Introduction
Colombia is one of South America's hottest travel destinations. Lush coffee plantations and intoxicating cities, pre-Columbian ruins and coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean make a perfect blend. Paired with characterful music played in salsa clubs, Andean villages and at vibrant fiestas, and the nature of the Amazon rainforest, and Colombia's diversity is well noticed.
Cartagena, a colonial city on the Caribbean coast, is Colombia's cultural crown jewel, full of colour and history. Within its fortified walls are churches, colonial mansions and plazas, and these impressive surroundings have inspired Cartagena's strong literary tradition. The Coffee Triangle - the coffee growing region in the heart of the country - is another popular attraction. Travellers can stay in fincas, traditional coffee farmsteads where the art of making coffee can be seen at first hand. The capital city, Bogota, and the beach holiday resorts on Colombia's twin coast are other highlights not to be missed.