colombia

As my second home and the country of my ancestors, Colombia is very near and dear to my heart. This beautiful, resilient and diverse land has worked hard to shed its former reputation of violence and become a top destination for travelers. Colombia is the only country in South America to border both the Pacific and the Caribbean and it is home to a variety of fascinating ecosystems that include the snowcapped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the Amazon Rainforest and the white sand beaches of San Andrés.

As the capital and financial hub of Colombia, Bogotá often is overlooked for the more laidback cities of Medellín and Cartagena. However, Bogotá has so much to offer tourists with some of the country’s best museums, restaurants and bakeries. El Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold) documents the significance and use of gold in pre-Hispanic civilizations in Colombia and is home to over 55,000 gold items. The Centre of Remembrance, Peace and Reconciliation is a must-see to gain a deeper understanding of Colombia’s struggle and four-decade-long civil war that took the lives of and displaced so many. It honors victims of violence and war, while providing a space and voice for survivors advocating for democracy and human rights.

Medellín is so much fun and anyone who has been there will likely say the same. Gone are the days of Pablo Escobar. The city is now a hub for digital nomads and has a party scene that is hard to beat. Art lovers will enjoy touring the colorful and meaningful murals of Comuna 13 and coffee fiends should check out Colombia’s Coffee Region in the Cocora Valley just a few hours south of the city. For even warmer weather fly to Santa Marta in northern Colombia, the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park and some of the most stunning landscapes on the coast. From Santa Marta you can also embark on a five-day trek to the archeological ruins of La Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City.