The reports of improved safety conditions in Colombia have spurred it to be a hotspot tourist destination for 2008. The Colombian Government has introduced a number of policies to fight the lawlessness and curb illegal trade of drugs. These measures have been successful in enticing the tourists to Colombia. The number of international tourists visiting Colombia increased considerably in comparison to the number of tourists that toured the country four years before. As per the BBC reports, the President of Colombia, Mr. Alvaro Uribe is quite optimistic. He informed the United Nations World Tourism Organization delegates in Cartagena in 2007 that Colombia has moved from terrorism to tourism and it is a great joy to see the tourists back.
Since Mr. Alvaro Uribe took charge in the year 2002, the kidnappings dropped by about 73%, the murders decreased by about 35% and the rates of urban crimes have also reduced. He told the BBC that Colombia needs to be seen as tourists as a normal place where people lead a normal life. Lonely Planet claims that Colombia provides the tourists with lively cities with towering skyscrapers along with stylish port towns dotted by cobbled streets and bougainvillea covered balconies. Lonely Planet recommends the tourists to visit the country from December till March during the dry season or during the months of July and August for hiking.
The touristic attractions of Colombia area by far too many and the main ones are Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, Medellin, San Andres Island and Barranquilla, each with its own specialty. There are two busy tourist seasons in Colombia- Christmas and the holy week (week before Easter). Colombia celebrates many festivals with great enthusiasm and fervor and the tourists can join in these festivities too. The popular Colombian festivals are Bogota Summer Festival, Barranquilla’s Carnival, Iberoamerican Theatre Festival, Cali’s Fair, Vallenato Legend Festival, Fiestas del Mar, Festival of the Flowers and Carnival of Blacks and Whites. The tourists can safely move through the tourist places, thanks to the increased security and stability.
The tourists must see the well preserved historical landmarks like Capitol Municipal Palace, Capila del Sangrario, Gold Museum and Plaza Bolivar in Bogota. You can see an interesting mix of Colombian traditions along with the colonial influences of the Spanish era. Other places of tourist interest are the salt mines at Zipaquira, Salt Cathedral and Laguna de Guatavita- sacred lake and ritual center of Musica Indians. Colombia has great archaeological sites and those interested in history and humanities have a great feast in store like San Augustin Archaeological Park, Tierradentro and Silva.
The other famous tourist sights in Colombia are Magdalena River, Barranquilla Markets, Tayrona National Park, El Laguita, Islas del Rosario, San Andres Island, Providencia Island, Santa Marta, Johnny Cay, Aquarium and Amacayu National Park in addition to many more. You can enjoy cruises, boat rides, tours, jungle trips, fishing, sailing, water skiing, skindiving, mountain climbing, cycling, football and skiing in addition to many more such exciting activities in Colombia. The tourists will also be delighted to see the multicultural and multi ethnic diversity of Colombia coupled with the diverse Colombian cuisine.
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