Travel

Colombia
Colombia officially the Republic of Colombia is a constitutional republic in northwestern South America. Colombia is bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the northwest by Panama; and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Colombia also shares maritime borders with Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Colombia is the 26th largest nation in the world and the fourth largest in South America.

Colombia accommodation
Hotels
Colombian hotels vary widely in size and quality; they range from pocket-sized casas de huéspedes (guest houses) in humble homes to huge 5-star establishments. It is advisable to choose hotels recommended by the official Colombian Hotel Association (COTELCO). There is a star grading system similar to that operating in Europe.
Camping/Caravanning
Most Colombian regions have campsites. Some are found in national parks while others are privately run.
Youth Hostels
There are 11 youth hostels scattered around the main tourist destinations, including those in Bogotá, Cartagena and San Agustín.
Motels
These are common in Colombia but are not the same as US-style motels where you stay overnight, and do not make a good choice for travellers. They rent rooms by the hour, and are commonly used by young couples.

Colombia Transportation
From airport to hotel, around the city and back, Medical Tourism Solutions will ensure the ease and comfort of your visit. From the moment you arrive, a personal assistant will be ready to escort you to your hotel and through any supplementary excursions you may choose to add. Bogota is a modern city with a well-developed infrastructure, equipped for the modern traveler. Taxi is the recommended form of transportation, but there is also a new high-speed bus system, the TransMilenio, linking the city together. In addition, private transportation can easily be arranged for those who prefer the exclusivity and luxury of a private vehicle.

Places to visit in Colombia
Colombia is a country full of contradictions where the tourists can enjoy the cool climate as well as the heat as they move from one place to another. In spite of being tropical country Colombia’s weather is not the same across the territory
Bogota, the capital of Colombia also known as the Athens of the Americas, is set at an altitude of over 2600 m (>8000 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east.  You may need some time to adjust to this altitude, especially if you are arriving from lower parts of the country or flying in. Most of the sights of the city are in the historic central neighborhood of La Candelaria. The Plaza de Bolivar is the principal square in the city and it is where the seat of both Federal and Local governments are housed. The buildings in the surrounding areas are built in the colonial style with wide-eaved balconies. Sitting on the main square, you may also see and visit the First Cathedral, built back in the late 1500’s.  The most breathtaking museum in Colombia is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum).
Downtown Bogota is filled with shops, business offices and cafes. The banking district is also an interesting area to stroll around. Most of the best hotels, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques are located in the Northern end of the city.
Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, is noted more for its laid-back atmosphere and its Salsa scene than its tourist attractions. Cali is the capital of the department of Valle del Cauca, one of the most prosperous regions of the country and the home of the large sugar mills and numerous industries. Located in the Cauca Valley, Cali is also known throughout Colombia and the rest of South America for its salsa music and beautiful women.
At the end of the year, between December 25 and January 1st the Cali Fair takes place, with all kinds of street festivities. At this time of year the Bullfighting Festival, one of the most important events of its kind in the country takes Just 20 miles east from Cali is Palmira a nice and industrious town that is worth a visit. Cali is best for the natural views.
Medellin is an extremely attractive town which serves as the industrial and commercial centre for the surrounding region of Antioquia. With roughly two million inhabitants, it is Colombia’s second city. The city is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate all year long.
Although most of the colonial architecture no longer remains, the churches in the center of town are worth a vist. The Basilica de la Candelaria is one of the most popular.
San Agustin is one of the most important archeological sites of Colombia as well as of the whole of South America. The area around the present day town was inhabited by a mysterious Indian civilization which left us hundreds of carved statues. The civilization flourished from the 6-th to the 14-th century, and probably disappeared because the Inca’s conquered them. The some 500 statues and tombs are scattered in groups over an area on both sides of the Rio Magdalena Gorge. The town of San Agustin is set in the middle of the valley and is the best place from where to visit them.

Colombian Food
Colombian Cuisine is very diverse and varies depending on the different regions of Colombia. In some areas you will find specialties like roasted ants or guinea pigs while in other areas Colombians wouldn’t even touch those dishes.
Colombia is not a paradise for vegetarians as the Colombian diet includes a lot of meat. In the coastal areas you will find a good variety of fish, lobster and seafood often prepared with a sauce made out of coconut milk. The offer of fresh fruit is overwhelming and many of the varieties you have probably never heard of before.
In general breakfast is quite important in Colombia and consists of fruit juice, coffee or hot chocolate, fruit, eggs and bread. Lunch which is served between 12 and 14pm is the main meal of the day – at least in the countryside. A traditional main meal consists of a soup, a main dish, a drink and sometimes a dessert which is generally very sweet. The dinner is more like a snack. In the big cities the main meal often will be served around 7pm or 8pm.

Shopping in Colombia
Goods to look out for include gold jewelry, art, antiques and leather products. Colombia produces first-grade precious stones, and the emeralds are among the most perfect in the world. Bogotá has numerous large shopping malls as well as several distinct shopping districts.