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Colombia’s back. After decades of civil conflict, Colombia is now safe to visit and travelers are discovering what they’ve been missing. The diversity of the country may astonish you. Modern cities with skyscrapers and nightclubs? Check. Gorgeous Caribbean beaches? Check. Jungle walks and Amazon safaris? Check. Colonial cities, archaeological ruins, high-mountain trekking, whale watching, coffee plantations, scuba diving, surfing, the list goes on.
No wonder the ‘magic realism’ style of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez emerged from here – there is a dreamlike quality to Colombia. Here at the equator, with the sun forever overhead, the fecund earth beneath your feet, heart-stopping vistas in every direction and the warmth of the locals putting you at ease – you may find it difficult to leave.
Colombian culture, like the country’s weather, varies by altitude. The essence of Colombia resides in the mountains in the alpine cities of Bogota, Medellin, Cali and the smaller cities of the Zona Cafetaria. This is the industrial heartland of the country. Geographical isolation has kept the accent relatively unaffected by outside influence; Spanish here is precise and easy to understand. The infrastructure in the mountain region is good, the water drinkable, the roads well maintained. In the heat of the Caribbean coast, life is slower, and the culture more laid-back. The accent is the unhurried drawl of the Caribbean, and the infrastructure needs a bit more attention.
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When to Go
The best time for the country as a whole is
December-March-it rains the least then. Note, however,
that this is the high season in the coastal resorts
and prices go up accordingly, so a visit in the off-season
(August-September) will be less expensive. Avoid May-July
and October-December, when heavy rains can fall (though
they're usually followed by bright sunshine). The elevation
in the country ranges from sea level to 10,000 ft/3,050
m, so temperatures can vary greatly. Coastal cities
and Leticia have day temperatures in the 70s-80s F/23-32
C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/17-27 C year round.
The inland cities' year-round day temperatures are generally
in the 60s-70s F/17-27 C (nights can get into the 40s-50s
F/5-16 C in the winter). A sweater is needed along the
coast at night and a jacket in the mountains (this includes
Bogota, which lies at more than 8,000 ft/2,440 m). The
best times to visit San Andres are January-February
and September, with March-April a close second.
Dos and Don'ts
Do not change money on the street. The counterfeiting
of all currencies and traveler's checks has become a
serious problem in Colombia...
Do take advantage of Colombia's delicious seafood...
Don't dress too wildly or wear flashy/expensive jewelry,
especially in Bogota. It will lessen your chances of
attracting unwanted attention...
Don't be surprised if the name-brand watch you bought
for almost nothing is confiscated as counterfeit by
customs when you return...
Do try some of the local rums and the popular beer called
Club Colombia. But don't drink too fast-alcohol takes
effect quicker at high altitudes than at sea level...
Do watch out for con artists posing as policemen and
asking to see your money or passport. Always ask first
to see an ID before pulling out your wallet..
Don't accept gifts of food, drink or cigarettes from
strangers when on buses or trains-often these "gifts"
are drugged, and you'll wake up penniless...
Tipping: Tip 10% in restaurants. Do
not tip the taxi drivers
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