You'll want to stay forever...

A country packed with superlatives and diversity, Colombia’s rich mix of curiosities and culture is piquing the interest of international travelers eager to discover a truly unique Latin American experience. From kaleidoscope displays of brilliant colors underwater to the stimulating scent of coffee in the hills, and pulsating rhumba and salsa beats, as well as ancient towns, lavish rainforests, tropical beaches and snow-capped Andean mountains, it is a country that stimulates the senses.

Colombia hosts a variety of major events that rank among the world’s largest flower parades, salsa festivals, and outdoor horse shows, as well as the second biggest carnival celebrations on the planet. At the biannual Iberian-American Theater Festival in Bogotá, hundreds of spectacles from around the world transform the capital into an incredible 17-day stage for performance arts.

Colombia ranked in sixth place in the 2009 Happy Place Index (HPI), which surveyed the average happiness of the population and included the life expectancy and ecological footprint of 143 countries. In addition, environmental efforts in the capital have resulted in Bogotá having the most extensive network of cycle routes out of every city in Latin America.

The only South American country lapped by both Pacific and Caribbean waters, Colombia’s spectacular beaches are complemented by magnificent greenery and imposing peaks. Rising 18,946 feet, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the highest seaside mountain in the world and draws hikers, mountain climbers, bird watchers and archeological tourists from around the globe.

In 1980, the Colombian explorer and journalist Andrés Hurtado Garcia described the river at Cano Cristales (Crystal Canyon) in the Sierra de La Macarena National Park as being “the most beautiful river in the world”. At certain times of the year, the many varieties of algae and moss on the bottom of the river bloom in a resplendent display of color, leading it to be known as “the river of five colors”. 

Cartagena

Considered by many one of the most beautiful places in the world, Cartagena is a breathtaking port city on the Caribbean. Its pastel-tinted Spanish colonial architecture and quaint cobblestone streets contrast with the imposing cathedrals and forts that line its coast to create a unique atmosphere that makes the city stand out. To top it off, some of Colombia’s most inviting beaches are to be found in the region.

Historically, Cartagena was imperial Spain’s main port for the transportation of merchandise and treasures from the New World back to Europe. The city became a hub of political and economic activity, playing a key role in the development of the region. It also became the target of constant pirate raids, and was forced to build thick walls surrounding the old town and numerous forts that still stand today.

Located on the equator, Cartagena boasts an ideal climate all year round with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.

Visitors will lose track of time discovering the city’s friendly culture. On foot or by Chivas (a folkloric bus), the Santo Domingo Temple, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the city’s botanical gardens, and Plaza Bolívar are a must when exploring Cartagena by day. Scuba diving and a dip in El Totumo Mud Volcano are alternatives for the more adventurous.

Nocturnal treats include a drink in Plaza Santo Domingo, where slaves were once auctioned, horse-drawn carriage rides, dancing the night away to the irresistible rhythm of rhumba, and taking part in a Chiva tour, with a mandatory stop at Las Bóvedas, the city’s former dungeons.

Biodiversity

With more biodiversity per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, Colombia’s highly varied ecosystem is home to around 10% of the world’s species. More than 1,800 bird, 600 amphibian, 400 mammal, 500 reptile, and 3,200 fish species inhabit its tropical rainforests, savannahs, and coastal cloud forests – which together cover 58.5% of the total land area. The country’s biodiversity also includes an impressive 51,220 plant species, of which 30% are endemic. The Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, an uninhabited plant and wildlife sanctuary located 235 miles off Colombia’s Pacific coast, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Visitors to the island need a written permit from the Colombian Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development. The enormous congregations of silky sharks, which often mix with hammerheads to form huge schools, is just one example of the reserve’s unique appeal that is being protected by the non-governmental and non-profit Malpelo Foundation.

The flavor of Colombia

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape in 2011 for its “centennial tradition of coffee growing,” the Coffee Axis, or Eje Cafetero, is spread over 8,620 square miles. The departments of Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda make up the region, interconnected by a network of well-maintained roads dotted with unrivalled views and distinctly colored villages.

Renowned for growing and producing much of Colombia’s unbeatable coffee, UNESCO considers the region “an exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape.” Coffee lovers can take pleasure in getting up close and personal with the region’s agricultural practices that can be discovered in the many cultural expeditions available to visitors; those interested in the business side of the trade can also take tours through large direct exporting operations. Visitors can also enjoy blossoming wildlife and wax palms, ecological trails, parks and adventure sports.

Jean-Claude Bessudo, CEO of Aviatur, the country’s largest tourism agency, is himself a superb advertisement for the region and the country. French-born Bessudo first arrived as a visitor, then fell in love with Colombia, and confesses that now he couldn’t live anywhere else in the world.

Bogotá is more

As part of recent efforts to convey a more up-to-date image of Bogotá both nationally and around the world, Colombia’s capital has been rebranded as ‘Bogotá Is More’ and a new logo has been designed for the city, inspired by Bogotá being the sum of multiple attributes and strengths.

‘Bogotá Is More’ not only aims to create a common element in promotional campaigns for the city, but also to trigger a stronger identification in Bogotanos with their hometown. Last year, Colombia hosted the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup soccer competition. With 10 matches, including the final, being held in Bogotá, it was an ideal opportunity to present the capital’s new emblem to a wide global audience.