Colombia

Flight.co.uk Overview

With several international airlines offering flights to Colombia from Europe and North America, it is relatively easy to access this diverse country, but unfortunately Colombia is still trying to shrug off a reputation for violent civil unrest that has made it one of the world's least desirable tourist destinations. Intrepid travellers who embark on flights to Colombia, though, will be glad they did, and are likely to enjoy a fascinating and trouble-free visit. A holiday here is also relatively cheap, with discount flights to Colombia available, especially during the winter season, which is still warm enough to make the most of the seaside resorts. The most popular of these is the colourful town of Cartagena in the south, with its interesting walled Spanish colonial town, a medieval wonderland of palaces, monasteries, plazas and overhanging balconies. Those who book flights to Colombia will arrive at the international airport near the capital, Bogota, an ancient city that teems with life between old Spanish colonial buildings and attractive plazas, and glittering modern skyscrapers. The contrasts in the city, where beggars rub shoulders with business men, is reflected throughout the country with shabby towns existing alongside attractive red-roofed homesteads of the coffee plantations. Colombia flights wing their way across a diverse landscape of equatorial rainforests, jungles concealing archaeological treasures like the ancient city of La Cuida Perdida, and river valleys choked with brilliant foliage, flowers and gorgeous birds. Despite being a pariah as far as pleasure travel is concerned, Colombia is a butterfly waiting to unfurl its wonders to the world. For better deals, book flights to Colombia in advance.

Overview

It is lamentable that Colombia, crowning the continent of South America, is one of the least desirable tourist destinations. This is because it has earned a reputation for violent civil unrest and is seen as a hotbed of criminal 'bounty' kidnappers, drug overlords and gangsters. As a consequence of this, both the US State Department and British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel to Colombia. This means that only the most intrepid travellers and tourists venture forth into what is undoubtedly the most diverse destination in South America. It is a fusion of shabby, colourful towns, Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Andean valleys, Amazonian jungle, and wide plains.

There are in fact many tourists that do still travel to the capital, Bogota or to the legendary resort town of Cartagena and the duty-free offshore island province of San Andres. Most visitors enjoy a fascinating, exciting and trouble-free experience and usually make the trip as part of an organised package tour.

The fortunes of modern Colombia had their foundations laid in the coffee plantations, but the onset of political violence and civil war in the 1950s effectively cauterised the industry. The exception to this can be found in the pretty hilly Quindio province, where many former farmers have turned their traditional red-tile roofed homesteads into good quality bed and breakfast establishments, set among exotic gardens and rows of leafy coffee bushes.

Urban Colombia centres on Bogota, home to about 20 percent of the country's inhabitants. This ancient city was the pre-Columbian capital of the Chibcha Indians and remains a blend of old and new, teeming with Spanish colonial buildings and plazas alongside modern skyscrapers. Beggars rub shoulders in the streets with smartly dressed business people, while mule trains wind their way through the traffic jams.

A major drawcard for tourists is the Spanish colonial port of Cartagena with its spectacular walled old town, a medieval wonderland of palaces, monasteries, plazas and overhanging balconies. To the south of the town are Colombia's major seaside holiday resorts with excellent beaches and scuba diving opportunities.

The country's equatorial rainforests clothe the river valleys, riddled with magnificent airplants, vines, creepers and brilliant flowers and birds. The Los Katios National Park in Choco contains hundreds of species of plant and animal life that have yet to be listed. The country's jungles also shelter wondrous archaeological treasures, like the ancient city of La Cuida Perdida and the monuments, tombs and burial mounds at San Augustin and Tierrodentro.

Colombia is a gem of a destination that as yet has to be explored by modern travellers as it slowly struggles to shed its unpalatable reputation to reveal its unique beauty.

Business

Formality in Colombian business is expected, more so inland than at the coast, and this applies to protocol as well as to dress. Punctuality for appointments is important, regardless whether the host is there on time or not, and handshakes are customary on arriving and departing. Many business people speak English, although all presentation materials and documentation should be translated into Spanish, and the use of visual aids widely used where possible. It might be necessary to use a translator, but it is best to check beforehand to avoid causing offence. Business cards should also be printed in both English and Spanish. The importance of building social relationships should not be underestimated, and small talk before and after meetings is vital towards building a sense of trust and goodwill. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Health

Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Hepatitis A and B and typhoid immunisation is also recommended. There is no risk of malaria in Bogota and surrounds, but prophylaxis is recommended in rural areas, particularly in the departments of Amazonas, Choco, Cordoba, Guiania, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vichada. Dengue fever is prevalent on the north Caribbean coast. Visitors should not drink tap water, unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled, cooked and eaten while piping hot. Avoid undercooked meat or fish. Medical care is adequate in major cities but varies in quality elsewhere. Medical insurance is essential.

Safety

Visitors to Colombia need to be aware they face various risks and should maintain a high level of vigilance. The risk of terrorist attacks from domestic Colombian groups in the towns and cities on public places like bars, restaurants and nightclubs frequented by expatriates, is high. Foreigners are also targeted by thieves, pickpockets and drug traffickers especially in urban areas, and crime is usually accompanied by violence. Never hail taxis in the street (book them through your hotel) and never accept food, drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes from strangers. These could be drugged to incapacitate victims. Foreign nationals have also been victims of kidnappings in recent years, the risk being high in rural areas; foreigners are advised against travel to the departments of Sucre, Bolivar, Choco, Putumayo, Meta, Arauca, Nariño and Caqueta. Some parts of the country are particularly dangerous and fraught with guerrilla and paramilitary activity. The rural areas of Antioquia, Cauca, Valle de Cauca, Huila and Norte de Santander are the most affected by political/narcotic violence and should also be avoided. All travel to southern parts of Meta and to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the 'Lost City', should also be avoided due to a high risk to personal safety. Travellers are advised to contact their country's consular representatives and acquaint themselves with the latest situation before entering these areas, or preferably avoid them completely. The threat level from the Galeras Volcano in the Nariño Department was raised on 22 November and officials believe the volcano may erupt in a matter of days or weeks; the surrounding area is being evacuated. Travellers to the region are advised to keep informed as to the latest developments.

Duty Free

Travellers to Colombia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 50g of tobacco; perfume for personal use; and 2 bottles of alcohol per passenger.

Tipping

Tipping is common and expected for most services. Waiters in restaurants should receive 10-15% of the bill if it has not automatically been added. Porters expect around US$0.50 per bag. It is not obligatory to tip taxi drivers, but 10% is appreciated. Hotels usually add a service charge of 16% to the bill.

Language

Spanish is the official language.

Communications

The international dialling code for Colombia is +57. The outgoing code depends on which network is used to dial out on (e.g. 005 for Orbitel), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00544 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Bogota is 1, but the access code to make a call within the country from another area also depends on what network is used (e.g. (05)1 for Orbitel or (09)1 for Telecom). The country has cellular telephone operators with GSM networks. Mobile phone companies have active roaming agreements with many international network operators. Colombia, particularly Bogota, is well connected to the Internet with dozens of Internet cafes throughout the city, some doubling as bars.

Time Zone

Local time is GMT -5.

Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs and three-pin (two flat blades with round grounding pin) plugs are in use.

Money

The unit of currency is the Colombian Peso (COP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Banks have no fixed policy on exchanging cash and travellers cheques. Some provide the service, some not, and different banks can differ on this from day to day. Generally foreign exchange is only offered in the early morning. Cash can be exchanged at casas de cambio, or money exchange bureaux, located in cities and border towns. US Dollars are preferred for both cash and travellers cheque exchanges. Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange outside of Bogota. Visitors are warned to beware of fake US Dollars, which are printed in Colombia. Credit cards, especially Visa, are becoming more widely accepted and are welcome at top hotels and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agencies. In the main towns and cities ATMs are becoming more prevalent, but cards should be used with caution for security reasons.