Introduction

Colombia is a country situated in Southern America. The country was named after Christopher Columbus and although he never set foot in Colombia, he visited Panama on his 4 voyage, which was at the time part of Colombia. Colombia has the 2nd largest population in Southern America and the 3rd largest of all Spanish-speaking countries. The country also serves as the only connection between Central and Southern America. Colombia is also the only South American country with borders in the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Tourism

Airports

Colombia has 6 main airports with El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá the busiest airport in Latin America. International airlines such as Iberia, American Airlines, Delta, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air France and many more operates from El Dorado due to the central location in Colombia and America.

Other airports include Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Medellín, Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport in Cali, Rafael Nuñez International Airport in Cartagena, Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla, and Matecaña International Airport in Pereira

Airlines

These airlines have regular flights from South Africa to Colombia:

• South African Airways (SAA) (Johannesburg, Cape Town & Durban)
• British Airways (Johannesburg & Cape Town)
• Iberia (Johannesburg & Cape Town)
• Air France (Johannesburg & Durban)
• Lufthansa (Johannesburg, Cape Town & Durban)
• United Airlines (Johannesburg)

What to see

• Corales del Rosario
  
• Las Lajas Sanctuary
  
• Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
  
• Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
  
• Tayrona National Natural Park
  
• Gold Museum
  
• Botero Museum
  
• Luis Angel Arango Library
  
• Mompos
  

What to do

• Medellín's Festival of the Flowers
  
• Barranquilla Carnival
  
• Carnival of Blacks and Whites
  
• Ibero-American Theater Festival
  

General Information

Colombia's currency is the Colombian Peso and ZAR 1.00 will get you about COP 253. The main language spoken in Colombia is Spanish. It is advisable to drink only bottled water outside of the major cities. Although the crime rate has significantly dropped in the last 2 decades, major urban centers and the countrysides still have very high crime rates. Always stay in the cities and always speak to a trusted local. Dress appropriately and avoid "looking rich".

Weather

Colombia is a equatorial country, which means that the country don't experience seasons. The climate is a typical tropical climate along the coast and eastern plains. The rainy season is during the winter months and temperatures have been known to drop below 0˚C. Some of the country's mountains are covered in snow with cities in the Andes at mid-altitude experience an "everlasting spring" weather. Cities along the Atlantic coast experience hot and humid weather.

Flights to Santa Marta

Santa Marta, founded in 1525, is America’s oldest city and the capital city of Magdalena, Columbia. The city, located between the Santa Marta Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, is an important port and a popular tourist destination due to its beaches, nature reserves, history and colonial architecture. It is also known as the sister city of Miami Beach.

Click here to read more about Flights to Santa Marta