Colombia Travel Information

The second most populous country in South America, Colombia has worked its way through a troubled history to become one of the most important states in Latin America, and a great place to take holidays. Colombia comprises mainly the Andes Mountains and lowland savannah, though most people live in the coastal regions.

A top destination within Colombia, for its historic colonial attractions as well as miles of beachfront, Cartagena de Indias has long been known as the Capital of the Caribbean. Visit the old, walled city, home to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest fortress the Spaniards built in their colonies. You can also marvel at Las Bóvedas dungeons, which now house shops and cafes, or tour the perimeter of the walled city.

Colombia's rural areas could also tempt you out of the big cities, as the Andes Mountains are perfect if you're looking for a challenging hike. In the southeast of the country, you can also find the furthest reaches of the Amazon Rainforest, bordering Peru and Brazil.

Key information for holidays in Colombia

• Colombia's capital and largest city, Bogotá, rests in the Andes Mountains, where you can find colonial buildings in La Candelaria, a historic district. The city also hosts a number of festivals each year, including the Bogotá Film Festival.
• While lowland areas of Colombia tend to be tropical and warm, cities in higher elevations are more moderate. Cities such as Bogotá have irregular weather patterns, so be prepared for anything!
• Colombia is a favourite destination for ecotourism, and is listed as one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, so you'll find lots of opportunities to volunteer on your holiday. Coffee production also garners a tremendous interest from visitors to Colombia.

We're always in need of insider information for our destinations, and Colombia is no different. If you've got the scoop on Colombia, from coffee to Cartagena, why not become a local travel expert?