Colombia Overview

Overview

Generously sized mountains near Santa Marta, coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean and the Amazonian jungle await visitors , who at times may need to be intrepid. Politically the country has not entirely settled down and anyone making the trip must be especially careful in certain areas. The capital, Bogota, exhibits its varied history with traditional and colonial Spanish influences. Those seeking the beach might visit Cartagena which, with its walled old town and wonderful array of imposing architecture would keep anyone busy. The trip to the Ciudad Perdida is longer than usual, but the rewards are clear with it being amongst the largest pre-Columbian sites. Three ranges from the Andes mean there are many mountaineering options. Water sports along the ample coastline and bullfighting for the spectator are also available. Although there is a certain amount of violence in remote areas, the actual government has increased its presence in the countryside and guerrilla attacks on small towns, which used to occur on a regular basis, are now far less common. It is now possible to travel by road and explore areas that would have been closed to tourists in the past, especially for natives. Travelling in Colombia is definitely worthwhile. From Bogota, with a temperate climate 2,600 m (8530 ft) above sea level and at a constant temperature of 19 degrees Celsius, a drive of one or two hours North, South, East or West can take you to landscapes which are as diverse as they are beautiful. To the East are the oriental plains which stretch out far beyond the horizon with little modulation. To the North are the more rugged contours of the higher Andean region. To the South the weather is sub-tropical and has flora and fauna concomitant with this, and to the West you can find the {Magdalena River} valley and its hot weather. Colombia is one of the equatorial countries of the world, but unique in its extreme topography and abundance of water.