the city was abandoned.  Another mysterious site is San Agustín. This site has over 500 life-sized ancient sculpted statues estimated to be over 5,000 years old.  Tierradentro is an archaeological national park comprising of an elaborate system of underground tombs built by a pre-Hispanic society in the Andes.

Nature & Adventures

In Colombia, the options for outdoor adventures are endless; trekking, diving, white water rafting and so much more. San Gil has just about every kind of adrenalin filled activity you can think of.  However, San Gil isn’t the only place for adventure in Colombia. There are treasures throughout the city for lovers of adventure. The multi-day jungle walk to the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, is a favourite of many, while numerous ascents inside Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy place intrepid hikers among the highest reaches of the Andes. Furthermore, Providencia’s outstanding reef delivers a scuba divers dream.

To conclude…

Safety hasn’t been an issue over the past decade.  However, when travelling to Colombia it is important that you exercise a level of caution when travelling the country.

Colombia truly is one of the most picturesque countries in South America. Offering everything from the stunning Caribbean Coastline, breathtaking historic sites, the remarkable Amazon Rainforest and so much more. So, with plenty to see and do, Colombia is sure to leave you coming back for more.

References:  Thank you Lonely Planet and Smart Traveller