Regions in Brief

Colombia is a country with much to offer the adventurous tourist. Whether you want to enjoy the sophisticated city atmosphere of Bogotá, swim in the clear Caribbean waters of San Andrés or Providencia, or live the cowboy life in the Eje Cafetero, Colombia has what you're looking for.

Bogota

Situated at more than 2,400m (8,000 ft.), and bordered by the Andes to the east, Bogotá is the third-highest capital in the world. Its nearly eight million residents make it Colombia's largest city by far, and one that has some of South America's best museums, universities, and restaurants. Bogotá is quickly taking on an international character as more and more multinationals invest in and set up headquarters there.

Antioquia & the Eje Cafetero

This is Colombia's cowboy country, not to mention one of its wealthiest regions, blessed with magnificent mountain scenery, coffee-terraced slopes, and old-world small towns. But Antioquia and the Eje Cafetero aren't all country: Armenia, Manizales, and Pereira are thriving cities with a coffee-based economy and Medellín, Colombia's second largest metropolis, is one of Latin America's most progressive and innovative cities.

San Andres, Providencia & the Atlantic Coast

Some of the safest and most accessible travel experiences in the country are found here. San Andrés, long popular with Colombian tourists, boasts beautiful white sand-beaches and sprawling, all inclusive resorts, while less developed Providencia is famous for its Caribbean-English architecture and scuba diving. Cartagena, the pride and joy of Colombia, has the most impressive Old City in the Americas, dating all the way back to the 16th century. Its many plazas and restaurants come alive at night and its colonial architecture is unmatched anywhere on the western hemisphere.

The Southwest & Pacific Coast

Though still considered dangerous, this region has some accessible areas. Cali, the salsa-music capital of Colombia, claims to have the most beautiful women in Colombia, and its nightlife is unrivaled anywhere in Colombia. Popayan, second only to Cartagena in terms of colonial architecture, is a beautiful, white-washed city with an active student and cafe life. The Pacific coast and El Choco, inhabited almost exclusively by African descendants, is one of the wettest regions in the world, known for its dense jungles and unnavigable rivers. Unfortunately, much of this region is controlled by leftist guerillas or right-wing paramilitaries, but some intrepid travelers have visited the coast's pristine, virgin beaches. Nariño and its capital, Pasto, in many ways are culturally closer to Ecuador and Peru, and offer some of the highest peaks and best markets in the country. Warning: I recommend that travelers avoid this region. If, however, you're intent on going, try to fly to your destination and be sure to check security conditions first. Resources include the U.S. Department of State website (www.travel.state.gov), Colombian newspapers such as El Tiempo (www.eltiempo.com), and Colombians themselves.

The Eastern Planes & the Amazon Jungle

Most of Colombia is composed of sparsely inhabited planes and jungle. Los Llanos, as they are known in Colombia, are physically similar to the American Midwest, and inhabitants have a definitively independent, relentless spirit. The eastern planes have recently become safer as the Colombian armed forces battle guerilla and paramilitaries to reclaim the land, but I don't recommend venturing into this region on your own.

The Amazon covers 33% of Colombia, but only 1% of the country's population -- mostly indigenous tribes -- lives there. Except for Leticia and its surroundings, this area is inaccessible. Warning: The dense jungle make this region perfect for coca production as well as paramilitary and guerilla activity; do not venture here unless you're taking a direct flight to Leticia.