I've just got back from Colombia and was blown away by how friendly the people are and how stunning the country is – a real surprise for a place that so many travellers consider to be off-limits.Sure, there are risks. Colombia has been battered and rocked by internal fighting, drug trafficking, terrorism, but to quote the UK foreign office:"Around 18,000 visits are made by British nationals to Colombia every year. Most visits are trouble-free."So, I guess it’s a matter of being sensible - planning carefully where you go, how you travel and who you go with. Follow informed advice on the current situation, take the precautions you’d take in any major city, don’t take unnecessary risks, but do be adventurous – give Colombia a go!!My time here was far too brief – confined to just two cities, but what places they are:Cartagena is an amazing colonial walled city on the shores of the Caribbean. When the looting Spanish Conquistadores sailed back from the plundered lands of the Inca, the Aztecs, the Maya and the rest, much of the gold passed through these city gates. It’s quite simply a gem of a city, stunning at every turn. Put the city anywhere else in the world it would be over-run by tourists, but here on the northern shores of Colombia maintains its local magic.With less than 24 hours in Bogota, I could only get a taste for this Latin American capital, a place of rhythm, fine food, great coffee (forget Starbucks, Juan Valdez is where to go!), stunning vistas and the world’s finest Pre-Colombian Gold Museum. And the Colombians know how to party, trust me on that. I can't wait to see a full selection of exciting trips and tours to see the real Colombia on www.addictedtotravel.com!PS: Any fans of live music should check out the excellent Colombian band, Diva Gash. Great music, fantastic act and incredibly welcoming to the sole Brit in the place!
I am very happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip. I have a home in Cartagena and spend my summers there. Everytime I go, I find new and exciting things to do. Thanks for giving a new face to Colombia.
