The Essence Newspaper

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ContenTs 01.

SEE...

01. SEE...

4 ~ 5 6 ~ 7 8 ~ 9 10 ~ 11

Beautiful Beaches Vibrant Celebrations Exciting Cities Exotic Wildlife

KEY FACTS

02.

02. EXPERIENCE...

14 ~ 15 The Jungle 16 ~ 17 The City Life 18 ~ 19 The Andes

05.

05. THERE THERE & & BACK BACK 30 ~31

03. TASTE...

20 ~ 21 The Coffee 22 ~ 23 The Food

04. DISCOVER...

24~ 25 Music 26 ~ 27 Art 28 ~ 29 Literature

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BEAUTIFUL BEACHES COLOMBIA IS HOME TO A PLETHORA OF SANDY STRETCHES THAT BOAST AN UNTOUCHED BEAUTY, THE LIKES OF WHICH YOU’LL BE HARD PUSHED TO FIND ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. UNSPOILT BY MAN AND HAVENS FOR WILDLIFE, WE’VE HANDPICKED SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE COASTAL SPOTS.

SAPZURRO ~ You’re getting pretty close to the Panamanian border when you make it to the beaches of Sapzurro. An area once lost to the conflict of the Colombian Civil War, Sapzurro is now a great place to visit and has been left as beautifully untouched as it was decades ago thanks to its time beyond the travel radar.

The beaches are surrounded by dense greenery and scattered with a few fallen palm trees here and there, so as soon as you step out onto the sand you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to a Jurassic age. The waters are clear, blue and perfect for snorkelling whilst the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet.

If you’re feeling active, take a hike up through the jungle to gain some astounding views over the bay. There’s lots of bird life to be spotted here too.

Nature at its very best.

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PALOMINO ~ Yet another untouched beauty, but this time on the mainland of Colombia, Palomino embodies the Caribbean beach idyll; white sand, palm trees and turquoise seas.

PROVIDENCE ISLAND ~ What’s better than one paradisiacal beach? A whole island’s worth of paradisiacal beaches, of course. Providence Island is isolated, primitive and completely natural, so it’s no wonder it’s home to some of the most incredible beaches we’ve seen.

Untouched and totally unspoilt, Providence sits 72 kilometres north of San Andrés and can only be reached by boat.

Less than an hour outside of Tayrona National Park, you’ll find that this beach benefits from having similar scenery to that of the national park but minus the entrance fee and crowds. Our top choice if you’re looking for an alternative to the park, Palomino is deserted, picturesque, easy to reach and free. What could be better?

It’s surrounded by a coral barrier so diving conditions are perfect and with only 4000 inhabitants, the pace of life is slow and quiet. Providence Island will leave you speechless (which is a good thing really; we don’t want too many people hearing about it).

PUNTA GALLINAS ~ The trip to Punta Gallinas isn’t a short one, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. Jutting out from Colombia’s La Guajira Desert to form South America’s northernmost point, you’ll find it hard to distinguish where La Guajira Desert ends and Punta Gallinas beach begins. You see, the steep desert sand dunes roll down straight into the sea, making this one of the most unique beaches in the world. Where else can you roll yourself from the top of a desert dune down into the waves of the Caribbean Sea? What’s more, this special little place is yet to be ‘discovered’ by the many travellers that pass through Colombia each year. If it’s a deserted beach you want; deserted beach you’ll get. The long journey here will require you to stay a couple of nights, making this less of a trip to the beach and more of an immersive experience.

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COLOMBIA KNOWS HOW TO PUT ON A GREAT SHOW, AND SO THE COUNTRY’S EVENTS CALENDAR IS FILLED WITH SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST LIVELY, VIBRANT AND EXCITING FESTIVALS. SOME INSPIRED BY RELIGION, OTHERS BY MUSIC AND MOST BY COLOMBIAN CULTURE, HAVE A READ OF THIS LIST TO DISCOVER WHICH ARE OUR FAVOURITES AND WHY.

CARTAGENA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ~ JANUARY

CARNAVAL DE BARRANQUILLA ~ FEBRUARY

Set within the walls of the old city, the international music festival is a nine day celebration of musical decadence, with a particular emphasis on classical music. Attracting performers from Latin America and even Europe, as well as spectators from all over the world, it’s the perfect festival for all those music lovers amongst you. You’ll find performances in theatres and outdoor plazas throughout the city and get to see some of the world’s most revered orchestras in action. The setting for this festival within the confines of such a beautiful and historic city makes this a unique and educational event, so add it to your calendar.

Carnaval De Barranquilla is one of the largest carnivals in the world (coming second only to the Rio Carnival). It’s an important folkloric event that dates back to the 19th Century and one in which the locals get fully involved. Taking place in the last few days before Ash Wednesday, the streets of Barranquilla come alive with colourful floats, energetic street performances, exotic music and elaborate costumes. And the most exciting part? Well, it has to be the Batalla de las Flores, the carnival’s spectacular parade led by the carnival queen herself. Finishing with the colossal Grand Parade, the carnival culminates in the funeral of Joselito Carnaval, the spirit of the Carnival, who’s no doubt been sent to his grave by four days of non-stop partying.

A fitting end to an exciting and elaborate spectacle.

SEMANA SANTA ~ MARCH | APRIL

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90 percent of Colombia’s population are devout Catholics, so it’s no surprise that this Easter spectacle is celebrated with such fervour every year. For the most elaborate processions and celebrations, head over to Popayan, the religious centre of Colombia, where you’ll really get to the bottom of what Semana Santa is all about. Arriving on Tuesday, follow the Holy Tuesday Procession as the participants carry effigies to the centre of the city, ready for Good Friday’s procession that represents the story of Christ and his crucifixion. Solemn yet uplifting, you’ll also get to see some incredible performances from musicians that have travelled from all over the world to attend one of Colombia’s most important events of the year.

FERIA DE LAS FLORES ~ AUGUST l de C ar n ava u il l a q Barr an

f e ria d e l as f lor as xxx

One of Colombia’s biggest exports is flowers, but don’t worry, they keep plenty for themselves. So many in fact, that there’s a festival thrown each year to celebrate floral beauty in Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring. Throughout the first two weeks in August, the city blossoms, quite literally, into a stunning work of art. The highlight of the festival is Desfile de los Silleteros, a procession that offers the flower growers the chance to showcase their floral arrangements from wooden platforms that they carry on their backs throughout the city. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before, or are likely to see elsewhere. Alongside the flower displays you’ll find music performances as well as the largest outdoor horse parade on the planet. Sound a little random? At least you’ll go home with plenty of unique stories to share.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COLOMBIA, SCAN HERE

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A COUNTRY BRIMMING WITH HISTORY, CULTURE, NIGHTLIFE, CUISINE AND STUNNING ARCHITECTURE, YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF COLOMBIA’S OFFERINGS WHEN YOU TAKE A TRIP TO THIS LATIN AMERICAN JEWEL. FROM BUZZING BOGOTA TO THE VIBRANT HEART OF QUIETLY CRUMBLING TOWNS, HERE’S THE LOW DOWN ON OUR FAVOURITE COLOMBIAN CITIES.

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BOGOTA ~ At 2,600 meters above sea level, the capital of Colombia sits on a huge plain at the very heart of the country. Over the years, Bogota has transformed itself from a little known, often avoided destination, to one of Latin America’s most exciting metropolises.

Visitors to this eclectic city will experience an urban side to Colombia through its vibrant night life, fascinating museums, bountiful art galleries, ancient churches and an up-and-coming culinary scene.

Around eight million people call Bogota home, with plenty more flocking to the area each day in search of opportunity. It’s this feeling of growth and anticipation that makes Bogota such an exciting place to be.

There are thousands of parks and pretty plazas strewn with cafés and restaurants when you need some down time, as well as a never ending supply of bars and clubs to party in till dawn. It’s everything you could want from a city, wrapped up neatly in a wonderful Latin American package.

SEA LEVEL

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MEDELLIN ~ One of South America’s most interesting cities, Medellin is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and lush forest. With a year round temperate climate, it’s no wonder that Medellin is known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’; an image that goes hand in hand with its rebirth as one of our favourite destinations.

Granted, it’s not as picturesque as Cartagena or as developed as Bogota, but this city has its own unique charm; known for its night life, restaurants and culture, Medellin proves time and time again that it is not a city to be ignored.

At once rural yet totally urban, the positioning of this city within the mountains means you get to enjoy activities such as mountain biking and trekking as well as art galleries, vibrant bars and, of course, Carmen, one of our all-time favourite restaurants in Latin America. It’s the perfect mix.

CARTAGENA ~

the ‘Lost City’ as one of our favourite ‘cities’ in Colombia?

Built between the 8th and 14th centuries by Tayrona Indians, this is by far the oldest offering on the list.

It’s colourful, it’s pretty, it’s distinctly Latin American and it’s one of the continent’s most prized cultural highlights.

Wander through the charming maze of cobbled streets and you’ll stumble across open air cafés and stunning plazas (Plaza de los Coches is by far the prettiest) where you can sit and watch life in Cartagena pass you by.

It won’t be long before you realise why this place is often referred to as Colombia’s most beautiful city. Built by the Spanish in 1533, the architecture here is some of the best preserved in the world, with many of the buildings you see today dating back to the 16th Century.

There’s also the bougainvillea covered colonial buildings and the vast array of market stalls lining the streets that make this metropolis so colourful.

What’s more, Cartagena nestles on the Caribbean coast, so you’re not far from the beach when the average 30 °C temperature leaves you craving sea and sand.

CIUDAD PERDIDA ~ Okay, so we’re throwing a bit of a curve ball with this one, but how could we not include this important historic site of

The ruins are spread over 75 acres of land plus it’ll take a three day trek to get there.

You’ll be pleased you made the effort as soon as you lay eyes on this stunning site that was abandoned four centuries ago.

What’s more, after three days free of mobile phones and WiFi, you’ll be feeling digitally detoxed and ready to take on the rest of the country.

EXOTIC WILDLIFE THE RANGE OF LANDSCAPES IN COLOMBIA HAS PROVIDED AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH A VAST ARRAY OF WILDLIFE SPECIES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LIVE AND THRIVE.

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IN THE COLOMBIAN ANDES ALONE RESIDES SIX PERCENT OF THE WORLD’S AMPHIBIAN DIVERSITY – SO WE’RE SERIOUS WHEN WE SAY COLOMBIA IS A WILDLIFE MECCA. HERE’S JUST A HANDFUL OF OUR FAVOURITE MAMMALS, AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES THAT ROAM THE LAND AND WATERS OF COLOMBIA; SOME EXOTIC, SOME BEGUILING AND SOME JUST TOO ADORABLE NOT TO MENTION.

JAGUARS ~ The jaguar is the largest carnivorous mammal in Latin America, roaming across vast areas of land close to water and lush vegetation. This powerful spotted feline is similar in looks to the leopard but sports a stockier and heavier frame.

With its numbers steadily declining due to deforestation and poaching, the species is close to joining thousands of others on the endangered list.

Still, we’ve got all of our fingers and toes crossed here at Black Tomato that the growing awareness of the animal’s plight will save them.

THE AMAZON DOLPHIN ~

RIVER

Majestic and mysterious, you’ll be incredibly lucky to catch a glimpse of this elusive creature, but hey, you never know…

SPECTACLED CAIMANS ~

SLOTHS ~ Known for taking their time with, well, just about everything, the sloth is a tree-dwelling mammal that can be found throughout the jungles of Central and South America.

Recently, there’s been an increase in sanctuaries throughout Colombia that take in rescued sloths and rehabilitate them with the aim of getting them back out into the wild.

Making a visit to one of these sanctuaries is a great way to get up close and personal to these adorable

creatures, and you’ll learn lots too. With a highly specialised diet of around 40 different plant species, these animals have evolved to rely heavily on the Amazonian environment in which they thrive, so the work of the sanctuaries is vital for their survival.

Whether you make a trip to one of the sanctuaries or head straight into the jungle on a sloth search, you’re sure to be won over by the calm nature and perpetual smiles of these unique creatures.

The spectacled caiman can be found in abundance throughout Central and South America, so your chances of spotting one of these small crocodilians are pretty high.

Yet another unique and elusive creature to add to Colombia’s colourful list of wildlife is the Amazon River Dolphin (also known as the Pink River Dolphin).

Named after the ridge between the Caiman’s eyes that creates the illusion that they’re wearing a pair of specs, these guys are highly adaptable, a trait which has allowed them to become one of the most common of all the crocodilian species.

Found in the river basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers throughout Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela, this dolphin is an endangered species.

Yep, they’re all over the place, so for a guaranteed spot of wildlife viewing, hop on to one of the many river caiman tours on offer in Colombia and marvel at these pre-historic reptiles up close.

Spotting one of these guys swimming upriver will be an experience you never forget, so jump in a boat for an Amazonian river tour and keep those eyes open for a flash of pink swimming alongside you.

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C IA , FLY D IR EC TLY TO LE TI IT Y, A N D YO U ’V E C ST O M N ER TH U SO CO LO M B IA’S A M A ZO N IA .

TO Y A W TE A G R U YO R EAC H ED

E M O ST IM P O RTA N T TH Y LL A TI N TE O P D VA ST, W IL D A N O TR IP TO CO LO M B IA N , TH R EA N O EM ST ECO LO G IC A L SY FO R AY IN TO TH IS A T U O H IT W E ET PL M WO U LD B E CO LE .

D EN SE V IRG IN JU N G

AT A GLANCE ~ You’ve seen pictures and you know of its importance to the wellbeing of mankind, but nothing will prepare you for the sheer beauty and majesty of this natural wonder. Covering around seven million square kilometres (roughly 25 times the size of Britain), the Amazon is almost too large to comprehend. Home to a diverse array of animal species as well as a never ending list of flora and fauna, some of which has yet to be discovered; this jungle is an adventurer’s dream. One of the last places on earth that still holds many secrets and provides sanctuary to untouched tribes and cultures, there’s no doubt that you’ll leave here feeling humbled and motivated to protect that which you’ve been lucky enough to experience first-hand.

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WHAT TO SEE ~ The part of the Amazon accessible from Colombia is often referred to as Amazonia. Covering almost a third of the country, it is an area providing extensive opportunities for wildlife viewing, jungle trekking and much, much more.

We’d recommend you jump on a boat with one of our guides and sail down the Amazon River in search of the elegant river dolphin, caimans and monkeys. A trip to an indigenous village is always an eye opening experience and Mocagua Village, just a short boat ride away from Leticia, offers authentic and immersive experiences to all of its visitors. Spend a few days here hanging out with the locals, fishing, eating and learning as much as you can about their culture.

Back in the thick of things (quite literally), head out into the dense jungle on a trekking tour and learn all about the different species of flora and fauna that thrive here. The noise of the jungle will provide a mesmerising sound track to your adventure as you move deeper and deeper into the heart of Amazonia.

WHY WE LIKE IT ~ Despite the detrimental effect mankind has had on the Amazon over the years, Amazonia still feels like a wild, rugged, impenetrable force to be reckoned with, and that’s just how we want it to stay.

Walking amongst the trees, we were all too aware of the jungle’s important role in the preservation of our planet and being able to see it up close is an awe-inspiring experience. Exotic creatures, colourful flora and ancient cultures: a perfect recipe for the trip of a lifetime.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS AMAZING COUNTRY WITH BLACK TOMATO

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WHILST COLOMBIA IS A NATURE LOVERS DREAM, SO TOO DOES IT PROVIDE ITS VISITORS WITH A UNIQUE URBAN EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ITS VIBRANT AND EXPANDING CITIES. FROM COCKTAIL BAR TO SALSA CLASS TO GOURMET RESTAURANT, EXPERIENCE A SIDE TO COLOMBIA YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED.

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THE BARS ~ The cities of Colombia are awash with bars and nightlife, from quiet cocktail haunts to fast-paced salsa clubs. If you’re looking to slip on those dancing shoes, we’d recommend making your way to Galería Café Libro, in our opinion the best place for salsa in Bogota. There’s a stage for the live music and huge dance floor for the moment you feel brave enough to test out your salsa moves.

When in Cartagena, make the most of the sea breeze and quieter atmosphere at Café Del Mar, a beautiful outdoor lounge that sits on the western ramparts. All you’ve got to do is kick back with a cocktail and take in the fantastic views.

THE RESTAURANTS ~ Colombia’s culinary scene is thriving and there are plenty of great restaurants around to keep you sated on your travels. Carmen in Medellin is a perfect example of how fine dining is flourishing in Colombia. Serving international cuisine (be sure to try the grilled octopus), Carmen’s dishes are creative and delicious.

If you’re looking for something a little more authentic, then Mini Mal in Bogota will do the trick. Offering traditional Colombian fare, the menu uses a variety of local and Amazonian ingredients.

Finally, the street vendors in all of the cities are most definitely not something you should turn your nose up at. Fresh and tasty, grab an empanada street side and enter Colombian cuisine heaven.

SHOPPING ~ Have a few pesos left over and fancy a shopping spree? Well you’re in luck, as Colombia is brimming with old markets, new shopping centres and charming independent book stores.

At the Cuartel de las Bóvedas in Cartagena you’ll find plenty of artisan shops selling antiques and crafts, so be sure to take a little bit of authentic Colombia home with you.

If you’re looking to take home some culinary delights, Plaza Minorista José María Villa in Medellin is a covered market with over 2000 stalls selling a variety of goods. The only down side is having to choose between them all.

THE MUSEUMS & GALLERIES ~ Colombia is a country passionate about its history and the arts, so in all of the major cities you’ll find a huge array of art galleries and interesting museums.

One of our favourites has to be The National Museum of Colombia in Bogota. Filled with all things ‘Colombia’, you’ll discover art and historic artefacts that tell the story of this diverse country.

Objects dating back to 10,000 BC are on show alongside a multitude of paintings from some of Colombia’s most revered artistic masters. In all major cities you’re bound to stumble upon various galleries and artistic spaces, small and large, contemporary and traditional. Cartegena’s Museum of Modern Art is one not to be missed, housing works from artists such as Alejandro Obregon and Enrique Grau.

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LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL, THE COLOMBIAN ANDES ALSO HAPPENS TO OFFER PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPLORATION. JUST HOW WE LIKE IT.

AT A GLANCE ~ In Colombia, The Andean Region works its way from north to south, covering over 30 percent of the country.

Within this region you’ll find volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lagoons, forests and much more. It truly feels as though you’ve entered the beating heart of the planet, surrounded by such an incredible selection of natural wonders and exotic wildlife.

The eastern ranges are the largest and home to the country’s capital, Bogota. Travelling through Colombia you’ll no doubt cross the diverse landscapes of the Andean Region, from towering snow capped mountains to lush jungles.

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WHAT TO SEE ~ The Andes cut through the heart of the country from top to bottom and so there’s a never ending list of things to do and see.

Trekking is the best way to make the most of these mountainous regions, so whether you’re keen to get lost in the dense vegetation of the jungle or would rather scale a giant volcano, Colombia has you sorted.

Oh, and don’t miss out on the chance to wake up and smell the coffee, quite literally, on a tour of Colombia’s coffee triangle. Parts of the Andes offer perfect climates for coffee plantations to thrive, and thrive they have.

Considered to be the producers of some of the best coffee

in the world, imagine getting to taste Colombian Coffee whilst exploring the plantation on which it’s grown. It doesn’t get fresher (or more delicious) than that.

WHY WE LIKE IT ~ It’s the organic feel to Colombia’s Andean Region that has us hooked. It’s living, it’s breathing and every day it’s giving life to an incredible array of wildlife, flora and fauna, as well as a growing human population. In some of the more remote areas, it’s almost as if you’ve been transported back in time to journey across pre-historic lands, unmarred by the demands of humanity. Go now, before that changes.

THE COFFEE THE CLIMATE OF THE ANDEAN RAINFOREST IN RURAL COLOMBIA IS PERFECT FOR COFFEE PRODUCTION, SO PERFECT IN FACT, THAT THE COUNTRY PRODUCES SOME OF THE BEST AND MOST SOUGHT AFTER BEANS IN THE WORLD. The departments of Caldas, Quindio and Risaralda make up the country’s famous ‘coffee triangle’ and are the districts in which most of the country’s coffee is grown.

Not much of a coffee drinker? Not to worry, there’s much more to this part of Colombia than simply coffee. The landscapes, rural cultures and charming colonial towns alone are enough to make you want to extend your stay. The triangle was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape, so you know you’re about to see one of the most beautiful places on earth. A popular route on many a traveller’s Colombian itinerary, here are our highlights from a trip to the triangle.

THE PLANTATIONS ~ For some behind the scenes action, take a tour around a working coffee plantation and the haciendas, where you can meet the roasters and coffee pickers and discover what makes the ultimate cup of coffee. You’ll learn all about the process of coffee making, from cultivation to roasting and grinding and, of course, you’ll get to taste a cup or two afterwards. With the Andes Mountains and lush Andean Forests as your back drop, you’ll truly feel like you’ve entered the wilds of Colombia.

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COCORA VALLEY ~ When you’ve had your fill of coffee (if that’s even possible) a trip to Cocora Valley, located in the upper reaches of the Quindio River, will only make you fall further in love with Colombia’s coffee region. Famous for its towering wax palm trees (Colombia’s national tree), colourful bird and butterfly populations and rolling green valleys, wander through on foot or horseback and lap up the majesty of this famously beautiful destination. Due to the high altitude of the valley, the tops of the trees are often lost in the clouds, a sight that only adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the area.

THE TOWNS ~ Each of the three departments that form the points of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle are home to some charming towns and cities.

One of our favourites is Manizales, the capital of the Caldas department. Famous for its steep streets and quirky festivals, Manizales even has a range of its own micro-climates. Within a few minutes you could have made your way from a barrio basking in sunshine to a barrio thick with fog and cloud.

Then there’s Salento, a sleepy town in the Quindio department.

The buildings here are bright and colourful and the way of life laid back. Peer into the bars and shops and you’ll see the locals sitting in their ponchos watching the world go by. It’s a town that represents real, rural Colombia and you’ll feel lucky to have experienced it first-hand. Oh, and here’s one last unusual fact for you: whilst in Quindio, you’ll no doubt see jeeps (or Jeepaos) everywhere you look. Pretty much every coffee farmer and local has one of these classic vehicles. Why? Well, they first appeared in Colombia for military reasons, but were quickly adopted by the farmers due to their suitability to the rough roads around the plantations. They’ve now become a symbol for the region’s coffee culture and there’s even a parade every year in celebration of the jeep. Why not?

Jeepaos

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HERE AT BLACK TOMATO, WE JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF SAMPLING LOCAL CUISINE WHEREVER WE TRAVEL. Sometimes, we love what we’ve tried so much; we end up finding the recipe and preparing it at home too. And that’s just what we did when we got back from Colombia. Colombian food is hearty and delicious, so to save you the effort of having to find the best dishes, here are our favourites – complete with some tried and tested authentic recipes. Enjoy.

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FOR MORE OF OUR ONLINE COLOMBIA CONTENT, SCAN HERE

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COLOMBIAN MUSIC HAS BEEN SHAPED BY A HUGE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT INFLUENCES DUE TO THE COUNTRY HAVING BOTH PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN COASTLINES. ABSORBING TRADITIONS FROM SPAIN, THE ANDEAN REGIONS, THE CARIBBEAN AND THE PACIFIC, THE MUSIC HERE IS AT ONCE UNIQUE ,

AUTHENTIC AND DYNAMIC.

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Colombia is best known for Cumbia, a style of music native to the country, that was originally played with tambor drums and gaita flutes. Most popular along the Caribbean Coast, Cumbia to this day is the best representation of the authentic Colombian sound. Classic Cumbia is purely instrumental whilst modern Cumbia has developed over time to include different instruments as well as vocals. A combination of native tunes and African beats, when you hear a Cumbia track, you know you’ve arrived in Colombia.

Of course, we couldn’t go without mentioning Salsa, the iconic Latin American style that’s gained worldwide popularity.

Originating in Puerto Rico and Cuba, Salsa quickly gained momentum and spread throughout the continent. Nowadays you’ll find Salsa clubs all over Colombia, and whilst you’re in the country you just have to go along to check out the music and admire the dancing.

Vallenato is another traditional style of folk music that originated in Colombia’s north eastern Caribbean region. Three musicians typically perform with a small drum, an accordion and the guacharaca (a wooden, ribbed stick that the player scrapes with a wooden fork). This popular style of music even has a festival dedicated to it. Held in Valledupar every year at the end of April, the Festival of the Vallenato Legend is one of Colombia’s most revered music festivals.

Bambuco is another traditionally Colombian form of music that developed in the Andean Regions. Usually played by trios of musicians armed with guitars, mandolins and flutes, the music is accompanied by singing and often dancing. This style of music has grown in popularity throughout Latin America over the years and so the Bambuco National Folk Festival is celebrated every year in June.

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ART WITH OVER 3000 YEARS OF HISTORY BEHIND IT, COLOMBIAN ART OFFERS A FASCINATING LOOK AT THE STORY OF THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT, MANIFESTED IN A RANGE OF DIFFERENT STYLES AND MEDIUMS.

HERE’S A LITTLE LOOK AT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES.

PAINTING ~ Paintings from Colombia’s colonial period reflect the power of the Catholic Church and the Spanish aristocracy that, at the time (between 1548 and 1717), reigned supreme. Jump forward in time and you’ll see the Baroque style beginning to show itself through depictions of saints adorned in flowing gowns and surrounded by ethereal light.

Colombia’s modern arts scene has been dominated by the success of Medellin born Fernando Botero Angulo, whose abstract paintings and sculptures depict figures whose proportions have been hugely exaggerated. He’s achieved worldwide recognition, held plenty of successful exhibitions and has museums dedicated to his works in both Bogota and Medellin. Our favourite Botero piece has to be his version of the Mona Lisa, named La Gioconda. Look it up, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

GOLD WORK ~ Museums throughout Colombia exhibit ancient collections of gold work, some of which date back several thousand years. The Museo Del Oro (gold museum) in Bogotá houses the most complete collection of pre-Hispanic gold works around and it’s here that you can learn a great deal about the ancient Muisca cultures that produced these stunning and precious works of art. Shaped with skill and precision, these artefacts were created before the Spanish landed on the continent, yet it was the lure of this precious metal itself that brought the Spanish over and changed the face of Colombian history forever.

SCULPTURE ~ From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Colombia produced sculptures that, more often than not, were influenced solely by religion and the Spanish schools of sacred sculpture. As time progressed, however, sculptors turned their attentions to public figures, politicians and Colombia’s national identity.

Wandering through Colombia’s cities you’ll no doubt come across a variety of sculptures such as the Monument to Bachué (a goddess in Colombian mythology) in Medellin and the monument to Tayrona deities in Santa Marta.

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literature LITERATURE IN COLOMBIA IS AN EXPRESSION OF ITS CULTURE AND SO MUCH OF THE WRITING HERE IS REFLECTIVE OF THE CONFLICTS, TRIUMPHS AND TRADITIONS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE COUNTRY. G abriel G arcia Marquez

J org e Isaacs

Juan G abriel V asquez

Ev elio Ros ero

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TOPICS ARE OFTEN INFLUENCED BY WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COUNTRY AT THE TIME, AND LIKE ALL WORKS OF ART, SERVE AS A GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS OF THE AGES. HERE’S A LITTLE LIST OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST REVERED AUTHORS (SOME NOBEL PRIZE WINNING) AND THEIR LITERARY OFFERINGS. GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ ~

JORGE ISAACS ~

We couldn’t help but kick off with the Nobel Prize winning genius that is the late Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Novelist, short story writer, journalist and poet, Marquez is without a doubt one of the most important authors of the twentieth century.

Jorge Isaacs has only one literary masterpiece to his name, but ‘Maria’, which has been coined as the most important novel of the Latin American Romantic Movement, has been enough to ensure Isaacs place in history as one of the most respected authors of the nineteenth century.

Through his writing, Marquez shaped exotic worlds that were distinctly Latin American, weaving magical realism into his tales to create emotive and compelling stories that were reflective of Colombia’s troubles and traditions. Of his celebrated works, ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ and ‘100 Years of Solitude’ (the book that won Marquez the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982) are firm Black Tomato favourites. They’re incredibly important works of art that offer the reader a glimpse into the realities of a life in Colombia, with an added elegance and colourful sheen. His literature will live on and continue to tell a vibrant story of Latin America for many generations to come.

JUAN GABRIEL VASQUEZ ~ Juan Gabriel Vasquez is a contemporary Colombian novelist who has produced some fantastic literature. Like the other authors on this list, Juan uses his writing as a vehicle to provide a detailed commentary on the current affairs of Colombia. Many of his books are thrillers that effectively detail the corruption and unease that Colombia faced at the end of the twentieth century.

Whilst recognising the genius of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Vasquez himself is against the use of magical realism, believing it to be a literary mode that does not paint a true picture of Latin America. Instead, his novel titled ‘The Informants’ is realistic and dark; however, another of his novels titled ‘The Secret History of Costaguana’ is much more playful and colourful. An important author of our time; be sure to add his novels to your list of must-reads (along with everything else on this list).

A politician and a soldier, Isaacs provides us with a social commentary on Colombian society through the tragic love story of his main protagonists in ‘Maria’. A must read for anyone interested in Latin American History and Colombia’s literary movements.

EVELIO ROSERO ~ Born in Bogota in 1958, Evelio Rosero is one of the most revered Colombian authors of the late twentieth century. His works are influenced by the country’s often violent political past and offers an important insight into Colombia’s history for those who did not experience it first-hand. Winner of the National Literature Prize of Colombia, Rosero has produced numerous literary successes.

Our favourites are ‘Good Offices’, a story built on a scathing satire of the Catholic Church, and ‘The Armies’, which tells a tale of the violence and destruction the country experienced throughout Colombia’s civil war.

HERE’S A FEW OF YOUR NEED TO KNOWS BEFORE YOU GO Colombia is truly a year round destination, especially along its Caribbean coastline where sunshine is guaranteed almost every day of the year. Officially, the country’s dry season runs from December until March, and this is probably the best time of year to go if you plan on doing a lot of trekking in the Andean regions. Still, with cities like Medellin famous for eternal springs, it’s quite easy to see that the weather in Colombia won’t disappoint, whenever you choose to travel.

Direct flights from London are available with Avianca around four times a week and the flight time stands at approximately 11 hours.

British and US citizens can travel to Colombia for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.

Getting around by bus: For the more adventurous travellers, buses are a cheap and convenient way to travel around Colombia. Bus routes serve all but the tiniest towns, though it may take several transfers and twice as long as it would by plane or boat.

Getting around by plane: Due to the country’s size, internal air travel is advised if you’re tight on time. It’s also essential when visiting places like Leticia which serves as Colombia’s gateway to the Amazon.

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1

Colombia does not have real seasons.

Due to its proximity to the equator, the country tends to enjoy year-round sunshine.

2

Colombia is home to over 80 indigenous tribes.

3

Around 12% of the world’s coffee is produced in Colombia.

4

Colombia is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.

5

Colombia is the only South American country to have both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.

6

Colombia is home to almost 600 endangered species.

7

95% of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia.

8

Around 3000 different species of butterfly can be found in Colombia.

9

Colombia is the oldest democracy in Latin America.

10

80% of the flowers bought in the USA are from Colombia.

COORDINATES 04° 00’ N 72° 00’ W

AREA 1,141,748 km2

LANGUAGE Spanish

CAPITAL Bogotá

POPULATION 47,425,437

TIME ZONE GMT - 5 hrs

COUNTRY CODE +57

CURRENCY Colombian Peso (COP)

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