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Frequently, many travellers only have two days for discovering a new city. That's why we bring you a list of things to do in Cartagena in 48 hours.
Many travelers have only two or three days to travel outside of holiday season vacation time. Therefore, it is essential to have a guide to plan the visit well and make the most of your time, so as not to miss anything at the destination. In large, culturally rich destinations that offer diverse activities, such as Cartagena, planning can be a bit more complicated due to the numerous options available. The flight and hotel search engine Viajala prepared an itinerary with the best things to do in Cartagena during a 48 hours stay. If you are planning a getaway to Bolívar's capital, be sure to consider this itinerary.
Because of its climate and proximity to the sea, surely Cartagena's beaches are among the reasons to travel to the coastal city. But, since you have so little time, we suggest that you maximize your vacation excitement and hit the ground running to first enjoy one of Cartagena's most beautiful attractions: the Historic Center. After breakfast, start your day by touring the streets of one of Colombia's most beautiful historic districts. There is a plethora of options, but the following are Viajala's not-to-miss recommendations:
This first tour will certainly work up an appetite for lunch. Nearby you will find many places offering exquisite food. If you do not know which restaurant to choose, we suggest Celele, Mila, Carmen, la Cocina de Socorro, Interno, El Gobernador, María, Alma, and Mar—a few highlights among endless options. After lunch, continue sightseeing at the famous Castillo de San Felipe, whose military structure is considered one of the 7 wonders of Colombia. Inside you will find tunnels, galleries, a main square, ramps, traps, and escape routes that will undoubtedly transport you back in time. The tour takes between 2 and 3 hours. Before finishing your walk through the Historic Center, don't forget to visit the Zenú Gold Museum. Of all the museums in Cartagena, this is one of the best, as it houses wonderful collection of ceramics and gold pieces from the main pre-Columbian cultures. During your visit, you can learn more about this ancestral culture through over 500 pieces made of gold, ceramic, stone, shells, and even bone. Finally, every visitor in Cartagena must end their first night with a good dose of music and dancing. There is no better place for this than the famous Getsemaní neighborhood. Enjoy the best of the coastal party scene at Bazurto Social Club, and dance to the catchy beats of champeta, cumbia, and porro.
Now is the moment you've been waiting for. Since you visited the best of Cartagena on day 1, now let yourself relax on its beautiful surrounding beaches. The beaches on Isla Barú and the rest of the Rosario Islands are the best options to spend an unforgettable sunny day by the sea. The fastest way to get there is to take a boat from the tourist dock. If you don't want to think about logistics on your second day, another option is to join a tour that takes care of everything for you. Tours include travel to the islands, water activities, lunch options, and return trip to Cartagena. There are many agencies that offer these services. It all depends on your budget. Once you have decided if you will go on your own or join a tour, you must decide if you want to spend the whole day or just a few hours visiting the beaches. If you decide to stay for only a few hours before returning to the city, you can continue enjoying Cartagena by visiting Las Bóvedas. This is an old compound of dungeons that currently house a variety of handicrafts and antique stores. It's the ideal place to buy a souvenir of your trip to Cartagena. These are just some of the activities that La Heroica has to offer. If possible, we recommend you stay a few more days, or return at another time. You may also enjoy: Cartagena: A world's heritage site In Tourism, the answer is Cartagena Three tour guides to explore Cartagena with limited time
Cali, also called "a piece of heaven," is recognized for its party atmosphere that fills the air, its summer weather, and the warmth of its people.
Don't worry if you only have time for a short visit. The team at Viajala, the flight and hotel metasearch engine, gives the following suggestions to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Cali, Colombia.
Start your visit in the colonial neighborhood of San Antonio, one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Cali, where you can appreciate colonial architecture dating back to the 18th century. Enjoy wandering its streets—full of antique shops, galleries, and restaurants—on foot or by bicycle. Climb to the top of the hill to take in an unbeatable panoramic view, and visit the Baroque-style chapel while there. Then head towards the famous Gato del Río (River Cat) sculpture made by Hernando Tejada, and enjoy a stroll around the park to check out the various works of art found there. For lunch, satisfy your hunger at restaurants such as El Escudo del Quijote, offering contemporary Colombian cuisine, El Escudo Sandwich Bar, which serves hamburgers and sandwiches, or the famous Hotel Obelisco's restaurant, which sells traditional empanadas and even luladas, a typical local drink. Continue walking along the river bank and visit the Boulevard del Río, a pedestrian walkway and tunnel whose construction ended in 2013 and is now considered a cultural hub. If you have time, visit the Jairo Varela museum, dedicated to the rhythm of salsa.
End your tour at La Ermita Church, restored in 1942, which houses the Señor de la Caña (Lord of Sugarcane). Revel in its incredible Gothic architecture and rest for a while to recharge your batteries, because a day in Cali isn't complete without some salsa dancing. In the evening, we suggest tasting delicious fare at the Platillos Voladores restaurant, which serves typical Colombian dishes with local ingredients such as chontaduro. Finally, to end a great day, visit typical salsa bars like Zaperoco or those in the Juanchito area.
In the morning, head towards Cerro los Cristales to visit the Cristo Rey Monument. During your climb, you can appreciate Carlos Andrés Gómez's geoglyph, consisting of figures sculpted with cement and mud in the ravines. Upon arrival you will see the monument, a 26-meter tall sculpture of Christ standing with open arms. Built by the Society of Jesus, it was inaugurated in 1953 in homage to 50 years of peace after Colombia's War of a Thousand Days. After taking a few panoramic photos, you can also visit the chapel and craft stalls. If you'd like to try local cuisine, taste the marranitas, aborrajados, and fritangas they serve in the restaurant Ringlete. However, another option is Antigua Contemporanea Cafe, which serves international food in a traditional house so well decorated that it transports diners to another era. In the afternoon you can choose between visiting the Cali Zoo—founded in 1969 and housing more than 250 animals—or touring the sugar cane museum, an open-air space 42 kilometers outside of Cali, where you will learn about the region's star product as well as Valle del Cauca architecture since the 18th century. Finally, attend a salsa show to be wowed by local talent. One of the world's most emblematic shows is undoubtedly Delirio however, performances are limited, so check the schedule and purchase tickets in advance.
In short, if you are looking for great fun and good food, the World Capital of Salsa is the destination for you. After your short visit, we can bet that you'll want to see more of Cali and even come back to enjoy traditional events such as the Cali Fair, with its famous Salsódromo and Superconcierto events. You may also enjoy: What should I visit in Cali? Basic guide to the salsa capital Cali, sport headquarters with the world games How to dance like a Colombian
From a cultural agenda, to party nights; here are some things to do in Bogotá that will make your stay in the capital unforgettable. Don't miss them!
The city of Bogotá is one of the destinations that offers the widest variety of possibilities when traveling through Colombia. The options are countless, but, if you have little time, the flight and hotel metasearch engine Viajala offers the best plans to make the most of your stay when deciding what things to do in Bogotá. From a rich cultural scene to fun-filled party nights, the activities presented below will make your experience in the capital an unforgettable one.
After arriving at the airport and checking in to your accommodation, we suggest first visiting the city’s most iconic places. Most are in the center, so it will be quite easy to get around. Visit the Gold Museum, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There you will find a complete collection of goldsmith pieces and pottery from the indigenous cultures of the pre-Columbian period. Admission is free on Sundays.
After going to the Gold Museum, you can take a walk through the La Candelaria neighborhood. This neighborhood, located in the eastern central part of the city, makes up a large part of Bogotá's historic center, making it a virtually obligatory stop on your itinerary. In La Candelaria you will find the Plaza de Bolívar, the Palacio de Nariño (the presidential palace), and hundreds of artistic institutions, theaters, museums, and libraries.
Finally, we recommend you go up Monserrate and end your first day by taking in a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Monserrate is one of Bogotá's largest and most visited surrounding hills. If you are in good physical condition, you can climb the hill on foot, or if you prefer, there is also the option to use the cable car or funicular.
Bogotá's cultural agenda is one of the most active in Colombia. Therefore, we suggest that your second day involves a tour of the Botanical Garden, the Planetarium, and the Chicó Museum. All these places, in addition to their permanent attractions, have interactive cultural programming that ranges from exhibitions, talks, and conferences, to concerts, events, and screenings. Programming can be found on their websites. Start with the Botanical Garden, a space that covers an area of more than 20 hectares, focused on the Cundiboyacense highlands and páramo ecosystems. Among the different attractions are: the rose garden, waterfall, Andean forest, herb garden, an indigenous settlement, and an exotic plant collection. Continue your tour by visiting the planetarium, with a 5-room space museum offering 35 audiovisual and interactive experiences related to astronomy and sky observation. Enjoy the projection of the most recognized stars and constellations in the dome stretching 23 meters in diameter. Finally, head towards the Chicó Museum, a typical 18th-century colonial farmhouse. Its permanent exhibition includes a Viceroyalty Hall and three French salons. In addition, the green space around it, which serves as a park open to the public, is the perfect setting for a picnic. Before turning in for the night, explore Bogotá's nightlife. The capital offers a diverse array of bars, clubs, and restaurants throughout the city. Some good options for nightlife are the Modelia neighborhood, the Zona T and Zona G areas, and the streets around Parque 93.
The last day of your trip should be loaded with fun. To end your stay with a flourish, we suggest you visit one or more of Bogotá's amusement and theme parks. These are our recommendations:
If you still have time after enjoying the amusement parks, we suggest you visit Usaquén. Although it is considered a neighborhood, this beautiful area has retained its village feeling, with cobbled streets and ancient buildings. Walk through the main park, visit the flea market, and pick up several Colombian handicrafts as souvenirs of your trip. If you prefer something more modern, check out the Hacienda Santa Bárbara, a shopping center that spectacularly combines colonial and modern design. After a whole day of fun, rest assured that you saw the best of Bogotá in a short time. However, if you decide to stay to experience all that Bogota has to offer, you will discover the limitless possibilities of the Colombian capital. You may also enjoy: An express guide to Bogotá for half a day, one day or a weekend. Five unusual ways to see Bogotá Enjoy your weekend in Bogotá experiencing the ciclovía
On her visit to Colombia, Olivia López dove into the national fashion industry along with some of its most highly recognized contemporary designers.
American creative consultant and fashion writer Olivia López arrived in Colombia alongside French photographer Mathieu Lebreton to discover a wide array of new and exciting design proposals. A few years ago, with a promising career in the industry after having created Lust for Life, Olivia decided to keep a record of all the key insights on new global trends she could gather on her trips around the world and share them through social media. Now, with more than 330K followers on Instagram, she accepted Colombia Country Brand’s invitation to get to know national trends up close and fall in love with local creations. Olivia flew over to the crossroads of the Americas to find a country full of surprises and a magical vibe:
The capital of Colombia greeted Olivia López in the best of ways. During her stay, she had an incredible first encounter with the city’s fashion scene as she strolled the streets of this metropolis that blends modern and colonial architecture. Here, she encountered various products with amazing features ranging from the beautiful colors and textures of traditional Colombian handicrafts, to the creativity and innovation of modern fashion statements. She also had the opportunity to discuss these subjects at length with many leading Colombian designers of global fame. Although Olivia’s visit was focused on fashion, the culinary arts didn’t stay behind. With an open mind, she tasted lots of the different captivating flavors Bogota has to offer at both high-end restaurants and street food joints. She also discovered a huge variety of fruits in one of the most important markets of the city a place that really showcases why Colombia’s natural richness places it as the second most biodiverse country in the world. The way tropical fruits and local flavors come together with foreign recipes creates a borderless culinary universe, which allowed our guests to try mind-blowing dishes. Among Bogota’s flourishing art scene, one of the most traditional locations manages to keep attracting most of the city’s visitors: the unmissable museum complex in La Candelaria. Here, both Mathieu and Olivia had the chance to marvel at some of Fernando Botero’s most famous paintings, along with other remarkable modern art pieces that were part of his private collection, which he donated to the city in the year 2000. Click the video below to discover Olivia's visit in Bogota.
A sea of impossible blue hues, a refreshing tropical breeze and the ever-present Colombian joie de vivre were ready to greet Olivia at Providencia, a charming island located deep in the Caribbean Sea, a couple of hours by plane from Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport. In this secluded tropical paradise, nature embraces visitors and allows them to experience a completely different way of life. During her trip, Olivia relaxed in magnificent beaches and dove into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to find treasures beneath the waves. The charming, carefree island culture won over both travelers, compelling them to let loose and feel the rhythm of traditional Raizal music: a unique combination of instruments and melodies that bring diverse origins into the mix. Something special about this island is the fact that music lives in every corner of it, harmonies with the power to transport you even further away from ordinary life are carried everywhere by the warm breeze. On her way through the archipelago, Olivia also enjoyed multiple local recipes prepared by locals who infuse these traditional seafood-based dishes with a charming, homey taste. This Caribean jewel provided our visitors with a much-needed break that would prepare them for the adventures awaiting them back in the mainland. Click the video below to discover Olivia's visit in Providencia.
Back on the fashion adventure, Olivia’s final stop was the iconic city of Cartagena, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. On day one, the magical ambiance could be felt in every step our guests took along the walled city’s colonial streets, where some of the country’s most high-end boutiques opened their doors to them and introduced them to their work. Colors, patterns, ruffles, gold, and much more impressed Olivia with many beautiful and authentic designs. Along the way, she got the chance to meet her favorite Colombian designer, and learned about the immense role culture can play as a source of endless inspiration for an entire industry. Their stay was also rendered unforgettable thanks to the various flavors they encountered: Olivia and Mathieu took pleasure in tasting the delightful dishes prepared by some of the best restaurants in the country. They even received a special coffee-tasting certification after a quick course with experts on the subject. As Colombia’s inherent diversity dictates, not everything was about fashion and history. The couple’s journey ended with a little day-trip to even more beautiful beaches and seascapes just an hour away by boat from Cartagena, far from the crowds in the city. Yet another paradise where worries are forgotten and visitors realize what the pleasure of living truly means. Click the video below to discover Olivia's visit in Cartagena.
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For the first time ever, a work of contemporary art from Colombia will be part of the Vatican Gardens. Its creator, artist José Augusto Rivera Castro, tells us the story behind this remarkable feat.
They were standing less than a meter apart. A distance that for José Augusto felt like an immense privilege. “I waved at him to both greet and thank him, although we weren’t able to chat, we shared a smile,” says the Colombian artist about his encounter with Pope Francis during his visit to Rome in 2019. That moment will forever live in José Augusto’s memory and heart, for Pope Francis expressed his great admiration for a contemporary sculpture the artist created in 2017, titled “Ritual de reconciliación” (“Reconciliation Ritual”). A sculpture that is now being replicated on a larger scale in order to be placed in the Vatican Gardens, specifically the Pinecone Courtyard, one of the Vatican Museums’ most popular attractions, visited by more than 600,000 tourists each year.
José Augusto Rivera Castro is a visual artist who has always striven to narrate the history of Colombia through his works of art, seeking to leave a lasting opportunity for reflection and contemplation for all Colombians, as well as a positive image of the country around the world. Some of his artworks can be found in collections around the world, such as the private collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the National Tango Academy in Buenos Aires. “None, however, in such an eminent and remarkable collection, which makes this my career’s magnum opus,” claims the artist.
According to José Augusto, the road to this achievement, despite being a long one, was also immensely special. It all started with Pope Francis’ 2017 visit to Colombia. During his tour of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Pope caught a glimpse of this contemporary sculpture and was so fascinated by it, he asked to take it back to the Vatican. Upon learning of this remarkable occurrence, Jose Augusto thought of offering the Vatican a large-scale version as a gift. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reached out to the Colombian Ambassador to the Vatican and scheduled a visit to the Eternal City. In 2018, José Augusto traveled to Rome and personally presented his project to the Governor of Vatican City, the Culture Undersecretary and the Director of the Collection of Contemporary Art of the Vatican Museums. The officials were so impressed by “Reconciliation Ritual” they requested an additional smaller-scale replica to keep in the permanent Collection of Contemporary Art of the Vatican Museums.
José Augusto Rivera Castro is the first living artist to be a part of this collection. His contemporary sculpture will accompany some of the most important works in art history.
In 2019, a letter arrived from the Governorate of Vatican City authorizing the sculpture to be placed in the gardens. By special request of Pope Francis himself, it’ll be placed in the Pinecone Courtyard, one of the most visited of all Vatican City.
This contemporary sculpture depicts a group of people with no social, racial, political or economic distinctions that have come together in an all-encompassing hug that is itself a unique moment – dubbed by José Augusto a “ritual” – in which values, stories and dreams are shared and commended, while also reconciling with nature. Some of these figures are interlocking fingers, while others grasp shoulders, necks and hips with warmth. The various ways in which these people approach, embrace and look at each other provide this work of contemporary art with unique dynamism and a harmonious composition.
José Augusto highlights another key aspect of this sculpture: a warm light which radiates from the heart of this embrace, a clarity that encourages forgiveness and fraternal love.
The sculpture will be 2.5 meters tall by 3 meters wide and will weigh between 1,600 and 2,000 kilos. It’ll be cast in bronze with an antique gold finish.
Just like José Augusto Rivera believes in the power of community and reconciliation, he also believes in teamwork. This work of art would not be possible without his team, who have become like family through their continued support. His sculptors, assistants and smelters, people he has known since they were “just little kids”, have aided him in the modelling and casting of the sculpture. It’s alongside this team that José Augusto continues to work on this project in a country house in Antioquia.
Crónica, a Colombian cultural project management team has launched Juntos por la reconciliación (Together for Reconciliation), a fundraising campaign that seeks to fund the construction, transport and installation of this contemporary sculpture in the Vatican. Thanks to various sponsors, the modelling has been completed and the necessary casting material been obtained. The goal is to raise COP 1.35 billion (USD 362,000) that’ll enable José Augusto to construct the sculpture and then ship it over to Italy for its installation in the Vatican Gardens. Once again, Colombian talent has displayed its ability to overcome frontiers through the sheer power of works of art that share with the entire world the absolute best Colombia has to offer. You may also enjoy:
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Amidst the beautiful mountain range of the Andes lies the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, recognized by UNESCO’s World Heritage list and the cradle of one of the best tasting coffees in the world. Discover the magic behind a cup of Colombian coffe
According to history of coffee dates back many centuries in the northeastern side of the African continent, a place known today as Ethiopia. Apparently, a goat herder named Pastor Kaldi noticed a different and energetic behavior in his goats after consuming the red berries of a particular plant. He went to the local monastery to share this information and to experiment with this fruit. After several trials, the monks realized what would help them to stay awake during their nightly prayers were the berries. After roasting the beans and grinding them, they managed a way to create this amazing beverage known today as coffee. It wasn’t until 1735 when the Jesuits missionaries brought coffee seeds to Colombian territory to plant them at the community seminary in the city of Popayán. Ever since we became so passionate about growing Colombian coffee, we realized the perfect conditions we have to harvest and the process it takes to make one of the best coffees in the planet.
Robusta and Arabica are the two main varieties of different types of coffee in the world. The first one comes from a plant called Coffeea Canephora, which is mostly grown in Brazil and some regions of Africa. These types of coffee beans, when processed, tend to have a stronger and more bitter taste. For this reason, it is mostly used in blends to make instant coffee or other caffeinated beverages like instant coffee, sodas or tea. On the other hand, Arabica is one of the types of coffee beans that grow in the Coffea Arabica plant, mostly found in tropical climates around the equator, Central America and some regions in Africa. It is a plant that requires very special conditions to grow properly and when processed, its most amazing characteristics are enhanced, such as hints of fruit and berries, a slight/mild acidity, some notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts, and just a little bitterness. These qualities make it the best tasting coffee in the world. Colombia only grows Arabica. Also these types of beans represent over 60% of the international coffee trade.
The quality of a coffee is defined by certain physical and sensorial characteristics, and while the first can be arranged in machines, the second has a lot to do with the different techniques or technologies used during the drying and fermentation process. What the great coffee tasters in the world measure and value about Colombian coffee is "the cleanliness of the cup", especially its acidity, a rare characteristic in many coffees around the world, and part of what makes coffee of Colombia the most coveted in the international market.
As we previously mentioned, Arabica is well known to have higher quality, but it’s also harder to grow. That’s because it requires the highest altitudes of the beautiful Colombian mountain-range where you find the perfect conditions, including volcanic soils, warm tropical temperature and enough rain and sunshine to harvest the best coffee cherries. Due to the steep coffee farms located in the mountain peaks of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, the coffee in Colombia is hand-picked as it would be impossible for machines to operate in the territory. Also, the machine would ruin the entire branch of the plant and wouldn’t be able to differentiate red, ripe, over ripped, or green beans. Farmers and local coffee pickers are able to very carefully select beans of the highest classification. Colombia is the third-largest coffee producing country and the top producer of mild coffee in the world.
Colombia is one of the few countries that produces two coffee crops a year, the main harvest starts with the international crop cycle and International Coffee Day Oct. 1st.
For the FNC (Federación Nacional de Cafeteros), the organization that representing the interests of coffee in Colombia growers both nationally and internationally, the main goal is to export the best coffee in the world. For this reason, they oversee every bundle of Colombian coffee exported to other countries, sampling and testing to ensure the highest quality. Depending on the soil and climate conditions of every region in Colombia, you can have a very clean cup of coffee with good acidity, and a certain sweetness. These qualities are a big bonus for different types of coffees. Most Colombian coffees have a good sweetness and other characteristics such as aromatic notes. When it is tasted and smelled, you can enjoy notes of jasmine, roses or even chocolate, profiles that are created to satisfy the international market.
The coffees from the south of Cauca, Nariño and Huila have higher acidity and sweetness, and the coffees from the Santander and the Atlantic coast have medium acidity and less sweetness.
In recent years the international market has become more demanding of the characteristics they expect in their cup of coffee. This has led Colombia to modify the process of how coffee is created. Normally, the seeds are collected and the "benefit" is made, which involves pulping the cherry, putting it to ferment and then washing. These types of coffees are called washed arabicas, and it is through this process that characteristics of acidity and sweetness are highlighted or established. Usually in Colombia there is a fermentation period of 14hrs, but some increase that to upwards of 30 hours. By modifying fermentation times, coffee growers obtain new flavors and aromas to produce their own versions of the best tasting coffee. As you can see, Colombia produces the greatest coffee in the planet. The largest volume of coffee is exported to the USA, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland. Now that you know the thorough processes, we follow to give you the highest quality, celebrate International Coffee Day with us by having a fresh brewed cup of Colombian Arabica coffee. Without a doubt, Colombia is a country with many wonderful things to discover. In fact, Disney made a movie inspired in Colombia: Encanto. A beautiful show of Colombia's traditions and characteristics that make this country so unique. Click here to know more. Related articles: Enjoy the Food tourism in the Coffee Cultural Landscape Four foreigners explain why they fell in love with Colombia Eight Colombian products that are setting trends across the globe
As Halloween events draw near, so does our desire to be spooked. Discover the real stories behind some of the most famous haunted places in Colombia. Prepare to get goosebumps!
Halloween is coming near and so the truth behind the haunted places in Colombia
Colombia is a marvelous country with wonderful places to experience, and others just to hear about, as the scary horror stories that precede them are an adventure only for the brave. Now that we are getting closer to the season, let’s enjoy one of the best Halloween traditions and read up about some of the most haunted places in the world. Colombia has a list of its very own, and you can even experience it for yourself with a ghost tour!
The Tequendama waterfall is 515 feet high and is formed by the waters of the Bogotá River. This natural attraction, first on our list of the most haunted places in Colombia, is located approximately 18 Miles southwest of Bogota and boasts a trove of paranormal stories dating back to the times of the Spanish colonization. Some of the most popular stories surround the deaths incurred by indigenous tribes in the region, The Muiscas, who used to take prisoners of war to the falls and force them to jump to their deaths. Another side to this story is that as their own god figure ´Bochica’ created the waterfalls, those who jumped believed they would become eagles and gain freedom from slavery. Paranormal events in the area are mainly concentrated at the side of the waterfall, in a nearby large house, at the ‘Refugio del Salto’ hotel, which later on became a local restaurant. The scary horror stories that emerge from the area feature appearances by headless men and the sound of bar fights, not unlike those which would take place in the same room several centuries ago. Furthermore, even the locals claim to this day to see a wandering nun who accidentally fell into the waters that flow into what is now known as The Lake of the Dead.
The abandoned island of Gorgona is another destination on our list of the most haunted places in the country. Its name comes from the poisonous snakes that live on the island, reminiscent of Medusa, the most famous gorgon in Greek Mythology. Located just 22 miles away from the Pacific coast of the department of Cauca, these ruins have become part of a National Natural Park which attracts hundreds of tourists annually and seeks to preserve the area’s abundant fauna and flora. The maximum-security institution, which operated from 1960 to 1984, housed the most dangerous criminals in facilities that included small wooden cabins, punishment cells, and latrines. As the story goes, the prisoners had to survive scary horror stories of their own, as if they were competing in some Halloween activities contest. From facing animals such as sharks and poisonous snakes, to being exposed to the worst tropical diseases. Entering Gorgona at that time was almost certainly a death sentence, just as it was trying to escape from it. It is on our list of most haunted places because it is said that even presently the prison’s strange energy is substantiated by fleeting shadows and unexplained noises, with some visitors even claiming to have experienced the sensation that someone is trying to hold them back while on the ghost tour. Many also report hearing the yelling and screaming of inmate spirits. Today it is a place recognized for being a great diving spot with remarkable biodiversity, and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
On the night of November 13, 1985, after sixty-nine years of inactivity, the ‘Nevado del Ruiz’ volcano erupted, burying the prosperous town of Armero, and with it more than 23,000 unsuspecting inhabitants, many of whom have never been found to this day. This is why it is often called the town with 30,000 ghosts. Over time the physical space has become a cemetery, with hundreds of marked symbolic tombs standing out alongside the ruins of old buildings. The top of the church's bell tower, which survived the tragedy, has been placed in the same place where the sacred precinct used to be. Tourists come to this place to offer a prayer for the victims of the tragedy, while others are attracted by the scary horror stories. These visitors pursue a ghost tour of their own, and it is rumored possible to hear disembodied lamentations, especially in what remains of the first floor of the hospital. Those who experience the paranormal here say that these ghosts are not there to scare the living, but to cry out for a proper funeral which will allow them to gain closure and rest in peace for all eternity. One of these stories involves a traveler who had to make a stop in Armero to rest. Out of pure curiosity, he took pictures of the place with his cell phone and noticed a house in ruins that had a sign that read "Tribute". A few days later, when he saw the photo again, he noticed the image of a man under the arch of the entrance with his nose and mouth covered with a kind of scarf. It could be one of the many desperate souls that remain wandering this territory which was destroyed so abruptly. Without a doubt, Armero is one of the most haunted places in the world.
La Candelaria is the oldest neighborhood in the capital of Colombia. The historic center of Bogotá has not only become a cultural hub in the city, but an architectural and historical heritage for the whole country. Moreover, it has become a place that holds a great mystery, one that is reflected in its ostentatious houses and streets, making it one of the most haunted places in the world and in Colombia. In fact, one of the best Halloween traditions is to take its ghost tour and dare to encounter more than meets the eye. It’s said that more than 8 ghosts over 400 years old appear at night in different spots of the neighborhood. One of them is ‘The prince of the pigeons”, the ghost of a blond-haired and blue-eyed child that appears in the early mornings carrying breadcrumbs in his hands. He walks the alleys to feed the pigeons, just as he used to almost three centuries ago. It is said that he suffered from mental illness and believed that he was an important figure for these birds. Therefore, he protected them, and anyone who bothered the pigeons by throwing stones at them or being otherwise cruel "will have a very bad night", as the ghost of the child-prince will not let them sleep. There is another famous legend of La Candelaria which surrounds the ghost of a laundress who after passing away began to appear to her companions, leaving their clothes clean and spread out on the clotheslines. Not all the spirits in this neighborhood are as friendly as the ones we mentioned, with so many others who died in different circumstances, schemes and mysteries that surrounded their gaining independence from the Spanish crown.
The Central Cemetery is the oldest in Bogota. As if it was trying to welcome visitors to enjoy Halloween activities, the entrance bears an ominous message: 'We await the resurrection of the dead'. Maybe this is why it’s claimed that a man, apparently a monk in a long white dress, guards the place. He walks slowly with a halo that turns on and off, as if it was a lighthouse guiding lost souls to a safe resting place. It is considered one of the spookiest places as it houses the remains of important national personalities such as former presidents, artists and businessmen. Among those is the famous German entrepreneur Leo Siegfried Kopp, founder of the Bavaria brewery (the biggest one in the country) who died in 1927. About 30 people line up daily to his statue to speak in his ear and ask him for help with any kind of favor, especially ones related to abundance and prosperity. Many stories surround the cemetery, the most popular having to do with the grave and bronze statue of Elvira and Victoria Bodmer-- two sisters who apparently died under suspicious circumstances. Some say it was a fire, others claim that it was a weird disease. Their tomb space is filled with flowers, sweets, and various toys. "so that the spirits of the girls come out to play." Those who work in the cemetery assure visitors that other presences may appear randomly, usually around an area known as the snail, a staircase that leads to a basement with multiple corridors full of tombs. Related articles: Colombia’s Haunted Houses Colombia’s Favorite Superstitions Why is Colombia the best country to travel? Your top 10 travel and tourism questions answered
These are the stories of three foreigners who rarely thought about living abroad, but were destined to change their minds when they decided to visit Colombia. Although they were just traveling at first, it’d be a trip that would change their lives. Dis
Stephan Battaglia with his Colombian girlfriend, Alejandra Cubillos.
Stephan is in his twenties. He’s a baker and loves Colombian people. Six years ago, wanting to visit his uncle who was living in Colombia – in Medellin to be exact – and despite not speaking any Spanish, he decided to visit Colombia. This first visit to our country was a life-changing experience for him. How come? Because he visited two of his now-favorite Colombian cities: Medellin and Cartagena, which both greatly represent the thing that charmed him the most: Colombian culture. For him, this trip seemed way too short, so he decided to return the following year. In 2015, he came back to Colombia. This time, the city of Cartagena became a temporary second home as he studied Spanish for three months. It was then that he fell in love with the country for good. Stephan had a thought he couldn’t shake: “I don’t want to leave this place”. So, he decided to leave Switzerland behind instead and start a new life living in Colombia and doing what he knew best: baking, but this time, in Nowadays he owns the ‘Swiss Bakery’ with his partner and Colombian girlfriend, Alejandra Cubillos.
I’ve never met people as kind as Colombian people. They really want to know about you, how you feel. Everybody knows each other, and instantly becomes your ‘parcero’ (friend).
I have to say that it feels like home. I love the Medellin weather, just as warm as its people. Additionally, the cost of living in Colombia is very good.
Renée Gerges with her husband and her two children.
Renée was living in Venezuela in 2008 and, wanting to start a new chapter in her professional career, decided to visit Colombia. She already had some Colombian friends, and one of them welcomed her in her own home in Bogota. A Colombian friend for which she’ll always be grateful, for her support in this new adventure. Nowadays, Renée is married with a Colombian, the father of her two children. Also, is a sales manager for a company in Colombia and has her own Lebanese food delivery business.
Bogota has everything I like. It’s a city for business, but it’s also touristic and cultural.
Traveling, for sure. I have been to Cartagena, Barranquilla, San Andrés, the Coffee Cultural Landscape, and the list goes on... It’s amazing because every place holds the best memories I’ve ever had.
Rich Holman in his visit to the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia.
Rich came to visit Colombia in August 2006 while on vacation for a week. He had two friends in Florida who had Colombian friends, and they told him he should visit Medellin. His immediate reaction upon arriving in the city was: “Wow, this is the world’s best kept secret”. He enjoyed the stay so much, he came back in October 2006 for another one-week vacation. That’s when he decided he wanted to buy an apartment before “the world discovered” Medellin and prices went up. He searched for Medellin real estate brokers but couldn’t find anything in English. That’s when he started plans to create a real estate agency that could assist foreigners. He moved to Medellin in 2007, bought an apartment and opened up an office.
I feel like we need to change Medellin’s name from ‘La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera’ to ‘La Ciudad de la Eterna Juventud’. I really believe people live longer and happier here. The weather, nice Colombian people, working to live instead of living to work, great health care and the positive energy, all come together to provide happiness and a higher quality of life.
I tell everybody to come and experience this incredible and diverse country. There is something for everybody and at today’s exchange rate, it will be an incredibly inexpensive vacation. You will definitely wish to come back once you have experienced this amazing country.
Come visit Colombia and enjoy the different lifestyles and cultural experiences each destination has to offer. You may also enjoy: What is Colombia known for? Find the answers to these and more questions you’ve always wondered about this amazing country!> Five of the best places to visit in Colombia that will leave you wondering if you should leave at all Colombia, the most welcoming place on Earth
We’ll show you a few local photographers that should be on your radar. Take a look at their work and the international awards they have won, and let’s celebrate World Photo Day together!
Jaramillo specializes in landscape art photography, and is the first Colombian photographer who has won a TWAN award, widely known for being the most stunning collection of nightscape photography in the world.
Camilo has been specializing in night photography for several years. He has portrayed the Milky Way hundreds of times, and in 2017, he dared to commission one of his works for an international competition. His work has been even been recognized by NASA!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlRLdBuhQtR/
He is a fashion and advertising photographer from Bucaramanga, Colombia His personal stamp is characterized by its black color, indicative of his photography ideas and sets the mood of each image with a sense of drama. He uses contour highlights to focus the viewers attention to specific areas, especially since most of his work is for advertising.
His work has been seen in publications such as Vogue Paris, Elle, and Marie Claire advertising iconic such as Coca-Cola and Nike, amongst others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfwWnk3jBCH/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share…
She has lived and studied in Paris and Buenos Aires for the past several years. Since 2010, she has been focused on fashion art photography. Her artwork is cinematographic and inspirational, something that she uses to narrate stories for Colombian brands.
Andrea has worked for Colombian fashion designers such as Johanna Ortiz and national brands such as Pink Philosophy. Her photographs have been published in Vogue Mexico, Vogue UK and In-Fashion Magazine. She is also part of the creative partnership Some Friends, a collaboration with her sister Natalia and designer Ricardo Ballen, where she works with branding and creative consulting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmxGxdEl5Kr/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share…
This Colombian photographer lives in New York, and is one of the world's most sought-after character and fashion photographers. His art photography is dominated by an astonishing visual language, illuminated by the extravagant emotion and exquisite elegance.
Since Ruven was young, his art photography have been published in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone and New York Times Magazine. Also, he has photographed celebrities like Quentin Tarantino, George Clooney, and Barack Obama, amongst others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw65p_PHsFH/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share…
Her photography ideas arise from the combination of neon lights, plants, and beautiful girls. Her remarkable visual sensitivity to art photography is defined by her obsession with highlighting female sensuality.
She specializes in two types of photography: portrait and street photography, which she studied in Berlin in 2015.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7nxZzEAb3V
Every year, National Geographic magazine selects 100 of the best images of the year. In 2018, more than two million photography ideas were received. And guess what? Three of the 100 photographs selected belonged to two Colombian photographers.
Juan Arredondo, a Colombian photographer whose art photography explore social inequality and human rights issues. His photography ideas have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, and LeMonde Magazine, amongst others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdgfmV9He0j/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share…
Federico Ríos is a Colombian photojournalist focusing on social issues in Latin America. His digital photography work has been featured in iconic publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic Magazine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDaVLNIp5Aw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share…
We invite you to continue discovering Colombian talent and how these Colombian photographers awaken thoughts, feelings and emotions through their work. Because, as you can see, Colombia truly is an artist’s land.
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It’s normal to hear about Columbia when you’re talking about Colombia the country and all about it. But the truth is that they are very different places. The first one is not a country, it refers to a British city or a city in the United States. The seco
You might think that after 200 years of this country’s independence this debate will be forgotten. However, there is still confusion between these two words. For this reason, we’ll tell you about the well-known Colombia the country. And remember: it’s Colombia with an ‘O’, not Columbia with a ‘U’. Discover more about this country!
This country is located in the north of South America. It has a privileged location because it is the only country in this continent with two coasts: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Also, it has easy communication with the rest of the world, as it is in the middle of America. There are five countries that border it: Panama to the north, Peru and Ecuador to the south, and Venezuela and Brazil to the east.
● The capital of Colombia is Bogota.
● This country has approximately 50 million inhabitants until this date.
● The Colombian flag is made up of three-color stripes: yellow, which represents the richness, the sun, and the harmony blue, which represents the sky, the rivers, and the two oceans of the country and red, which represents love and also the bloodshed by the patriots who achieved freedom.
Country names are often created from native people, something related to colonizers or those who participated in the battles for freedom and independence. In the case of Colombia, the name has 156 years and its origin is related to the word ‘Columbus’, which is the Anglicism of Colón. An important fact related to the history of Colombia!
Cristóbal Colón was an explorer and navigator, who led the first Spanish expedition that arrived in America in the year 1492. So the name comes up in tribute to this important character. Previously, the country was called Nueva Granada and Gran Colombia but changed due to modifications such as the extent of its territory.
By knowing these things, we can understand the resemblance that the name of this country and the word Columbia have. Maybe, there’s where the confusion lies on. So let’s get to know some other things about this place!
This country was completely formed between 1810 and 1819, after being a Spanish colony and having achieved absolute independence on August 7 of 1819. The history of Colombia is usually divided into 6 phases: pre-Columbian era, Spanish discovery and conquest, colony, independence, republican consolidation, and twentieth century.
After some turbulent times, the Constitution of 1886 established a centralist, conservative, and Catholic state. Then, in the twentieth century, important events were given for this history, such as the War of a Thousand Days, the separation of Panama, and the strengthening of the drug mafias.
With the different governments, progress has been made in economic, politic, and even in dialogues to solve the violence that the country has had for years. This is why, despite the different obstacles, it is currently a strong country with a long future ahead.
This destination is already known internationally, with growing cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Barranquilla, and Cali, among others. Cities known for their developing infrastructure, a robust economy, and rising tourism.
Now that you know more, don’t forget to visit this destination. This beautiful place is known for its natural diversity, tourist places, multiculturalism, and a wide variety of traditions. Discover the best of the most welcoming country of the world and don’t be geographically misplaced by one vowel.
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