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Colombia
With dramatically beautiful rainforests, mountains and beaches, lovely cities and enchanting people, Colombia should be among the world's most attractive and intoxicating destinations. Unfortunately, the current guerrilla war, combined with ongoing activities of cocaine cartels, has made much of Colombia - dubbed 'Locombia' (the mad country) by the press - off limits to all but the most foolhardy travelers.
The good news is that it's still possible to enjoy Colombia's colorful swirl of myth and mysticism. As long as you avoid all overland travel and stick to major cities and touristed areas, pay attention to the news, and keep your wits about you at all times, you'll get a safe and healthy dose of what is arguably the most underrated travel destination on the continent.
Warning
Colombia has gone from bad to worse since February 2002, when President Andres Pastrana cut off peace negotiations with the Marxist rebel organization FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). Three years of unsuccessful talks ended after FARC rebels kidnapped Senator Jorge Gechem Turbay from his hijacked plane. In addition to calling off the talks, Pastrana sent the Colombian army in to reoccupy territory ceded to the rebels in 1998. Since then, clashes between the troops and the guerillas have been constant and bloody. More kidnappings have followed, including the abductions of presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and Antioquia Governor Guillermo Gaviria, both taken in separate instances while on their way to peace rallies. FARC is presently holding five prominent politicians, and is suspected of the murder of Senator Martha Catalina Daniels. The assassination of Archbishop Isaias Duarte Cancino may also be the work of FARC, although other suspects include drug kingpins and corrupt politicians.
As usual, civilians are caught in the crossfire and bear the brunt of the violence. In May 2002, a bomb dropped on a church in Choco province killed 117 people, who had taken refuge in the church from the battle raging outside between FARC and the right-wing paramilitary group United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). FARC has claimed responsibility, but claims the bombing was an accident.
The US State Department and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs both warn their citizens not to travel to Colombia at this time. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office warns that 'violence and kidnapping are serious problems, and all foreign nationals are potential targets.' More than 3000 people are abducted every year - and those are just the official figures. And far worse things have happen to backpackers who have braved the interior than this. Violence by narcotraffickers and paramilitary groups has created a culture of fear that has catalyzed criminal elements throughout the country. This is a dangerous time to visit any part of Colombia: although the violence used to be confined to the countryside, the rebels are increasingly targeting urban centers to cause economic and political damage. If you must go, pay close attention to your embassy's travel warnings and to local news both before and during your stay.
There is a long list of precautions worth following if you want to risk this trip. Overland travel between urban areas, no matter what the mode of transportation, is incredibly dangerous. Don't wear expensive items of clothing or carry pricey cameras or handbags, because this will increase your chance of being robbed. Avoid rallies, crowds and other public gatherings, as bombings are a favored form of reprisal by various guerrilla groups upset by government actions. Give a wide berth to Colombian police unless you absolutely need them, as they have a less than savory reputation. Drugs, especially cocaine and its derivatives, are prevalent throughout the country and should be avoided at all costs. Don't accept drinks or cigarettes from strangers as they may be laced with borrachero, a soporific drug often used on hapless tourists.
Full country name: Republic of Colombia
Area: 1,141,748 sq km (440,830 sq mi)
Population: 39,685,000
Capital city: Bogot� (pop: 5 million)
People: 58% Mestizo (of European-Indian descent), 20% European descent, 14% mulatto (African-European descent), 4% African descent, 3% African-Indian descent, 1% indigenous
Language: Castilian Spanish, plus over 200 indigenous languages
Government: Democracy
President: Alvaro Uribe Velez
GDP: US$254 billion
GDP per capita: US$6,200
Inflation: 16.7%
Major industries: Textiles, coffee, oil, narcotics, sugar cane, food processing
Major trading partner: US, EU
Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. An anti-insurgent army of paramilitaries has grown to be several thousand strong in recent years, challenging the insurgents for control of territory and illicit industries such as the drug trade and the government's ability to exert its dominion over rural areas. While Bogota steps up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders.
32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Distrito Capital de Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada
Colombia's economy suffers from weak domestic and foreign demand, austere government budgets, and serious internal armed conflict. Other economic problems facing the new president URIBE range from reforming the pension system to reducing high unemployment. Two of Colombia's leading exports, oil and coffee, face an uncertain future; new exploration is needed to offset declining oil production, while coffee harvests and prices are depressed. Colombian business leaders are calling for greater progress in solving the conflict with insurgent groups. On the positive side, several international financial institutions have praised the economic reforms introduced by President URIBE and have pledged enough funding to cover Colombia's debt servicing costs in 2003.
Travel and Tourism
Regional > South America > Colombia > Travel and Tourism Go to Directory Home
Categories
Travelogues (1)
Web Pages
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Lonely Planet Colombia - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/colombia/
Overview covering history, culture, travel tips, essential info, transport and travelers' reports
US Department of State Colombia Travel Warning - http://travel.state.gov/colombia.html
Travel warnings and information including data about crime, available medical care and entry requirements.
World Heritage Sites in Colombia - http://fp.thesalmons.org/lynn/wh-colombia.html
Lists national parks, historic cities and archaeological parks.
The Poorbuthappy Colombia Guide - http://www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/
Find articles about travel and life in Colombia. Includes pictures.
Colombia Web - http://www.colombiaweb.de
Contains photos, videos, maps, history recipes, tips and information about Colombia.
WorldRover - Colombia - http://www.worldrover.com/country/colombia_main.html
Colombia facts, maps, history, travel guides, and embassy information.
Best in the World Colombia - http://www.thebestintheworld.com/colombia.htm
Maintains a directory of resources related to traveling in Colombia. Find health advisories, country overviews and a recommended reading list.
MainTour Colombia Vacation Guide - http://www.maintour.com/colombia/homepage.htm
Information on lodging, attractions, recreation, and special events. Offers travel reservations and vacation packages.
TravelGIS.com - Colombia - http://www.travelgis.com/co/int.asp
Travel guide for the country and its major cities with maps, reservation, airfares, and car rentals.
Worldsurface.com - Colombia Guide - http://www.worldsurface.com/browse/location-country.asp?locationid=62
Travellers guide including stories, photos & live diaries, local guides & tours, highlights, visas & passports, health advice, festivals, cost of travelling and recommendations on when to go, how to get there and how to get around.
Smooth Hound Systems - Accommodations in Colombia - http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/colombia/index.html
Hotels and other accommodation in Colombia, listed by town.
Journeymart.com - Colombia Travel Guide - http://www.journeymart.com/DExplorer/SouthAmerica/Colombia/default.asp?RegID=11&CounID=233&CityID=0
Destination and travel information on Colombia, its sights and people. History, economy, need-to-know facts, when to go, and things to see.
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