Colombia: The Americas’ Hot New Tourist Destination

Just two hours away from Miami and five from New York, Colombia is located on the northwestern corner of South America.  In addition to modern cities, colonial charm, and a diverse and vibrant culture, the nation boasts spectacular natural beauty Andean Mountains, Amazon rain forest, beautiful coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the La Guajira Desert.

From its beautiful beaches to its bustling cities, Colombia has been rediscovered and is one of the America’s hot new tourist destinations, with more than 1.7 million people visiting the country in 2009.

What They Are Saying:

 The New York Times put Colombia on its list of 31 Places to Go in 2010 citing Bogotá as a role model of urban reinvention.

 USA Today included Colombia in a 2010 list of 10 Great Destinations

 National Geographic Traveler included Cartagena in its 2010 Great Winter Escapes citing The Sultry Beauty: Cartagena, Colombia.

 Frommer’s named Cartagena as one of its Top Destinations for 2009.

 Cond Nast Traveler recently featured Bogotá as a tourism destination, highlighting that this walkable metropolis of seven million is once again reclaiming its role as Latin America's intellectual and cultural hub.

 Lonely Planet lauded Colombia as a travel destination in its recent feature: Introducing Colombia citing Modern cities with skyscrapers and nightclubs? Check. Gorgeous Caribbean beaches? Check. Jungle walks and Amazon safaris? Check.

Top Attractions:

 Bogotá Colombia’s capital city is also the country’s top tourist destination.  Known for its modern conveniences, vibrant culture, great nightlife and shopping the city is also a historic center with popular attractions including the Gold Museum and the historic Candelaria center.

 Cartagena On the Caribbean coast, offers visitors the chance to explore some of the region’s most historical structures. The Walled City a UNESCO World Heritage site includes countless examples of Spanish colonial architecture from the colorful, pastel-painted homes to incredible cathedrals and luxurious hotels.

 Eco-Tourism Colombia’s climate and ecosystems are diverse from its steamy tropical rainforests to the perpetual snowfalls on its mountaintops. Colombia has 19 National Natural Parks and its marine territory is twice the size of Spain and is divided into 18 ecological regions nine in the Pacific and nine in the Caribbean.

 Beaches Colombia’s coast on the Caribbean Sea is more than 990 miles long and the Pacific Coast is more than 800 miles long.  There are more than 300 beaches enough to suit any preference. Some of Colombia’s beaches are tourism hubs and others are natural pristine paradises away from the crowds.

 Coffee Region Colombia’s coffee region, comprised of three departments (states) Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda has become the first rural tourist destination in Latin America. Located on the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes, the coffee region produces the best mild coffee in the world year round.