Why Colombia Is This Year's Hottest Travel Destination

After decades as a no-go area for tourists, the South American nation of Colombia is once more firmly on the radar of travelers from across the world. As a country boasting some of the globe’s friendliest people, richest history and most stunning landscapes, Colombia is very quickly gaining a reputation as one of the must-see travel destinations.

From the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea in the north down to the lush tropics of the south, Colombia is renowned as one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries. With a vibrant culture that revolves around music, food and laughter, a visit to Colombia can be as exciting as any jaunt to Asia or Europe.

Let’s take a look at the reasons why Colombia is the year’s hottest travel destination… Breathtaking Natural Beauty

For many years, the landscapes of Colombia were inaccessible to western tourists due to a violent drug war between the nation’s government and narco-supported paramilitary groups. These days, the nation has been thrown wide open to visitors and now the variety of this beautiful country is available for all to see.

The northern part of the country has a tropical climate and is blessed with azure blue waters, white sand beaches and lush rainforests. In the centre of the country, cool hills and mountains provide visitors with respite and a host of nature reserves that are gaining a reputation for extreme sports such as climbing and kayaking. The south of Colombia is a verdant landscape that’s less well-traversed and features some of the country’s wildest jungle areas. Pulsating Culture

Think of Colombia and, chances are, one of the first things that comes to mind will be Salsa music. As the spiritual home of this passionate art form, Colombians love Salsa and perhaps most of all they love to dance. Wherever you find yourself in this beautiful country, people of all ages and social backgrounds can be found strutting their stuff to the sound of Salsa. Whether at home or in a nightclub or even out on the streets, Salsa and dancing are key elements of Colombian cultural life.

Add to this the influence of indigenous Colombian people, and you have one very interesting mix indeed. Throughout the country, indigenous peoples continue to practice their culture in a variety of ways including through cookery, song, dance and crafts. A visit to Colombia that pays attention to these ancient ways of life is one that would be exceptionally well spent. Amazing Food

With such a diverse set of landscapes, it’s little wonder that Colombian cuisine is one of the most varied in South America. It goes without saying that the food here is delicious and one of the best natural products in Colombia is tropical fruit. Staples include papaya, mango, pineapple, lula, passionfruit and avocado, which are way bigger and juicier than anything at home! Add to this line-up an array of grilled meats, tasty soups, dainty pastries and filling rice dishes, and you have one of the most delicious cuisines in Latin America.