Where Magical Realism Comes to Life!

Colombia is a magnificent country with a turbulent history, but now this South American nation has emerged into the 21st century stronger than ever.

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This is a magical place where you can travel from one climate to another in a matter of hours, where the mighty Amazon abuts the stark Atacama desert and pristine wilderness lies just outside some of South America’s best cities. This is a land of wonders you truly have to experience for yourself.   

Cosmopolitan Colombia

The cosmopolitan centers of Bogotá, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena will surpass all of your expectations of this incredible country. In Bogotá, a trip to the peak of Montserrate reveals a city reaching as far as the eye can see, cradled by the surrounding Andes Mountains. Bogotá is a truly modern, international city, yet a visit to the neighborhood of Candelaria will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Wander the hilly cobblestone streets and admire the colorful architecture before sampling Bogotá’s favorite street food—obléas, delicate wafers slathered in caramel.Don’t miss Bogotáno tamales and arepas, Ajiaco soup, or traditional sancocho stew, either. These soups and stews are the ideal meal for Bogotá’s chilly Andean climate. Warm up midday with a break for chocolate con queso—hot chocolate served with a slice of mild, creamy cheese.

One of Bogotá’s highlights is the Museo del Oro, a breathtaking gallery of ancient artifacts. Colombia’s ancient people were expert metalworkers, and gold was so abundant that it could be easily sifted from streams. Even the commoners wore thick bands of gold and gemstone jewelry, examples of which now sparkle behind the museum’s glass. Nearby, jewelers offer their own taste of Colombia’s mineral wealth with affordable gold and emerald jewelry for sale.

In the southwest, Cali is the dance capital of Colombia and the birthplace of salsa dancing. No trip here is complete without a salsa lesson, which will prove useful at Cali's clubs, where you can dance till dawn. On the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is the city immortalized by Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel Love in the Time of Cholera. The real thing is every bit as charming as his fictionalized version. The city’s famous walls provide romantic views, especially at night, when Cartagena comes alive with up-lit architecture, tantalizing restaurants, and street vendors selling handicrafts on every lovely street.