Air Travel to Colombia
After years of civil conflict, Colombia has emerged a safe travel destination that’s attracting visitors from all over the world. With more and more direct international flights entering the country each year, Colombia’s airports are welcoming travelers with open arms. Though there are some things you should watch out for, getting into Colombia by plane is a relatively simple process.
Airports
1. Most travelers enter Colombia through the vibrant capital city of Bogota, though there are other options as well. Bogota’s El Nuevo Dorado International Airport (BOG), located eight miles east of the city, is the country’s largest airport and serves as the hub for Avianca, Colombia’s national carrier.
By far the busiest airport in Colombia, BOG features two terminals and handles both international and domestic flights on over two dozen airlines. There are smaller airports in the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, and Cartagena.
Flights and Costs
2. There are direct flights to Colombia from many major cities in the Americas and Europe, including Miami, New York, Washington, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Paris. A flight from New York is approximately five hours and thirty minutes. Costs vary depend on a variety of factors including availability, airline, and time of year.
A round-trip flight to Miami usually costs around $400 to $500. The same flight coming from New York will set you back somewhere between $550 and $650. Budget airline EasyFly operates within Colombia and offers very low rates. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Airport Transportation, Colombia's airports, Flights to Colombia Topics: how-much-is-the-colombian-departure-tax
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Aug 30th, 2010
Business Etiquette in Colombia
Colombia began to experience significant economic growth in 2002, according to the CIA World Factbook. New economic policies, trade agreements and increased security have spurred foreign interest and investment.
However, due to continued drug trade and kidnappings, Colombia remains a dangerous country in which to travel.
Foreign businesspeople should be aware of the customs and proper etiquette in Colombia, but they should also pay close attention to safety and security while visiting and conducting business.
Safety in Colombia
The U.S. Department of State has issued travel warnings for citizens traveling to Colombia since 2005.
The department’s website states that, “While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas as well as large cities.
The potential for violence by terrorists and other criminal elements exists in all parts of the country.”
Dress and Appearance
Business attire is formal in Colombia. Wear a dark suit, white shirt and tie to meetings. Colombians are impressed with quality clothing. Avoid flashy fabrics or patterns and choose high-end materials and premium construction. Polish leather shoes prior to meetings.
Conversation
Colombians are warm and friendly and communicate often with body language. Personal space tends to be much closer than in the United States; do not back away from your hosts, however, as this will be offensive. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Business attire is formal in Colombia, Colombia, Etiquette in Colombia, Foreign businesspeople Topics: be-attuned-to-business-etiquette-in-central-america, business-etiquette-country-of-columbia, business-etiquette-in-columbia, picture-of-formal-attire-of-Colombia-south-america
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Aug 23rd, 2010
Risks of Doing Business in Colombia
Colombia’s image as a dangerous, war-torn country persists in the international media, despite considerable improvements. The Unidas party’s security and free trade policies during the 2000s have made Colombia a more hospitable place to do business.
Paramilitaries have demobilized, the leadership of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–FARC, the main guerrilla group–has been largely imprisoned or killed, and the widespread deployment of the army has lowered crime.
Furthermore, Unidas’s liberalization of the trade regime and alliance with the U.S. facilitates foreign investment and has considerably eased the economic risks of doing business in Colombia, according to the U.S. Commercial Service.
Corruption, Inflation and Counterfeits
The risks of doing business in Colombia now reflect the normal political and economic risks of doing business anywhere between Buenos Aires and Boston. Political corruption persists at all levels, threatening the reliability and impartiality of the judicial system and other government offices.
Due to historical trends, the risk of high inflation should be considered before making any long term investments, but in the past Colombia has controlled inflation better than most countries in the region. If a business plans on dealing in U.S. dollars, personnel must become savvy to the tactics used by Colombian counterfeiters, who use sophisticated equipment and produce up to 15 percent of the world’s counterfeit dollars, according to the BBC. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Colombia, The risks of doing business in Colombia Topics: doing-business-in-columbia, risk-of-doing-business-in-columbia, doing-business-in-colombia-2010, guide-doing-business-columbia-2010, risk-doing-business-in-colombia, risk-of-doing-business-in-colombia, risks-of-doing-business-in-colombia
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Aug 16th, 2010
Columbia, South America Tourist Activities
Columbia is a natural paradise, offering numerous outdoor activities and pursuits. It is home to lush rain-forests and high mountain peaks with sub- and alpine ecosystems, and it provides access to the Galapagos Islands as well as hundreds of miles of ocean beaches. Take advantage of these opportunities and head to Columbia for adventure.
Bird Watching
Columbia has one of the highest species counts for birds in the world. According to the Birding Columbia website, there are over 1800 species of birds within the country, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts. The Birding Pal Web site offers a service where a local Columbian birder or naturalist accompanies you and assists with birding in the country. Not only do you get to see birds, but you learn about Columbia and meet new friends in the country as well.
Birding Columbia
birdingpal.org
River Rafting
Columbia has many rivers for rafting, kayaking and running. Rafting Columbia offers numerous trips on various rivers throughout the country, including the Rio Suarez day trip. This trip takes you down rapids up to Class V. Paddle boats are used, so expect to paddle during the trip. All life jackets, rafts, gear and guides are provided during trips.
Columbia Rafting
Carrera 10 No. 7-83
San GIl
Santander
Colombia
+311-2838-647
colombiarafting.com
Cartagena City and Beaches Tours
Cartagena has Spanish Colonial buildings and architecture, miles of beaches, esplanades, plazas, cafes, and boutique shopping. Seeing the city with an organized tour provides the safety of a large group, knowledgeable local guides and access to places not typically found on your own. Destinations Cartagena offers a range of bus and walking tours of the city and the beaches. Day, half-day or multi day tours are available.
Destinations Cartagena
Laguito Edificio Playa Mar Apto. 603
Cartagena, Colombia.
+57-5665-0515
cartagenainfo.net
Tags: Birding Columbia website, Cartagena City and Beaches Tours, Columbia is a natural paradise, Local Columbian birder Topics: Sangil-night-clubs-santander, tourist-activities-in-south-america
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Aug 12th, 2010
Driving Enjoyment In Modern Cars: GMC Acadia and Infiniti M
Buying new car is the dream of the people. Every people want to drive new modal cars but due to lack of money they are not able to buy. But if you are interested to buy car, which can give you huge pleasure during the driving then Infiniti m is one of the latest modal of car, which is having all the latest technology. Read the rest of this entry »
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Aug 11th, 2010
Barranquilla, Colombia Night Clubs
The Colombian city of Barranquilla boasts an active nightlife all year round. The majority of Barranquilla’s night clubs were once situated in the northern district of the city known as “El Norte.” However, many clubs have opened in the central part of Barranquilla.
The weather in Barranquilla is typically warm, so the most common attire at the night clubs is jeans and loose shirts. Barranquilla’s night clubs can be strict about checking customers’ identification and age. Be sure to bring your identification even if you are in your 30s.
Frogg Leggs
Frogg Leggs, in El Norte, has established itself as the most popular night club in Barranquilla. With a capacity of 500 people, Frogg Leggs can get crowded on the weekends so customers should be sure to arrive early and find a spot on the dance floor while there is still room. While the main attraction in Frogg Leggs is the festive atmosphere and dance music, the club also frequently offers special events. The most popular event is the Beach Party, which offers free admission to any guest wearing a swimming suit.
Frogg Leggs
Calle 93 N #43-122
Barranquilla, Colombia
froggleggs.tv
Agua Helada
Agua Helada is in central Barranquilla, one of the fastest developing areas of the city. This club’s three-floor interior features a spacious dance floor and a mezzanine area for quieter groups. Another popular aspect of Agua Helada is the outdoor terrace where customers can relax and get fresh air. With three floors of club space, Agua Helada can accommodate nearly twice as many people as Frogg Leggs. The club offers a VIP membership to select regulars.
Agua Helada
Cra 51B Calle 106 Esquina
Centro Commercial Gran Boulevard
Barranquilla, Colombia
aguahelada.com
Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar
Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar is also in central Barranquilla, close to Agua Helada. Unlike the other two night clubs, Coco Beach provides a quieter atmosphere and more laid-back crowd. The club’s palm trees and wooden decking invoke the feeling of a night club on the beach, even though it is in the middle of Barranquilla. Loud music and dancing is not the main draw at Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar–customers instead enjoy quiet conversation under the moonlight.
Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar
Calle 106
C.C. Gran Boulevar
Barranquilla, Colombia
Tags: Agua Helada is in central Barranquilla, Barranquilla's night clubs, Coco Beach's Sunset Bar, Most popular night club in Barranquilla, The Colombian city of Barranquilla Topics: barranquilla-colombia-nightclubs, beaches-and-nightlife-in-colombia
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Aug 9th, 2010
Youth Hostels in Colombia
Colombia, despite its turbulent past, has become a vacation hot spot for travelers of all types. Football fans can catch a match in almost any major city, hikers and bikers will find trails in beautiful forests or on small mountains in Bogota and Cali, and history and culture enthusiasts can explore the torrid history of Medellin, home of Pablo Escobar. With so much to see and do, accommodations can start to get expensive.
Destino Nómada
Opened in 2009, Destino Nómada is one of the newest hostels in Bogota. Centrally located in the city’s Candelaria district, Bogota’s historical center, the hostel offers easy access to many of the most popular attractions. Near the hostel are Externado and La Salle Universities, making the area a safe haven for student-aged locals and travelers.
The hostel staff has all sorts of information about the city and organizes daily activities for guests. The hostel also has an on-site bar, cafe, restaurant and mini-supermarket for your convenience and enjoyment.
Hostel facilities and amenities include kitchen, barbecue area, common area, TV room with DVD selection, games room, laundry facilities, lockers and free Internet and Wi-Fi access.
Destino Nómada
Calle 11 No 00-38
Candelaria
Bogota, Cundinamarca
Colombia, South America
011 (+57) 1 352 0932
destinonomada.com
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Aug 6th, 2010
Colombia Travel Tips
Once a dangerous country plagued by drug crime, guerrilla warfare, paramilitaries and civil unrest, Colombia is currently experiencing a level of peace that has allowed tourism to thrive. Cautious travelers can experience the varied countryside full of mountains, jungle and coast, along with rich archeological and cultural sites.
Entry and Exit
1. A passport is required for travel to Colombia, although U.S. citizens need not have a tourist Visa if they are staying fewer than 60 days. A round-trip ticked is advised. There is an exit tax that must be paid when leaving Colombia by air. Some airlines include this tax in the cost of their tickets, but be sure to check with your airline. Otherwise the tax must be paid in cash at the airport before departure.
Tourist Warnings
2. Although crime has decreased over the last decade, Colombia can still be a dangerous place for travelers. Kidnapping is on the wane, but kidnappings do still occur. Criminal organizations use kidnapping to for political pressure and ransom, and foreigner travelers are no exception.
Travelers should stay up-to-date on the current safety warnings posted by the U.S. Department of State by calling (888) 407-4747 or checking the Travel Alert website. See the Resources section for a link.
Tourists can be particular targets for criminals. Robbers will sometimes approach tourists after they have taken money out of ATMs, frequently using motorcycles for quick getaways. Be sure to use ATMs only indoors and be aware of your surroundings.
Be sure to only use taxis that you have called or have asked to be called for you. Taxis hailed on the street, especially by lone travelers, can often be traps for unsuspecting tourists.
The taxi driver may be involved with other criminals in overpowering passengers and robbing them of their valuables, including kidnapping the passenger and forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs. This type of crime is less likely to occur when passengers call a taxi via a dispatch service as there is a record of the call. There is a higher incidence of this criminal activity in Bogota.
Criminals have been known to use drugs added to food and drink to incapacitate travelers, providing easy opportunities for theft and sexual assault. Remain vigilant when dining out. Do not leave your food unattended and do not accept drinks or food from strangers.
Beaches
3. Travelers to Colombia should check out the country’s beautiful beaches, with Santa Marta being perhaps the most well-known. On the Caribbean in northern Colombia, Santa Marta was founded in 1525 by the Spanish. The beach is right near town with lots of vendors and tourists and activity.
When you crave an escape from sand and sea, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the site of Simon Bolivar’s death. Bolivar was called The Liberator for his work freeing Colombia from the control of the Spanish. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is now a museum honoring Bolivar.
Tayrona National Park is a treasure of local wildlife and scenery. There are howler monkeys, iguanas, jaguars, lizards, toucans and lots of tropical fish. Snorkeling, swimming, and even Tayrona Indian ruins are also part of the scene.
Lost City
4. Located in the cloud forest of Colombia, Ciudad Perdida–or, literally, Lost City–offers travelers an unforgettable journey into the past. Built around 800 A.D. but only discovered in 1972, Ciudad Perdida is only accessible by hiking.
The hike takes six days and travel arrangements can be made in Santa Marta through Turcol, a company licensed to take travelers to the park and ruins. The city was built by the Tayrona people and includes drainage systems, houses and bridges built of stone. The trek can be difficult, so bring rugged hiking boots, bug spray, comfortable clothing and a water bottle.
Tags: Colombia, Travel to Colombia, Travelers to Colombia Topics: allintitle:travel-tips
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Aug 3rd, 2010
Attractions in Cali, Colombia
Cali is Colombia’s third largest city with over two million inhabitants. It is located in southwestern Colombia and is known as the world capital of salsa dancing. Cali is one of the few cities in the world where salsa is the main genre for all festivities and entertainment.
Cali’s streets are filled with salsotecas roaring seven nights a week. Other than being the mecca of salsa music, Cali is famous for its abundance of beautiful women. Other diversions are available in this lively destination.
Nightlife
Quick feet and loose hips are needed for a night out in Cali. Salsa dancing is king of the nightlife scene in Cali. Many clubs in the city are along La sexta (6th street). Restaurants, hotels and cafes are all there as well. Granada is another district downtown with many bars, restaurants and boutiques. Granada is good if you want to visit a bar without salsa dancing.
Juanchito, outside the city in the suburb of Rio Cauca, has one of the highest concentrations of discotheque and clubs in the country. Chango is maybe the one notable establishment there. It usually doesn’t get crowded until late at around midnight.
Club Discoteca Chango
Juanchito Vía Cavasa
+ 572-6629701
chango.com.co
Festivals
Feria De Cali (December 25 through January 1) is the biggest celebration in Cali. There is a salsa marathon, horse riding parades, masquerades, a beauty contest, athletics and dance parties. Bullfighting coincides with the fair at La Plaza de Toros de Cañaveralejo. Thousands of visitors attend the event each year. In early July, there is the week long Summer Salsa Festival. Bands from all over the world come every year. Salsa competitions and dance shows are held there as well. Soccer is a big deal in Cali and street parties coincide with soccer matches.
Outdoor Fun
There is no beach near Cali but residents compensate by swimming at the Pance river. It is the least polluted river in the city and maybe the only one suitable for swimming. Sundays are usually heavily crowded. Cali river is west of the city and is one of the more tranquil parts of town. It is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and an art museum.
Shopping can be done outside at the traditional open air markets at Unicentro in the south and Chipichape in the north. However, the best bargains can be found from street vendors on 13th, 14th and 15th streets downtown. Visitors can go exploring and paragliding at Farallones de Cali national park if they wish to escape the urban environment. Farallones de Cali is a mountain in the Andes of Colmbia and is 4,100 meters in height.
Tags: Cali is Colombia's third largest city, Celebration in Cali, Feria De Cali Topics: Colombian-Women
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Jul 29th, 2010
Nightlife in Cali, Colombia
For spring breakers and those hoping to have fun, there may be no better place than Cali, Colombia. This little slice of South American life is known for its nightlife, including bars, nightclubs and other late night activities. The city even has an area known as “Party Street” for its high concentration of bars and clubs.
Party Street
1. The area along Avenida Sexta is also known as party street by locals and tourists. The local nickname came about because of the large number of bars and other late night attractions. In addition to bars and clubs are several salsa clubs and restaurants, Latin clubs, discos and hip-hop clubs. It’s one of the most famous areas in Cali and one of the first places to stop late at night.
Salsa Clubs
2. Salsa clubs are a great place to go if you want to experience local flavor since the clubs are a favorite among locals. Latin music pounds throughout the club and if you don’t have any experience, you can watch a few regulars and even ask for a few pointers. Estadero Momentos is a nice place to go because the club has a large dance floor, couches for relaxing in between dances and drinks made with locally produced rums such as Ron Vejo de Caldas.
Live Music
3. Colombia might not seem like the best place to hear blues, but at the Blues Brothers Bar, live bands play blues music fairly frequently. The club is owned by a former Irish immigrant who loves interacting with tourists and those visiting the club. Kukuramakara is another great place for live music. The bands start at 11 p.m. every night. If you purchase a bottle of liquor, you get a free table for you and your friends.
Nightclubs
4. If you’re looking for a night full of dancing, drinking and meeting new people then you should check out some of the nightclubs in Cali. Caliwood plays salsa and Latin style music and the dance floor is almost always full. There’s also Yavanna, with a nice mix of people and a diverse range of music played every night. Many of the best nightclubs in Cali are located right on party street, or on one of the side streets lining the area.
Warning
5. When you decide to visit Cali, Colombia make sure to follow some specific guidelines to stay safe. Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent anyone from slipping something inside it. Avoid drinking too much since it can impair your judgment and lower your inhibitions. The main thing to remember is that you’re in Colombia, which has a reputation for rough and dangerous criminals and a high crime rate.
Tags: Cali, Colombia, Late night activities, Live Music, Nightclubs in Cali, Party Street, Salsa Clubs Topics: american-bars-cali-colombia, colombia-night-out, colombia-nightlife, colombian-women-nightclubs, colombian-women-travel-nightlife, Is-Cali-in-Columbia-a-dangerous-city-to-travel-to?, nickname-for-women-from-cali-colombia, night-club-en-cali-colombia, night-clubs-in-cali-colombia, night-live-cali-colombia, nightlife-in-cali-colombia, of-tourist-information-cali-colombia-nice-woman-video, club-adn-colombia, cali-sex-club-colombia, american-musicians-in-cali-columbia
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Jul 26th, 2010
