Colombia, gateway to Central America, has a rich mixture of cultures, idyllic island possessions and wonderfully diverse landscapes from the icy peaks of the Andes to the dense, humid rainforest of Amazonia. It was up the Magdalena river that the Spaniards set out to explore the interior in search of El Dorado’s elusive treasures - the legend lives on at Guatavita, about an hour’s drive from Bogota.

Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast

It was from Cartagena, one of the most important colonial towns of South America, that Spanish galleons set sail laden with treasure bound for Europe. Today, the ‘old city’ is a tourist attraction 'par excellence' - close by is a sublime stretch of Caribbean coastline with many fine hotels. The Ciudad Perdida in Tayrona National Park was discovered as recently as 1975 and is one of the most important pre-hispanic cities in South America. The beautiful Rosario Islands lie a two hour journey by boat south-west of Cartagena, whilst further north lies the archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia.

Boyaca

Stretching out over the vast fertile valley north of Bogota, Boyaca Province played an important role during the period leading to independence. Of particular significance and well worth visiting is Tunja, where the decisive Battle of Boyaca was fought, Bolivar’s troops fortified by a British Legion. With its cobbled central plaza, Villa de Leyva is a national monument and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and best preserved towns in Colombia.

Archaeological Sites and the Southern Region

The stone statues at San Agustin and Tierradentro represent the most notable archaeological areas in Colombia, many of the figures dating back to 3,300 BC. Little is known of the Agustine cultures, though it is widely believed they practised complex forms of worship. Set amid gently rolling plains, Popayan played an important role during the colonial era due to its location on a direct route between Cartagena in the north and Quito and Lima in the south. Nowadays, Popayan is best known for its Holy Week procession.