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COLOMBIA - AN OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY
Having done its best to shake off a reputation as a haven for drug lords and guerilla factions, Colombia’s appeal as a tourist destination has increased considerably over the last decade. Gorgeous beaches along both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines combined with historic cities and a colourful culture to make this South American country as marketable to holidaymakers as some of its more tourist-friendly neighbours.
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PLACES TO VISIT IN COLOMBIA
BOGATA: Sitting at a lofty height of over 2,500 metres above sea level, Bogotá is the country’s capital and a destination brimming with attractions of cultural interest. Museums are especially plentiful and include venues such as the Gold Museum (El Museo del Oro), the National Museum (Museo Nacional), the Museum of Colonial Art and the Museum of Modern Art of Bogota. The city’s dining and evening entertainment scenes are lively and boosted by a large selection of establishments.
CARTAGENA: Cartagena is a must-visit if history and cultural heritage are of interest to you. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on account of its wealth of ancient structures, among which are coralstone forts that date back half a millennia and magnificent buildings such as the 17th century Castillo de San Felipe and Santa Cruz monastery.
OTHER: Barranquilla is the place to visit if you like to party and dine on seafood, while Santa Marta along the coast offers lazy sun-soaked days and further lively evening entertainment options. Medellín, the country’s second largest city, offers pretty parks, modern architecture and art galleries.
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COLOMBIA - GETTING THERE FROM THE UK
Colombia is best reached via one of its larger airports, which includes those at Bogotá, Barranquilla and Medellínn. Connections between these airports and and North America are available. As there are no direct flights between the UK and Colombia, either fly there via the USA, or fly to Bogata via Spain (Madrid), Brazil (Sao Paulo) or Venezuela (Caracas).
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COLOMBIA - QUICK FACTS
The population of Colombia is roughly 43 million people.
The main language is Spanish.
The local currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP).
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