Mention one is visiting Colombia and chances are that the response from many will be “Isn’t that risky?”. But they are not alone. I thought that when John mentioned the idea. Even the tourism industry recognised such doubt more than 10 years ago when it led a campaign to attract visitors with the tagline: “Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay”.
It seems that things have changed in the past 25 years, especially since the gunning down of drugs baron Pablo Escobar, estimated to have been worth some £25 billion from his trade in narcotics. Now, mention one is visiting the country to those who have been there recently and they say what a great place it is to see… especially if one likes coffee. Around 15 million bags are produced each year.
But it is not the only big seller. Some media sources say the country still provides around 70% of the world’s cocaine. Despite this, much change for the good has come about, including social prosperity, business, and increasing levels of tourism. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office says that some areas are still out of bounds, but that most visits, especially with reputable travel companies to the typical tourism sites, are trouble free.
Hopefully this will be the case as an interesting itinerary for our next trip is planned We will be spending most of our time in central Colombia, seeing architecture, coffee plantations, an underground cathedral in a salt mine, and some art and sculptures, before heading north to gain a different view around the coast of Cartagena with its walled city, colonial buildings and forts.
If the high altitude does not get us at 2,640 metres (8,660 feet) above sea level in Bogota alone (we suffered in Peru at 2,430 metres) we will be back soon to tell you more.
Copyright: Words and photo Sue Barnard 2019
Will look forward to seeing and hearing about your latest trip! Stay safe.
Wow that was quick, all the way from Australia. Best wishes to you and all the family.
Can’t believe you’re away again Sue! My daughter loved Columbia – hope you do too! X
Thanks Suzy. I think it will be a very colourful country, so some good photo opportunities.
Enjoy! We have also heard good things from others who have been there. We hope they’re true as we are in Santa Marta for a few days before our Panama Canal transit. Looking forward to the posts.
Thanks Nicole. We shall keep you posted. We shall look forward to your interesting blogs when you are sailing off again.
Thanks for all your feedback Nicole. We would be interested to find out if Santa Marta is similar to Cartagena with its Caribbean feel and historic old town. I understand SM also has a gold museum. The gold museums tend to be small but worth a visit. I have also read that Minca nearby is worth visiting and has coffee plantations. The country is proud of its coffee heritage. Worth stocking up. We would be interested to know how Panama, once a Colombian state, differs. John says you must try tejo if you can find a site, but seems to be a Medellín game. Looking forward to reading about your next trip.