Colombia

This beautiful and for long years unjustly overlooked country is a true gem on our list of destinations. Untouched by mass tourism, Colombia used to suffer poor reputation because of safety and security issues, but these are a thing of the past. The hospitality, openness and kindliness of the locals is famous far beyond the borders of the country. Its area makes it one of the largest countries of South America.

The western shores are washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the northern border is marked by the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. The eclectic mix of cultures, ethnic groups and natural treasures creates a truly colourful blend. The snow-capped peaks of the Andes stand in stark contrast to the lush green of the dense vegetation of the Amazon rainforest. The wild, secluded beaches of the Pacific, the colonial towns, the traditional mountain villages and the national parks of the Caribbean coast form the unique mosaic of colours, which make up this world, familiar from the works of Marquéz.

Bogotá, the capital, is a gigantic pulsing metropolis with all that it entails. The La Candelaria quarter offers quaint colonial plazas and palaces and various museums, such as the world famous Gold Museum and the Botero Museum. The majestic peak of the Montserrat dominates the town and invites the tourists to look at the city from a completely different perspective. The Zipaquira salt mine and salt cathedral or the legendary Lake Guatavita are easily accessible from the capital.

The coffee growing region listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites presents another face of Colombia. The area between the cities of Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia is dotted with haciendas and farms producing world class coffee. The local attractions include the Los Nevados National park, the traditional "pueblo" of Salento, the town of Filandia, coffee plantation excursions, horseback riding and many other activities to enjoy during a stay in one of the many boutique hotels equipped with wellness and spa facilities.

The Caribbean coast is popular for its pleasant climate throughout the year. The top destinations of the region not to be missed when visiting Colombia are the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena with the San Felipe fortress, the carnival in Baranquilla, the crystal clear waters and lush rainforest of the Tayrona National Park, the indigenous culture communities in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Rosario Islands or the more remote resorts of the San Andrés Island.

Other destinations with good infrastructure and interesting sites include:

• Medellín
  
• Villa de Leyva
  
• Santa Marta
  
• Taganga
  
• La Guajira
  
• Los Llanos
  
• Leticia
  
• San Andres
  
• For divers, we can arrange a cruise around the Malpelo Nature Reserve.