60 Second Geography Lesson on Columbia

Planning to visit to Colombia? First of all, leave the prejudices at home. If something should be said about Colombians and Colombia, it is that everything here is done passionately–living, partying and arguing. “Intense” might be a word that describes not only the 44 million warm hearted people but equally applies to the whole of experience of Colombia: the lavish green of the Amazon, the deep blue of both oceans and one of the most exuberant and diverse flora and fauna on the planet.

Colombia is a country for “travelers” more than tourists; if you are willing to spend some days immersed in Spanish, dealing with a different perception of time and marveling yourself at a country full of contradictions, this is your place. In spite of being considered a tropical country, Colombia’s weather is not the same across the territory: don’t be fooled by a map and be prepared to visit a chilly capital city in the mountains, or the extensive warm valley of the Magdalena river just a few feet above the sea level—less than two hours apart. This geographical variety also brings a cultural richness, which added to its colonial history results in a society where racial, ideological and cultural ends meet.

60-Second Geography Colombia

Colombia is such a beautiful country, their people are always happy despite the hardship they’ve been through. Go to Colombia with an open mind and heart and you’ll be guaranteed to come back full of great memories. There is a lot to see in Colombia–Balnearios, or “retreats” within the cities, with Olympic pools, play areas for children, and some wonderful homemade lunch or dinner at an affordable price. The biggest risk for travelers in Colombia is common theft. Crime in general is only a minor concern in large urban areas such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, and as long as you take sensible precautions, you are unlikely to experience any problems.

Walk through Cartagena’s welcoming alleys and streets and you will discover one of the most fascinating towns in the Caribbean, with a uniquely romantic atmosphere and well-preserved colonial architectural treasures. To add to its Caribbean Sea appeal, Cartagena is home to the largest fortification in the Americas built during Colonial times to protect it from pirates and buccaneers. Throw in the cultural collage resulting from the Spanish-indigenous mix and you have a vibrant city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Bogota today is a modern city with an intense and vibrant cultural, intellectual and social life. Picturesque, with an important architectural heritage, the world’s best Pre-Columbian art collection and fantastic museums, it also is a city of futuristic architecture with enormous modern buildings. Colombia’s second most important city, Medellin, is a safe, modern city filled with sophistication and charm from its Spanish heritage. Medellin is known by its cultural encounters, the warmth of its people and the amazing views that are accompanied by clear blue skies and beautiful sunsets. Medellin is becoming the destination of choice for many new and seasoned travelers. Due to the beauty of its women, the warmth and friendliness of its people, the year-round spring-like weather, and its gorgeous flowers and mountains, Medellin attracts like a magnet. Cali is known in Colombia as the capital of fiestas, street partying, dancing, and salsa. Cali’s Salsa Clubs are among the most famous in the entire world. As Colombia’s third largest city, Cali preserves the air of a small town populated by quaint residential communities, while reaching upwards with its reflective glass towers and concrete buildings. It is a city, which embraces the modern, without letting go of its colonial past. Cali has quickly become a Mecca for tourism thanks to the beauty of its women, its historical sites, and a multitude of spots for day and night entertainment.

Thanks to TRO for use of this article. Colombia by Solar Tours September 6th, 2011 . by Brandi Lessner © Copyright 2010 Travmarket. LLC.

Rainbow Travel Tips & Tidbits 18 Jan 2009

A380 AIRBUS BARGAIN FLIGHTS TO AUSTRALIA FROM $347.50* EACH WAY

Wow!!! What an opportunity to fly on the new A380 Double Decker Airbus. These bargain airfares are being offered on a select number of one way flights from Los Angeles or San Fransisco and travel has to be between 01 May and 31 May 2009. Seats are very limited and may not be available on every flight. The starting price includes 3 nights accommodation at 3 or 4 star hotels in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne including day tours and transfers.  To find out more, contact Rainbow Travel Inc for details.

* Prices do not include any taxes, govt fees, or surcharges.

HAWAII NIGHT SNORKELING ADVENTURES

Hula Kai has introduced its new Manta Ray Night Snorkel and Dive making it Kona’s first-class manta adventure. Just before sunset, guests are whisked away from the pier at Keauhou Bay and arrive a few minutes later at Manta Village, in water around 25 feet deep, to observe the sea’s most graceful creatures. Staff members are on hand to serve warm soup, delicious breads, hot drinks and other snacks. The two and a half hour Hula Kai excursion departs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The cost per snorkeler is only $89 including snorkel gear and wetsuit, $110 for certified divers including equipment. 

COSTA RICA CREATES A NEW PARK

Costa Rica has just completed it’s newest national park, Los Quetzales, covering approximately 4,000 acres. It’s approximately 1205 km southeast of San Jose. The park was previously called Reserva Los Santos.  The new name, Los Quetzales, is derived from the unique emerald-green and ruby-red quetzal bird which lives high in the canopies of the Talamanca Hills. The park is located in one of the rainiest parts of the country with an altitude of 2,800 metres. Among some of the endangered species located here are the quetzal, puma, jaguar and tapir.

Additionally , the park is home to 3 types of forests and 14 ecosystems. The park owes its extreme biodiversity to the 7 diferent levels of altitude that house 25 unique local species, 116 types of mammals, and wetlands such as seasonal lagoons. With direct charter flights from Vancouver and many other Canadian gateways there has never been a better time to visit Costa Rica.