BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi everyone!

I was born in Colombia and I would love to see you all enjoying this wonderful country. This is why from today I will be posting different information about this Country. I will take in all questions and answer them with complete information.

I would appreciate very much if you guys could also show me some input, if you've every been to Colombia, or if you have those "I heard Colombia is like this or like that..."

Thanks a lot!

"At the Park" during 2005 in Bogotá

Integration, fusion and extreme convivence characterize the Festivals at the Park that are promoted by the Cultur and Tourism Institute, that will sound to the beat of colombian music, jazz, salsa, opera and powerful rock and roll discharges in 2005!

Boy and girls will also have a festival and those who like Hip Hop will be able to return to stage at the Simon Bolivar Park.

Salsa will add the magic note during Bogota's birthday during the 8th Salsa at the park festival, while the Mariachis and the Trios will bring happiness with their "Corridos" in the Media Torta Theater at the closing event for this year's Show.

Programming

Opera and Zarzuela at the Park Festival
June 14 - 19

Old music for our time
July 24 - August 4

Salsa at the park Festival
August 5 - 6

Diversity Carnival – Big parade
August 6

Jazz at the Park Festival
September 17 - 18

Rock at the park Festival
October 15 - 17

Boy and girls at the parkl festival - boys and girls carnival
October 29 - 30

Hip Hop at the park Festival
November 19 - 20

Ranchera and Trios at the Park Festival
December 10 - 11

US Tourism Operators visit Colombia

Bogotá.- During May 12-16 24 Us Tourism operators will be in Colombia to know about the main tourism destinations the Country offers and to exchange business opportunities with different opperators and Bsuinessmen from Colombia.

These businessmen will be in Colombia for five days traveling to Medellin, Pereira, Armenia, y Bogota, in order to find out the exporting tourism products fromthese main Capitals.

According to Proexport, the main obejctive of this visit is to allow these US Operators to promote the diveristy, the rich culture, the ecotourism options and the specialized offers that can be found in Colombia currently.

This project is part of an idea from American Airlines to promote Colombia as a tourism Destination, along with the Commerce Office, the Idustry and Turism Office and Proexport. The Offices of the Majors of Antioqui, Quindio, Risarlda, Bogota, Medellin, Armenia and Pereira are also included.


The offers:

According to Proexport, the offers presented to the Us Operators is varied and offers a wide variety of options to different market segments:

Medellin for example, will show its infrastructure for international events and conventions, as well as the variety of subregions found in this State allowing tourism agencies to promote eco trourism, agro tourism, adventure tourism and religious tourism.

In the Coffee area different Coffe Haciendas will be avaiable for visiting, Rural accomaodation fit to International standards, a place where you can enjoy Different hotels, Theme parks, and a wonderful mountain landscape that will allouw you to interact with nature.

Bogota, with the Support of the District's Culture and Tourism Institute, the religios tourism will be promoted, as well as visiting historical places, Its museums and its modern ifnrastructure built for international events.

Another very important aspect is the capacity of offering Health tourism since this city is specialized in Hospital and Medical services.

Another reason to consider visiting Colombia!

hey

que bueno tener gente colombiana que promueva el turismo

ive got to say that you do give some great information

Im from colombia to, and I stronlgy suggest people, friends of mine that they should visit colombia, youve got to c all the recomendations on this page.

Furthermore, i would like to ask you the favour if u could please give me some feedback about backpacking in Queensland, Australia, since im currently in that country.

Thnx a lot

y viejo siga escribiendo esas cosas bacanas de colombia porfavor

Thanks a lot bro! Its just being helpful what this page is about. People tend to leave out what's important about places like Colombia and by doing that they really miss on a chance to meet wonderful cultures, because Colombia is all about cultures and great places to visit, histroy, etc.

I hope you are having a good time at Wollongong. I heard there are fabulous places in Australia, so enjoy, and send some Auzzies around here!

Take care Andres

My input for today:

What about violence in Colombia?

Yeap, sure we do have violence around here. Unfortunately this is a place where violence lives. but it is ot happening the way you see it in CNN or BBC. Or the way the History Channel relates it on the Story of Killing Pablo.

We have had our share of terrorism, much like other latin american countries in the past. But things are changing around here, and I can assure you that today major cities like Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Barranquilla Cartagena or Santa Marta are safe and are worth visiting.

Not to mention the Caribbean islands in which you will be able to step away from all that's mundane (specially Old Providence).

Currently the violence has been diminished by the efforts made by the Government (I am not a politician), and by the attitude that people has towards this violent conflict. Many Pramilitary groups have asked for pardon and returned to society in a slow but safe path that will allow us a better future.

FARC, one of the most important terrorist groups has also been diminished by the direct action of our Army that has received a lot of good training during the last few years.
Kidnapping has decreased and today we face a bigger problem in these cities with robbers and pickpocketers, but that is something that happens everywere, or you thing Rio is a safe place (including those wonderful beaches).

If you ask me, the most important thing when coming to Colombia is to plan ahead, ask all you can, come with a mind set on having fun and opening to a new and different culture and that is it.

Please direct all your questions about anything, and they will be answered.

Rastapaul,

I Would certainly be interested in visitng Columbia in the future. The reason I think it is not more popular with tourists is not a lack of interest or attractions, but rather the threat of danger(real or not) that one must risk when visiting the country.

Now I am not someone who normally would avoid visiting somewhere because it has a reputation, however Columbia seems particuarly dangerous to foreigners. Is this threat rea or imagined, has it improved at all?

Danger will always be everywhere... Now you ask if things have changed. Definately. Colombia is a very nice place.

You know its hard to change your reputation once its out there. Specially when today's media in general is totally focused on getting blood to the final viewer. But things have really changed here.

I am surprised by the amount of foreigners I find in the cities everyday. Not everyone speaks enlgish here, but the surprise and the look on these foreigner's faces is great, once you tell them if you can help them or if there is something they want to ask.

And colombians are like these... we might not speak the langauage but if you need help you will get it.

Violence has changed here, and now there is no more terrorism like in the mid 90s. I used to work with a couple of Brit lads teaching English in a non formal institution.
(just throwing some ideas). And one of them went back after a year because his girfriend who visited him here, got pregnant, the other guy Chris is still here. He decided to stay. I also know this british guy that has several Pubs here in Bogota (they are always full) and the guy is also very happy around here. You will get a fabulous time if you decide to come. If you have specific questions or want to know something in particular, write it!

Gotta go now!

Paul

Cali

Wonderful city located towards the southern Colombian Terirtory. Its a hot city (about 28 C degrees) People are very warm. There's a lot to do in Cali. Check out these places:

La Ermita: Gothic-style church located in the downtown area and a well-known tourist destination.

La Tertulia: Museum of modern art.

Museo Arqueológico La Merced: Colonial-type church, converted into an archaeological museum displaying items from ancient cultures which inhabited the region in pre-Columbian times.

Museo del Oro del Banco de la República: Museum containing archaeological exhibits of pre-columbian cultures which existed in the region.

Cerro de las tres cruces: A hill embellished with three big crosses from which the whole city is visible.

Iglesia de San Antonio: Colonial-type church at the top of a hill.

Cerro de Cristo Rey: Another hill embellished with a large statue of Jesus Christ.

Canchas Panamericanas: Sports Complex that includes the Pascual Guerrero stadium, Evangelista Mora Gym, many sporting fields, pools and so forth. Is also widely known for a common iced drink (Cholado) sold here.

Pance: Extended rural zone at the south of the city frequently visited for leisure purposes, surrounded by plentiful vegetation and irrigated by the Pance river.

La Novena: This is a main street where you can find a lot of restaurants and fast-food places. It is located at the south and it's the caleño's preferred street to be after the big parties in Juanchito or the pink zone, at 3 A.M. Here you can buy big ass burgers, hot-dogs, chorizos, etc.

The Zoo: it has amazing animals, checkout the Butterlfies Section, and the Bird's section. Really impressive. The Iguanas are walking about while you move out of their way. Monkeys are a blast too.

These places can be visited during the DAY. Remembere just common sense.

You have to go to a couple of places that are amazing: the first one is the "empanaditas el Obelisco" where you will get some of the best empanadas Colombian Style. and the second one is a place called "el rincon de la abuela" or "grandma's Corner" Try all the cakes (specially the orange cake" and all the Emapanadas pastry style.

The Shopping malls are also wonderful: Unicentro is a classic one. You will be in a shopping mall, but what is really amazing is the amount of people. when you are there go to a little cafe called CAFE CAFE. the Coffee Milkshake is the best one!

CHIPI CHAPE is another shopping mall located in the northern side of the city. If you go there, try a place called Simon Parrilla, Great meat! or Chicken, or whatever you order.

You can also go to another spot just a bit outside Cali that is called Kilometro 38. or KM38. To get some hot chocolate with cheese and Arepa (colombian tortillas).

well thats today's information!

Hope this moves you to come here!

epa rasta paul!
como estas?
my name is Damien (23, US citizen, Male, basic/intermediate spanish speaker (not fluent but i get around OK), gringo....je je je) and i am in Venezuela right now teaching english in Barquisimeto (its right inbetween Caracas and Mariaciabo). Ive got some vacation time off and i was thinking about visiting both Cartagena and Santa Marta for a week or two. I have found a bus line here called AMULUJO in Barquisimeto that will take me directly to Santa Marta or Cartagena (which stops in Mariaciabo and goes throug Macio on its way to Santa Marta, and of course what ever border checks are necessary). The only time the bus leaves is at 12am, which means that it is a night bus. Ive been told to avoid night busses if at all possible, so what do you think about this???...should i try to find another bus, or should i forget about it as traveling by bus across the northern Colombia/Venezuelan border and onwards to Santa Marta late at night for a young gringo isnt a security concern? Or is it???? I heard Macio was really dodgy place, but is there any other info i should know about this route. Any info would be really appreciated.
Muchisimo Gracias Pana!

I think it would be ok to take that bus. Just use common sense and dont be flashy. Try not to stay at Maicao. Rioacha is a good spot. Altough there is not much to do.

Before getting to Santa Marta, stop by Taganga (great diving). In Santa Marta you can stay at El Rodadero (its like a beach neighboorhood) its very nice. Have lots of fun there. Parties happen everyday. Drink Aguardiente but don't get drunk. It will kick in real hard.

Cartagena, Brother what can I tell you! you will make of that an amazing experience. There are some bars in which "girls" will be very friendly. But they have a price so be careful. Places to visit: the whole old town (with the walls) great restaurants (la sarten por el mango) kicks ass! visit El Cerro de la Popa (the best conserved Spanish Fortress) and take a walk around boca Grande all the way to el laguito. (great chicks too)

Have fun!

Another thing about CArtagena:

It is packed with Apartments for rent! you dont have to go to a hotel (not everyone likes to stay at hotels). To find out about these apartments look for www.metrocuadrado.com (unfortunately only in spanish).
Prices may go from 50 bucks per day to 250 bucks for a weekend. Most of them are located in El Laguito or Boca Grande. I will look for a place that has information in english.

Chao!

Another thing I forgot to mention about Cartagena is the visit you have to make to Islas del Rosario. About 45 minutes out of the CArtagena Bay into the Caribbean ocean. Its a great place. There are very nice places there to take a plunge. You will also be able to swim with dolphins and the food is excellent!

Some important information about Colombia:

MONEY!

The Colombian currency is the PESO $... The denominations are 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000 y 50.000 pesos. All bills are the same size. The coins in circulation are 50, 100, 200, 500 y 1000 pesos, and their size vaires. Credit cards are widely accepted in most of the places.

Banks y Corporations work from Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m, Fridays: 9:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m; some of them have exteded schedules (later in the afternoon, at night or during the weekend). The last day of the month the service will be until 12:00pm. There are certain restrictions to this schedule during holidays and the end of the year.
The money exchange offices work from Monday - Friday: 9: 00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 m.

ATM: Most of them work 24/7. Most of them give you the possibility of choosing between Spanish and English. The transactions offered are Balance Check, Withdrawals, Transferences and Withdrawals from Credit Card Accounts. The are everywhere, particularly around the main streets and close to the shopping malls and Party places!

Debit cards: are widely accepted in major stores and supermarkets. Hotels and restaurants also offer this pay mode.

Credit cards: Most hotels, Restaurants and stores will accept international credit cards. The most recognized here are Visa and MasterCard. Only certain exclusive places accept Amercian Express and Diners Club.

Traveler Checks: before acquiering them in your country of origin it is wise to ask about the existance of legal representatives in Colombia. The most common Traveler Checks are American Express and Citicorp.In the most exclusive hotels it is posible to pay with them.
Usually the exchange rate for the Traveler checks is better than the one for regular currency.

US Dollar exchange: Not every bank will offer this service, and normally when they do, it is only during the morning. The wisest thing to do is to go to legit Money Exchange Houses that will be very proficient with offering this service. It is wise to do the exchange in the major cities since the smaller ones will give you a lower rate. Do NOT do it out in the street!

Well this is some valuable information about how plan coming to colombia in Money Terms. It sure solves some of the questions we normally have about money issues when we are traveling to foreign countries.

Any questions, please feel free to ask!

Haha. las Islas del Rosario. I've been there. I went on a smallish boat and sat upfront. That wasn't a good idea. Firstly the boat speeds of to the island and you get flung up off your seat and nearly into shark infested waters. Then if you do make it, your back is black and blue from the movement. However las islas are muy bonita, we had some food there and i think a swimm in a salt water pool. (This was 12 years ago when i was still a runt, a 12 yer old runt)

Cartagena is great though. Nice walls and old part of town. I think its time to go back soon, i miss Colombia.

Also want to get to San Andres. Not been there but seen photos my dad brought back.

Try another wonderful place about a couple of hours away from Bogota. Its called Villa de Leyva. A very old little town that was built on the border of the Candelaria Desert. It is a wonderful place, where you can relax, Ride horses, visit some of our colombian fossils, visit the Iguaque Sanctuary (a wonderful places where you can find different species of flowers and animals). The hadcrafts are a must there. And there are several different options in accomodation, rustic style, you cant miss it!

COLOMBIA - The US Dept. of State smoothes the travel Warnings to those visiting Colombia.

The Travel Warning is a US GOVERNMENT Counsulate disposition that falls under those countries taht are considered dangerous or are currently going through a Conflict or a War. This warning is not only consulted by US tourists, but also by other World tourists as well as Cruise Companies or Tour Companies when they are planning their Traveling Packages.
Although the new Travel Warning, taken out by the States Dept., talks about the difficulties of traveling around Colombia, they have modified their language and decided not to simply suggest not to come her, plus they highlkited the fact that violence has been diminshed in major cities like Bogota, Medellin, Baranquilla and Cartagena. Nevertheless the warning insists on the potential danger for American Citizens of coming to Colombia. It also reminds Us citizens that from 2000 to 2005 32 Us citizens were reported as kidnapped within Colombian territory.

All this information was taken from "El tiempo" newspaper on last sunday's edition.

I just want to highlight a couple of things:

The first one is that little by little, conditions here in Colombia have changed allowing people to come and really find out all of Colombia's finest tourism treasures. The Us government is very strict and they just have to set a position in front of every country in the world, and Colombia is no exception. I just wish that this warning included testimonies of those Thousands of Americans that really had a great time around here and who were able to leave this country and go back to their loved ones to share experiences that Most of the people find unbelievable (just because they wont give themselves a chance).

The second one is to extend an invitation again, to all those people who are curious about Colombia, to come and have a wonderfultime. I don't know about other countries as much as many people in this community does, but from what I've heard, there are far worse and more dangeorus places in Latin America, than many of Colombias major cities and tourist attractions. Take a chance on Colombia. You will not regret it!

Thanks!

A bit of the culture from Bogota.

after several years of being invaded by herds of salesmen who tried selling anything out in the streets. Several major's offices for a bit more than ten years, have fought hard to keep the streets clean. Now you can enjoy long walks around bogota with wide sidewalks (carrera 15 is my favorite) that you can do safely. There are several places around the city for Bicycle routes (its just a start but Bogota still lacks about 6000 km of bicycle routes), and people have learnt to respect these routes (the best one is on avenida 19).

On sundays and holidays, we have something called Ciclovia, in which several main streets are closed and become exclusive for Bicycles, runners and skaters (the idea is to do some excercise).

every now and then, the major plans a NO CAR DAY, meaning that all cars have to stay parked, and only public transportation goes out. It promotes the use of the bicycle as a safe and educated way to go to work.

And on regular days, due to the unusual amount of cars(its funny, we are part of the "Third world" and we dont have the highest per capita income, but EVERYONE wants to have a car) there is law called PICO y PLACA, in which, depending on the last number of your plate, you will be able to take your car out or not. It works for both particular and public transportation (Buses and Taxis).

And the best part of all is the Transmilenio Massive transportation system( that has been extremely criticized for being full, but hey, its MASSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION), that takes you from north to south in about an hour and 20 minutes (bogota is NOT a small city. More than 7 million people live here).

Well, that was just a bit more information on Bogota and its culture!

I've heard so many good things about Columbia and it's people that I've changed my plans and am going to visit later in the year. I'm really looking forward to it.

Someone told me that it's dangerous crossing the border between Ecuador and Columbia (I'm travelling sola) so recommend I fly. Are the borders dangerous or is this someone just being overcautious with me?

Thanks to all for the helpful advice.

Happy travels!
Lyns

Hi there, Lynsetta!

I'm really happy you're planning on visiting Colombia. The border is no problem. YOu can take a bus from wherever you may be in Ecuador, and then hop into another bus that will take you to Cali. Just common sense. Don't travel at night, don't show a lot (jewels or mp3 player in your hand) keep your backpack with you at all times (if its small enough, if not you can put it in the bus' luggage storing rooms), etc. You will be crossing from Nariño to Cali (In the Valle del Cauca Dept). its a very colorful trip. Try sitting on a window (i normally prefer the first seats (behind the driver) becasue it gives you good leg room. Choose Velotax, Expreso Palmira, or Expreso Bolivariano (The best bus compnaies for that part of Colombia), and do not take the bus that will stop at every little town. You will be late and it will get very disturbing (well, it normally does). Just take the expresso ones!

I will try getting more information for you. A stop at pasto would definately be worth it. Keep in touch!