Wanderlust has become a trend lately. And while it's great to see everyone choosing to see the world through a new perspective, not many people think to visit Colombia. Located in South America, Colombia gives any tourist the opportunity to have the vacation of a lifetime. In case you need a reason to visit Colombia, the best place on earth, here are 12 reasons to make Colombia your next travel destination.
1. Home to the friendliest people.
My Colombian family welcoming my American sister-in-law to the country for the first time.
Colombia is known for having the world's friendliest people. Not only do we treat everyone like family, but Colombian's are also raised with the highest degree of manners, which we use with any and every person that we meet. No matter where you come from, you will be welcomed by all.
2. The coffee is unlike any other.
A home on one of Colombia's many coffee farms.
Colombian coffee is known around the world for its mild, distinct, and delicious flavor. The climate in Colombia is perfect for growing coffee year round, and can be found growing in hundreds of family owned farms. Juan Valdez, who is basically the father of the coffee production industry, began his legacy in Colombia. If you love coffee, this is definitely the place for you. If you don't, I can bet you will change your opinion before you leave.
3. Colombia won happiest country in the world, again!
Every year, research is conducted to find the countries that host the happiest people. Yet again, Colombians have spoken, and it's no surprise that the country is again the happiest in the country. Make a visit to Colombia and you'll be able to tell.
4. Pick a climate, any climate.
Due to Colombia's varied elevation and proximity to the equator, pick a climate and I guarantee you can find a city to visit that hosts your "perfect weather." The weather remains the same year round, so if you want to be in the sun and sand on one day, but in cooler weather the next, a simple drive to the next city is the best solution. There are five regions in Colombia: tropical rainforest, tropical savanna, tropical steppe, desert, and mountain.
5. Amazing Food!
Bandeja Paisa
Empanadas with ají.
Colombia is home to the best, most delicious food. Be prepared to stuff your face, and be offered more even after you've had your last bite. Whether you're eating "bandeja paisa," "empanadas," "ajiaco," "cicada," or "sancocho," I can promise that your taste buds will not be disappointed.
6. Beautiful sceneries.
View from the mountains overlooking the capital city, Bogotá.
Whether you're visiting the beaches, the Andes mountains, or the Amazon rainforest, get your camera ready because these are some landscapes you will not ever want to forget.
7. The exchange rate makes it affordable.
Right now, USD $1 is worth COL $3,072 Colombian pesos. Although pesos and dollars are not exactly equivalent, it is possible to travel to Colombia for 10 days with two people and spend the equivalent of approximately USD $500.
8. You can relax on one of Colombia's many beautiful beaches.
A view of Cartagena, one of the three most famous beaches in Colombia.
In Colombia you'll find "Las Tres Perlas del Caribe Colombiano," or the Three Pearls of the Colombian Caribbean: Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Cartagena. These three cities host beautiful and relaxing beaches on the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast, as well as historical cities abounding in rich culture, color, and entertainment. In these beach towns you'll also get to enjoy refreshing fresh fruit and fruit juices that are only found within the countries borders.
9. Colombia is the best place to learn Spanish.
The Spanish spoken in Colombia is one of the most pure of its kind. If you're trying to learn Spanish, Colombia is the place to go. The dialect is not too fast, and it is spoken clearly and with the best grammar. In addition, the people in Colombia are so friendly, that they are willing to help foreigners learn and speak their language.
10. Colombians know how to have a good time.
More than 120,000 Colombians welcomed the National soccer team by celebrating in the streets of the city, as they returned from playing in the 2014 World Cup.
No matter where you go, you are bound to find a place to enjoy the wild nightlife of Colombia. Be prepared to dance, drink, and enjoy an overall great time with strangers. The people of Colombia are passionate about their music and dancing, so don't be shy to test your skills. Colombian parties are known for lasting into the early morning hours! And in case you didn't know, Colombians are very proud of their national soccer team, so a win always calls for a weekend-long celebration in the city.
11. Bogotá is the "Athens of South America."
The Botero Museum in Bogotá displays Fernando Botero's unique paintings of the fat version of many famous people including the "Mona Lisa."
Due to the variety of culture and abundance of cultural activities, Bogotá is known as the "Athens of South America." Colombia is home to hundreds of famous musicians, poets, artists, and writers; Bogotá has their work on display.
12. Colombia hosts hundreds of international festivals year round.
If you're interested in film, music, poetry, dance, or culture in general, Colombia will have the perfect festival for you to attend. The people are filled with excitement and passion during these celebrations that put the country's and the world's best on display.
It's no doubt that Colombia is the perfect travel destination. So pack your bags, and prepare for the vacation of a lifetime. It has been said that once you visit, you'll never want to leave!!
