What makes a travel destination stand out? Great beaches? Rich culture? Variety? Originality? A sense of being a pioneer?
As anyone who has ever been will be quick to tell you, these are all things that Colombia has. From the relentless pace of life in the country’s cultural mecca, Bogotá, to the tranquil life of those on the Caribbean coast, to the coffee farms that decorate the mountainscapes of Antioquia; Colombia is a country full of unique places to explore that, best of all, haven’t been touched by mass-tourism.
There is a growing sense in the country, though, that this palpable air of newness won’t last long.
While the cultural heritage will always remain, Colombia is increasingly mentioned in the press as a hot new destination. National Geographic, for example, posted an article purporting north Colombia to be one of the best destinations in the world for 2012. Gadling, New York Times, the Guardian and many more major publishers have all been releasing articles recently that expound Colombia to be safe, exciting and ready to visit. It seems everyone is in agreement.
This is why there has never been a better time to travel to Colombia. Not only does the optimism of the locals imbue it with a contagious high-spiritedness, but travellers are treated to a destination of dizzying variety that remains relatively untouched and, in parts, completely undiscovered. That’s what makes the journalists foam at the mouth; that’s what makes the people here so proud of their country; that’s what makes travellers fall in love with Colombia; that’s what makes Colombia right now so exciting.
Paul
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Arianwen on
I was in Costa Rica last year so I’m looking forward to seeing the contrast with Colombia in a month’s time. I agree with Amanadoguy that Costa Rica is very much ‘on the map’ and popular with Americans. I hope to see Colombia’s charm while it is still a less obvious place to go.
Amanadoguy on
This article does capture some of what makes Colombia a very rewarding place to visit and/or live. In Medellin, for example, it’s a great city with great climate and very friendly people and great schools, and it has a beautiful setting in a mountain valley. In Cartagena, it’s an enchanting colonial town on the ocean. I’ve been in Colombia for awhile now and Colombians have a very special pride in their country. When asked if Colombians would want to live somewhere else, many respond that they are very happy living in Colombia. They love their country. They actually say things like, “I didn’t ask to be born in Colombia. I was just very lucky.” And, they have a phrase they commonly use, which is “Estas amanado en Colombia?” This means, in their jargon, “Are you happy in Colombia?” If you say yes, they are happy. Colombians are very open and formal at the same time. For example, they say, “Con gusto” and “Que estes bien” after you order something and before you say “Thank you.” What this means is “With pleasure” and “I hope you’re well”. Costa Rica, for example, is very well known by people in the US. Colombia is more of a mystery. And, like Costa Rica, it’s a very beautiful and unique place to be. I’ve traveled to about 25 countries and I’ve enjoyed them all. Colombia is the first country other than my native country that I choose to spend more time truly learning about the people and culture.
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