Colombia is a South American country in the region’s northwest. The Caribbean Sea washes over its northernmost thousand miles of coastline (1,600 kilometers), whereas the Pacific Ocean washes over its westernmost thousand miles of coastline (1,300 kilometers). Further, the country bounded to the north by the Panama Canal, which separates the two oceans, to the east by Venezuela and Brazil, and to the south by Peru and Ecuador. Located in the Caribbean about 400 miles (650 km) northwest of Colombia’s peninsula, it is more than twice the size of France and contains the San Andrés y Providencia archipelago.
Colombia is What?
Colombia is an interesting place to study since it is a fascinating study in contrasts, both geographically and socially. It further is the only nation in North America to bear Columbus’ name, who largely credited with discovering the Americas. There are still indigenous communities living as their predecessors did among the tropical woodlands and savannas, which dwarfed by the country’s inner cordilleras’ snow-capped peaks. In addition, the highland metropolitan areas that situated at a mid-altitude contrast sharply with the typical rural landscapes of the colder mountains where mestizo farmers raise coffee, corn (maize), and other crops. Due to their dominance by massive cattle haciendas and a population made up of three distinct ethnic groups, the more accessible Atlantic lowlands have a highly unique identity.
Visitable Locations
Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias
Further, learn about Cartagena de Indias, a treasure of cultural significance. Located in the northwest of the South American continent, on the Caribbean Sea, is the city of Cartagena. Furthermore, Cartagena, the Bolvar region’s capital, can be found in the country’s north. Several nearby island chains and archipelagos offer a genuine escape from the metropolis. Such examples include Tierra Bomba Island, Cura Island, and Bar Island further.
What’s more?
Cartagena is home to world-class restaurants and hotels that cater to visitors. Gabriel Garca Márquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, found inspiration in this magnificent location, which conceals historical mysteries within its walled city, on its balconies, and in its small stone passageways. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia is a treasure that is today one of the most frequented tourist sites in Colombia since it is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cities in the Americas and is set against a backdrop of a lovely bay.
Cartagena de Indias: What to Do?
You should make use of your time in Cartagena by exploring the city’s historic district and learning about the city’s rich cultural history. Cartagena’s beautiful and culturally significant historic district encircled by kilometers of old walls that together comprise the walled city, which designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1984.
Cobblestone lanes here date back hundreds of years, and the nearby Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is a splendid castle from the 17th century. Furthermore, this tour takes place in close proximity to some of Cartagena’s finest eateries.
The monument to India Catalina, los Zapatos Viejos, and los Pegasos are just a few of the popular monuments and historic churches you can visit. If you’re still looking for things to do in Cartagena, a trip to the Naval Museum or the Serrezuela Shopping Complex are two more options to think about.
Cali
Cali’s ethnic mix means that its music spans the gamut from Pacific coast currulao to the city’s star: salsa, the contagious, frantic beat that engrained in the culture of the country. Cali’s distinctive street parties and dancing have earned it a reputation as the “Salsa Capitol” of the world and the “Rumba Capital” of the rest of Colombia. Traveling around the city, you can stop by the Cali river and take in the sights of national landmarks like the Ermita Church and other structures from the colonial era.
The Zoológico de Cali, the Barrio Granada, and the Cerro de las Tres Cruces, where the gigantic Cristo Rey statue, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro’s Cristo Redentor, stands guard, are all must-sees. The La Tertulia Museum, the Calima Gold Museum, and the La Merced Archeological Museum are just a few of the many museums that visitors can enjoy while in Cali.
Traditional Food in Cali
In addition to seeing the sights, strolling through Cali is a great way to get a taste of the city’s traditional food, which draws from Spanish, indigenous, and African influences to create a one-of-a-kind taste in every dish. Delicacies like sancocho de gallina (chicken soup), sopa de tortillas (tortilla soup), aborrajado valluno (fritters made with plantains and cheese), tostadas de plátano verde con hogao (green plantain fritters with salsa), chuleta valluna (a type of pork milanese), and tamales are all products of this cultural fusion (meat, beans, or other fillings wrapped in corn dough and steamed).
Sugar cane from the Valle del Cauca used in many of Cali’s delicious desserts. Manjar blanco (which is very similar to dulce de leche), cocadas (which are like coconut macaroons), cholado (which is a fruit-based treat), and champs (a rich drink made with corn, naranjilla, pineapple, cinammon, and melado syrup) are all examples of such desserts. One of the nicest things to do in Cali is to go out, and the Juanchito neighborhood is a great place to do just that.
Colombia’s sustainable coastlines
It’s no surprise that eco-tourism has grown in popularity as people learn more about the necessity of protecting our planet. This doesn’t simply mean individuals will be more conscious of their environmental impact while on vacation; it also means they’ll be more likely to seek out places that have demonstrated a serious dedication to conservation. That’s why Colombia has so many environmental education initiatives like the Blue Flags program.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) have both shown their support for the Blue Flags program, which awards a highly sought-after annual eco-certification to beaches and marinas that meet four particular criteria:
Observing Colombia’s Blue Flags
The good news is that Colombia is a member of this select group, with four beaches in the country currently certified as Blue Flag: Magüipi (Buenaventura), Johnny Cay (San Andrés), Beach Azul (Cartagena), and Bello Horizonte (Bogotá) (Santa Marta).
In addition to attracting more tourists and improving the destination’s international reputation, this will also generate more high-quality revenue to better sustain the region’s workforce and population.
A. Magüipi, B. Buenaventur
One of the Pacific Ocean’s most stunning beaches is located in Colombia, and it goes by the name of Magüipi. From Cali, you can take a boat to Buenaventura and from there to this tropical paradise nestled between the forest and the sea. In addition to the beach, we also recommend exploring the surrounding rivers and mangrove woods by foot or kayak.