Major Tourist Attractions In Colombia

The capital city Bogota is a medley of the old and new, rich and poor, past and present of all things Colombian. Museums and colonial churches deliver a serene breather from the frenetic pace of the city. Browse through the numerous exhibits at the Museo Del Oro, one of the most reputed gold museums in the world, and the Museo Nacional, which chronicles ancient to modern Columbian art. Churches that will make your trip memorable are Iglesia de San Ignacio and Iglesia de Santa Clara. Many historical areas in the city have been preserved, such as the main square, Plaza Bolivar, and the cathedral on it.  
 Climb to the top of Cerro de Monserrate for a view of the city and visit the Church of the Fallen Christ, which has the reputation of making miracles happen. Keep your Sunday morning free for the flea market at Mercado de las Pulgas. La Candelaria has many restaurants and hotels if you want to easy on the pocket. 

50km away from Bogota is Ziapiquira, renowned for its salt mines and the famous Salt Cathedral that can seat over 8000 people. La Guatavita is a two-hour bus drive from Bogota famed for its Laguna, the sacred lake of the Musica Indians.

Cali and Medellin are important places on the business map of Colombia but are frequently in the throes of gang wars between the government and drug barons who rule the roost.

Cartagena de Indias is the most well known city in the country, well frequented by tourists for its fascinating beauty and history. The old fortified city has many fascinating churches, palaces, monasteries and ancient mansions reminiscent of the Spanish colonial days.  

Worth mentioning are the Palacio de la Inquisicion, the port of Cartagena and the Casa del Marques de Valdehoyos, which are some of the highlights of the old town. Facilities for tourists have been developed recently at el Laquira with upmarket restaurants and holiday resorts. The outer walled town, Getsemani, is less frequented and is not so well maintained but it is worth a visit to see the still strong 17th century Spanish fort, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.

 Colombia's coast stretches for 1600km and has many tourist resorts; the main ones lie close to Santa Marta. Others along the Caribbean coast are the town of Mompos known for architectural remnants of the colonial days, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta - the tallest coastal mountain range.

Beaches of Parque Nacional Tayrona; mud volcanoes of Arboletes and the La Ciudad Perdita - the dateless city of Tayrona Indians are also popular tourist circuits.

Cruises and tours are organised from Cartagena to the Islas del Rosario, 35km to the west and an archipelago of 25 small coral islands. Islands of San Andres and Providencia, about 500km north of the Colombian coast, are also popular as cruise destinations. The biggest draw is their duty free status and some secluded unspoilt areas. Shuttle flights connect the mainland and San Andres.