Colombia has come a long way to leave behind its past with drug wars and rebels. The nation is thriving with confidence in a more peaceful and prosperous future. If you visit this beautiful country, don’t miss the snow-capped Andean peaks, tropical jungles, Caribbean coasts, and sun-kissed deserts. Spectacular cities like Cartagena and Medellín, or colonial towns like Salento and Mompox, make Colombia the best place to stay in South America.
Cartagena
Cartagena is one of the best preserved colonial destinations in the Americas, and it also has the most gorgeous beaches on the Caribbean coast. Walk around the walled city and you will feel like you are in a different era, with over 13 kilometers of walls and colorful colonial buildings. The balconies filled with bougainvilleas, the narrow streets, and the beautiful Catholic churches will make you want to stay for at least a few days to enjoy the Caribbean charm. Beyond the old city, you can also visit Getsemani or head to Bocagrande on the oceanfront. In addition, you can take boats to the nearby islands and its beaches for day trips.
Medellín
Medellin is a city that nobody forgets. Although it was known as a dangerous city in the early 1990s, nowadays it has become really popular thanks to its process of renovation and innovation. Take a ride on the cable cars linking the towns in the hills or jump into the modern metro system in the valley. Visit the lush eco-parks, gorgeous libraries, and community centers. You can start your day in the Old Quarter in Botero Plaza, where you will see 23 sculptures donated by famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Then you can continue with a visit to the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture. Another activity, one of the most famous, is to take the sleek escalators system through Comuna 13 and see the street murals.
Eje Cafetero
Colombia is the third-largest producer of coffee in the world. Therefore, planning tours for tasting its coffee should be on top of your list. Most productions occur in the subtropical Andean hills to the west of Bogotá. The region is known as the Eje Cafetero or Coffee Axis. Numerous coffee plantations are open to the public for tours, tasting, and farm stays. During the tours, farmers will take time out of their busy day to explain how a small cherry turns into a coffee bean, to be later roasted and ground into the latte you take every day. Salento is the perfect spot to take these tours. Also, you can make your way to Cocora Valley, where you will see the tallest palm trees in the world. You can take a bicycle and explore the region on your own or take a taxi from the town.
Colombia Check-Mig Form
If Colombia is on top of your list, you should check the travel documents you need before your trip. Authorities have established the Colombia Check Mig Form as a way to record the health status of passengers. Make sure to obtain it before entering Colombia with the help of [iVisa]. This platform can process your application after you fill out a simple online form. Check your email for the digital travel document, display it to immigration authorities in Colombia, and that’s it! Travel now and enjoy this amazing country!