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INTRODUCTION Colombia, country of incredible diversity and charm. Its varied geography, its history full of mystery and adventure, its people and cultures have fascinated the world for centuries. The country is famous for its excellent coffee and the purity of its emeralds. It is the unique country in South America surrounded by two oceans: Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The second mega diverse country in the world after Brazil.
A marvelous land of friendly people. It possesses a large biodiversity that encompasses all climates and infinite cultures that surprise by their historical legacy.
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THE ANSWER IS COLOMBIA Colombian people have many reasons to be proud of their country. Our contrasting natural regions, their profuse flora and fauna, the ethnic diversity of our people and the richness of our cultural and artistic patrimony are some of them. COLOMBIAN FLAG We also recognize ourselves in multiple symbols and icons that identify us in front of the world. They are present in our everyday life, in our celebrations, events and solemn occasions. Their meaning is the pride we feel to be Colombians, our belonging and origin. They state our presence and comfort us in face of adversity. These symbols make up an indivisible unity out of our diversity.
CUMBIA IS THE GENRE OF MUSIC FOR WHICH COLOMBIA IS KNOWN BY THE WORLD.
YELLOW IS A SYMBOL OF THE COUNTRY’S RICHES; BLUE REPRESENTS THE TWO OCEANS; RED IS THE BLOOD SPILLED BY OUR NATIONAL HEROES. The cumbia is the traditional Colombian musical genre best known in the world. Its origins date back to Guinean dances. It emerged from musical and cultural syncretism between Indians, Africans and Europeans in the Magdalena delta region. Cumbia combines their contributions. It is performed in groups by couples who dance in a circle to the beat of the drums and gaita music and hold a lit candle in their hands.
VARIETY OF LANDSCAPES
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1.Cultural Coffee Landscape (Andean region) 2.Cocora Valley (Andean region) 3.Tayrona Park (Caribbean region)
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4.Savannah Landscape (Orinoco Region) 5.Whale Watching in Gorgona Island (Pacific region) 6.Amazon River (Amazon Rainforest)
-First in orchid species . -First in emerald production. -First in theater showcase (Iberoamerican Theather festival). -First in pre-hispanic gold figures. -First U.S.A flower supplier. -Second world’s flower provider. -Second most biodiverse country. -We export the world’s smoothest coffee.
EXPENSES Bottle of water: $2.000 Colombian Pesos (COP) Bottle of coke: $1.800 Colombian Pesos Beer: Between $2.000 and $10.000 Colombian Pesos Lunch: Between $5.000 and $40.000 Colombian Pesos One quarter Pound at McDonald’s: $5.000 Colombian Pesos Bus: $1.500 Colombian Pesos Transmilenio: $1.700 Colombian Pesos
TIPS VACCINATION If you are going to be just in Bogota, you don’t need any vaccine. But it is better to ask to your local authorities, some countries tell you to have yellow fever vaccine.
MONEY We recommend you to have some Colombian Pesos when you arrive to the country, Also it is easy to find money exchange places and most of the banks and places receive credit cards.
INTERNET CONNECTION You can find internet in different places like coffee shops, universities, hotels, libraries and restaurants. The school may provide you with internet connection and also your host family. You can also buy portable internet.
PHONE If your phone has simcard you can bring it and buy a Colombian simcard to use it, It cost $5.000 Colombian Pesos. Also in Bogota it is a lot of people on the street that sell you phone time that cost $100 Colombian Pesos per minute.
SOME COLOMBIAN CITIES Magic realism is a genre where magic elements are a natural part in an otherwise mundane, realistic environment. That means a place where reality and fantasy meet each other. No wonder the style of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez emerged from there – there is a dreamlike quality to Colombia. With the sun forever overhead, heart-stopping vistas in every direction and the warmth of the locals putting you at ease you may find it difficult to leave this country. Colombian culture, like the country’s weather, varies by altitude. The essence of Colombia resides in the mountains in the alpine cities. Bonding together colors, people and diversity, Colombia appears as a huge potential for a life changing experience.
Cali
Cartagena
Medellín
In Cali, salsa dancing is more common than walking. Santiago de Cali offers historical areas with cultural variety and other attractions
The magic of Cartagena lies in it’s massive fortifications, the warmth of the people, the richness of the architecture and the infinite range of cultural expression of a doughty and valiant people.
Touring the city is always a pleasure, given the number of open spaces reflecting the civic life and organization of the residents, presenting a modern and welcoming capital.
SOME COLOMBIAN CITIES
Santa Marta
Coffee Triangle
Bogotá
An ideal way to see Santa Marta is to walk through the Historic Downtown area, stopping at the Cathedral, the museums and the Camellón de Bastidas for a romantic holiday.
The rolling hills of the coffee plantations are a hidden paradise, full of unsuspected pleasures.
A city to live through your five senses. It’s flavors are captivating and it’s scents, hypnotizing. Here experiences are constructed through traditions, it’s people and it’s geography.
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Photos by Pedro Szekely