Colombia - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T12:18:20Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/ColombiaGet a Piece of the Rock at Colombia's Jawdropping Guatapéhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/guatape-anrtioquia-colombia2023-12-13T10:33:26.000Z2023-12-13T10:33:26.000ZIberia Airlineshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberiaAirlines<div><h6 class="aligncenter"><a href="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/mgv/Pe%C3%B1%C3%B3n_Guatap%C3%A9_Colombia_Medell%C3%ADn_hillsn_1992_Shutterstock-640x360.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/mgv/Pe%C3%B1%C3%B3n_Guatap%C3%A9_Colombia_Medell%C3%ADn_hillsn_1992_Shutterstock-640x360.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Pe%C3%B1%C3%B3n_Guatap%C3%A9_Colombia_Medell%C3%ADn_hillsn_1992_Shutterstock-640x360.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/hillsn_1992">hillsn_1992</a></em></span></h6><p><br /> <strong>Colombia</strong> is just packed with remarkable landmarks, sights, and experiences, and this one is singular, indeed: a vertiginous 220-metre (722-foot) hill - rising abruptly near a small town two hours from the city of <strong>Medellín</strong> in the department of <strong>Antioquía</strong> - is in a class by itself. The <strong>Peñón de Guatapé</strong> (<strong>Rock of Guatapé</strong>, also known as the <strong>Piedra del Peñol</strong>,<strong> Stone of El Peñol</strong>), was venerated by the prehispanic <strong>Tahamí</strong>, and many visitors come to pay homage to it today - including some pretty sweet views from the top for those willing to trudge 740 steps up!</p><p>There have been several theories about the origins of this impressive granitic outcropping - an ancient meteorite, even an extinct volcano - but it's thought most likely this mass was less fractured than the surrounding bedrock, and thus survived erosion over the aeons. The Peñón's supernatural associations were echoed during the Spanish colonial period, with for example a legend growing up about how the Devil tried to carry it off several times and failed, but left an huge fissure along one of its sides - the same fissure used decades ago to build the zigzagging stone stairway all the way up. For centuries, the hill remained so daunting to locals that it was never climbed until 1954, when <strong>Luis Eduardo Villegas</strong>, the owner of the land upon which it sits, finally succeede, taking five days to scale the monster.</p><p>It's also been a bone of contention between two neighbouring towns, Guatapé and Peñol, which have both laid claim to it (though clearly, the former has come out on top at least imaginewise, given the more widely used name for the rock). This rivalry led to a bizarre incident in the 1980s when the mayor of Guatapé along with the land's owner decided to paint the town's name on its flank. Some Peñol residents got wind of this, and came to protest en masse, stopping the massive graffitti after the letter G and the downstroke of the letter U - still visible today.</p><p>These days, of course, the rock is the single most popular tourist attraction of Antioquía province outside Medellín, and if you don't want to hire a car, you can come fairly easily in public transportation or opt for a day excursion from one of the Medellín tour operators. There's a little shop at the top, and halfway up you can also catch your breath at a little shrine to the Virgin Mary. And of course at the foot of the monolith you'll find another of other shops and eateries - not a few operated by members of today's Villegas family.</p><p> </p><h6><a href="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/mgv/Decoraci%C3%B3n_Guatap%C3%A9_Colombia_Medell%C3%ADn_Jess-Kraft_Shutterstock-640x428.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/mgv/Decoraci%C3%B3n_Guatap%C3%A9_Colombia_Medell%C3%ADn_Jess-Kraft_Shutterstock-640x428.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Decoraci%C3%B3n_Guatap%C3%A9_Colombia_Medell%C3%ADn_Jess-Kraft_Shutterstock-640x428.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><em><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/jkraft5">Jess Kraft</a></em></h6><p><br /> Just down the road from all is, the picturesque lakeside town of <strong>Guatapé</strong> (above), one of Colombia's most uniquely colourful. This is actually a fairly recent development, as these things go - the 1950s, when local artist <strong>José María Parra</strong> tarted up the façade of his own house, and the practice spread first among his friends and neighbours on Guatapé's best known street <strong>Calle del Recuerdo</strong>, then to many others in the town.</p><p>On weekends, the waterfront promenade is charmingly filled with locals enjoying the views and a variety of foods, art, and crafts vendors. There's a zipline over the lake, and the nearby <strong>Peñol-Guatapé</strong> Reservoir (created in the 1970s) is popular for water sports and boat rides including attractions such as the ruins of <strong>La Manuela</strong>, the lakeside mansion of notorious narco-traffickers <strong>Pablo Escóbar</strong>, and various little islands, most notably "Fantasy Island", with a swimming area, snack shacks, and a lovely view of the famous Peñón.</p><p>A completely charming outing, indeed!</p><p> </p><p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6o2BrLBrOgw?si=dMNaxJvN8FVWO_xe" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> </p><p> </p></div>8 of the Best Things to Do in Barranquilla, Colombiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/barranquilla-colombia-attractions-tourism-travel2023-08-14T09:48:29.000Z2023-08-14T09:48:29.000ZLowest Flight Fareshttps://tripatini.com/members/LowestFlightFares<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12188645880?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">On Colombia´s Caribbean coast near better known Cartagena, Barranquilla is famous for its gorgeous inhabitants, Caribbean culture, and vibrant Carnaval celebrations. Even if you're here to celebrate the festivities the nightlife in Barranquilla is well-known for its traditional salsa dancing and late-night events.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The beach is open all year long for a day of surfing or just relaxing in the numerous bars as well as beach bars. The fourth-largest city in Colombia is a thriving port along the Caribbean Sea and Magdalena River although it's somewhat industrial but it has charming neighborhoods, a wide range of shops and huge areas of parks and plazas. Experience the local cuisine of costeno, including coconut rice, fried fish and arepas. Also, take a look at the city's Spanish culture by taking a trip to the church and castle.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">You can easily book your </span><a href="https://www.lowestflightfares.com/cheap-flights/south-america/colombia/barranquilla/"><strong>cheap flights to Barranquilla</strong></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> with the Lowest Flight Fares and enjoy a trip.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">El Museo del Caribe</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Explore interactively the indigenous culture, natural beauty and culture from Colombia's Caribbean coastline at this most renowned museum in town.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">El Museo del Caribe gives visitors an insight into this fascinating region of the country with fun exhibits and experiences that are spread across many floors and rooms.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are many images, artifacts and photographs to clarify the richness of the Caribbean and its people from history and culture to literature and music.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are guided tours available as well as the museum has a library space specifically dedicated to the works of the author of magical realism Gabriel Garcia Marquez.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Carnaval de Barranquilla</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Barranquilla's vibrant Carnaval celebrations rank second after Rio's celebrations in Brazil.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The four-day celebration is the thing that the city is known for, and the preparations begin months in advance which is why you must make plans in advance if you're hoping to go! The roots of the festival are of Spanish Catholic traditions blended with African and indigenous traditions This is a wild and lively festival that is filled with loud dancers, music in street parties, as well as the millions of partygoers who come to the city for this crazy celebration.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Carnaval kicks off 40 days before Easter, and is filled with delicious local food, extravagant costumes, and numerous groups of performers, dancers and bands.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">As a guest Don't be afraid to join in the excitement, and don't count on to be able to stay in the game for long.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Zoologico Barranquilla</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">It's a tiny zoo, however it's home to more than 500 animals from 140 species spread across various continents.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">An excellent activity for all the family, you will learn about endangered species while you walk through enclosures with monkeys, snakes Zebras as well as an elephant and a tiger.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Learn about conservation efforts that are being undertaken for native animals such as manatees, spectacled bears and the otter.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">You can get really intimate with the creatures and even touch some of them. But be cautious! There's also a café in the back, which you can get an empanada if you're hungry.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Experience Barranquilla's Nightlife</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Alongside its gorgeous people, Barranquilla is known for amazing dance clubs and nightlife. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">For more than 50 years, La Troja has been open, La Troja is an iconic town landmark and a perfect spot for the authentic experience of local salsa dancing, with crowds that often spill onto the streets. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Frogg Leggs, the trendy Agua Helada along with Coco Beach are also popular. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Aguila as well as Club Colombia are the favorite (and cheap!) beers, however Rum is also a popular drink (you have arrived living in the Caribbean after all).</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Bocas de Cenizas</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">If you're interested in walking and a trip off the beaten path travel by train to the point where it is that the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Wear sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes, and bring your camera, along with some water (it's going to be a hot day) and a few dollars to buy some snacks on the way. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Starting at starting in the Los Flores neighborhood, you'll ride your open-air "train" to the coast and then you'll get off and begin the strenuous walk to the apex of the peninsula. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">You'll not only get great panoramas, but also also get an actual glimpse of of the city's less developed neighborhoods that don't get much attention.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Castillo de Salgar</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Just 20 minutes from the city It is located 20 minutes from the city. Castillo de Salgar is a beautifully renovated Spanish fort built in 1848. It is now a venue for events which is available for rent to host parties, and it is home to a wonderful restaurant. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">The cliff is situated on top of the ocean, it's a perfect spot to get away from the bustle of the city to enjoy a drink or dinner with the sunset. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">The cool breeze is refreshing, and the scenery is romantic. Sometimes, there are performances by musicians. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">If you're not planning to eat at a restaurant take a stroll in the direction of the beach to take a look at the past as well as some amazing photographs and scenic views.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Fantastic Beaches</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">It's the Caribbean which is hot all throughout the year, so make sure to head to the beach when you're in the Caribbean. Although Barranquilla might not have the stunning beaches of neighbouring Santa Marta or Cartagena, you'll have plenty of choices.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Taxi or bus or taxi to Puerto Colombia and the Playas de Salgar approximately 15 minutes away from town. Here there are balnearios (bathing resorts) such as Villa Alcatraz.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">These clubs will supply the patrons with umbrellas, chairs tables, umbrellas, and the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The more lavish Pradomar has huge cushions, cabanas and fine dining, the on-site nightclub hosts weekends of beach parties that are reminiscent of Ibiza.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Museo Romantico</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The rich history of Barranquilla is documented at the Museo Romantico and it's surely worth a stroll to find out more about the city.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">In a mansion built in the 18th century located on a picturesque street, the museum is filled with objects and belongings of well-known Barranquilleras along with other Colombians.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Letters were composed by Simon Bolivar, the nation's most heroic liberator, as well as an instrument used by the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are costumes and dresses that were worn at previous Carnavals, as well as furniture, musical instruments photos, and art all connected to Baranquilla's past.</span></p>
<p> </p></div>Colombia riqueza turìsticahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/colombia-riqueza-turistica2010-09-10T15:26:50.000Z2010-09-10T15:26:50.000Zelsa maria rincon ramirezhttps://tripatini.com/members/elsamariarinconramirez<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="721" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008562652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /></p><p>Lleno de Colombia this riquezas turisticas , enmarcado en la ONU TODAS Con Territorio Las Posibilidades de climas , DESDE Los Nevados ¡Hasta Calidos una orilla la del marzo Topografías DESDE Los Altos picos Como La Sirra Nevada de Santa Marta , tres cordilleras atraviesan de sur Que un norte Todo El País, desiertos , selva y Llanuras Como la Amazonía .</p><p></p><p>En Todos Sitios Estós se encuentran posadas turísticas, albergues ecológicos y hasta hoteles 5 estrellas . Hijo Lugares paradisíacos , llenos de Naturaleza , y de cultura Sobre Todo de personajes amables Que Te reciben Mucho amor en contra.</p><p></p><p>Me encargaré de Escribir Con Mucha Frecuencia Acerca de CADA Destino turistico de Colombia, de Darles Contactos de Viaje, conozcan PARA QUE País de las Naciones Unidas bello , Segura Estoy Que de no se arrepentirán de visitante .</p></div>Celebrating Colombia's Folksy Vallenato Musichttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/celebrating-colombia-s-folksy-vallenato-music-12019-04-29T21:19:42.000Z2019-04-29T21:19:42.000ZIberia Airlineshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberiaAirlines<div><p><a href="http://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Vallenato-min-640x480.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Vallenato-min-640x480.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Vallenato-min-640x480.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>photos: ProColombia</em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>by Miguel Martínez Rabanal</em></span></p><p>Along with <strong>cumbia</strong>, the <strong>folk music</strong> form known as <strong>vallenato</strong> is a calling card of <strong>Colombian culture</strong>, and its <strong><a href="http://www.festivalvallenato.com/" target="_blank">Vallenata Legend Festival</a></strong> is a particularly momentous one, marking its 52nd edition this year April 26-30 in the city of <strong>Valledupar</strong>, in Colombia's northeast, about an hour and a half flight from <strong>Bogotá</strong> and just under four hours' drive from <strong>Cartagena</strong>.</p><p><br /> Truth to tell, <strong>Colombian culture</strong> wouldn't be the same without this music, which goes back more than two centuries. With humble roots in rural troubadors mixing Spanish and African traditions, these days it's beloved enough among Colombians that <strong>UNESCO</strong> has classified it as an <strong>Intangible Cultural Heritage</strong>, and it's even been extending its reach into neighbouring countries such as Ecuador and Venezuela.</p><p><br /> Vallenato's main instruments reflect Colombia's cultural diversity: the <strong>accordion</strong> (below), from <strong>Europe</strong>; the <strong>caja</strong> (also below), a drum of African origin; and the <strong>guacharaca</strong>, a scratching stick invented by the <strong>pre-Columbian Tairona</strong> people. As an identifying mark, the lead singer in each group blends the chords and gives each of them their own personality.<br /> </p><p><a href="http://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Acordeon-Vallenato-min-640x427.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Acordeon-Vallenato-min-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Acordeon-Vallenato-min-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a></p><p><br /> And if vallenato is <strong>Colombian music</strong> par excellence, the annual <a href="http://www.festivalvallenato.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Leyenda Vallenata</strong></a> in its foremost centre Valldedupar is its most important festival, which has over the years aimed to protect and promote the genre's traditional character, focussing on its four main strains: <strong><em>puya</em></strong>, <em><strong>merengue</strong></em>, <em><strong>son</strong></em>, and <em><strong>paseo</strong></em>.</p><p><br /> A good portion of this event is devoted to competitions - for best accordionists, composers, <em><strong>piloneras</strong></em> (dancers), and <em><strong>verseadores</strong></em> (improvisational lyricists) in various categories including youth, amateur, and professional; winners receive the title of "kings" (yes, they're all blokes). Past kings have included vallenato legends such as <strong>Alejandro Durán</strong>, <strong>Egidio Cuadrado</strong>, and <strong>Egidio Mendoza</strong>.<br /> </p><p><a href="http://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Caja-Vallenata-min-640x427.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Caja-Vallenata-min-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="Festival-Leyenda-Vallenata-Colombia-Caja-Vallenata-min-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a></p><p><br /> <br /> Yes, Colombians do love their music - and vallenato is far from the only kind that's popular here. Of the country's three other major music forms, two are also homegrown. The abovementioned cumbia is from the Caribbean coastal region and like vallenato has European, African, and pre-Columbian influences. Its rhythms are lively and upbeat; its music created mostly by instruments like the <strong><em>flauta de millo</em></strong> (a traditional flute made of cane), drums, and maracas; and the dancing that usually accompanies it featuring colourful costumes.</p><p><br /> The second, typical of the expansive <strong>Orinoquía</strong> region in the east of the country, is <strong>joropo</strong>, which also uses maracas, along with the harp and the cuatro (a small, four-string guitar). Its themes revolve around the people of the <strong>Orinoco River</strong> watershed plains, and its energetic dances resemble a galloping horsebackrider.</p><p>The third is not native to Colombia. <strong>Salsa</strong> in fact first developed among the Cubans and Puerto Ricans of <strong>New York City</strong>, but it has been so enthusiastically embraced by Colombians that one of its cities, <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/salsa-your-way-to-cali-colombia" target="_blank">Cali, is even considered the world capital of salsa</a>, filled with salsa schools and even museums, as well as clubs where thousands of locals dance till dawn. Its annual <strong>Feria de Cali</strong> (December 25-30) includes a salsa marathon that has to be seen to be believed!</p><p><em><br /> <br /> </em></p></div>Carnival! A Thrilla in Barranquilla, Colombiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/barranquilla-colombia-carnaval2016-02-06T22:40:05.000Z2016-02-06T22:40:05.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10518854666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10518854666,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10518854666?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span class="font-size-1"><em><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/michele_mariani/6817989158/sizes/l" target="_blank">Michelle Mariani</a></em></span></p>
<p><br /> <br /> There’s a stereotype in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Colombia</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that the country’s fourth-largest city, a bustling but somewhat nondescript bit of business on the Caribbean coast about an hour east of <strong>Cartagena</strong>, is also their country’s “happiest.” Well, like any broad generalization, this one’s greatly exaggerated. But it doesn’t come from nowhere.<br /> <br /> <em><strong>Costeños</strong></em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>– the folks who live on and near the coast, not just<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Barranquilla</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>but also Cartagena and other cities and towns like Santa Marta – are indeed a bit of a different breed of Colombian than in places like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, with a reputation for being more effusive, warm, fun-loving and, yes, happy-go-lucky than the many of the rest of their countrymen.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008989675,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008989675,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008989675?profile=original" width="275" /></a><br /> It’s a rep fed in pop culture, for example, by the likes of the city’s most famous daughter, pop tart <strong>Shakira</strong>, who gives her hometown a sultry shout-out in her hit<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>“Hips Don’t Lie”</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(“<em>mira, en Barranquilla se baila así</em>/check it out, in Barranquilla we dance like this!”). And furthermore, everybody also knows the city for putting on one of Latin America’s wildest parties every year.<br /> <br /> In the Western Hemisphere, the annual pre-Lenten <a href="http://www.carnavaldebarranquilla.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Carnival</strong></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of Barranquilla now in full swing (February 6-9, in 2017, Feb. 25-28) is second only to <strong>Rio de Janeiro</strong>’s in terms of size and extravagance (more than a half mllion participants), but is still less glitzy, commercialized, and closer to its 19th-century folk roots, mixing European, African, and pre-Hispanic cultures (and for that reason has been declared a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage</strong> treasure). Parenthetically, it also tends to be less pricey.<br /> <br /> The highlight is the <strong><em>Batalla de Flores</em></strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(<strong>Battle of Flowers</strong>), a three-mile, six-hour parade of floats, marchers, firebreathers, and folkloric dance and music groups. Then there were the endless squads of distinctive Carnival characters, especially<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><em>marimondas</em></strong> (top, monkeylike costumes with floppy ears and long, droopy probosces), masked harlequins, and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>congos,</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>African-derived characters in whiteface, dark glasses and tall headdresses resembling chefs’ toques riotous with feathers, flowers, and/or other colorful doodads (the Spaniards brought African slaves to this coast, leaving a multculti mix). Many of the floats are loaded with either hot chicks in skimpy bikinis or various beauty queens, including Carnival’s “<strong>Queen of Queens</strong>,” and the <strong>Rey Momo</strong> (“clown king”).</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10518859484,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10518859484,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10518859484?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span class="font-size-1"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barranquilla_Aduana.jpg#mw-jump-to-license" target="_blank">Jdvillalobos</a> </em></span></p>
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<p><br /> As long as you’re in town, there’s some other interesting stuff to check out, too. The traditional center of the city is the large <strong>Plaza de San Nicolás</strong>, presided over by the eponymous 17th-century<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>St. Nicholas Church</strong>, with its distinctive red-and-white façade. <br /> <br /> And while I wouldn’t necessarily call Barranquilla one of Colombia’s loveliest cities, there are some striking examples of architecture from various eras in neighbourhoods such as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>El Prado</strong>, dating from the 1920s, including Art Deco, neoclassical, neo-barroque, and more (the yellow-and-white customs house, <strong>Casa de la Aduana</strong>, above, is a particular standout).<br /> <br /> Museums? Certainly. Check out the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Museo Romántico</strong>, a converted early-20th-century villa which is actually a museum of city history, including a hefty but about the history and meaning of Carnival (though the place has seen better days, it’s still worth a visit). You can always pop over to the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><a href="http://cidcab.carnavaldebarranquilla.org/" target="_blank">Casa del Carnaval</a></strong>, which has a new visitor centre with displays, videos, and more. Also of recent vintage is the multimedia<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><a href="http://www.culturacaribe.org/museo_del_caribe.html" target="_blank">Museo del Caribe</a></strong>, Colombia’s first museum about a region – namely the Caribbean coast and its hinterlands. The latter also includes an entire section dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel-prize-winning literary lion <strong>Gabriel García Márquez</strong>, who lived and worked in Barranquilla in the 1950s, kept a house here until the end of his life, and drew much of his literary inspiration from the Colombian Caribbean.<br /> <br /> Speaking of Gabo, you’ll definitely want to go have a bite and/or a drink at a joint called<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><a href="http://lacueva.webfactional.com/inicio" target="_blank">La Cueva</a></strong>, which back in the day was the hangout and salon for him and numerous other Barranquilla writers, musicians, and artists. In addition to enjoyng a pretty tasty menu and fetching atmosphere, you can also peruse displays about “the Barranquilla group” in surrounding rooms.<br /> <br /> It’s not just culture, of course. On the nearby coast are several appealing beaches, such as <strong>Salgar</strong> (where there’s also an interesting old fortress to explore), <strong>Pradomar</strong>, and <strong>Puerto Velero</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(all great for swimming, surfing, and other water sports). At night, there’s no shortage of hot bars and clubs, straight and gay. The dean of the nightlife scene is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><a href="http://www.latroja.org/" target="_blank">La Troja</a></strong>, going strong since 1966 with salsa and cumbia dancing till the wee hours.<br /> <br /> Honestly, while the main reason to go out of your way to visit Barranquilla is in fact Carnival (or if you’re a hardcore García Márquez devotee), combining a visit here with one to fabulous colonial <strong><a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2013/11/travel-to-cartagena-colombia/" target="_blank">Cartagena de Indias</a></strong>, about an hour’s drive west, is the way to go, in my opinion. Two great tastes of the Colombian Caribbean.<br /> <br /> <em>More information:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/where-to-go/barranquilla" target="_blank">Colombia.travel</a>.</em></p>
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<p><em><br /> </em> <br /> <span class="font-size-1"><em><br /> inset photo: <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16" target="_blank">David Paul Appell</a><br /></em></span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Bogotá and its Handsome Historic Centerhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/la-candelaria-bogota-colombia2013-06-25T12:00:00.000Z2013-06-25T12:00:00.000ZJosé Balidohttps://tripatini.com/members/JoseBalido<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10978179881,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10978179881,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="10978179881?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/8615762590"><em>Pedro Szekely</em></a></span></p>
<p><br /> <br /> For reasons that certainly don’t need repeating, until fairly recently informing your nearest and dearest you’re considering a vacation in Colombia might’ve been considered grounds for dialing the dudes in the white coats. But these days, the country’s capital is optimistic, as safe as anywhere in Latin America, and in the midst of a boom in restaurants, la rumba (nightlife), and the economy and society in general. Apart from an impressive mountain setting and comfily cool weather all year round, what makes a visit well worth the flight is Bogotá’s intensely atmospheric colonial core, La Candelaria. Dating back to Santa Fé de Bogotá’s 1538 founding and anchored by the expansive Plaza Bolívar and the neoclassical presidential palace, Casa Nariño, the old quarter’s 2¼ square miles of sloping brick- and cobblestone-paved streets are crammed with enough sites, sights, and stuff to do for several very rewarding days, all against the dramatic, cloud-wreathed backdrop of the surrounding Andes.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:14pt;">La Candelaria Hotels</span><br /> <br /> Start with the digs – there’s a nice selection of budget hostels and midrange small hotels; folks seem to particularly like the Platypus, and others include Hotel Internacional and El Dorado. If you can spend a bit more, check out a pair of restored buildings that combine the colonial with mod-cons: the elegant 81-room Hotel de la Ópera (check out that fancy spa and pool in the basement, ay, caramba!) and the smaller, less pricey Hotel Casa de la Botica, with a more contemporary flavor inside. Getting fed is fairly easy, too, from tasty street food to a range of cafés and restaurants.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:14pt;">La Candelaria Sights</span><br /> <br /> Stops on your sightseeing itinerary should of course include several of the old churches, of which the cathedral is the largest but far from the most interesting (for truly over-the-top art and gilt, check out San Ignacio, Santa Clara, and San Francisco). Must-visit museums, meanwhile, are devoted to conquistador-era art and furnishings; the roly-poly folks painted and sculpted by the world-famous Fernando Botero; and above all pre-Columbian gold tribal artifacts that will just knock your knickers off. You can even apply for a tour of Casa Nariño.<br /> <br /> One thing especially worth noting is that, unlike, say, Old San Juan, La Candelaria is far from just a kitschy tourist zone. A dizzying spectrum of bogotano society bustles along its streets every day, and you can easily dine with them (a variety of eateries range from humble and funky to fancy and pricey) and shop with them (there are several colorful covered markets, and green-bling fans can even browse for the local gem specialty on an “emerald alley” along Carrera 6). Some have noted a crime problem at night, once the daytime crowds are gone — but anyone used to navigating big cities with care and common sense should be able to manage just fine.<br /> <br /> So yes, by all means take time out to hop the funicular up looming Monserrate hill with its Sugarloaf-style Virgin Mary statue and va-va-voom city views; to hit the restaurants and clubs in North Bogotá’s Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93; to browse the Sunday street market and charming old plaza in Usaquén; and to take day and even overnight jaunts to coffee country and the impressive salt-mine-turned-underground cathedral in Zipaquirá. But just make sure to give yourself the leisure to soak up the atmosphere of La Candelaria, one of the most historic and flavorful working neighborhoods in the Americas.<br /> <br /> For more information, see <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/group/colombia">Tripatini's Colombia forum</a>.</p></div>