"Colombia" Colombia by JessieLang

Colombia is a country I never expected to visit. Everything we ever heard about it involved drugs, gangs, guerillas, kidnappings, etc., and it didn't seem worth the risk

All that has changed! The drug lords are gone, the country is peaceful, and they are encouraging tourists. Their new slogan, which we saw all over, is "The only risk is that you'll want to stay!" They aren't far wrong on that.

Santa Marta Balcony

A tour company I like offered Colombia as a destination for the first time this year, and I signed up. We went to Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park.

Bogota's gold museum is world class.

Santa Marta is linked with Bolivar and independence. Lots of history there, as well as beautiful beaches.

Cartagena was my favorite city because of its architecture and history.

Tayrona area-Rio Piedra

Tayrona National Park has lots of species not found anywhere else, and all kinds of outdoor activities for more active travelers.

• Pros:History, scenery, architecture
• Cons:In Bogota--altitude and steep terrain
• In a nutshell:I'd happily go back