Colombia
THE GREATEST DIVERSITY OF BIRDS AND ORCHIDS ON EARTH
Words fail to describe the incomparable level of biodiversity in Colombia, though many a word has been written to great acclaim in this literary hotbed of South America. Imbibed in the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture are poems and stories from such renowned writers as Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This is set against a backdrop of excellent tropical cuisine, a vibrant night-life, cultural festivals and of course the landscapes that ooze life from every crack, crevice, leaf and riverbed. The Amazon and Orinoco are 2 of 4 mighty drainage basins found here; the latter is referenced in singer Enya’s popular song Orinoco Flow and its enchanting refrain “sail away, sail away, sail away”. The largest diversity of birds found in any country on Earth occupy the 314 ecosystems that range from the Pacific coast up to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes that reach as high as 5300 metres above sea level. Colombia also ranks first worldwide in orchid diversity and second in plants, freshwater fishes, amphibians and butterflies. Whether you plan to immerse yourself in cultural thrills of cities like Bogota and Cartagena or marvel at life at its richest, Colombia is eager to welcome you.
NO UPCOMING TOURS AT THIS TIME
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel to Colombia is between December and March.
GOOD TO KNOW
You will be entranced by the Latin rhythms in the cafes and on the streets
SIGNATURE MOMENTS
Smiling among the voluptuous street sculptures of Botero in Medellin
Hearing the commotion of Yellow-eared Parrots
Tracking elusive antpittas on the forest floor
BE SURE TO TRY
• Cazuela de mariscos
• Pandebono
• Arroz con pollo
RECOMMENDED READING
The Making of Modern Colombia, a Nation in Spite of Itself by David Bushnell
Misspelled Paradise: A Year in a Reinvented Colombia by Bryanna Plog
Living to Tell the Tale by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Edith Grossman
VISAS
Canadian and American citizens do not need a visa to visit Colombia for tourism purposes.