25/05/08

Ipiales

A scrappy little border town that we fly from to get to Bogota, the capital of Columbia.

There is a lovely cathedral (Las Lajas Cathedral) nearby that, if you are in these parts is definitely worth a visit.

26 & 29/05/08

Bogota (alt 2,650, pop 7.2m)

Wow this place is huge.

I really enjoyed Bogota and would love to come back. Although a metropolis it is still common to see the horse and cart in use.

We explored around the old town (where we stayed) and were given a tour of the area and of the police museum by the tourist police.

We also went to the other end of town (cant remember the area name at mo) which was quite posh. We had dinner here twice and watched the latest Indiana Jones at the cinema.

Ireally wish we had longer here.

27-28/05/08

Villa de Leiva

This beautiful colonial town has a population of about four and a half thousand. It has one of the largest plazas in the Americas. The streets are cobbled and it has been declared a national monument so cannot be modernised.

There are quite a few Germans living in Villa de Leiva and we spent a fun night in a German owned pub watching the football with the locals.

Nice place with various adventure and historical activities to choose from.

30/05/08 to 02/06/08

Cartagena

A world heratage site, this place should not be missed. It is Columbia's top tourist destination with its heart in El Centro (the old town) and the 11km of ramparts.

Within this walled city is a labyrinth of Plazas, churches, and mansions. Some mansions have been converted into hotels but, being a world heritage site, all buildings cannot be altered.

Cartagena beyond the old town is resembling more and more a mini Gold Coast as numerous high rises exist and are continuing to be build.

It is hot and very humid here year round so if your not used to a bit of heat and sweat you may struggle a little.