Because I live in the middle of pretty much nowhere, I relish any opportunity to grab my suitcase (oh, and my fiancé!) and travel the world one destination at a time. Although I could happily visit Disney every single month, I feel it’s necessary to curb my Disney obsession every once in a while to explore somewhere new – which is why I’m on the lookout for somewhere exciting and totally unique.
While researching my next travel destination, I’ve stumbled across numerous people who have just returned from Colombia and have nothing but good things to say about it – which is why it’s now at the top of my bucket list! Here are 5 reasons why Colombia is the place to visit in 2018…
You can lose yourself in the mountains
Don’t get me wrong, I love a beach holiday as much as the next person, but the mountains are my home! I feel completely at peace when I’m wandering my favourite mountains, and I just can’t get enough of being outside and exploring nature. Thankfully, Colombia is teeming with national parks and mountains that could keep any traveller entertained for hours.
You can climb the steps of the lost city, Ciudad Perdida, and overlook the Amazon rainforest, or you climb the impressive Chicamocha National Park. You might want to get the cable car back down though…
Medellin offers the perfect city break
Although Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring, it also has the non-official nickname of being the city of reinvention. After its colourful past, Medellin has used the last few decades and a bit of peace and quiet to totally transform itself into the perfect city break location.
You can go wild exploring the amazing art, science and history museums, as well as wander through the incredible flower market that takes place every year. However, no trip to Medellin would be complete without whipping out your floaty dresses and partying in one of the best party cities in the world.
You can surround yourself with art and culture
In 2011, the capital city of Bogota made a move to decriminalise graffiti, and it’s safe to say it’s had an incredible effect on the city. You can’t turn the corner without seeing a brand new piece of artwork where everyday locals and professional artists alike can express themselves, and it really is a sight to behold. The city has since made a name for itself as one of the most renowned street art spots in the world, and you can surround yourself with this art and culture during your own trip to Colombia this year.
Colombia’s diving scene is second to none
It’s always been a dream of mine to go diving at least once in my life, and I’ve heard that Colombia is the place to go. In fact, Colombia boasts the third-largest coral reef in the world, thanks to its beautiful islands of Santa Catalina and Providencia. This largely unexplored gem features exotic marine wildlife, multi-coloured coral reefs, as well as sunken shipwrecks that offer the best diving experience you could possibly imagine. Colombia isn’t just a city, you know!
The people couldn’t be friendlier
As soon as the word “Colombia” touches your lips, it’s fair to say that your friends and family will shake their heads and mutter something-or-other about Pablo Escobar and his infamous cartel. Although this is a huge part of the Colombian history, the people of this extraordinary country believe this is sooo 30 years ago – because it is!
Since Pablo’s reign, the country has had a major turnaround and is now deemed safe for tourists. In fact, after years of shutting themselves away from the world, the people of Colombia are over the moon to see new faces, and it’s not uncommon for strangers to shake your hand and wish you well in the middle of the street.
While Colombia might not be your first destination of choice, I hope I’ve persuaded you that Colombia is the place to visit in 2018! Have you been to Colombia? Tell me all about it in the comments!
