Columbia

Description of Columbia

Columbia is approximately twice the size of France and offers a large diversity of cultures and landscapes that are difficult to find even in countries that are much larger. The country in every right should be a popular travel destination. 

Choose a climate and you will find it here. Bogota offers weather where you might need a light jacket. If you find this to be too cold you can drive an hour through the mountains and go sunbathing at a hacienda. You can also visit one of the inland jungles found in the country, climb a snow capped volcano, or visit the lush valleys, endless plains, rocky deserts, the alpine lakes, coffee plantations, or relax on the deserted beaches. 

Bogota might just be the leader of Latin America for indie rock, experimental theater, as well as the number of bookstores. You will also find a huge Latin music scene featuring both cumbia and salsa. The large Carnival of Barranquilla offers the most exciting display of dance in the country.

Columbia has coastlines on both the Caribbean sea and the North pacific ocean. It lies south of Panama and controls the land access from central to South America. Columbia shares borders with Peru, Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador as well as Panama. It was named to honor Christopher Columbus even though Columbus did not ever actually set foot in the land that is currently the territory of Columbia. 

It is definitely worthwhile to travel to Columbia. Bogota offers a temperate climate sitting at 2600 meters above sea level with temperatures that are constantly 19 degrees Celsius. A short drive in any direction will lead you to many diverse landscapes. There are historic towns and city centers as well as energetic modern party destinations, plains that stretch beyond the horizon, deserts, beaches, and jungles full of fauna and flora. Anything that you want to see or do in the country you should be able to find.

History 

Columbia was first inhabited by several indigenous cultures such as the Tayrona and the Muisca. The area that is now the country of Columbia was colonized by Spain when the America’s were first “discovered” by the Europeans. Colonization of the area changed the social structure of the area drastically and through diseases and wars that were brought to the area, the population of indigenous groups shrank dramatically and since that time the numbers of these groups has dwindled drastically. 

Spain brought over African slaves and European settlers. The majority of the population was a mix of Spanish and indigenous peoples. In 1810, the country won its independence from Spain. Columbia was one of the 5 countries that Simon Bolivar liberated. The other countries were Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Columbia formed Republic of Columbia. In the year 1830 both Ecuador and Venezuela declared independence from Columbia. Panama declared independence in 1903 from Columbia. There were several civil wars that occurred in the area after these declarations of independence. 

These conflicts as well as other social issues combined with repression against many of the more rural communities as well as polarization that was caused by a Cold War ended with the communist insurgent from the FARC. During these years of conflict there was a heavy amount of fighting among the guerrillas, right wing paramilitaries, Columbian military and state, and the drug cartels. This fighting resulted in the country earning a bad reputation.

Since the year 2002, safety in the country has improved a great deal. There are still some travel warnings in place for visiting certain areas of the country, but overall millions of people visit Columbia each year with very little concern.

Things to See and Do 

As mentioned, the country has a vast terrain and landscape. There are plenty of things to see and to do while you are visiting Columbia. The country is well-known for its nightlife as the people of the country love to dance and are happy to show you how. 

You can find several groups that offer eco-tourism. You can find several trekking plans available with day trips and other special trips to different areas of the country. Make sure that you ask your guide for official certification. 

There are numerous places to stay throughout the country including several great bed and breakfasts that are up to the western standard. You can also find five star hotels and hostels. You may also find apartments to rent for a daily price. 

Some facts about Columbia

Gallery of Columbia

Columbia video guide

More information about Columbia

Top cities of Columbia