Hotels in Colombia

Home to a traumatic but rich history, stunning scenery and some of the continent’s most welcoming and sophisticated people, Colombia is a natural draw for travellers to South America. Despite its four-decade-long civil war and reputation for violence, improved security conditions have led to a sharp increase in tourism. Foreigners and Colombians alike are now far more able to explore this thrilling paradise of cloud-forested mountains, palm-fringed beaches and gorgeous colonial cities. Boasting everything from beaches to mountains to swamps surrounding the Amazon River, Colombia indeed has it all. Visitors planning the perfect trip to Colombia will want to venture beyond the cities and check out national parks, historical attractions and the vibrant culture the nation has to offer.

The only country in South America to border both the Pacific and the Caribbean, Colombia offers a massive range of ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest near Leticia to the snowcapped mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the tropical islands of San Andrés and Providencia. With a variety of different climates, travellers must always be prepared to navigate the regions of Colombia. If you find the light jacket weather of Bogotá cold, drive an hour down through the mountains and sunbathe next to the pool at a hotel. If you don't want to sit still, head off into the Amazon or any of the country's other many inland jungles, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, lush valleys, coffee plantations, alpine lakes, deserted beaches.

For culture, intellectual Bogotá might lead the rest of Latin America in experimental theatre, indie-rock, and just sheer volume of bookstores, but you could also get a completely alien education in an Amazonian malocca, or you could delve into the huge Latin music scene of salsa and cumbia, with the most exciting dance display being the enormous Carnival of Barranquilla. The joyous, colourful cultural heritage of the Colombian people is visible in festivals and carnivals where music plays a leading role. Colombian roots are also reflected in crafts and archaeological sites, as well as paintings and sculptures by great artists.

For history, wander the narrow streets of South America's original capital in Bogotá, check out old Spanish colonial provincial retreats like Villa de Leyva, trek through the thick jungle-covered mountains of the northeast to the Lost City of the Tayrona Indians. Walk the walls of Cartagena's achingly beautiful old city, looking over the fortified ramparts upon which the colonial history of South America pivoted.

For nightlife, hot Cali is today's world capital of salsa, claiming that competitive distinction even over Colombia's other vibrant big city party scenes, which keep the music going long into the small hours of the morning.

For dining, you'll find everything from the ubiquitous cheap, delicious Colombian home-style meals to world-class upscale and modern culinary arts in the big cities, with cuisines from all corners of the world represented. When it comes to local Colombian cuisines, whether it’s a platter full of starch or a suckling pig stuffed with rice, Colombian food is anything but light. Breakfast usually consists of huevos pericos, scrambled eggs with onion and tomatoes, accompanied by a fried maize pancake (arepa) stuffed with chopped pork, rice, potatoes and more. The midday almuerzo or comida corriente consists of soup, a main course and dessert. Dinners, after 6 pm, also tend to involve meat or fish. Each region in Colombia has its local speciality. The national dish is the bandeja paisa – an enormous platter of ground beef, chorizo, beans (frijoles), rice, fried banana (plátano), a fried egg, avocado and fried pork – usually found at inexpensive market stalls (fondas).

And for relaxing, there are gorgeous tropical beaches along Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific coasts, but you can find even more laidback and peaceful retreats on the idyllic and unspoilt Caribbean island of Providencia.

Singaporeans intending to visit Colombia need not worry about a Visa if the intended stay is no longer than 90 days. An extension can be obtained at the Asuntos Migratorios office in some of the major cities and will cost around USD40 (SGD55). For visitors, the maximum length of stay cannot exceed six months in 1 year.

How to Get There?

By Flight

Colombia’s most significant international airport is Bogatá’s Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado. Direct services from Europe to Bogotá are offered by Iberia (Madrid and Barcelona), Air France/KLM (Paris), Avianca (Barcelona and Paris) and Lufthansa (Frankfurt). Avianca also operates flights from Madrid to Cali and Medellín. No airlines are flying direct from Singapore to Colombia. However, the flights listed below offer connecting flights for Singaporean travellers to reach the country:

• KLM
• Turkish Airlines
• Avianca
• Air France
• Lufthansa
• United

One of the fastest ways to travel to Colombia from Singapore is first to take a flight to Hong Kong and then a connecting flight to Los Angeles. From Los Angeles, travellers can then take a flight with Avianca Airlines to Bogota Depending on how long the transit is in Hong Kong and Los Angeles, the journey from Singapore to Colombia should take approximately 27 hours and 20 minutes.

What to do There?

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira

Just an hour’s drive north of Bogota is Zipaquirá, a city known as the salt mining capital of Columbia. As a result of salt mining, Zipaquirá has long had a concentration of extreme wealth. One of the things that highlight this is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, which is a Catholic church constructed almost entirely of salt within a now defunct mine. Although this is a major tourism destination, the Salt Cathedral accommodates nearly 3,000 parishioners every Sunday and attending a church service can be an unforgettable experience. Surrounding the cathedral is an area known as the Salt Park, where visitors can see other landmarks within the mines and learn more about the industry at the Brine Museum.

Cartagena's Old Town

Arguably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colombia is the historic Old Town of Cartagena. This city was the first of the Spanish settlements in Colombia, and the Old Town is bursting with historic colonial architecture. The walled Old Town, which is also known as the Ciudad Amurallada, contains several older neighbourhoods and landmarks. Of particular note is the Plaza Trinidad in the Getsemaní vicinity, which is the oldest part of the colonial city and a hub for local eateries. Take advantage of the coastal location and try fried fish with a side of Arroz de coco, or coconut rice.

Santuario de Las Lajas

Just north of the border with Ecuador is the Santuario de Las Lajas, one of the fascinating religious structures in all of Colombia. Built spectacularly on a bridge that spans the Guaitara River, the Santuario de Las Lajas looks like it is straight from a fairy tale. The Gothic style cathedral was built in the early 20th century thanks to a financial donation from locals, and there is now a small museum located within the building. Getting to the Santuario de Las Lajas is accessible from the nearby town of Ipiales, where travellers can join guided tours to the cathedral.

Tayrona National Park

In the northernmost part of Colombia is the Tayrona National Park, which borders the Caribbean Sea and offers remarkable beaches and scenery for visitors. One of the top spots in Tayrona National Park is the lagoon called La Piscina, where a natural reef turns the lagoon into a protected swimming area. While snorkelling in La Piscina, it is possible to spot lobsters, fish and rays among the seagrass and in the reef. There are also plenty of sandy hiking trails leading to and from the coast, many of which provide spectacular views over the Caribbean.

Where to Stay?

Grafitti Hostel Bogota

Set on a narrow street in the historic city centre, this laid-back hostel is 2 minutes by foot from Museo Botero, a 7-minute walk from Plaza Bolívar and 15 km from El Dorado International Airport. The basic mixed-gender dorms feature free Wi-Fi, bunk beds and lockers. Linens are provided, and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms are also available. Breakfast is complimentary. Other amenities include a stocked kitchen and a bright TV lounge with seating.

Alfiz Hotel Boutique

Alfiz Hotel is a former 17th-century house which has undergone a restoration process to combine the comfort and elegance of a typical Cartagena colonial house with the services of a modern top boutique hotel. The eight thematic rooms with décor and furnishings as well as antiques and charming old pieces allow guests to experience Colombian history and culture while staying in one of the best hotels in Cartagena. Conveniently located in the heart of Cartagena's walled city, the hotel is only a short walk away from Plaza de Bolivar, Plaza de la Aduana and many shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Hotel Quadrifolio

Hotel Quadrifolio is a small luxury hotel that offers exceptional service following the magnificence of the Spanish colonial residence. The hotel is located at the heart of the walled city of Cartagena de Indias. The building was constructed in the XVII century and restored under the strictest conservation standards. The hotel has eight deluxe suites available guests, with broad social areas and two conference rooms equipped with high-end technology. Also, it has a climatized pool and a jacuzzi for refreshing and relaxing. The hotel has been awarded on multiple occasions at the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards and has also earned the Best Classic Hotel in America at the Boutique Hotel Awards in 2015. Quadrifolio stands for a four-leaf clover. Its final harmonising shape transmits a sense of privacy and well-being. Each leaf represents one of the hotel’s four founding principles: Elegance, Privacy, Comfort and Service.