While the Summit days will be packed with Summit-related activities, some of you might take some extra time either before or after to visit Colombia. Here are the top tips our incoming Colombian delegates have shared to make sure you'll have the best experience.
"This is one of the most renowned destinations for locals and tourists. It is one of the highest peaks surrounding the city and it allows you to see the vastness of the city (very recommended place to watch a sunset). At the top there are places where you could try typical dishes and desserts, as well as a catholic sanctuary made in the early 20th century. There are three ways to go up: by foot (which is quite a steep and long climb), by funicular or by aerial tramway."
2. La Candelaria and Graffiti Tours
"The historical center of Bogota is a mixture of everything, you have Colonial-style buildings, great restaurants, an incredibly bustling commerce, lots of churches and museums and beautiful art in the form of graffiti. Graffiti has been very important in the city because it is used as a protest medium and has been constantly evolving. My recommendation would be to visit early in the morning the Plaza de Bolívar, have breakfast at a restaurant called La Puerta Falsa (which according to rumors, was where Simón Bolívar bought sweets as a child) and then head to la Plaza de los Periodistas (Journalists’ Square) where graffiti tours start. Most of these tours you have to reserve with time, so the sooner you do it, the better. One of the best is http://bogotagraffiti.com as it is in English and works on a pay-what-you-want model."
"This museum is a must. It has the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects in the world. You will be surprised at the level of detail and care with which these objects were made. Likewise, one of the facts that has fascinated me is that just outside the museum, over the Carrera 7 avenue, there are three churches on the same block, all of them dating to colonial times, and all of them with different styles."
4. Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
"Its pristine beaches attract thousands of visitors each year and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the highest mountains next to the sea. It is an incredible sightseeing and hiking place, and if you have the stamina and will you can try hiking up to the Lost City, which is a three day trek normally. The other option is just relaxing by the sea, taking a swim in the warm tropical waters and just let time pass by. It is no 5-star accommodation, the majority of people that visit go camping."
5. Medellín
"The city of the eternal spring, Medelliín is a paradise. It has the best weather all year long. In Medellin you will be able to experience the "paisa culture". This is the land of coffee, mountains, horses, and a captivating accent that sets the paisas aside from the rest of Colombia. Medellin is a very modern city know for its hardworking, entrepreneurial, warm people. "
6. Cartagena
"Cartagena is a beautiful located in the north coast of Colombia. It is an easy one-hour flight from Bogotá. Cartagena perfectly combines the magic of history, with the modern buildings, and exotic beaches. Three or four days in this dreamed city is enough to fall in love with the most visited in Colombia. It is very different from Bogotá, especially for the weather and the whole environment. Cartagena is full of caribbean vibes, culture, history, and beautiful people."
7. Nuquí
"In October, going to the West coast of Colombia is a once in a lifetime experience. You are lucky to be in the perfect time to go because October is whale season, so there is the possibility to see whales from this Colombian shore. The whales seek for the pacific ocean to reproduce in this month."
