Park and Save.com

COUNTRY INFORMATION - COLOMBIA

If you have a link that you think should be included on this page, please complete the Add a Site form.

Location Of Colombia:
Colombia is situated in South America, bordered to the north by the Caribbean, to the north-west by Panama, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, to the south-west by Ecuador and Peru, to the north-east by Venezuela and to the south-east by Brazil. The Andes Mountains extend into the country in three ranges running south to north, dipping finally into the lowlands of the Caribbean coast. Along the southern part of the Pacific coast run wide, marshy lowlands rising to a relatively low but rugged mountain chain. East of this range, the south-western coastal lowlands extend in a low trough running from the port of Buenaventura on the Pacific coast to the Caribbean. East of this rise the slopes of the Western Cordillera, which, with the Central Cordillera range, runs north to the Caribbean lowlands from Ecuador, separated by a valley, filled in the south by volcanic ash to a height of 8,202ft.

Airports:
Bogotá international is situated 7.5 miles east of the city. Buses to the city depart every 20 minutes from 06:00-22:00 and take about 30 minutes. Taxis are also available.

Barranquilla international is 6 miles from the city. Car hire is available.

Cali airport is 10 miles from the city.

Cartagena airport is 1 mile from the city.

Language:
Spanish is the official language. Local Indian dialects and some English, French, German and Italian are also spoken.

Places To Go:
Bogotá reflects a blend of Colombian tradition and Spanish colonial influences. Many historical landmarks have been preserved, such as the Capitol Municipal Palace and the cathedral on the main square, the Plaza Bolivar. Bogotá also contains the Gold Museum, with its unique collection of over 100,000 pre-Colombian artworks. Around 32 miles south of Bogotá lies Zipaquirá, an area well known for its many salt mines, one of which contains the famous Salt Cathedral capable of accommodating 8,400 people. Guatavita, a 2-hour bus drive from Bogotá, is best known for its Laguna de Guatavita, the ritual centre and sacred lake of the Muisca Indians. A busy port and Colombia’s fourth city, Barranquilla is located towards the mouth of the Magdalena River. It is one of the nation’s main commercial centres. There is a colourful market in a side channel of the Magdalena.

The main tourist resorts on Colombia’s 1,000 mile long Caribbean coast lie near Santa Marta, one of the first major cities founded by the Spanish in South America. Its modern hotels, white beaches and proximity to fashionable beach resorts now make it a popular base for visitors wishing to explore the coast. The Tayrona National Park, some 22 miles south of Santa Marta, is one of the country’s most popular parks. Its major attraction is its deep bays, shaded with coconut trees, beautiful beaches and several coral reefs. Cartagena, an ancient walled fortress city on the north coast, is also worth a visit, particularly for its fascinating Old Town. Tourist facilities have been considerably developed in recent years, particularly at El Laguita, an L-shaped pensinsula, now packed with hotels and expensive restaurants. Some 22 miles west lie the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago of about 25 small coral islands now declared a national park. Cruises and tours are widely available and can be booked in Cartagena. Easily reached from Cartagena, by plane or boat, are the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, nearly 300 miles north of the Colombian coast. San Andrés was once the headquarters of the English pirate Captain Henry Morgan, the scourge of the Caribbean. The islands are duty-free, and consequently often crowded, but there are still several less spoilt parts. Popular excursions include visits by boat to Johnny Cay and the Aquarium.

Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Tourism)
Calle 28,
13A-15,
Santa Fe de Bogotá,
DC,
Colombia
Tel: (1) 606 7676.
Fax: (1) 606 7522/18.
E-mail: maricer@mincomercio.gov.coor gtoro@mincomercio.gov.co
Website: www.mincomercio.gov.co

Embassy of the Republic of Colombia
Flat 3A,
Three Hans Crescent,
London
SW1X 0LN,
UK
Tel: (020) 7589 9177.
Fax: (020) 7581 1829.
E-mail: mail@colombianembassy.co.uk
Website: www.colombianembassy.co.uk

Colombian Consulate
3rd Floor,
35 Portland Place,
London
W1B 1AE,
UK
Tel: (020) 7927 7124.
Fax: (020) 7637 5604.
E-mail: consulco@btclick.com
Website: www.colombianconsulate.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-13:30 (personal callers); 15:00-17:00 (telephone enquiries).

British Embassy
Carrera 9,
76-49,
Piso 9,
Santa Fe de Bogotá,
DC,
Colombia
Tel: (1) 317 6690.
Fax: (1) 317 6401 (visa section).
E-mail: bogota.info@fco.gov.uk
Website: www.britain.gov.co
Honorary Consulates in: Cali and Medellín.

CIA World Factbook - Colombia

YOUR LINK HERE