"The Essentials of Colombia" by Metropolitan Touring
Cartagena, Colombia
Dear Travel Partners,
Few destinations around the world are as ‘hot’ as Colombia, and we at Waterstone are honored to be working with Metropolitan Touring Colombia, a Destination Management Company that has quickly established itself as the most innovative and well connected in the country. There is so much to experience in Colombia, from the marvelous cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, brimming with art and culture, to beautiful Caribbean beaches on which to bask, and Metropolitan Touring Colombia is the ticket to everything Colombia has to offer. Below, the enthusiastic team at Metropolitan Touring has provided just a small taste of Colombian experiences by listing some of the most essential places to visit. We hope this inspires you to suggest Colombia to your clients; when they're ready to plan their trip, make sure to contact Metropolitan Touring Colombia for completely customized itineraries and incredible service. Of course, please contact me if you have any questions.
The expertise and knowledge of a Dedicated Travel Advisor Team ensures smooth and seamless program execution
Tours and experiences in every fascinating touristic part of Colombia
Ground transfers and expert guides
Specially negotiated rates at hotels and resorts
WhatsApp - personal concierge phone service
A selection of Colombia's essential destinations (see more information below):
1. Bogotá
2. Medellín
3. Cartagena
4. Santander
5. San Agustín
6. Pasto
7. Amazonas
8. Pacific Region
Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital and largest city in Colombia. A melting pot of people from around the country, diversity blends with modern and colonial architecture. Highlights of Bogotá include:
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá - a Catholic church built in the heart of a salt mine, 180 meters below the surface
La Candelaria neighborhood, whose colonial and Republican-era style buildings have been declared properties of historical and cultural interest
Paloquemao Square, where fresh vegetables, flowers, and other farm products fill an old abandoned railroad warehouse with color
Medellín Medellín, capital of Colombia's Antioquia province, is often referred to as "the city of eternal spring" for its pleasant climate of around 75ºF. The city, located in a valley beautifully surrounded by mountains, offers modern transportation systems via its metro train and metro cables (pictured right) which, besides being extremely efficient, provide beautiful views of the city below. The surrounding area of Medellín also provides much to experience with highlights that include:
Santa Elena, a great recommendation for nature lovers and located just 10 miles east of the city center in the high mountainside
Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, where visitors can participate in water activities such as fishing, boating and jet skiing
Cultural coffee experiences
Cartagena Sea breezes and golden light cast by sunsets on to vibrantly colored 400-year-old houses - this is what enchants visitors to Cartagena. A destination on the rise, the walled city was founded in 1533 and has since been incredibly preserved; its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's culture can be experienced through culinary treats, traditional dance and historical monuments. While there are beaches in Cartagena, a trip to the nearby Rosario Islands is recommended for the best resort-like beach experience.
Santander Santander is the province to visit for those seeking adventure. Home to stunning landscapes, rivers, caves and canyons - namely Chicamocha Canyon - activities include: paragliding (pictured left), caving, rafting, swimming, canyoning, hiking, biking, and bungee jumping. For a non-adrenaline spiking experience in Santander, visit the town of Barichara, known for its cobbled streets and colonial architecture.
San Agustín This region is most well-known for the San Agustín Archelogical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park, home to the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America, provides a glimpse into ancient civilizations through remains, stone figures and tombs.
Pasto One of Colombia's lesser known destinations, Pasto often surprises visitors with its rich culture and the stunning Andean nature that surrounds it. While the historic center of Pasto is home to old colonial architecture, churches and museums, it also provides access to nearby lagoons, volcanoes, moors and valleys. On a day trip from Pasto, it is recommended that guests visit one of the world's most uniquely situated churches, Las Lajas Sanctuary (pictured right).
Amazonas The tropical rainforests and lush jungles of the Colombian Amazon feels like an entirely new world. Here, at the country's southern tip, visitors can marvel at an incredible array of native species including over 674 species of birds alone.
Pacific Region This region of western Colombia, with its unique black sand beaches, is especially ideal for whale watching. During their annual migration from July to November, humpback whales can be seen right off the coast.