Secrets of Colombia

Notes

Essentials

Visas
Visas are not required by most nationalities, including UK, EU and US citizens. However we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy for the most up to date details.

Airport Tax
There is no departure tax payable when leaving Colombia by air unless you have stayed for more than two months.

Health and Immunisations
As with travel to most parts of Latin America, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. A yellow fever vaccination may also be advised. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended, and we recommend that you take professional advice about malaria prophylactics.

If your trip includes a visit to Tayrona National Park then you should ensure that you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever, and bring your certificate with you. This may be checked by authorities when you arrive.

Insurance

• What should my travel insurance policy cover?
• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad
• 24 hour emergency service and assistance
• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property
• lost and stolen possessions cover
• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover
• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover
• legal expenses cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions
Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The currency in Colombia is the peso (COP). For current exchange rates visit www.xe.com.

Where currency can be exchanged
It is easy to exchange money in Colombia, both at banks and at exchange bureaux, although it is quicker at the bureaux. Colombia’s towns and cities are also well equipped with ATMs. We recommend that you bring US dollars to change, as these attract the best rate of exchange and are more widely accepted than other currencies.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Colombia. It is relatively easy to change travellers’ cheques but can take a very long time to do so. If you do want to bring travellers’ cheques, it is best to bring US dollar cheques only.

Best time to go
The best time to visit Colombia is in the summer months of December to March, and mid June to mid August.

Main Language
The national language is Spanish – you will get the most out of your visit if you have at least a few basic phrases of it. While English is spoken, this is generally restricted to larger more cosmopolitan cities. In addition to these, Colombia’s indigenous Indian communities have languages of their own.

Main Religion
Colombia is a staunchly Catholic nation and religion plays a very important role in society, with numerous festivals and national holidays associated with religious saints.

Food and drink
Colombia’s cuisine is excellent with strong regional variations providing continuing interest for travellers. Meat features highly on the menu, along with beans and potatoes, while corn and maize based dishes provide good staple food. Unusual foods include guinea pig, eaten predominantly in the Andes, and tortoise, eaten in the Amazon region. Along the coast the seafood is generally excellent and well worth trying.

Beer is a very popular drink, and widely available. And of course the coffee here is excellent!

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Food in Colombia is generally inexpensive – you’re looking at around $6 for a light meal, and $10-12 for something more substantial, while a bottle of beer might set you back around $2.

Transport
On our tour in Colombia we use both private cars / buses and 4wd jeeps.

Domestic flights are normally made with either Avianca or Aires airlines.

Local conditions
Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must – please ensure you bring enough as it may not be available locally. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special degree of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines

When out and about, and especially when in national parks please ensure that you take all non-biodegradable rubbish away with you.

You may come across beggars while on tour in Colombia. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Haggling is a way of life in Latin America when making many purchases, especially with tourist souvenirs. Usually, but not always, the vendor will start with a price that is higher than they are prepared to accept, and the buyer is expected to haggle. There are no hard and fast rules with this – some vendors may initially quote a vastly overinflated price, others may start with a price close to the true value, while others may just present you with one price and not be prepared to discuss it. Although many tourists may feel uncomfortable with this, it’s important to remember that this is best entered into in a relaxed manner. Once you have agreed upon a price, it is extremely bad form to then not pay this. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of money to you can be a relatively large amount for the vendor, and that it is not necessarily best practice to ‘beat the vendor down’ to the lowest possible price. Remember that they also have a living to make.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
Tipping is common practise in Latin America. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. This amount can obviously be left to you. When tipping a driver, a guide or hotel staff a few dollars will always be gratefully received.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the areas of Colombia that we visit. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Colombia

1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Jan Epiphany
19 Mar St Joseph’s Day
1 May Labour Day
20 May La Ascension del Senor
10 Jun Corpus Christi
18 Jun Sacred Heart
29 Jun St Peter and St Paul
20 Jul Independence Day
7 Aug Battle of Boyaca
15 Aug Assumption
12 Oct Columbus Day
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
11 Nov Independence of Cartagena
8 Dec Immaculate Conception
25 Dec Christmas Day

The Easter holiday varies annually.

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year

Electrical Supply
The electrical supply in Colombia is 110v, and plugs tend to have two vertical prongs. We recommend that you bring a multi-adapter.

Recommended Reading

Colombia – The Bradt Guide
Sarah Woods

Cocaine Train: Travels in Colombia
Stephen Smith

Killing Pablo
Mark Bowden

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 30/07/09
For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674

Historical background

Colombia’s reputation and murky past have kept travellers away from this troubled corner of South America for many years, but intrepid souls are returning back with stories that it might just be the undiscovered jewel of the continent. If you can put preconceptions aside for a moment and forget everything that you think you know about Colombia, travelling here offers a mindboggling diversity of attractions that should be swamped with visitors – but aren’t. Colombia houses some of the most impressive colonial architecture to be found anywhere in South America, if not the world, its centuries old buildings giving glimpses of the days of early Spanish rule and the riches gleaned from the continent. Superbly preserved villages seem as if they should only exist in film sets, while the lush coffee growing area gives you the opportunity to melt into a deliciously relaxing few days, learning about traditional lives and savouring sublime views. Colombia is also home to fascinating ethnic groups who have held on to their traditions in the face of the onslaught of the modern world – often ignored on a trip to the continent in favour of more ‘iconic’ attractions but an integral part of understanding the region. Colombia is no Peru – you will not, so far, find hordes of backpackers or group tours swamping the sites, but slowly the discerning traveller is beginning to realise what this intoxicating nation has to offer.

Not a huge amount is known about Colombia prior to the arrival of the Spanish, but the existence of monuments such as the ‘Lost City’ and San Agustin bear witness to advanced cultures which existed as distinct entities, trading with each other but mostly following hunter gatherer lifestyles. The first European arrived in 1499, building settlements mainly at the coast and searching the interior for the treasures that they believed to be within. The first town founded by the conquistadors was Santa Marta, followed closely by Cartagena – both of these were used as trading posts for supplying bases further afield. Obsessed with the search for gold, the Spanish launched expeditions inland, conquering tribes en route and competing against each other for rule over the country. As a colony, Colombia, then called New Granada, was ruled from Lima, Peru, until it was made a viceroyalty. The viceroyalty of New Granada, consolidated in 1740, incorporated modern Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The area became Spain's chief source of gold and was exploited for emeralds and tobacco. Colombia under the Spanish saw a massive influx of slaves from Africa, brought in to work the mines and plantations which were set up, and creating the rich ethnic mix that can be seen in the country today.

From 1796 onwards, tensions began to rise in the colony about how best to govern it, leading sometimes to various cities declaring themselves independent of the others. This was a time of instability for the colony, not aided by events in Spain. The early years of the 19th century saw Spain’s power within Europe fade, defeated by Napoleon who ousted the king and installed his brother as ruler. Spain’s South American colonies refused to recognise the new monarchy and the region was marked by political infighting and rivalry. It was around this time that one of Latin America’s greatest historical figures, Simon de Bolivar, emerged onto the scene. An able general and fierce proponent of independence, Bolivar and his men fought several battles against the Spaniards across the region, finally pushing them out of Colombia in 1819 and winning independence for Colombia as well as Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama and eventually Bolivia. The new state of Gran Colombia was formed, comprising of Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela and with Bolivar as its president. However from the very start disagreements rose over how best to run such a large and unwieldy state, split along liberal versus conservative lines which have dominated Colombian politics ever since. By 1830 these proved too much for the nascent state to bear and Ecuador and Venezuela left the union to become separate countries. Rivalries between conservative and liberal factions led to numerous clashes and civil wars, one of which, in 1899, resulted in approximately 100,000 deaths. United States activity to influence the area led to a military uprising in the province of Panama in 1903, which resulted in the establishment of it as an independent nation.

Conservative and liberal tensions plagued Colombia throughout the 20th century. In 1948 the liberal leader Jorge Gaitan was assassinated and the country descended into a whirlwind of bloodletting and chaos known as La Violencia in which around 300,000 people lost their lives. Guerilla groups and local militias committed countless atrocities, and in 1953 the army seized control of the government. Although under General Gustavo Rojas the violence was suppressed, the fact that he failed to restore democratic rule to the country and implemented a system of repression led to discontent, and in 1957 he himself was overthrown by the military and the conservative and democratic factions worked together in a power sharing agreement known as the National Front.

In an attempt to bring stability to the nation, the liberal / conservative agreement led to the banning of all other political parties, an act which marginalized many and caused those who were unhappy with the current system to seek alternative means of expression. Although some progress was made at eliminating inequalities, inevitably many remained, and the government was plagued with accusations of corruption. In the absence of legitimate political participation, numerous guerrilla and militia groups were formed across all shades of the political spectrum, from right wing to Marxist – the most famous being the notorious FARC. The struggle between them and the government has been one of Colombia’s greatest tragedies, as fighting displaced thousands of people and caused untold misery for much of the population. Operating illegally, many groups have become involved in the production and trafficking of cocaine as a means to fund their activities, bringing further problems to the state. In becoming involved in the drugs trade, guerrilla groups have also come into conflict with the large cartels, who established their own death squads to deal with threats from the guerrillas, as well as reacting violently to government officials who attempted to stamp out their influence.The late ‘80s / early ‘90s saw a relative easing of tensions, as many guerrilla groups were incorporated into the political process and some of the drug cartels began to fragment into smaller operations. At the turn of the century, peace talks were held between the government and although these were inconclusive, they did lead to a general improvement from the dark days of the 1980s. The government is now making concerted moves to tackle the remaining guerilla groups and co-operate with the US in eradicating the drugs trade, and Colombia is moving away from its terrifying past into what will hopefully be a bright future.

It is no surprise that many people might look at you as if you are mad when you tell them you are going to Colombia. All we can say is that they need to ‘get with the times’ – Colombia is no longer the dangerous country it once was and for those prepared to take the plunge and explore for themselves, it is rapidly proving itself to be one of the most promising countries on the continent for travelling. Colombia is diverse, it is bewildering, and its recent history is tragic, but it gives one a real sense of excitement to be among the first to be heading back to this magnificent country, packed full of impressive sights and incredibly welcoming people. Let us take you to Colombia, and we’ll let you in on Latin America’s biggest secret – but don’t tell everyone else.