Colombia Vacations
Colombia is a country that is very underrated. Media reports often emphasize and exaggerate the bad aspects of the country, but in reality, Colombia's positives outweigh the negatives. Recently President Uribe's "democratic security" strategy has included military and police presence has improved security immensely, increasing the safety of the country. National parks, alpine mountains, and Caribbean coastline are just a few of the draws for tourists on vacations in Colombia.
Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia. Once declared a place to avoid, the city is fast becoming one of the highlights of Latin America's urban world. It is full of museums, beautiful churches, cultural events and a busy nightlife. Parks and recreation areas offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of Bogotá's streets. La Candelaria is a pleasant area of the town with cafes, museums, and churches.
The beaches of Cartagena are home to Colombia all inclusive resorts. The city is a center of economic activity, and is a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean region. With a walled city and fortress, there is plenty to see and do in this city.
The Parque Nacional Tayarona is one of the must-see spots on Colombia all inclusive vacation packages. Tayarona is a park that stretches along the coast from the Bahia de Taganga to the mouth of Rio Piedras. The scenery in this beautiful park varies, from sandy beaches along the coast, arid desert-like cacti in the western, and rainforest to the north.
Colombia all inclusive vacations wouldn't be complete without a visit to Providencia. A quiet and relaxing getaway, Providencia has white sand beaches, palm trees, hamlets by warm seas, and friendly locals.
Colombia vacations to Barranquilla show off Colombia's Golden Port, as well as the site of its world famous Carnival. Cali is Colombia's third largest city, and is a center for the sugar and coffee industry.
Shopping in Colombia yields plentiful results, from clothing to leather, emeralds and golds, the indigenous "mochila", a hand-woven Colombian bag. Handcrafts, like jewelry, glasses, bracelets,or necklaces are easily bartered.
The food of Colombia is absolutely delicious. Buñuelos and arepas are common and delicious, or try tamales, empanadas, pastry, sancocho de gallina (chicken soup), tropical fruits and juices such as tamarinds, mangos, guanabanas, mangostines, and citrus fruits. Desserts are popular here, from "bocadillo" made of guava to "arequipe", similar to dulce de leche. And of course, no trip would be complete without a taste of Colombia's famous coffee.
