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  • Colombia
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    • Bogotá and around
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Gorgeous jungle-smothered Caribbean island, with diving off the world’s third largest barrier reef, idyllic beaches and a distinctive Raizal culture. The colonial capital of the southwest has retained it’s all-white, elegant character with handsome churches and mansions close to volcanoes, hot springs and indigenous markets. Tantalizing combination of snow-capped volcanoes, craggy glaciers, churning rivers and wild plains of páramo. Colombia’s biggest, craziest festival is a riot of colours, sounds, parades and parties. Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to illuminating museums, enticing restaurants and legendary artist Fernando Botero. Colombia’s ancient civilizations were masters of gold art; see intricate jewellery and the golden raft of the Muisca people. The adventure sport hub for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, rappelling and trekking. Mystifying underground tombs high in the Andes, surrounded by Nasa communities and spectacular waterfalls. Just off San Andrés, this perfect desert island has a distinctive Afro-Caribbean feel. Beautifully preserved colonial village in the Andes, with low-slung adobe houses, fine restaurants and a string of picturesque waterfalls nearby. The five-day trek to the “Lost City” of the Tairona is one of South America’s great adventures, featuring cool forest streams, indigenous villages and jungle-strewn ruins. Wonderfully preserved slice of Caribbean coast, with the jungles and white-sand beaches backed by snowy peaks. Latin America’s colonial jewel, a city of Baroque churches, elegant mansions, shady plazas and those giant Spanish walls. Essential homage to one of the greatest contemporary artists in South America, featuring plenty of his signature plump ladies. Bizarre but jaw-dropping sight, with vast halls, crosses and altars carved out of an old salt mine. Colombia’s lush Pacific coast is one of the world’s best places to see humpbacks and their new-born calves. Colombian coffee is the world’s best, and staying on a traditional hacienda will immerse you in the sights and heavenly aromas of the trade. Colombia’s Amazon region is still largely untamed wilderness, with Leticia the best base for forays into the rainforest.