Colombia, south America’s most surprising country

The 2600-metre-high Colombian capital sits on the flanks of the Andes and is the centre of Colombian culture. In the colonial district of La Candelaria with its attractive squares and cobblestone streets there are interesting museums to visit such as the Museo Botero. Fernando Botero is considered the most famous Colombian painter and sculptor. The Colombians are proud of him. The works of art of heavily proportioned figures can be seen in different places in the country. Of course, a visit to the largest pre-Colombian gold collection in South America should not be missed. The Museo de Oro is rightly considered the most beautiful in the country.
On the outskirts of La Candelaria, the pilgrimage town of Monseratte can be reached by cable car, cable car or just on foot. Please note that the summit is located at an altitude of 3150 metres. A cup of coca tea that helps against the symptoms of altitude sickness is definitely recommended. From Monseratte, the view over the city of more than eight million inhabitants is magnificent.
Bogota is bustling, downstairs the traffic is busy and chaotic…..except for Sunday! On Sundays, large parts of the old town are made car-free and the Bogotános go out cycling en masse.

During the day it is wonderful to enjoy in the old town. For the cosy bars, salsa tents and fancy restaurants, the northern districts of La Cabrera, Zona G and Zona Rosa with their relaxed atmosphere are “the place to be”. An evening at the extravagant eatery Andres Carne de Res is one to remember… what an atmosphere… moreover, it is within walking distance of the great B.O.G. Hotel with its excellent service.

Out of town, a visit to
Zipaquira
is a popular getaway. Although touristy, I continue to find it impressive to see how an imposing cathedral has been carved into the colonial salt mine.

On the Caribbean coast, a visit to the Tayrona National Park is a must. From Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest city, it’s a short hour’s drive to the pristine rainforest. Near the National Park you can see Tayrona Indians walking in their characteristic white robes. Tayrona is located at the foot of the highest coastal mountains in the world. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta with peaks around 5800 meters is only 40 kilometers inland. Tayrona has beautiful beaches, idyllic bays and the most varied flora and fauna of the country. More than 300 different bird species and 770 plant species. In the National Park, several walks are possible through the tropical vegetation with unparalleled ocean and mountainous views.
Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by curious monkeys.
Ecohabs
is the most comfortable accommodation. In the green hills are some wooden bungalows built entirely in the style of the Tayrona Indians with typical high pointed roofs of palm fronds. What a fantastic experience to stay here…. Tayrona should certainly not be missing from a trip through Colombia!

Cartagena the Indias, what a great city. Considered by many to be the most beautiful colonial city in Latin America and rightly so! The old town with its warren of streets, cosy squares and baroque churches and monasteries exudes an incredible atmosphere. It is wonderful to wander around the beautiful brightly coloured buildings with balconies full of flowers. Numerous are the cosy restaurants and from the bars the salsa music sounds to you day and night. A real must is the terrace of Café del Mar, located on the city wall. While enjoying a tropical cocktail and a cooling wind from the sea, there is plenty to enjoy. In addition, you have a beautiful view of the   Caribbean sea. Staying overnight in beautiful small-scale accommodations such as Casa Pestagua, Casablanca B&B and Alfiz complete the top experience.

About an hour’s boat ride from Cartagena are the Islas del Rosarios; an archipelago of small coral islands. Clear blue sea, tropical palms and white beaches. The perfect place to snorkel, dive or swim…. worth a visit!

Cartagena… I’ll definitely be back there again… absolutely my favorite city of Latin America!

About 300 kilometres west of Bogota, in the central Andes, lies the enchanting Zona Cafetera. In the green hilly landscape are authentic coffee fincas tucked from where the world famous coffee beans come. On the beautifully located coffee plantation of San Alberto, all aspects of the coffee process are covered and you can see the hospitable coffee pickers at work. But a visit to the Zona Cafetera has much more to offer besides coffee. The area is also known for its hundreds of bird and butterfly species, banana plantations and colourful mountain villages such as Salento. Salento is a quiet village with lots of nice artistic boutiques and restaurants where I especially recommend the local specialty “trucha”, fresh salmon trout. Salento is also the base for an exploration of the Cocora Valley where you arrive after a beautiful ride in a Willy jeep. In the valley grows the imposing wax palm tree. The national tree of Colombia can   grow up to 60 meters high….spectacular! There are beautiful walking and horseback rides to be made.
In the Zona Cafetera you can stay in atmospheric haciendas where as far as I am concerned one stands out….
hacienda Bambusa….what
a unique experience. On an estate with bamboo forests and cocoa plantations, it is pure enjoyment of the style-decorated rooms,unparalleled service and culinary meals. The Coffee Zone is in my opinion one of the most impressive regions of Colombia.