Colombia and Panama: Best of

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, located in the center of the country on a vast plateau in the Andes at 2,600 meters above sea level. It has a population of nearly eight million people from all over the world. It is a city that reflects the cultural diversity of Colombia, being the most important cultural center in the country and a place rich in sites to visit and activities to do. Declared World Book Capital by UNESCO and Ibero-American Capital of Culture by UCCI, Bogotá has become one of the most important cities on the continent, with large green public spaces, squares, modern streets, and avenues. Bogotá is a city of permanent art exhibitions from all eras, religious, scientific, and technological museums, as well as many interactive spaces.

Villa de Leyva is located about 200 km from Bogotá and at an altitude of 2140 meters above sea level. It is a fascinating place, rich in history and colonial architecture, which should be experienced by walking through it. It is one of the oldest villages in Colombia and seems frozen in time with its majestic and suggestive Plaza Mayor.

Armenia is the gateway to the Eje Cafetero region. The "coffee triangle" is formed by the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda and seduces visitors with the aroma of coffee plantations, the delights of its landscape, and the hospitality of its inhabitants. The best coffee in the world is produced in this area. In the "coffee triangle," it will be possible to visit typical farms, theme parks, golf courses, coffee plantations, thermal resorts, places for extreme sports, and ecological trails. The stunning landscapes of the Coffee Triangle were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

Cartagena is rich in culture, history, charm, and mystery. Cartagena is an open-air jewel, and in every corner, you can breathe history and poetry, especially in the old city, full of pastel-colored palaces and balconies and window cornices in bright white. Not to be missed are the Fortress of San Felipe, the Monastery of San Pedro Claver, and the Monastery of La Popa, from where you can admire a beautiful panorama. Among the best museums to visit are the Naval Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Gold Museum with many pre-colonial artifacts. The nightlife is very lively thanks to its numerous bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes.

Panama City is located at the exact point where the Panama Canal connects with the Pacific Ocean and is a dynamic and constantly expanding city. Founded in 1519 by Pedro Aria de Avila, it quickly became the starting point for the conquest of Peru. Although the city was sacked and burned by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, Panama City proudly showcases to visitors the old city known as Panama la Vieja. Casco Viejo, in particular, is the old historic center rebuilt in 1673 southwest of the original city. Its strategic location, between tropical forests and the Pacific Ocean, makes it an important showcase for displaying the country's great biodiversity. In Panama, you can find the Metropolitan Natural Park, which is home to various types of birds, tapirs, felines, and alligators, as well as the Marine Exhibitions Center, which allows for a deeper understanding of underwater ecology.