By: Juanita Cortés 10A
When it comes to traveling, some of us tend to search international destinations, forgetting about the amazing places located in our very own country: Colombia, and all the beauty and magic that it holds. Colombia is one of the countries with more biodiversity in the world, and it is very important for us, Colombian citizens, to learn more and more about our beloved country every day. For that reason, in this article, you will find five of the most touristic places in Colombia, and after reading about them, you will be dying to visit everysingle one of them.
(The locations are not listed in order)
1. Leticia-Amazonas: This gorgeous city, capital of the department of Amazonas, is the entrance to not only the Amazonian jungle, but also to a multicultural and multinational zone. Once you get in, you will feel as if you were in a whole new world, you will learn amazing things, and you will get a new fantastic point of view about life. If you get a little deeper, you will be able to discover all the biodiversity we were just talking about, and you will also get to know different animal species like monkeys and pink dolphins, which you cannot usually see in your daily life. If
you go you will never regret it, and if you don't believe me, you can ask any of the 10th graders that lived this amazing experience last October.
2. San Andrés: I'm pretty sure most of you, if not all, have heard about this fascinating archipelago, and some of you might already know it personally, but it is a must on this list. San Andrés, most known for its seven-color sea, is a relaxing Caribbean destination that will take care of all of your problems and take them away while you are there. There are several things you can do while being in San Andres, you can take a tour around the island, you can go to the beach and enjoy the amazing ocean from the outside, and don't forget to ask about the sensational diving programs. Also, you can go shopping, and you can enjoy reggae music,
among other very interesting things. San Andrés is one of Colombia's biggest treasures, and everyone should take a chance and go at least once.
3. Villa de Leyva: This town, located in Boyacá, is one of the towns in Colombia with the most beautiful colonial architecture. There you will be able to go to taste the delicious food of different restaurants, visit various museums to relive our country's history, go to the different events the town constantly hosts, go on a horse ride, visit some dinosaur skeletons, get a portrait or a cartoon of yourself, go to an Ostrich theme park and get to know these exotic animals, and a bunch other things because believe me, I'm just getting started. The best of all is that this town is only 3 hours away by car from Bogotá.
4. Cartagena de Indias: I believe this city doesn't need an introduction, it is one of the most famous places Colombia has, both nationally and internationally. It is the host of the Miss Colombia beauty pageant, and it is well known for having some of the best and classiest parties of the country. If what you are looking for is having a glamorous time, this is your ideal destination.
5. Bogotá: Last but definitely not least, Bogotá, the capital of the country, is one of the most touristic places in Colombia. Even though it doesn’t seem like it for us who live here, Bogotá’s cultural agenda is full every day, and there is something to do every day at any time. If you are on vacation but aren't going anywhere, you can take a tourist day in Bogotá, and as you obviously predicted, pretend to be a tourist. You can visit Monserrate, some of the many museums we have, go to concerts, art exhibits, theatre plays, or simply walk the streets of “La Candelaria”, always being aware of your safety and security. If you do that, you will feel like a
foreign visitor, and you will live your best day at the heart of Colombia.
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These destinations are just a short example of the many touristic locations Colombia has, such as Isla Gorgona, Santa Marta, and La Ruta de Café, among others. If you really love Colombia, get to know it a little better. If you are a real Colombian and your heart is painted in yellow, blue and red, the next time you are traveling, travel nationallyand travel beautifully, I dare you.