Colombia may straddle the equator, but that doesn't mean you should leave your gloves and sweater at home. Bogota and Medellin are located in tropical highlands and can get chilly at night. Visit coastal Cartagena, however, and you'll be sweltering.
1. Colombian climates vary wildly —
Colombia may straddle the equator, but that doesn't mean you should leave your gloves and sweater at home. Bogota and Medellin are located in tropical highlands and can get chilly at night. Visit coastal Cartagena, however, and you'll be sweltering.
courtesy felixi97
Jutting out of a mountainside packed with russet cinder-block slums, the three black shards of Medellin's Espana Library stand out in a sea of shanties and is connected to the city via the MetroCable. The Urban Land Institute named Medellin its 2012 "Innovative City of the Year" in a competition co-sponsored by the Wall Street Journal and Citi.
Medellin is world's most innovative city, officially —
Jutting out of a mountainside packed with russet cinder-block slums, the three black shards of Medellin's Espana Library stand out in a sea of shanties and is connected to the city via the MetroCable. The Urban Land Institute named Medellin its 2012 "Innovative City of the Year" in a competition co-sponsored by the Wall Street Journal and Citi.
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While some residents of Medellin can recall living amid drug war terror, Colombia is no gangster's paradise. Suggesting that Colombia hasn't moved on from its inglorious past is considered ignorant and rude.
3. Drug stereotypes are offensive —
While some residents of Medellin can recall living amid drug war terror, Colombia is no gangster's paradise. Suggesting that Colombia hasn't moved on from its inglorious past is considered ignorant and rude.
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From the summit of Monserrate, Bogota's vast gray and red concrete expanse absorbs the green valley that frames it -- the sight puts the sprawling proportion of this mega-city into perspective. Monserrate can be reached via an aerial tramway, funicular or by climbing.
4. See Bogota from Monserrate —
From the summit of Monserrate, Bogota's vast gray and red concrete expanse absorbs the green valley that frames it -- the sight puts the sprawling proportion of this mega-city into perspective. Monserrate can be reached via an aerial tramway, funicular or by climbing.
courtesy Suppjcs
Since policies implemented in 2006 encouraging paramilitary groups to "demobilize" after their conflict with communist guerillas, Colombia's security situation has vastly improved.
5. Security has dramatically improved —
Since policies implemented in 2006 encouraging paramilitary groups to "demobilize" after their conflict with communist guerillas, Colombia's security situation has vastly improved.
GUILLERMO MU-OZ/AFP/getty images
Cali is renowned for its dynamic dance floors. Those seeking a more subtle experience can start with a viejoteca, where there's more actual dancing, less physical drama and fewer crazy drinkers.
6. Cali is Salsa City —
Cali is renowned for its dynamic dance floors. Those seeking a more subtle experience can start with a viejoteca, where there's more actual dancing, less physical drama and fewer crazy drinkers.
Chuck Thompson/CNN
Colombia is synonymous with coffee, so it's little surprise that the morning drink is in such high demand that leagues of women walk Colombian cities serving out the beverage. A real Colombian, takes the stuff black, or cafe tinto.
6. Colombians prefer cafe tinto —
Colombia is synonymous with coffee, so it's little surprise that the morning drink is in such high demand that leagues of women walk Colombian cities serving out the beverage. A real Colombian, takes the stuff black, or cafe tinto.
RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty Images
Pueblitos, or small villages, such as Ráquira (pictured), dot the Colombian countryside, serving up a colonial past and antiquated charm not found in cities.
8. Pueblitos are nice weekend destinations —
Pueblitos, or small villages, such as Ráquira (pictured), dot the Colombian countryside, serving up a colonial past and antiquated charm not found in cities.
courtesy whereisdarrennow.com
If you're looking for a stiff drink, aguardiente (the 60%-alcohol spirit means "fiery water") is the most Colombian way to find it. Even more local? The unforgettable guayabo (Colombian slang for hangover) de aguardiente.
9. Nothing is as Colombian as aguardiente —
If you're looking for a stiff drink, aguardiente (the 60%-alcohol spirit means "fiery water") is the most Colombian way to find it. Even more local? The unforgettable guayabo (Colombian slang for hangover) de aguardiente.
AIZAR RALDES/afp/getty images
What's Colombia without salsa? Not Colombia. Colombians are warm people. Most will be happy to show you some introductory moves on the spot.
10. A good salsatecas is hot and sweaty —
What's Colombia without salsa? Not Colombia. Colombians are warm people. Most will be happy to show you some introductory moves on the spot.
LUIS ROBAYO/AFP/GettyImages