About Colombia
The word "Colombia" comes from the name Christopher Columbus, who as a Spanish colonist helped account for its wide ethical diversity. Ecologically too it is classified as one of the world's 18 megadiverse countries. Landscapes range from Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, tropical grassland and both Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
My favourite experience
"Who said Colombia was scary!? Our first night in Bogota was probably the best night of the whole trip. It was carnival time, the city was alive with multitudes of revellers - all looking to enjoy themselves. I was dragged onto a street party by a group of beautiful senoritas. I remember dancing, I remember kissing and I remember feeling happier than I had in years. I woke up the next morning alive with the passion of Colombia..." Peter, Ayr
"Who said Colombia was scary!? Our first night in Bogota was probably the best night of the whole trip. It was carnival time, the city was alive with multitudes of revellers - all looking to enjoy themselves. I was dragged onto a street party by a group of beautiful senoritas. I remember dancing, I remember kissing and I remember feeling happier than I had in years. I woke up the next morning alive with the passion of Colombia..." Peter, Ayr
Weather
The weather in Colombia is mostly dependent on how high up you are. The lowlands are generally hot and sticky all year round, while the Andean Highlands are quite a bit cooler - especially at night. Summer (same as UK) temperatures can get very hot, particulary around the Caribbean coastline. Bogota boasts a very pleasant climate all year round, with the driest months being from December through to March. Please bear in mind that all the aforesaid advice could well be made redundant by the wild behaviour of El Niño and La Niña.
Local grub
A fritanga is a heaped plate of meat - chorizo sausage, ribs, chops, steaks, organs such as heart or kidneys and more in any combination. Served with potatoes and/or fried bananas and fried in a deep saucepan. Vegetarians might want to give this dish a miss.
Useful info
Colombia is the world's largest producer of emeralds, and you'll have many opportunities to buy them. Don't be conned by the many men who stand around the streets, ready to pull envelopes from out of their pockets. Make sure you only buy from a reputable dealer.
Useless info
According to a recent study, Colombia was found to have the 2nd happiest people in the world. It was just behind the South Pacific island of Vanatu (population: 209).~
Try before you fly
For a virtual snapshot of the colourful landscapes of Colombia and a surreal insight into the passionate ways of its people - look no further than the novels of Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez. '100 years of Solitude' and 'Love in the time of Cholera' are two of our particular favourites.
The weather in Colombia is mostly dependent on how high up you are. The lowlands are generally hot and sticky all year round, while the Andean Highlands are quite a bit cooler - especially at night. Summer (same as UK) temperatures can get very hot, particulary around the Caribbean coastline. Bogota boasts a very pleasant climate all year round, with the driest months being from December through to March. Please bear in mind that all the aforesaid advice could well be made redundant by the wild behaviour of El Niño and La Niña.
Local grub
A fritanga is a heaped plate of meat - chorizo sausage, ribs, chops, steaks, organs such as heart or kidneys and more in any combination. Served with potatoes and/or fried bananas and fried in a deep saucepan. Vegetarians might want to give this dish a miss.
Useful info
Colombia is the world's largest producer of emeralds, and you'll have many opportunities to buy them. Don't be conned by the many men who stand around the streets, ready to pull envelopes from out of their pockets. Make sure you only buy from a reputable dealer.
Useless info
According to a recent study, Colombia was found to have the 2nd happiest people in the world. It was just behind the South Pacific island of Vanatu (population: 209).~
Try before you fly
For a virtual snapshot of the colourful landscapes of Colombia and a surreal insight into the passionate ways of its people - look no further than the novels of Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez. '100 years of Solitude' and 'Love in the time of Cholera' are two of our particular favourites.
