Tourism in Colombia

General information

The website Tourism in Colombia is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of tourism in Colombia, highlighting festivals, tourist destinations and the growth of the sector. It offers detailed information about events such as the Feria de Cali, the Carnaval de Barranquilla, the Festival de Verano de Bogotá, the Iberoamerican Festival of Theatre and the Festival of Flowers. Additionally, it mentions the peak tourism periods in Colombia, such as Holy Week, summer (June, July and August) and Christmas.

Featured destinations

• Caribbean Region of Colombia
• Las Lajas Cathedral
• Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
• Santa Cruz de Mompox
• Guamal
• Popayan
• Eje Cafetero (Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda)
• Cocora Valley in Salento
• Cartagena
• Bogotá

Security and tourism

The site highlights the improvement in the country's security thanks to the democratic security policy of President Alvaro Uribe, which has allowed an increase in the arrival of international tourists. In 2006, it is expected that approximately 1.5 million international visitors will arrive, an increase of 50% compared to the previous year.

Transport and climate

• International flights to cities such as Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cali, Medellín and Bogotá
• Direct flights to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, France and South America
• Terrestrial transport by buses between cities, although they may not be safe at night
• Tropical climate on the coast and eastern plains; cold in the highlands; periodic droughts

Statistics and recognition

• According to the World Tourism Organization, Colombia achieved the third highest percentage of increase in visitors in South America between 2000 and 2004 (9.2%)
• Lonely Planet included Colombia in its list of the 10 most important destinations in the world for 2006
• In 2007, cruise ships began to return to Cartagena
• The television program 5 Takes Latin America of Travel Channel dedicated an episode to Colombia