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Dream Armenia |
Armenia is the capital of Quindío. The renewed tou... |
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Dream San Andres |
The history of San Andres and Providence is marked... |
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Dream Cartagena |
Cartagena of the West Indies is a colonial-style c... |
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Dream Cali |
Nestled in the vast verdure of the Cauca Valley is... |
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BARRANQUILLA (COLOMBIA`S GOLDEN GATE) |
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This is one of the four main cities in the country. Its industrial and trade development revolves around the port on the Magdalena, the longest river in Colombia. The great number of migrants welcomed by Barranquilla have enriched tradition and rendered the city its cosmopolitan, festive character. The buildings and houses in the El Prado neighborhood display a Mediterranean architecture adapted to the Caribbean. The Amira de la Rosa Theater is the place for cultural events, and the inhabitants of Barranquilla satisfy their passion for football at the Metropolitan Stadium. The city possesses a good number of hotels, restaurants, and night spots where Caribbean music and the gaiety of the curramberos (colloquial term for the inhabitants of Barranquilla) come alive every night. |
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Extension: 166 km²
Population: 1.112.000
Temperature: 28 ° C
The gaiety of the population is expressed during the Carnival of Barranquilla, one of the most authentic in Latin America. The carnival was declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
It takes place during the four days prior to the start of Lent, although the preparations last well over a month. It starts with the Batalla de las Flores (battle of flowers) and its spectacular parade of carriages. Next comes the Great Parade with its Afro-Indian comparsas (groups in a traditional costume) walking and dancing on the main avenues. The fun goes on with orchestras and dances with costumes and typical dresses, and ends with the death of Joselito Carnaval, the symbolic character of the celebration.
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| Barranquilla Carnival (Barranquilla) World Heritage february |
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SANTA MARTA (THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BAY IN AMERICA) |
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Santa Marta was founded in 1525 by one of the prettiest bays in America and is the oldest Hispanic city in the country.
The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the country house where Liberator Simón Bolívar died is close to this important sea port. White-sanded beaches, a pleasant climate, and its good infrastructure make it an ideal place to rest or to hold events.
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Extension: 6.135 km²
Population: 400.014
Temperature: 28 ° C |
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Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino |
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TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK |
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Three protected areas may be visited in this region. The National Natural Tayrona Park, located where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, at 5,770 meters above sea level, the highest intertropical mountain in the world plunges into the Caribbean Sea giving shape to bays and coves of undescribable beauty
Beaches, mangroves, coral reefs. hills, woods, scrubland, and a varied fauna share this marvellous spot with the archaeological ruins of Pueblito (little village), one of the many urban centers of the Tayrona Indians, a pre-Columbian civilization |
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To this day, several Indian tribes who preserve their myths, traditions, and customs live on the Sierra.
Access: To Santa Marta by airplane or by car or bus on a secure, paved road. Only 45 minutes away you can find ecological paths and pre-Columbian trail lead to different interesting places in the park.
Lodging: there are camping sites with bathrooms, fresh water, and rustic, comfortable lodgings |
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TUNJA ( A COLONIAL CITY ) |
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The capital of the Department of Boyacá is an excellent example of colonial and religious architecture. Proof of this are La Casa del Fundador (the founder’s house), the Plaza de Bolívar, the house of Don Juan de Vargas, the Cathedral, and the numerous churches and convents such as the temples of San Francisco, Santa Bárbara, and Santo Domingo, and the convent of Santa Clara. |
Population: 153.000
Temperature: 14 ° C |
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Most of the inhabitants of Boyacá live in rural areas, where they devote themselves to cattle-raising, agriculture, and handicrafts. Boyacá was the scenario for several battles for the independence of Colombia. A visit to the Pantano de Vargas (Vargas’s swamp) or the Puente de Boyacá (Boyacá bridge) will bring the tourist closer to several of the most important moments in the country’s history. |
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| PLACE NOT TO BE MISSED |
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The Cocuy National Natural Park, an enormous area of over 306,000 hectares, is home to over 20 snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, páramos (a neotropical ecosystem located between the upper forest line and the permanent snow line), and the fauna and flora characteristic of the Andean forest. |
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The 45,000 hectare Pisba National Natural Park is characterized by the variety of its cloud forests, páramos, fauna, and flora. Its lakes and historical sites, like the Liberator’s Route and the house where Simón Bolívar stayed, are well worth a tour.
The Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary encompasses eight lakes and a surprising variety of vegetation.
Tota Lake is a colorful, tranquil natural lake. Fishing and the subsequent eating of carefully prepared trout are a source of pride for the region. |
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Villa de Leyva is a popular tourist destination for Colombians thanks to its colonial architecture, cultural and sporting activities, and the serenity and beauty of its scenery. Its plaza is one of the most impressive in the country. The town is distinguished by its cobble-stoned streets; beautiful convents such as the Barefoot Carmelites, Saint Augustine, and Saint Francis Convents; and internationally renowned events like the Kite Festival. |
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The only horse-racing track in Colombia is found there. It is also the site for the Colegio Verde (green school), the first institution in the country devoted to environmental studies.
Ráquira, land of handicrafts. Its people are proud to be the first producers of clay handicrafts in the entire country. It is a small village, full of art and color.
Close by is the Desert of the Candelaria and the convent by the same name.
Paipa, this small village is famous for its effective thermal waters. It was declared the tourist capital of Eastern Colombia, not only for its waters, but for being the site of important conferences and conventions.
Duitama and Sogamoso are two other small towns only thirty minutes apart by road. Both preserve architectural and religious jewels from colonial times.
Tópaga and Monguí, considered colonial relics, are quite close to one another and offer a notable religious architecture. Their inhabitants manufacture handicrafts by carving coal with a chisel and a hammer. |
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BUCARAMANGA ( THE PRETTY CITY ) |
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The capital of the Department of Santander has been called Ciudad Bonita (pretty city) or Ciudad de los Parques (city of parks) on account of the design of its public areas and its spring-like climate. It is the main economic, educational, and cultural development pole of northwestern Colombia. Quite close by, are Floridablanca and Girón, two lovely colonial towns and the gigantic canyon of the Chicamocha River, an impressive natural formation that is definitely worth visiting |
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Extension: 165 km²
Population: 510.000
Temperature : 20 º C |
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NEIVA ( REGION OF CONTRASTS) |
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The capital of the Department of Huila was founded at the edge of the Magdalena River.
The richness and diversity of its attractions in natural and cultural tourism will lead visitors to experiences in river rafting on the Magdalena and Páez Rivers; jetskiing on the Betania Dam; exploring extremely long caves and caverns in Yaguará, Timaná, Suaza, and Palermo; hiking in the picturesque countryside, fertile valleys and surprising landscapes.
Astronomical observation is possible next to the amazing expansive clay landscapes in the Tatacoa Desert.
Thermal waters for health and recreation, religious tourism, rural tourism in coffee and cattle haciendas, and the attractiveness of cultural expressions are all a source of pride for the opita people (Opitas is the colloquial term for the people of the Departments of Huila and Tolima.). Population: 315.000
Temperature: 26 ° C |
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| NATIONAL BAMBUCO BEAUTY PAGEANT AND FOLK FESTIVAL |
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The bambuco, a dance that represents love stories of peasant couples, is the theme around which this event revolves. The main performance is the competition of representatives from different departments where their mastery in the interpretation of this dance is displayed. |
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POPAYAN ( RELIGIOUS CAPITAL ) |
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This is one of the most beautiful and traditional cities in the country, where churches and buildings from the colonial and republican eras are perfectly preserved. During Holy Week, a revival of the pomp of Spanish traditions and the Festival of Religious Music are celebrated with the participation of ensembles and choruses of cultured music. |
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Population: 259.000
Temperature: 18 ° C |
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El humilladero |
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IBAGUE ( MUSICAL CAPITAL OF COLOMBIA) |
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It is located in the Valley of the Magdalena River at the foothills of the Nevado (snow-capped mountain) del Tolima. The “Musical City of Colombia” has a celebrated conservatory where the Folkloric Festival is celebrated every year in June. |
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Population: 495.000
Temperature: 24 ° C
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