Colombia: culture, nature, and sea in Barú

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.

Barú is a peninsula located about 1 hour away by car/bus from Cartagena de Indias. It is famous for its pristine white sand beaches, native forests, wildlife, and its natural coral reef flanked by canyons with mangroves, bodies of water, and underwater gardens.