Colombia has long been the center of drug trafficking, cartels and crime, but over the past two decades, this Latin American country has undergone significant changes for the better. The country has headed for the development of tourism and the economy. Even with previous problems, Colombians are regularly ranked as the happiest people in the world.
Many travelers are happy to discover this underrated country. The passing equator gives the sea of sun and heat. The coast is dotted with beautiful tropical beaches as in the picture. There are many other attractions. Today most-beauty.ru offers you to see 10 places in Colombia that are really worth a visit.
1
Guatape
El Peñón de Guatape is a huge natural rock, towering above the beautiful town of Guatape, a two-hour drive from Medellin. An unusual rock is located near an artificial lake, created in the 60s for the needs of a hydroelectric power station. It rises above the lake at 220 meters and has sheer walls. The age of this unique natural site is about 70 million years. Climbing a rock is possible only through a single crevice, along the entire length of which, like a seam of a dressmaker, a staircase is built. The summit was conquered only in 1954 by two local residents. They wanted to write the name of the city of Guatape on the steep wall of the cliff, but there was enough strength only for the letter G and unfinished U. These letters can be seen to this day. After overcoming more than 600 steps of tourists, a viewing platform awaits you at the top, which offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding area.
2
Medellin
In the early 90s, the city of Medellin was mentioned only in criminal reports and was the capital of murders and robbery. The city was then hosted by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. The authorities are mired in corruption. Any resident who dared to earn by honest means had to pay tribute. Pablo Escobar was arrested in 1993. Since then, everything has changed. From crime and lawlessness there are only memories that locals willingly share with tourists. Now it is a calm city with picturesque architecture and mild climate. That climate can be called the main asset of the city. The average annual temperature here is around 24 ° C. Medellin is also called the "city of eternal spring."
By the way, you can find on our site most-beauty.ru with a list of the most dangerous cities in the world in this article.
3
San gil
Tired of lounging on paradise beaches or wallowing in a hammock in the rainforest? Do you want to relax and slightly disperse stagnant blood? Then you can recommend the once colonial mountain Colombian city of San Gil. This is one of the centers of all tourism in the country. Active leisure is developed here. Tourists are offered mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, canyoning, paragliding and much more.
In addition to sports, tourists can enjoy the architecture of the time of the Spanish colonialists, visit the ancient cathedral and the local covered market.
4
Bogota
Bogotá is a very colorful and beautiful city. Before the arrival of Columbus, there was an ancient settlement of indigenous peoples. The Spanish conquistadors began to develop it in 1538. It is also one of the highest capital cities in the world. The city is almost 3,000 meters in the Andes. Modern Bogota has a very vibrant nightlife. The city never sleeps. Street artists poured streets and buildings like a rainbow, making it a whole work of art.
5
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is located near the seaside town of Santa Marta. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful and picturesque place in all of Colombia. This is a charming combination of the wild beaches of the Caribbean Sea and tropical forests that go right to the foot of the snow-capped mountains. I just want to take a tent, some equipment, food and just get lost for a while in all this beauty. Every tourist here will feel like a discoverer, exploring the remains and ruins of ancient cities. In this paradise, time seems to freeze.
6
Cartagena
On the north coast of Colombia, there is another important tourist point - the city of Cartagena. The city is constantly on the move, days imperceptibly give way to nights, and nights fly by in the constant atmosphere of the holiday. It is significant that it was the first settlement that the Spanish colonialists founded in 1534. It was also the first place that began the liberation of slaves and the struggle against the slave trade throughout North America. For tourists organized thematic exhibitions about that harsh time.
7
Popayan
Popayan is one of the southernmost large cities in Colombia. It is located between two mountain ranges about 140 km south of Kali. This arrangement means rains. It rains here for almost half a year. Therefore, if you are going to this city, then you should grab an umbrella. Despite this, the climate here is quite favorable. The ancient colonial city has unique features. I also call it the “white city” by the color of the buildings, which are all painted or have a natural white color.
8
Capurgana
Capurgana and the nearest Sapzurro is the last piece of Colombian land before entering the Panama Canal. This is truly a paradise with stunning beaches that cross into the magnificent reefs of the Caribbean. Here everything is as from an advertisement picture. Soft sand, thick jungle behind him and the sound of waves. Wildlife is teeming with all sorts of outlandish creatures. This is where you can easily enjoy the sea delicacies just caught from the sea. Just be on the alert! Local monkeys can easily steal something from you. And as a complement - why not try going down or sailing to another continent? From here to a stone's throw.
9
Santa Rosa de Cabal
A city with a population of only 60 thousand inhabitants. Santa Rosa is famous for only two things: the ancient silk industry and Termales. This is a thermal pool combined with a waterfall, which is no longer called a work of art. This place is located 200 km south of the city of Medellin. It is very convenient for any traveler to drop in and plunge into the water with an ideal temperature. In the evening you can order drinks and enjoy them right in the water.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the most beautiful Colombian women in the world.
10
Santiago de Cali
This city has long been entrenched in the name of the capital of Salsa. This passionate Latin American dance is everywhere - in houses, cafes and just on the streets. People here do not dance for money or performance, but simply for pleasure and fun. If you arrive there, then be prepared to dance for days on end. Good and comfortable shoes will come in handy. The surrounding area is unique in the number of exotic animals and birds. This is where you can watch birds of paradise. Do not miss this chance.
Finally
In the photo: Las Lajas Church, built over an exquisite arched bridge.
This is only a small part of all the wonderful places you can visit when you find yourself in Colombia. And what sights of this country do you know? Write about them in the comments.