COLOMBIA
Vacations in Colombia the land of light and shadow, are synonymous with Utopian experience. The extended space fresh air the flora and fauna in their natural habitat and the town scattered on the ever varying landscape leave everlasting impression and a desire to be back here again. In nature time flies!
GEOGRAPHY
It is in the north-western South America on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, bordered in north-west by Panama, Venezuela as well as Brazil is in east direction, Peru, and Ecuador lies in the south west; Among the South American countries it is the fourth biggest and in its continent thickly populated.
The western part of the country is bisected by three Andean chains originating in the north and terminating in the south; it is with high plateau and swampy coastal lowlands. The eastern part is crouched with forest and populated by Indian tribes but belongs to the Orinoco and Amazonian basins.
The vegetation is quite varied; there are tropical rain forests, mangroves swamps, savannas and dry grasslands. Above sub-alpine grasslands lie zones of permanent snow and ice. The fauna is like wise varied, including various species of monkeys and beasts of prey reptiles, rodents, insects, and many bird species.
Highest elevation is Cristobal Colon at 5800 meter.
Some of the major cities are Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagene.
The major rivers are Magdalena and its network, Cauca pouring into the Caribbean Sea; Orinoco, Meta, and Guaviare that flows into the Atlantic. Caqueta and Putumayo makes a continuous watercourse with Amazon.
Major cash crops are bananas, cocoa, beans, rice, maize, cotton, and tobacco. It has ample natural resources like natural gas, petroleum, nickel, iron, copper, gold, and emeralds. Water bodies produce hydro power. As of now it is a leading producer of precious metals like silver gold platinum, emeralds and coal.
The possibility of occurrence of volcanic activity, earthquake or drought happening cannot be ruled out.
THE CAPITAL
Santate de Bogata the capital city on pinnacle Andes Mountains plateau at 2650 m in central region of the country has rich past. It was established in 1538 by victor Quesada. Since then it has come a long way; today the beautiful ancient architecture stands in close proximity with the high rise buildings. Tourists visit the church, museum here and enjoy the nurture surrounding beauty and the modern town. The Gold Museum has rare compilation of gold coins earlier to Columbian era and many other antique remains. Moreover its vivacious markets are very welcoming to shoppers especially at Mercado de las Pulgas and Plaza de Santander. The radiant night life is full of fun and relaxation.
CLIMATE
Tropical equatorial in plains of the east and in coastal area; with increase in elevation the temperature dips low and still lower at night such as at the Andean peaks.
The twin seasons the dry and the wet are the two weather divisions here. From December till March it is dry and then again from July to August it is moderately so in Andean region. In Los Llanos zone the single dry spell is from December lasting up till March. The Amazon climate is unpredictable but broadly it is classified as wet.
Dry season is the tourist season here. The movement and outings are not restricted because of weather and the visit coincides with the local festival and fiesta time as well.
The tourist may have tussle with local holiday makers if they happen to be in the country during end December till January, March and April when Semana Santa festivity is there or in June-July. The prices of all tourist related things are hiked.
POPULATION
The country is a blend of Mestizos, creoles, mulattoes, Amerindians, Europeans whites, mixed black Amerindians Zambo the blend of black and natives and indigenous.
Religion is Roman Catholic or Christians a few follow other religion. Conversion has created groups like Anglican, Mormon, Lutheran and so forth.
Officially declared language of common use is Spanish.
The currency in circulation is Colombian peso. Government works as a republic.
The mainstay of economy is agriculture which is governed by coffee. Cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry are raised in large numbers.
HISTORY
Colombia is 10,000 years old; way back in 1500 the Spanish made it their domain. Earlier to this date the region was populated by aggressive Indian tribe Chibcha. Till 1861 this region was called the Granada.
The struggle for independence had its inception in 1810 by 1819 the region was called Greater Colombia. A period of strife followed with neighboring countries and in 1863 it was proclaimed United States of Colombia and only in 1885 it was declared Republic of Colombia. As a country it has battled against weapon equipped groups, drug consortium and human right negligence.
The air travel network caters to the popular and remote areas very well. Traveling by road is discouraged during monsoons and by night.
TOURISM
Parque Tayrona a National Park is in the proximity of Santa Marta and the Caribbean; the simmering sand the dancing waves in the back drop of mountains and biodiversity on the land makes it a paradise. Accommodation eco-habs on the premises is available to tourists. Snorkeling fishing is possible here on marked out places. It is a pleasure to take a stroll through the jungle.
Zona Cafetera is coffee blossoming region; the vast stretch is dotted with steaming springs, mountain chain, and the Parque National Park. Nature admirers have another option in the form of National Coffee Park situated at Montenegro and another one at Santa Marta the Tayrona Park.
Volcan de Lodo Totumo around Cartagena is a clay-made gas oozing spattered ever growing volcanic mountain; you are bound to get dirty here but that is an experience in itself as it has remedial qualities. Once down bathing facilities are available. Carry an extra dress for yourself.
Those with artist bend of mind can visit 500 sq km San Agustin a UNESCO heritage place and admire the chiseled out human and animal statues of varying sizes with different expressions made in 1st century onwards as well as feast on the surrounding beauty of valley and Magadalena River.
If you religious minded visit the many churches and monasteries, if you are akin a fish dive for scuba or snorkeling and see the world of ocean with your eyes or else camp on beach say in Parque National Tayrona with your family and children.
The ancient port city Cartegena lies in the midst of coral reefs beaches and amazingly constructed palaces, monasteries and mansions. Enjoy nature the old and the new culture at one place.
Cruise through the tranquil water for an hour and reach Rosario Islands Natural Park; an overnight stay here is an experience that words cannot describe; the star studded sky the lapping waves and the clean air of the beach is intoxicating.
Visit Cali an industrial city famous for salsa music. Enjoy a musical evening in the company of beautiful people. There is lot of festivity here at the end of the year.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation varies from luxury affluent facilities to basic ones at family pensions; locals are welcoming and maintain good hygiene standards. Farm or eco tourism is in demand here. Many farms extend hospitality to tourist. It is expensive to be here during Christmas Easter or in July. The schools break for vacations in December and January and that is the time the local traveler’s number swell up dramatically. It is advisable to do hotel booking before arriving.
FOOD
The food shows the variant culture influence on the land. It is a delicious blend of Spanish, African Arabe preparations. The names of the local dishes are Ajiaco is spicy chicken soup, Hormiga is prepared ants, Lechona is stocked pig, Bandeja is combination of meat and vegetables, Sancochos is soup prepared from different types of meat, Tamales is tomato packed with filling, Patacon and Arepa are leaf platter, Empanadas is a filled fried snack. The basic ingredients in cooking are potatoes, pork, chicken, corn, and beans.
The food is accompanied with Chicha a fermented drink prepared from corn fizz or sugar cane fizz. It is considered alcoholic if stored and served. Locally prepared rum is also relished by tourists. Aguardiente, Shampoo, snow Cones are also favorite drinks.
SHOPPING
Good quality authentic emeralds, jewelry, accessories and coffee available here are renowned world over. Some acclaimed branded clothes are made here. Tourists highly appreciate the leather craft of this country. It is a world producer of flowers. Tourists have a lot many options when it comes to shopping!
It is generally said that anyone who visits the place once gets so intoxicated that another trip is soon planned.
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