1. It has turned a new page
Synonymous with cocaine cartels, kidnapping and corruption, the last two decades have seen evolve from Colombia narco-capitalism failed in one of the brightest stars in Latin America. The death of 1,993 drug lord Pablo Escobar began this revival, which reached a new milestone this week with the signing of a peace agreement between the government and FARC rebels, ending what was the longest war in the hemisphere western.
People gather in the main square of Bogota to celebrate the historic peace agreement Monday CREDIT: AFP
2. Bogotá is booming
The capital is still rough around the edges - the old town is not a place to be wandering around at night - but these are exciting times for the revival of this city. New restaurants, boutique hotels and craft breweries are springing up across Bogota, as local entrepreneurs capitalize on new peace in the country. Meanwhile, city tour guides offer tours of nerve tourism bike and foot, covering everything from architecture to politics.
3. Medellín is on the map
"Hello, welcome to our city," he shouted a passerby, Medellín recently while walking. "Thanks for coming". Such greetings are not uncommon in Colombia's second city, which until recently was ground zero in the war against drugs. The memories remain, but Medellin is a rebirth of the city: art, tourism and an impressive network of new cableway have helped reverse the fortunes of this labyrinthine metropolis, which, in 2013, was chosen as the most innovative city in the world .
4. The street art is exceptional
Bogota's decision to decriminalize graffiti in 2011 marked a new creative era of the city, whose flyovers, office buildings and city walls became canvases for some of the most beloved street artists in the world. City tours bring context of some of the most famous murals of Bogota, which are potentially threatened: the new mayor is launching a campaign against graffiti.
5. It is home to Cartagena
The jewel in the crown of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the finest colonial cities in Latin America. Located on the Caribbean coast, its beauty hides an ugly truth: it was built on gold and slavery. Still, it remains an exceptional destination; a place where colorful flowers spilling from the ornate balconies; where lovers of watching sunsets from the walls of the city; where horses and carriages through the streets resound.
6. There is a lost city
Built around 650 years before Machu Picchu in Peru, Lost City was only rediscovered in 1976. It's not surprising that remained lost for so long: this ancient city is hidden in the dense jungle high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, six-day hike from the nearest village. Trekking to the ruins of this mysterious city is one of the most rewarding adventures in Colombia, but not for the faint of heart.
7. You can dance all night-clubs sauce
The southern city of Cali has the dubious distinction of being the capital of Colombia sauce. Local clubs are focused on the neighborhood Juanchito and tend to start to warm up in the early hours of the morning. Acute dress and expect to be swinging hips until dawn.
8. There is magic in Mompox
Because of its relative inaccessibility, Mompox largely has been overlooked by tourists, but it is worth making an effort for. Not only is this sleepy town a place of beauty, with its architecture and well-preserved riverside location, but it was also the inspiration for the novel magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude, whose marvelous prose pursues its streets.
9. The coffee could not be fresher
Finding a good cup of coffee can be surprisingly difficult in Colombia: despite being recognized for its grain, most of the good stuff is exported. Happily, connoisseurs are helping reinvent the national drink in major cities, while the Coffee Zone, where most of the grain produced in the country, is always good for a beer.
10.Frutas exotic Colombia
They are a highlight of any trip to the country. Head to a local market and try the colorful cornucopia of fruits on display: precious and delicious dragon fruit guavas zapotes zingy and delicious lulos, receiving five a day has never been easier.
11. There is a cathedral underground salt
The quiet colonial city of Zipaquira, within walking distance (or train ride) from Bogota, is home to one of the most popular attractions in Colombia: an underground salt cathedral. Opened in 1954, this church was cut from underground salt deposits of the city and has been traditionally used by miners. Today it is a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics.
12. You are never far Botero Art
The painter and figurative sculptor, Fernando Botero, is famous for his satirical works, which have large issues in an exaggerated way. His sculptures are scattered around his hometown of Medellin, which also has a permanent collection at the Museum of Antioquia. The Botero Museum in Bogota ships possibly the best collection of his works, much to the chagrin of Medellin.
13. There is a heritage railway
Yes, it's touristy, as its name, but this heritage railway offers a unique perspective of Bogota and its environs. Leaving Sabana station every Saturday and Sunday, the service offers a journey to open eyes in the capital of Colombia - from the slums north of the southern suburbs well cured - before reaching Zipaquirá, where passengers can disembark to cathedral of salt.
14. Guatape is beautiful
It could be seen as a wonder of Mother Nature, but Guatape lake is actually the result of a controversial dam, which upset many people living in this region. Ethics aside the result is quite beautiful and best seen from the top of Piedra (The Rock), a nearby hill whose summit is reached by an ornate staircase 650 feet. Fortunately, there is a bar at the top where you can reward your efforts with a michelada the style of Colombia (comprising a cocktail cold beer, salt and fresh lime).
15. It has one of the largest carnivals in the world
The most important event calendar Colombia, Barranquilla Carnival is one of the largest of its kind, giving the likes of Rio a run for their money. Taking place 40 days before Easter, sashays jamboree for four days intensely hedonists, when the streets are filled with parades and parties. Sensual carnival is a major attraction for tourists who are warmly welcomed by local
16. And one of the most beautiful national parks in South America
A protected area in the desert of northern Colombia area, Tayrona National Park has all the attributes you want from the Caribbean - palm trees, sandy beaches, crystal and similar gaps - but there is a dangerous and rugged beauty of this coastal reserve, which is refreshing and free development.
17. The diving is awesome
Colombian islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina provide access to the third largest coral reef system on earth, where divers can admire colorful coral gardens, abundant marine life and pirate ships, even sunk. Rosario islands also offer excellent snorkeling, a short boat ride from Cartagena.
18. The Amazon is never far away
The Amazon basin covers almost a third of the territory of Colombia, and some experiences can beat a trip to this vast jungle. Boat trips leave from Leticia, in the Amazonas region, the nearby Amacayu National Park, which is full of amazing bird life and indigenous tribes.
19. It can open the door to the house of Escobar
Showing that crime does not pay sometimes (but inevitably catches up with you), Pablo Escobar built a sprawling ranch in Puerto Triunfo, including a luxurious home, motor museum and zoo, elephants, giraffes and hippos. After Escobar was killed by police, most of the animals were relocated in Colombian zoos, while his ranch became a strange theme park, which includes a small museum about the disappearance of the drug lord. And the hippos? They still roam the city, much to the chagrin of the locals.
20. It has the longest climb of the world
Widely regarded as the rise in world longest cycle, the Alto de Letras is a 80km walk punishment up some 3,700 meters in the mountains where the air is thin. It's no wonder that Colombians make such good cyclists.
21. And the epic cathedral The Lajas
One of the most spectacular structures of Colombia, this exceptional church in Ipiales was built in the canyon of river Guáitara, which, although uncomfortable for the construction of a church place, gave spectacular results.
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