BogotáThe capital, founded in 1538, is the largest city and situated almost in the center of the country at an altitude of 2600m (8600ft). Bogotá reflects a blend of Colombian tradition and Spanish colonial influences. Many historical landmarks have been preserved, such as the Capitol Municipal Palace and the cathedral, the Capilla del Sangrario, on the main square, the Plaza Bolivar. Bogotá also contains the Gold Museum, with its unique collection of over 100,000 pre-Colombian artworks. Around 50km (32 miles) south of Bogotá lies Zipaquirá, an area
well-known for its many salt mines, one of which contains the famous Salt Cathedral (capable of accommodating 8400 people). Guatavita, a two-hour bus drive from Bogotá, is best known for its Laguna de Guatavita, the ritual center and sacred lake of the Muisca Indians.
CordilleraMedellínColombia’s second city is the capital of the state called Antioquia and has over 1.5 million inhabitants. The city lies 1300m (4264ft) above sea level in a narrow valley of the central mountain range. It is primarily industrial, and is the center of the coffee and textile trades. The region has acquired a reputation for violence owing to the war between the Government and the drug barons.
CaliIt is said to be the world's capital of Salsa and is the center of the principal sugar-producing region of the country, where modern technology blends with colonial tradition. Deposits of coal and precious metals are found in this area.
BarranquillaA busy port and Colombia’s fourth city, Barranquilla is located towards the mouth of the Magdalena River. It is the nation’s main maritime port and is one of the country's primary commercial centers. There is a colorful market in a side channel of the Magdalena.
Caribbean CoastThe main tourist resorts on Colombia’s 1600km- (1000 mile-) long Caribbean coast lie near Santa Marta, one of the first major cities founded by the Spanish in South America. Its modern hotels, white beaches and proximity to fashionable beach resorts now make it a popular base for visitors wishing to explore the coast. The Tayrona National Park, some 35km (22 miles) south of Santa Marta, is one of the country’s most popular parks. Its major attraction is its deep bays, shaded with coconut trees, beautiful beaches and several coral reefs. Cartagena, an ancient walled fortress city on the north coast, is also worth a visit, particularly for its fascinating Old Town. Tourist facilities have been considerably developed in recent years, particularly at El Laguita, an L-shaped pensinsula, now packed with hotels and expensive restaurants. Some 35km (22 miles) west lie the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago of about 25 small coral islands now declared a national park. Cruises and tours are widely available and can be booked in Cartagena. Easily reached from Cartagena, by plane or boat, are the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, nearly 500km (300 miles) north of the Colombian coast. San Andrés was once the headquarters of the English pirate Captain Henry Morgan, the scourge of the Caribbean. The islands are duty-free, and consequently often crowded, but there are still several less spoilt parts. Popular excursions include visits by boat to Johnny Cay and the Aquarium.
The Amazon BasinAlmost one-third of Colombia’s territory is covered by the Amazon Basin, an area of thick tropical forest in the southeast, with no roads and inhabited mostly by Indians. The most popular base for tourists wishing to explore the area is Leticia, a small town with well-developed tourist facilities, located on the banks of the Amazon River and close to the border with Brazil and Peru. Jungle trips, notably to the nearby Amacayu National Park, are widely available and often include visits to Indian tribes.
ElsewhereColombia has much to offer those interested in archaeology. San Augustín Archaeological Park contains a great number of relics and massive stone statues. The traditional city of Popayan is the birthplace of many of Colombia’s most illustrious statesmen. As well as containing many fine colonial houses and churches, it is also noted for its Holy Week procession. Tierradentro, in the southwest of the country, has beautiful manmade burial caves painted with pre-Colombian geometric patterns. In the same region, Silva is a beautiful Indian town. The country also contains much unspoilt countryside; the Guajira Peninsula is home to more than 100,000 nomadic Indians.
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