Situated at the top of South America, between the Pacific and the Caribbean, this thrilling country offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. Its diverse climatic zones have blessed it with tropical rainforest, deserts and mountains, while its fascinating history is evident in its cities’ architecture.

Travelers, once warned against visiting the country by the U.S. Department of State, have flocked to Colombia as it resolves its once-precarious security situation. With a seven-percent annual growth in visitor numbers, more and more tourists are not only falling in love with the country, but staying longer and looking beyond the major tourism centers. Colombia offers the very best of South America, from Andean peaks and Caribbean coast to Amazon jungle. But beyond its varied landscapes, cultural wealth and picture-perfect beaches, it’s arguably the renowned hospitality of the Colombian people themselves that make this such a special destination.

Bucaramanga

An up-and-coming, dynamic city, the capital of the Santander region is the perfect base for adventure and extreme sports holidays. Its cuisine has earned a reputation for being one of the most elaborate in the country, with the Santander-mute, a soup made from various grains and accompanied by meat, the most common dish.

Cartagena

Cartagena has been selected as one of Unesco’s World Heritage cities. Its typical architecture, enclosed in the city walls, offers stunning views. But besides its physical setting, the city is filled with different cultural activities, an array of cuisine, festivals and cultural events. And just 30 minutes away by boat is a chain of islands called “Islas del Rosario” for the perfect Caribbean getaway.

Santa Marta

South America’s oldest city, Santa Marta is fringed by stunning scenery. Nearby Tayrona National Park offers an impressive setting where snow-capped mountains give way to the Caribbean coast amid lush jungle flora. There are several beaches with nice views, and some of its most famous dishes are fried fish, garlic shrimp, green plantains and coconut rice.

Medellin

For many years, Medellin’s name was infamously connected to Pablo Escobar’s drug cartel, which shut the city off to tourists for some time. But the capital of Antioquia has become a prime destination for travelers who want to explore its fine scenery, experience its perpetual spring, and attend many of the international cultural fairs held there each year.

San Andres

San Andres is probably one of Colombia’s most unique places. Located some 480 miles northwest of the country’s Caribbean coast, it offers a wide range of leisure and eco-tourism activities. Unesco has designated the entire archipelago a World Biosphere Reserve.

Green island in San Andres y Providencia. Photo: Jess Kraft | dreamstime.com

Stay
Sofitel Santa Clara

Originally built as a convent in 1621, the Sofitel Santa Clara is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. It was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1995, and combines the allure of history with local hospitality and the art of French savoir-faire. There are 123 rooms in two areas divided into the colonial and republican sections. A large swimming pool is also located on the premises.

Hotel Boutique Don Pepe

Also a former convent, the hotel features artifacts and surroundings that take guests back in time. Located on Santo Domingo Street, named after the Catholic order that lived there, its 12 rooms are carefully decorated to combine the convent’s historic essence with state-of-the-art amenities. The restaurant offers a fusion of local ingredients and spices mixed with international flavors, one of the city’s finest dining experiences.