clean up and general fixes, repairing links, typos fixed: t-shirts → T-shirts using AWB
← Older revision
Revision as of 21:00, 4 October 2014
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{{pagebanner | El Desierto de Tatacoah (Colombia) banner.jpg|caption=Tatacoa Desert}}
{{otheruses|Columbia}}
{{otheruses|Columbia}}
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{{pagebanner | El Desierto de Tatacoah (Colombia) banner.jpg|caption=Tatacoa Desert}}
'''[http://www.colombia.travel Colombia]''' — forget the reputation. Twice the size of France, and with a diversity of landscapes and cultures that would be hard to find even in countries five times its size, Colombia should by all rights be one of the world's top travel destinations.
'''[http://www.colombia.travel Colombia]''' — forget the reputation. Twice the size of France, and with a diversity of landscapes and cultures that would be hard to find even in countries five times its size, Colombia should by all rights be one of the world's top travel destinations.
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* [[Barranquilla]] — the Gold Port and fourth largest city in the nation isn't necessarily that exciting most of the year, but its Carnival is the second biggest in the world after [[Rio de Janeiro|Rio's]], and is both an amazing cultural experience and one heck of a party!
* [[Barranquilla]] — the Gold Port and fourth largest city in the nation isn't necessarily that exciting most of the year, but its Carnival is the second biggest in the world after [[Rio de Janeiro|Rio's]], and is both an amazing cultural experience and one heck of a party!
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[[
Image
:Palacio de la Cultura and Coltejer Building.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Palacio de la Cultura & Coltejer Building in Medellín]]
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[[
File
:Palacio de la Cultura and Coltejer Building.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Palacio de la Cultura & Coltejer Building in Medellín]]
* [[Manizales]] — the center of the [[Zona Cafetera]] offers the opportunity to visit Los Nevados National Park and to live the coffee plantation experience.
* [[Manizales]] — the center of the [[Zona Cafetera]] offers the opportunity to visit Los Nevados National Park and to live the coffee plantation experience.
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* [[Ciudad Perdida]] — A pre-Columbian city located in the Colombian jungle close to [[Santa Marta]]. Built between the eighth and the fourteenth century by the Tayrona Indians. Nowadays only stone circular shaped terraces covered by jungle remain.
* [[Ciudad Perdida]] — A pre-Columbian city located in the Colombian jungle close to [[Santa Marta]]. Built between the eighth and the fourteenth century by the Tayrona Indians. Nowadays only stone circular shaped terraces covered by jungle remain.
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[[
Image
:Nevado del Ruiz Valle de los muertos.JPG|thumb|Parque Nacional de los Nevados in Caldas]]
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[[
File
:Nevado del Ruiz Valle de los muertos.JPG|thumb|Parque Nacional de los Nevados in Caldas]]
* [[Islas del Rosario|Corales del Rosario]] — a scenic archipelago a short boat journey from Cartagena.
* [[Islas del Rosario|Corales del Rosario]] — a scenic archipelago a short boat journey from Cartagena.
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Flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains
Flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains
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[[
Image
:San Felix surroundings.JPG|thumb|Countryside in the Andes]]
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[[
File
:San Felix surroundings.JPG|thumb|Countryside in the Andes]]
'''Natural hazards''': highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes. Recent volcanic disaster occurred in Armero, 1985. 25,000 people were buried by lahars that the Nevado del Ruiz produced.
'''Natural hazards''': highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes. Recent volcanic disaster occurred in Armero, 1985. 25,000 people were buried by lahars that the Nevado del Ruiz produced.
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* '''[http://www.copaair.com/sites/co/ COPA Colombia]''' (formerly AeroRepublica)
* '''[http://www.copaair.com/sites/co/ COPA Colombia]''' (formerly AeroRepublica)
* '''[http://www.lan.com/es_co/sitio_personas/index.html LAN Colombia]''' (formerly Aires)
* '''[http://www.lan.com/es_co/sitio_personas/index.html LAN Colombia]''' (formerly Aires)
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* '''[http://www.easyfly.com.co/ EasyFly]''' (regional airline around
Medellin
, Bogota and Bucaramanga)
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* '''[http://www.easyfly.com.co/ EasyFly]''' (regional airline around
Medellín
, Bogota and Bucaramanga)
* '''[http://www.satena.gov.co/ Satena (Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales)]''' (operated by the Colombian Air Force to provide transport to remote regions of Los Llanos, Amazona & the Pacific coast from Bogota)
* '''[http://www.satena.gov.co/ Satena (Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales)]''' (operated by the Colombian Air Force to provide transport to remote regions of Los Llanos, Amazona & the Pacific coast from Bogota)
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* '''[http://www.ada-aero.com/ ADA (Aerolinea De Antioquia)]''' (new
Medellin
based carrier offering regional flights in Antioquia and adjoining regions)
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* '''[http://www.ada-aero.com/ ADA (Aerolinea De Antioquia)]''' (new
Medellín
based carrier offering regional flights in Antioquia and adjoining regions)
* '''[http://www.aexpa.com.co/ AEXPA]''' (primarily a charter carrier to and along the Pacific coast)
* '''[http://www.aexpa.com.co/ AEXPA]''' (primarily a charter carrier to and along the Pacific coast)
They all have well-kept fleets and regular service to major towns and cities in Colombia. The major Colombian airports have been certified as "Highly Safe" by international organizations. The online payment process of some domestic airlines is complicated. Payments can be done at the airport or official ticket offices. Most airline fares can be compared at the website of [http://www.despegar.com.co/ despegar.com.co].
They all have well-kept fleets and regular service to major towns and cities in Colombia. The major Colombian airports have been certified as "Highly Safe" by international organizations. The online payment process of some domestic airlines is complicated. Payments can be done at the airport or official ticket offices. Most airline fares can be compared at the website of [http://www.despegar.com.co/ despegar.com.co].
===By train===
===By train===
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There is limited train service in Colombia. There is metro service in
Medellin
and its surroundings.
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There is limited train service in Colombia. There is metro service in
Medellín
and its surroundings.
===By car===
===By car===
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===By urban bus===
===By urban bus===
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Around the turn of this century urban centers in Colombia saw the development of a highly efficient and neat bus transit systems that are spreading to other countries. In Bogotá you can find the '''Transmilenio''', in
Medellin
el '''Metroplus''' [http://www.metroplus.gov.co], in Cali el '''Mio''', in Barranquilla '''Transmetro''', in Bucaramanga '''Metrolínea''', in Pereira the '''Megabús'''.
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Around the turn of this century urban centers in Colombia saw the development of a highly efficient and neat bus transit systems that are spreading to other countries. In Bogotá you can find the '''Transmilenio''', in
Medellín
el '''Metroplus''' [http://www.metroplus.gov.co], in Cali el '''Mio''', in Barranquilla '''Transmetro''', in Bucaramanga '''Metrolínea''', in Pereira the '''Megabús'''.
It is still recommended that you keep an eye on your belongings and that you do not carry valuables, excess cash (more than $20,000 COP visible) or unnecessary items. Never accept food or drinks from strangers. Avoid talking to strangers at bus stops or terminals. It is possible you may be stopped at police check points. A calm attitude is the best key to avoid inconveniences.
It is still recommended that you keep an eye on your belongings and that you do not carry valuables, excess cash (more than $20,000 COP visible) or unnecessary items. Never accept food or drinks from strangers. Avoid talking to strangers at bus stops or terminals. It is possible you may be stopped at police check points. A calm attitude is the best key to avoid inconveniences.
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The official language of Colombia is '''[[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]'''. Some indigenous tribes in rural areas continue to speak their own languages, though almost all people from those tribes will be bilingual in their indigenous language and Spanish.
The official language of Colombia is '''[[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]'''. Some indigenous tribes in rural areas continue to speak their own languages, though almost all people from those tribes will be bilingual in their indigenous language and Spanish.
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If you've recently learned Spanish, its a relief to know that the Bogota dialect is clear and easy to understand. The Spanish does vary, however, from Cartagena to Bogota to Cali. Generally the Spanish on the coasts is spoken more rapidly, and Spanish from
Medellin
has its own idiosyncrasies. Note that in cities like Medellín and Cali, the dialect of Spanish is the ''voseo'' form. Meaning that instead of the second person familiar pronoun ''tú'', ''vos'' is used instead. Though ''tú'' is also understood by everybody, ''vos'' is a more friendly voice while ''tú'' is reserved for intimate circles. The Spanish spoken along the Caribbean coast is similar to the dialects spoken in [[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]] and the [[Dominican Republic]].
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If you've recently learned Spanish, its a relief to know that the Bogota dialect is clear and easy to understand. The Spanish does vary, however, from Cartagena to Bogota to Cali. Generally the Spanish on the coasts is spoken more rapidly, and Spanish from
Medellín
has its own idiosyncrasies. Note that in cities like Medellín and Cali, the dialect of Spanish is the ''voseo'' form. Meaning that instead of the second person familiar pronoun ''tú'', ''vos'' is used instead. Though ''tú'' is also understood by everybody, ''vos'' is a more friendly voice while ''tú'' is reserved for intimate circles. The Spanish spoken along the Caribbean coast is similar to the dialects spoken in [[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]] and the [[Dominican Republic]].
English is taught in school, and Colombians are often exposed to subtitled Hollywood films, so while shy, many younger Colombians in the largest cities know at least a few basic phrases in English. Expect to meet teenage Colombians who may want to practice their English skills with you.
English is taught in school, and Colombians are often exposed to subtitled Hollywood films, so while shy, many younger Colombians in the largest cities know at least a few basic phrases in English. Expect to meet teenage Colombians who may want to practice their English skills with you.
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==Buy==
==Buy==
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The Colombian textile industry is well-recognized and reputable around South America and Europe. Clothing, including lingerie is particularly well-regarded as high quality and very affordable. Leather garments, shoes and accessories are also of interest to foreigners. The best place to buy either is
Medellin
, known for being the fashion capital of the country, where one can buy very high quality goods at a very low cost.
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The Colombian textile industry is well-recognized and reputable around South America and Europe. Clothing, including lingerie is particularly well-regarded as high quality and very affordable. Leather garments, shoes and accessories are also of interest to foreigners. The best place to buy either is
Medellín
, known for being the fashion capital of the country, where one can buy very high quality goods at a very low cost.
Colombian emeralds and gold (18k) jewelry can also be very attractive for visitors. A typical Colombian style of jewelry is a copy of precolombian jewelry, which is fabricated with gold, silver and semi-precious stones.
Colombian emeralds and gold (18k) jewelry can also be very attractive for visitors. A typical Colombian style of jewelry is a copy of precolombian jewelry, which is fabricated with gold, silver and semi-precious stones.
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The "mochila", the Spanish word for "backpack" or "rucksack", is also a traditional, indigenous, hand-woven Colombian bag, normally worn over the shoulder. They are commonly sold in shopping malls, especially in the Santa Marta/El Rodadero area. Mochilas usually come in three sizes - a large one to carry bigger things, a medium one to carry personal belongings, and a small one to carry coca leaves. Coca leaves are carried by local tribe members to reduce hunger, increase energy and to combat altitude sickness.
The "mochila", the Spanish word for "backpack" or "rucksack", is also a traditional, indigenous, hand-woven Colombian bag, normally worn over the shoulder. They are commonly sold in shopping malls, especially in the Santa Marta/El Rodadero area. Mochilas usually come in three sizes - a large one to carry bigger things, a medium one to carry personal belongings, and a small one to carry coca leaves. Coca leaves are carried by local tribe members to reduce hunger, increase energy and to combat altitude sickness.
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Handicrafts such as intricately designed jewelery are commonly sold in markets and on street corners. Many street vendors will approach people, selling
t
-shirts, shorts, glasses, bracelets, watches, necklaces, souvenirs, and novelty photographs. If you want to buy something, this is a good time to exercise your bartering skills. Usually you can go down by 2,000 to 3,000 pesos, however 10%-15% is the generally accepted rule. For example, if someone is selling a shirt for P$10,000, try asking if you can pay P$8,000. Go from there.
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Handicrafts such as intricately designed jewelery are commonly sold in markets and on street corners. Many street vendors will approach people, selling
T
-shirts, shorts, glasses, bracelets, watches, necklaces, souvenirs, and novelty photographs. If you want to buy something, this is a good time to exercise your bartering skills. Usually you can go down by 2,000 to 3,000 pesos, however 10%-15% is the generally accepted rule. For example, if someone is selling a shirt for P$10,000, try asking if you can pay P$8,000. Go from there.
If you don't want to buy anything, a simple ''gracias,'' ("thank you") and a non-committal wave of your hand will deter would-be sellers.
If you don't want to buy anything, a simple ''gracias,'' ("thank you") and a non-committal wave of your hand will deter would-be sellers.
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For breakfast, take a home-made hot drink. The choices normally include coffee, hot chocolate or "agua de panela". The latter is a drink prepared with panela (dried cane juice), sometimes with cinnamon and cloves, which gives it a special taste. In Bogotá and the region around, is a custom to use cheese along with the drink, in a way that small pieces of cheese are put into the cup and then after they are melt, you can use a spoon to pick them up and eat it like a soup. It is the same way to drink hot chocolate.
For breakfast, take a home-made hot drink. The choices normally include coffee, hot chocolate or "agua de panela". The latter is a drink prepared with panela (dried cane juice), sometimes with cinnamon and cloves, which gives it a special taste. In Bogotá and the region around, is a custom to use cheese along with the drink, in a way that small pieces of cheese are put into the cup and then after they are melt, you can use a spoon to pick them up and eat it like a soup. It is the same way to drink hot chocolate.
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Colombia's national alcoholic beverage, Aguardiente (A.K.A. ''guaro''), tastes strongly of anise, and is typically bought by the bottle or half bottle or a quarter. People usually drink it in shots. Each region has its own aguardiente, "Antioqueño" (from Antioquia), "Cristal" (from Caldas), "Quindiano" (from [[Quindío]]), "Blanco del Valle" (from Valle del Cauca) and "Nectar" (from Cundinamarca). There is also a variety of rum beverages, like "Ron Santa Fe" (also from Cundinamarca), "Ron
Medellin
Añejo" (also from Antioquia), "Ron Viejo de Caldas" (also from Caldas) among others.
+
Colombia's national alcoholic beverage, Aguardiente (A.K.A. ''guaro''), tastes strongly of anise, and is typically bought by the bottle or half bottle or a quarter. People usually drink it in shots. Each region has its own aguardiente, "Antioqueño" (from Antioquia), "Cristal" (from Caldas), "Quindiano" (from [[Quindío]]), "Blanco del Valle" (from Valle del Cauca) and "Nectar" (from Cundinamarca). There is also a variety of rum beverages, like "Ron Santa Fe" (also from Cundinamarca), "Ron
Medellín
Añejo" (also from Antioquia), "Ron Viejo de Caldas" (also from Caldas) among others.
The water is drinkable right from the tap in most of the major cities, but be prepared to buy some bottles if you go to the countryside. Agua Manantial Bottled water is recommended, it comes from a natural spring near Bogotá. An advice, make sure you do not use ice cubes, or drink any beverage that might contain non distilled water, ask if the beverage is made with tap or bottled/boiled water.
The water is drinkable right from the tap in most of the major cities, but be prepared to buy some bottles if you go to the countryside. Agua Manantial Bottled water is recommended, it comes from a natural spring near Bogotá. An advice, make sure you do not use ice cubes, or drink any beverage that might contain non distilled water, ask if the beverage is made with tap or bottled/boiled water.