Why Colombia Should Be on Your Summer Travel Itinerary

Colombia is in the midst of a tourism renaissance. There was once a time when traveling this South American destination was associated with danger and crime, but those days are long gone as the country works to develop itself as a center of culture, adventure and beauty for family travelers from around the world.

Colombia offers a treasure trove of ways for families to explore the country’s natural beauty, with activities spanning the coast to the desert, the winding Amazon River to the Andes Mountains. From water sports to hiking and everything in between, families can enjoy beautiful scenery while discovering local wildlife in one of the country’s many national parks, like Serranía de la Macarena National Park.

Discovering a new culture is always fun, and, in Colombia, one of the best ways to do that is through delicious food. While each city and region offer plenty of unique dishes, the Colombian cuisine is one of fresh ingredients and amazing flavor, and the techniques and recipes used often go back centuries, incorporating outside influences from others, such as the Spanish who colonized the country in the 16^th century. Visitors to the country today can enjoy dishes reflecting the diversity of the land and people, including delicious items like arepa de huevo, a dish of corn bread stuffed with egg; buñuelos, tasty cheese fritters; and plantains cooked a variety of ways.

The locals are one of the top reasons to mark Colombia a must-visit destination. In recent decades, the country has been transformed into a tourist-friendly country welcoming visitors. The locals have a rich heritage they are proud to share and are known for being warm, friendly and hospitable. They are happy to share their customs, traditions and stories with curious travelers. Locals seem to take tourism personally and often go above and beyond to welcome those who want to explore their country, making every visitor feel at home.