Colombia

Colombia sits at the junction of Central and South America—a location symbolic both of the nation’s cultural and geographic confluences. Its territory is bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea, with the Panamanian forest and Pacific coast marking its east. In the west, you’ll find the grasslands of Venezuela and Amazon Basin of Brazil.

Last, but certainly not least, Southern Colombia is home to the majestic Andes and lowland jungles of Ecuador and Peru. In its interior, three majestic mountain ranges are traversed by winding roads, connecting vastly-diverse cities, races, and cultures.

The first settlers arrived in Colombia over 12,000 years ago. Subsequent civilizations erected complex cities near present-day San Agustín and Tayrona, in both the first and eleventh centuries. By the time the Spanish arrived, the Muisca Confederation had a population of over 600,000—making it the third-largest New World culture in existence. Today, indigenous communities including the Kanzá, Cubeos, Wayuu, and Arhuacos hold ancient traditions intact.

As one of the New World’s earliest European settlement sites, Colombia is also home to a wealth of colonial history and architecture. Early explorers such as Alonso de Ojeda arrived here at the dawn of the 16th century, in search of El Dorado. Successive waves of European settlement took hold on the Caribbean Coast throughout the 1530s, subsequently expanding inland. These colonial cities are now yours to enjoy. Lovingly preserved Spanish fortresses, palaces, and churches can be found throughout Cartagena, Mompox, Girón, and Bogota.

Colombia’s legendary wealth extends well beyond city limits–its biodiversity is among the highest on earth. No other country is richer in avian diversity. More than 1,800 bird species have been identified here, 70% of which are concentrated in the Andean cloud forest. Off the Pacific Coast, migrating Humpback whales breach spectacularly from June to October. In the country’s southeast, visitors to Amazon Basin lodges can observe monkeys, jaguars, and pink river dolphins in their lush, natural habitat.

Its equatorial climate renders Colombia a year-round destination. Unbeknownst to some, Colombia is quite convenient to the continental United States. Direct flights are available to Bogotá from Miami (3.5 hours), Houston (5 hours), New York (6 hours), and Los Angeles (7 hours). Direct flights can also be arranged from Miami to Cartagena, with a flying time of only 2.5 hours.