| |
|
|
Alonso de Ojeda, a companion of Christopher Columbus, landed on the Guajira Peninsula in 1499. The wealth of the local Indians promulgated the myth of El Dorado, and the shores of present-day Colombia became the target of numerous expeditions. The Indians originally tolerated the arrival of the Spaniards but rebelled when the colonists tried to enslave them and confiscate their lands. Soon, a large part of what became Colombia had been conquered by the Spanish, and a number of towns, including Cartagena (founded in 1533), were prospering. In 1544, the country was incorporated into the viceroyalty of Peru, where it remained until 1739 when it became a part of New Granada (comprising the territories of what are today Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama).
Pre-Columbian cultures existed in scattered pockets in the Andean region and on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Among the most outstanding were the Tayrona, Sinú, Muisca, Quimbaya, Tierradentro and San Agustín. Many of the tribes produced accomplished goldwork and pottery, and some left behind burial chambers and rock paintings which have helped anthropologists piece together their cultures.
We have appointed serious and professional people in Colombia to make sure that if the situation is not safe, we will not hesitate to inform our clients. |
 |
 Bogota Medellin Cali Barranquila Cartagena
|
|
|
| BOGOTA – Cultural Gem |
 |
|
Bogotá The city of Bogotá as the capital of Colombia is the business center and an important hub for cultural events. It offers visitors diverse attractions such as museums, historical monuments, theme parks and amusement parks, national and international restaurants and magnificent shopping centers.
The capital of Colombia, was founded August 6, 1538 by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, and from that moment on it has been an important political, cultural and economic center. It was named the capital in 1740, in colonial times when there was still a Viceroy in Nueva Granada. In 1819, when independence was reached the Republic of Colombia adopted it as its capital.
Actually, Bogotá houses part of its history in the imposing houses that were inhabited during the colonial period by viceroys, judges and various officials of the Spanish government. Some of these beautiful homes are today, museums, restaurants and cultural centers. The majority of them are located in the Candelaria, the historic center of the city.
There are also a great number of old churches of baroque and renaissance style. Some outstanding ones are: the Catedral Primada, the Virgin del Carmen, San Diego, the Candelaria and San Francisco. Also of note is the Santuario de Monserrate, which although not as old is known as a place of pilgrimage and as a tourist attraction because of its spectacular view of the city.
The outskirts of the city offer many interesting restaurants, antique stores and other interesting places to visit such as, the Catedral de sal de Zipaquirá (the salt Cathedral in Zipaquira), the Laguna of Guatavita, and la sabana de Bogotá (the Savanna of Bogota) among others.
Tourist Information:
Average temperature: 14 °C
Altitude: 2600 above sea level.
International Airport: El Dorado
Main places of interest:
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Casa de la Moneda (House of Money )
Museo Nacional de Colombia (National Museum of Colombia )
Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar (Quinta of Bolivar museum)
|
|
| MEDELLIN – The city of Eternal Spring |
 |
|
Medellin is one of the biggest centers of development in the country thanks to the drive, warmth and work of the "paisa" population.
In the city there are numerous events. Among the most outstanding events is the Feria de las Flores, a traditional parade which permits hundreds of small flower growers to demonstrate their abilities in the artistic arrangement of flowers, which they parade on their backs through the city streets.
Medellín offers intense cultural activities, as it has important museums, libraries and theaters. |
|
| CALI – The World Capital of Salsa |
 |
|
Cali is a cordial, public-spirited and joyful city filled with friendly people and beautiful women. It is the ideal place to hold events and meetings as it has available hotel facilities on a national and international level.
The city has comfortable malls, country clubs, modern hotels and restaurants, and many parks, which make Cali one of the most enjoyable cities in the country.
|
|
| BARRANQUILA - Colombia's Golden Port |
 |
|
Barranquilla is the most important commercial city of the Caribbean.
Its hotel infrastructure offers visitors all the conveniences of a large city.
Barranquilla is well known for its famous Carnival. This carnival is a tremendous display of colourful parties, joy and originality, coupled with the ingenuity and spontaneity which characterises the Barranquilleros.
|
|
| CARTAGENA |
 |
|
CARTAGENA
Cartagena Located in a beautiful natural bay and surrounded by islands,marshes and lagoons one finds Cartagena de Indias, the heroic city, cruise port and resort town filled with fun and sun.
Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the conqueror Pedro de Heredia on the site of the Calamarí Indian village. Since its founding it was the largest and most important port in the Spanish colony due to its position as the entrance to the interior of the country and its natural port.
In Cartagena de Indias enormous quantities of treasure were kept and therefore it became coveted by pirates and corsairs The constant sieges are the reason for its extraordinary military architecture characterized by its thick walls and fortresses. Outstanding are the Castillo de San Felipe of Barajas, the Battery of San Ángel in Tierrabomba, the Castillo Fuerte of San Fernando and the Battery of San José in Bocachica, XVIII century constuctions that protected the entrance to the bay with their return fire. Its main tourist areas are the beaches of Laguito and BocaGrande, perfect for lovers of the sun and water sports. These are surrounded by good restaurants, cafes, discos and hotels which meet all the tourist's needs.
The perfect weather and atmosphere of Cartagena de Indias, in addition to the large number of comfortable hotels, convention center, night clubs, excellent restaurants and the enchanting old city make the Heroic City the perfect place for any event.
Tourist Information:
Average Temperature: 30°C 86°F
Altitude: 5 meters above sea level 17 feet above sea level
International Airport Rafael Nuñez
Places of Interest:
· San Felipe Fort
· Palace of the Inquisition
· Clock Tower
· Gold Museum
· Naval Museum
· Cerro de la Popa
· Rafael Nuñez' House Customs House
· Cartagena Theater
· Convention Center
· Santo Domingo Temple
· San Pedro Claver Church
· Marqués de Valdehoyos House |
 |
|
SANTA MARTA - BEACH RESORTS
Santa Marta, the capital of the State of Magdalena, is one of the most important vacation destinations in Colombia. It offers tourists all of the conveniences of a large city and the enchantment of Colombia's original native cultures.
Santa Marta was founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas. It is the oldest existing city in Colombia built by the Spaniards. The conquest of new Granada began here, and although Cartagena replaced it as the principal port during the colonial period, Santa Marta was the capital.
Among the places of interest are: the Cathedral, one of the oldest in the Colony. Construction began in the XVI century. The founder, Bastidas is buried there. Additional places of interest are the Santo Domingo convent, the San Francisco church and the Casa de la Aduana, which houses the Museo Antropológico and Etnológico. It is also worth visiting the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a beautiful villa built in the XVIII century where the liberator Simón Bolívar died in 1830. It presently houses the Museo Bolivariano de Arte Contemporáneo and the Museo Tayrona. Santa Marta is known for its beach the Rodadero and holds the traditional Fiesta del Mar in July. There are various days of music and celebration during which there is a beauty pageant with representatives from different states who demonstrate their skills at swimming and water sports.
Santa Marta is the departure point for your visit to the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Tourist Information:
Average Temperature: 28 °C 83°F
Altitude: 4 meters above sea level 14 feet above sea level
Airport Simón Bolivar
Places of Interest:
· The Cathedral
· The Gold Museum or The Customs House
· Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
· The Rodadero
· Sea Aquarium and Museum
· The Emporio Shopping Mall
· The Barco Shopping Mall |
|
|
