When it comes to travel destinations and adventure tour ideas, Colombia is not at the top of many people's list. It has a reputation as a dangerous country full of drug traffickers and guerrillas, which is often incorrectly perpetuated in Hollywood. While there was some instability in the 1980's and 90's, the government and people of Colombia have worked hard to overcome the negative perceptions, making their country safe and one of the most beautiful locations to travel. As the Colombian board of tourism says, The only risk is wanting to stay.
Colombia should be considered a top tour destination for the many treasures it has to offer. The adventure travel opportunities in this country are endless and if you give it a chance, Colombia will steal your heart.
photo by Francesco Veronesi (via Flickr)
Incredible Eco Diversity
Colombia is not gigantic, only slightly bigger than Texas and California combined, but it is considered "megadiverse" and the 2nd most ecologically diverse country on the planet. Home to more than 55,000 different plant and animals species, Colombia ranks #1 for bird diversity, #1 for orchid species, and #2 for plants in general. Not only does it contain incredible plant and animal life, but Colombia is home to six distinct biomes, ranging from tropical rain forest, to grasslands, to deserts. You will find majestic mountains, as well as beautiful beaches on the Caribbean AND Pacific coasts. If you are a nature loving, eco-conscious traveler, Colombia's incredible array of biological wonders is sure to take your breath away.
Unique, Tantalizing Food
If you're looking for spicy food, you might want to leave that stereotype of Latin cuisine at home. Colombian food is known to be rich and flavorful, with unique blends of spices and ingredients, but not necessarily "hot and spicy." Mouthwatering arepas are corn cakes that can be found in almost every home and at every street vendor in Colombia, and can be eaten for any meal. Try them with a variety of toppings, like Arepa de Huevo (egg) for breakfast, or arepa Boyacense (cheese), which is a tantalizing blend of sweet and salty. Other national food treasures of Colombia include Ajiaco, a famous chicken soup, and arroz con coco (rice with coconut milk), among many, many others. Bring a big appetite!
Rich History and Inviting Culture
Colombia's extraordinary history includes influences from Native Indians, Africans, and Europeans. From the famous legend of the golden city of El Dorado, to Spanish colonization, Colombia's background is rich and diverse, artfully blending elements from many cultures. Cumbia music, the most recognized style from Colombia, was heavily influenced by African culture and incorporates drums, Native Indian flutes, claves, guitars, and maracas. Colombia's many different regions are distinctive, following their own customs and traditions, but they all share a joyfulness that is expressed and celebrated through fairs, carnivals, and cultural festivals. Colombianos know how to live life to the fullest, and they are ready to take you along for the experience of a lifetime.
Untapped Adventures Await
It might sound strange, but Colombia's previous reputation is a boon for today’s adventure traveler! So much of the exotic and beautiful landscape of Colombia is untouched, offering amazing opportunities for trekking across pristine natural resources. Imagine playing in the surf of an isolated beach oasis, canoeing down a river in the rainforest, or watching an exotic species of bird as if you are the one making a great scientific discovery. The opportunity to experience a primordial corner of the earth is well within reach when you travel to the majestic, warm, welcoming country that is Colombia.
So it's true, you need to be careful when you visit Colombia: your heart may be held hostage by this amazing country and you may never want to leave.