Colombia. Colombia National Coffee Park

The Republic of Colombia is located in northwestern South America. This amazing country will allow tourists to enjoy a holiday for every taste.

Nature lovers can take an unforgettable walk in the Andes or stroll through the rainforest. Fans of cultural recreation will get acquainted with a huge number of natural and historical monuments here. Curious travelers can explore the life of Amazonian tribes who still observe the traditions of their ancient ancestors.

Fashionable beaches, cultural centers, ancient Indian settlements, untouched tropical forests - this is all the many faces of Colombia, which has long become one of the favorite tourist destinations of travelers from all over the world.

For a Russian citizen who is fond of Hollywood action films, the name “Columbia” is primarily associated with drugs, the mafia, and guerrilla movements. Many years ago the country could not be classified as a safe state.

It's much more prosperous here now. Of course, it is impossible to compare the feeling of security that tourists experience when visiting Rome with the sensations that appear on the streets of Bogota, but the fact that Colombia is much calmer than 10 years ago is noted by all vacationers.

Historical reference

The state received its name in honor of the great navigator Christopher Columbus. From the middle of the 15th century, the colonization of lands began. The local population was exterminated, all valuables were exported to the Spanish kingdom. The struggle for independence continued for many years. Uprisings were constantly suppressed. Only after Napoleon's victory over Spain was it possible to form the United States of Colombia. In 1886, the state received its modern name.

Population

More than 45 million citizens live in the country. There is practically no indigenous population left. For many years it was mercilessly exterminated by the colonialists, and also died from “unfamiliar” diseases brought by Europeans. In the general composition of indigenous Indians, no more than 1% of the total population.

The colonialists brought slaves with them, so there are many races in the country. These are the descendants of Africans - mulattoes, offspring of marriages between Indians and blacks, between blacks and whites. National traditions, characteristics and ethnic groups are so mixed here that you get a unique mixture that cannot be found in any other state.

The bulk of the population is located in cities, speaks Spanish and professes Catholicism.

Climate

Colombia can be called the land of eternal summer. Thanks to its proximity to the equator, the hot sun shines here all year round, and the average temperature does not fall below 27 degrees. The climate of the state is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which washes the coast from the west, and the Caribbean Sea, which caresses the coast in the north.

Only in the Andes can you find snow and cold. Apart from the mountains, Colombia is one of the hottest countries in the world.

There is no rainy season here. Precipitation does not occur often, but is very abundant. In summer, they do not bring the desired coolness, leaving behind a strong stuffiness.

In lowland areas it rains from December to March. The Amazon region is rainy all year round.

Nature

The nature of Colombia is multifaceted. Here you can find plains and mountains, tropical forests and savannas. The famous anaconda lives in the equatorial forests. Its size always depends on the impressionability of the tourist. Many hidden places have not yet been fully explored. The local landscapes are an excellent area for ecotourism. The researchers' gaze reveals the emerald greenery of forests inhabited by caimans, monkeys, jaguars and many other not always fully studied inhabitants.

The flora and fauna of the rivers is very diverse. Marine inhabitants are distinguished by their incredible beauty and uniqueness. But you should be careful here, because some especially brightly colored plants and fish can be very poisonous.

Best season for vacation

The best time to holiday in Colombia is July, August and the period from December to April. The peak of tourists is observed from December to February. Everything in the country is starting to become more expensive. The same rise in prices is observed during the Catholic Easter week.

There are especially many travelers during carnivals and festivals. Colombia loves to have fun, so fairs and parades happen all year round. The most famous are the following:

• Manizales Fair. Lasts from January 2 to January 10;
• Carnival of Barranquilla. Its date changes from year to year. Approximately this is always the last week of February. The carnival lasts 4 days;
• Flower fair in Medellin. Organized only in August for 10 days;
• The Carnival of Blacks and Whites is held in the city of Pasto starting on December 28, and lasts 10 days.

Many tourists try to purchase a tour for a period coinciding with one of these events.

Do I need a visa

There is no need for a visa to enter the country. Such an agreement was signed back in 2011. To avoid unnecessary questions when crossing the border, Russian citizens must have the following documents with them:

• A foreign passport whose validity does not expire in the next three months;
• Tickets confirming return flight from the state or movement to another country;
• Evidence of financial security. This could be a certain amount of cash, bank cards, etc.

Russians can freely stay in Colombia for 90 days once every six months. If a child over 14 years of age is taken on a trip, a separate foreign passport must be issued for him. When traveling with young children with two parents, a birth certificate is sufficient, provided that the child is included in the passport.

Otherwise, a notarized permission from one or both parents of the child is required.

Special entry requirements

To ensure that your vacation is not ruined, you should worry about a few things in advance before traveling:

1. If any certificates or permits are required to enter the country, they must be translated into Spanish. The state does not place strict restrictions on the import or export of its own or foreign currency. The main thing is that the amount of more than 10 thousand US dollars is declared;
2. Russians may not get any vaccinations before entering the state. However, if tourists are planning to visit the rainforests along the Amazon, it is better to take care of their health and get a yellow fever vaccine two weeks before departure;
3. It's worth purchasing health insurance. This document is not mandatory, but if a tourist suddenly needs emergency medical care without a policy, he will have to pay for it. Any medical care in the country is paid.

Communications and communications

Internet access can be found not only in major Colombian cities, but even in villages. Internet cafes are located everywhere here. For an hour of online communication you will have to pay about 2 thousand pesos. You can save up to 20% on accessing the World Wide Web at night.

Local cellular communications mainly cover only central areas. You can call Russia if the traveler is a subscriber of the largest Russian operator.

On the streets of large cities there are telephone booths from which you can make a call to anywhere in the world. Phone cards for them are sold everywhere.

Currency

The official currency of the country is the Colombian peso. The name comes from a Spanish silver coin. In translation, “peso” means weighted.

The exchange rate of the Colombian currency is constantly changing and is approximately 2 Russian rubles per 100 pesos.

Safety

Colombia cannot be called a safe country. It continues to lead in the number of kidnapped people. But Russian tourists are unlikely to arouse interest among criminal gangs. Therefore, if you follow common sense and certain rules, staying in the country can be completely harmless:

1. You should not leave the city, especially at night;
2. If there is a need to travel late in the day, use only official carriers;
3. Do not participate in street processions and mingle less with the crowd of local residents, this will help save personal funds;
4. Do not allow yourself to be treated to drinks or cigarettes. It is not at all difficult to get cocaine in the country. Therefore, the “gift” offered by a stranger may contain it. Local residents also like to mix “borracero” into their food - a drug that, after taking, induces long and deep sleep. In this state, it is very easy for a tourist to be robbed;
5. Do not wear expensive jewelry or take valuable accessories on a walk. They can be torn off or torn out of your hands. The same goes for money. It is better to store all valuables in the hotel safe.

Governments are trying to improve the situation. The army and police guard the streets and roads. But this does not help to cope with theft and armed robbery. Therefore, every tourist should take two mandatory requirements as a rule:

• Never remain in an isolated state, that is, you should not be separated from the tourist group;
• Return to the hotel before 19.00.

You can make sure that the second rule is also followed by local residents. Usually after 20.00 the streets of Colombian cities are completely deserted.

How to get into the country

The fastest and most convenient transport is an airplane. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Russia and Colombia. Therefore, you will have to make one or two stops depending on the carrier company.

It is important to take into account one point - while a visa is not required to enter Colombia, it is required for transit. That is, if the connection takes place at one of the US airports, you must have an American visa. If you plan to make more than one transfer in the Schengen countries, you must have the appropriate visa.

Depending on the company, connections occur in the following cities:

Flight time excluding transfers takes from 16 to 26 hours. The cost of a ticket largely depends on the date of departure and the service company. For the flight of one person you will have to pay from 55 thousand rubles. Baggage should not weigh more than 23 kilograms per passenger.

Companies often offer tickets at a significant discount. To participate in the promotion, you must register on the website of Lufthansa, Air France or others. You can save a lot on such tickets, but if there is a need to change the departure date, such tickets cannot be returned or exchanged.

Map

Where to stay

Recently, Colombia has become a popular state for travelers. Therefore, the authorities are trying to create optimal conditions for accommodating guests of the country. Here you can find any accommodation for every taste and budget.

At the same time, modern comfortable apartments can cost about $100 per night. The most economical way to spend the night is an open-air hammock; renting it per night will cost $3.

Don't be dismissive of Colombian hostels. Here they are done on a grand scale. A spacious, comfortable room, equipped with everything you need, elegant design and good service will cost a vacationer only $15 per night. At the same time, you can find a lot of entertainment on the hostel territory.

In major cities, room rates start at $40. If it is a luxury hotel, then the price increases to $100. That's not much for a luxury room and the highest level of service. In Europe it is impossible to get excellent service for that kind of money. Therefore, if a tourist wants to enjoy a first-class holiday and excellent service, it is better to stay in a five-star hotel in Cartagena or Bogota.

There are plenty of campsites in the countryside where you can stay for $5 a night.

Colombia has come up with a rather original way to accommodate tourists - floating hotels. These are large boats equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

How to get around the country

There is a network of local airlines between major cities. Buses are more popular. Many carrier companies operate flights throughout the country. Therefore, there is no need to book tickets in advance. Don't be surprised if the flight is delayed by half an hour or an hour. Punctuality is not the main character trait of local drivers.

In order not to depend on the “human factor”, it is better to rent a car. To do this, you need to have a credit card with a balance of at least $700. This amount is taken by the company as collateral. If the car is returned in its original condition, the security amount will be returned.

To complete the documents, you must have an international driving license. The average rental cost per day is 35 US dollars. Rental companies do not place restrictions on mileage. It is not possible to leave the country with a rented car. You can return the car in any city in the country where the company has a branch.

Attractions

It is impossible to see all the beauties of Colombia in one trip. This amazing and diverse state surprises with historical monuments, museums and breed splendor. While in the country, you should definitely visit Medellin and Cartagena, and don’t forget about the national parks and historical buildings.

Natural attractions such as the El Peñon de Guatape Rock, the Caño Cristales River, Tequendama Falls and much more amaze with their beauty. In order to get to know this diverse country better, it will take more than one day or even a month. Every place or corner of nature gives travelers an unforgettable experience.

Cartagena

The old town is of particular interest to tourists. Its streets seem to take travelers back to the Middle Ages. In the old town area there are many historical buildings and structures:

• Castle of San Felipe;
• Palace of the Inquisition;
• Plaza de la Audana;
• Church of Inglesia de Santo Domingo;
• Clock tower.

The Castle of San Feoipe is a majestic fortress located on one of the mountain slopes. During numerous wars and raids, it remained impregnable. If the enemy got inside, he could not get out of it, as he became entangled in a network of labyrinths.

The Palace of the Inquisition is under the protection of UNESCO. In memory of the terrible executions, torture and thousands of victims, a museum has been opened in the building, which deservedly bears the name “Museum of Torture”. The cameras and weapons of the Inquisition send shivers down your spine. The tour of the place is very educational. The guides read out the texts of the confessions and the signs by which the victim was classified as a witch or apostate.

The Church of Santo Domingo is legendary. She resisted the devil, who tried to spoil her appearance. The church is open to tourists day and night. Next to the building is the famous figure of a reclining woman. Street musicians are located nearby.

The tower was created in the Spanish style. This is the symbol of Cartagena. Once it protected the port from enemy attacks, now it is the main entrance to the city.

Medellin

Medellin. This is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, where a popular drug cartel once settled. Criminal fame especially attracts tourists here. Medellin is located in the Andes. Medellin is the city of Eternal Spring.

The city has many museums and a wonderful zoo. And in summer you can take part in the Flower Fair here.

National Coffee Park

Everything has been done here to attract tourists: exciting attractions, theatrical performances, and most importantly, the funicular from the height of which offers a wonderful view of coffee trees and orchids.

Tayrona National Park

The incredible beauty of the park evokes genuine admiration. The emerald green of the forests, the blue of the reservoirs, and the snow-white sand of the beaches make Tayrona National Park a paradise on earth. Here you can discover the ruins of ancient settlements and get acquainted with Indian tribes.

Mapis Park

This is a park in memory of the exterminated Indian tribes. Walking along its paths, visitors get acquainted with the life of Indian tribes before the colonization period. The park teaches you to value relationships between people and respect other people's customs.

Of particular interest is the museum, designed in the form of a pyramid.

Underground Cathedral

A unique structure is located in the city of Zipakiru. The height of the cathedral is 23 meters, it is located in an old salt mine. The monks worked for a long time on the grandiose structure, which can easily accommodate 9 thousand visitors.

Passing many labyrinths and bridges, tourists find themselves in an underground museum. Translucent sculptures of saints and angels make you freeze with admiration. All rooms have unique lighting. Visitors feel as if they are under the open starry sky.

Church of Las Lajas

It is considered one of the wonders of this amazing state. It is built on a bridge. Greenery, mountains and neo-Gothic style of construction create a feeling of ideal beauty.

National cuisine

National Colombian cuisine is a mixture of Indian, European and African cultures. The result is extremely tasty and unique dishes. They contain completely incompatible ingredients. All food is seasoned with various spices, so the food looks very colorful and exudes an amazing aroma.

Locals prefer dishes made from legumes, rice and maize. The proximity of the sea allows you to prepare culinary masterpieces from lobsters. In Colombia they do not eat bread; it is replaced with tortillas, on which any food can be placed.

The flatbreads are prepared without salt. They are baked, fried, smoked. They are used instead of a spoon or plate. Each city or region has a special recipe for “arepa” - flatbread.

It’s worth starting your acquaintance with local cuisine with ahiko – a delicious potato and yucca soup. The taste of ajiaco santafereño milk soup is very interesting.

Any meat is popular in Colombia. Not a single meal goes without it.

The main pride of Colombians is fruits. Their names are so interesting that you immediately want to try them. Just the sound of zapote, kuruba, uchuva, lulo exudes exotic uniqueness. Juices are prepared from fruits and cooled with ice.

You should start your acquaintance with alcoholic drinks with Colombian rum. But Colombian wine does not deserve attention at all.

Prices in Colombian cafes and restaurants vary greatly. On the streets of the city you can safely buy a flatbread for 50 rubles or drink juice for 250 rubles.

The prices in local cafes and restaurants are pleasantly surprising. Translated into Russian rubles, in a decent establishment in Cartagena you can purchase dishes at the following prices:

• National soup from 135 rubles per serving;
• Lasagna – from 280 rubles;
• Dessert – from 80 rubles;
• Ice cream – from 70 rubles.

Local establishments prepare delicious set lunches for only 400 rubles per person. No need to worry about the quality of the prepared food. It is customary for restaurants to serve freshly prepared food.

Colombian resorts

Colombia is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the warm Caribbean Sea, so there is a huge area dedicated to beach holidays. The local beaches are comfortable, the sand is snow-white, and the water is uniquely clean and azure. No wonder the Colombian coastline is considered the best in the Western Hemisphere.

The main resort in Colombia is Cartagena. Here you can find hotels and entertainment for every taste. Tourists especially note the following beaches:

• Bocagrande. This is a great place for travelers with children thanks to the warm sea and gently sloping Berg. There are no waves here, which is very suitable for swimming for young guests of the city. Berg is equipped with everything you need - umbrellas, changing rooms and sun loungers;
• Tierrabomba. This beach is for those who love peace and comfort;
• La Boquilla. A very picturesque coast. Mango thickets fringed by blue lagoons evoke enthusiastic exclamations from vacationers;
• Pointe Arena. On the shore there are many cozy restaurants and cafes where tourists are served delicious seafood delicacies;
• Playa Blanca. This is the best Colombian resort on the island of Baru. Here you can calmly enjoy the incredible beauty of the seascape. There are many cozy coves on the shore and no local population at all. This gives you the opportunity to completely relax and unwind.

What to bring from Colombia

Despite its widespread availability and cheapness, it is not worth bringing drugs from Colombia. Although there are some groups of tourists who come to the state to try the cheapest drugs in the world. But this product is not a souvenir, so there is no need to try to transfer it across the border.

Many travelers purchase body armor from local stores. They look very elegant as the designs are developed by top designers. For local residents, this is not an exotic wardrobe item, but an urgent necessity. Therefore, the body armor looks like an elegant vest. Such uniforms can hardly be bought anywhere else in the world.

When visiting Bokota, you should definitely buy a gourd pumpkin as a souvenir. You won't find such a souvenir anywhere else. This amazing lamp is made from an ordinary pumpkin. The uniqueness of the product is that it seems as if the work is made of wood, the hand carving looks so elegant. For a medium-sized lampshade you will have to pay at least $300.

The most exquisite Colombian souvenir is emeralds. Local gemstones are of the highest quality.

As a souvenir for a girl, you should definitely choose handmade jewelry. They are made from beads, leather and wood. You can buy rings and pendants for every taste, especially since you won’t have to pay more than $2 for one item.

In local markets you can find many interesting products - bags, masks, magnets and much more. Don't forget to bargain. Although souvenirs are not very expensive.

tour cost

In many ways, the cost of a trip to Colombia depends on the class of the host hotel. The price of the tour consists of the following components:

• Flight. The flight can be charter or regular. Depending on the class and time of departure, the ticket price varies greatly;
• Transfer. Meeting the tourist at the Colombia airport with delivery to the place of residence;
• Accommodation in a room;
• Nutrition, in accordance with the chosen scheme;
• Medical insurance.

Tour prices may vary depending on the season. Its lowest price will be from 3 thousand dollars and above.

Colombia is an amazing country. Despite rampant crime, guerrilla wars and an unstable situation, a holiday in the country will bring only good impressions. The most expensive element of the tour will be the flight. Other prices will pleasantly surprise you, so you can stay in the country for more than ten days. Moreover, local hospitality, cozy rooms and exceptional service will satisfy even the most spoiled tourist.

It is still on the list of little-studied countries. However, in recent years, more and more of our compatriots are heading there in search of magnificent beaches, extreme entertainment and meeting the locals.

The beaches of Colombia are, first of all, places for complete relaxation, finding harmony with yourself and the environment. In total, the country has more than 300 equipped beaches, the peculiarity of which is the combination of developed infrastructure and a wide range of entertainment, as well as geographical location, namely access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Major Beach Resorts in Colombia

There are 4 main regions for beach tourism in the country:

1. . This is Colombia's most famous sunbathing destination. The city offers you to visit not only charming beaches, but also cultural and historical attractions, including architectural monuments from the colonial era. can receive up to 1 million tourists. It is designed for guests who prefer to relax actively and have fun in clubs and casinos. The wide and long El Laguita beach of Cartagena in Colombia is located next to shops and restaurants.
2. . A luxury resort located in mainland Colombia. Known for the white sandy beach of El Rodadero, which offers a large selection of entertainment, discos, clubs, shops and restaurants. There are many luxury hotels and villas here. The beach of Pozos Colorados, located further from the city center, is quite quiet, you can be in solitude, relaxing on the private territory of a local hotel.



3. Islands and The beaches of these resort areas are characterized by a wide coastline, fine white sand on the coast, and fancy coral reefs that protect coastal areas from strong waves. In addition to beach holidays, here you can go diving and snorkeling, as well as water sports.



4. . Often this is what we can see in photos of Colombian beaches, and there is an explanation for this. The resort is characterized by the presence of mangroves and lush tropical vegetation. Its beaches overlook the expanses of the Pacific Ocean. The sand here is darker and coarser than on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and the bottom is rockier. This Pacific resort can be especially recommended for surfers, since strong winds often blow in Buenaventura.


5. . Founded more than 50 years ago, the park is still one of the most peaceful places in the country. Tourists who prefer privacy can recommend El Cabo Beach. It consists of two parts, which are separated by rocks. You can only get to Arekifez beach on foot through the forest (about 40-50 minutes). There is quite a strong current and cooler water here.


6. Rosario Islands. There is a nature reserve on them, which includes several sparsely populated beaches. In order to preserve the local coral reefs, only swimming is allowed in this place.


7. Coral Islands Andres Island. Located several hours from mainland Colombia. The nearby beaches are partially developed and equipped, while the distant ones are mostly secluded.

When is the best time to go sunbathing in Colombia?

The climate throughout the country is almost the same and does not depend on the location of the resort regions. The country experiences hot weather all year round, with an average daytime temperature of +30 °C. The water in the Caribbean Sea warms up to +28 °C during the summer season, and cools down to +20 °C in the winter months.

If you compare the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the former is always a little warmer. For example, at the height of the summer season on the beaches of the Pacific coast, the water temperature usually does not rise above +24 °C. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the presence of strong currents in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The most favorable period for visiting the beach resorts of Colombia is from January to March. Precipitation during these months is much less frequent, and the water and air temperatures are almost the same and remain at approximately +27 °C.

Colombia is a distant and little-explored country by Russian tourists, which, nevertheless, is preferred by millions of tourists from all over the world in search of an excellent beach holiday, educational excursions and extreme pastime.

For those who love to soak up the sun, the beaches of Colombia are where relaxation and bliss take on their highest meaning.

The Caribbean coast of Colombia is a spicy mixture of fiery salsa rhythms, endless beaches, resorts with developed infrastructure and endless entertainment. In total, the country has more than 300 equipped beaches, both on the Caribbean Sea and on the Pacific coast.

The most attractive resort places in Colombia are considered Cartagena, Santa Marta And Providencia Islands And Santa Catalina, San Andres.

Cartagena recognized as the most luxurious resort in the country, where the entire Colombian elite comes to vacation. And this is quite natural - the beaches with dark silver sand and the gentle sea here are truly amazing.

The beauty of this place also lies in the fact that in addition to a beach holiday, Cartagena has a lot of interesting cultural and educational activities. Numerous exhibitions, conferences, and congresses often take place here. The city has preserved many unique historical monuments, among which the most interesting is the 16th-century fortification system that encircles the entire Old Town. A walk around the city will be an excellent introduction to the culture of Colombia, which is directly reflected in the local colonial buildings and majestic Catholic churches.

Cartagena has popular recreation areas - Bocagrande And El Laguito with an endless array of first-class hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and bars and some of the best beaches in Colombia.

IN Bocagrande You can stay in one of the hotels belonging to the chain of world famous hotel brands: Hilton, Global resorts, Dann, and in the old town - in one of the magnificent five-star boutique hotels. The heart of the resort of Cartagena - Playa Blanca. This beach place has not yet been built up with hotel complexes, and therefore is unusually attractive and clean. Playa Blanca is part of the archipelago Islas del Rosario. For relaxation, there is everything you need: coral reefs with a rich underwater world, pristine white sand beaches and a warm, clear sea.

Santa Marta- the oldest city in the country, as well as a fashionable resort area, especially interesting from an architectural point of view. Santa Marta Harbor is nestled within an interior of silent mountain peaks that rise like an impregnable wall just beyond the residential areas. The surrounding area of ​​Santa Marta is especially interesting for those who are planning a close acquaintance with Colombia: it is definitely worth visiting the nearby national park, the mysterious “lost city of Tayrona”, isolated Indian settlements, a historical city Santa Cruz de Mompox, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to the Colombians themselves, these are considered one of the best resort areas in the country. Neguanghe, Arrecifes And El Rodadero, Playas Cristal, Playas Grande, and also picturesque Taganga Bay. These places deserve special attention from lovers of beach holidays and diving.

Archipelago of islands San Andres And Providencia is located in the Caribbean Sea 750 km off the coast of Colombia and consists of approximately 25 small coral islands.

San Andres– a fantastic resort destination in the Caribbean. Pristine natural beauty and genuine charm have been preserved on the island thanks to San Andres's little fame outside of Colombia. The relaxed atmosphere of island life, the friendly and sociable local population, affordable and high-quality tourist services and a high level of security have turned the archipelago into an ideal place to escape the bustle of civilization. In the immediate vicinity of the island there are sunken ships, reef walls and an underwater geyser, which attract diving enthusiasts like a magnet.

On the island Providencia hotels are more reminiscent of English taverns of the 18th century, there are practically no bars. But the more diverse natural beauty of this island and more comfortable diving conditions make Providencia no less popular than San Andres.

The beaches of Colombia can make everyone happy who dreams of a relaxing and quality holiday on the seashore, surrounded by rich Latin American culture and far from the beaten tourist path.