COLOMBIA HISTORY TODAY 

Colombia is a magnificent place that offers rainforests, beaches, mountain ranges, beautiful cities, and warm, inviting people.  Although there are many incredible places in the world, Colombia deserves to rank near or at the top.  Unfortunately, ongoing cocaine cartels and guerilla war has put a damper on travel and even given Colombia the nickname “Locombia”, which translates to “mad country.” 

Sadly, still today an average of 3,000 people are abducted, most being officials.  However, this violence has even extended to innocent backpackers out for an adventure to discover the backcountry.  Even so, by staying within the safe zones in the major cities and tourist areas, and avoiding the parts of Colombia known for danger, you can travel there to enjoy the country’s beauty and rich culture.  We recommend you pay attention to any travel news and/or alerts, and work with a reputable travel agent who will steer you in the right direction. 

To ensure your safety, remember that travel to the urban areas by any means of transportation is considered highly dangerous.  Additionally, when visiting Colombia, do not take or wear any expensive jewelry or clothing, leave high priced cameras, shoes, and purses at home, stay away from any type of public gatherings or crowds, and use the local police only if absolutely necessary in that many have reputations for being two-sided.  Finally, regarding safety, if you were approached by a stranger offering to sell you a drink or cigarettes, never accept them as they could be laced with a soporific drug called Borrachero. 

In the early years, you would see scattered pockets of various cultures to include the Muisca, Quimbaya, San Agustin, Sinu, Tayrona, and Tierradentro.  Many of these tribes were highly skilled in making pottery and gold work.  In fact, through years of excavations, some of these treasures have been uncovered in burial chambers, along with magnificent rock paintings, giving us a better glimpse of life in the early, pre-Colombia times. 

In 1499, a companion of Christopher Columbus named Alonso de Ojeda came to the Guajira Peninsula, which was the beginning of some of the largest number of expeditions.  When the Spaniards arrived, they were merely tolerated by the Indians but when slavery began and land was confiscated, the Indians rebelled.  Interestingly, much of modern day Colombia was conquered by the Spanish and in 1544, Colombia was incorporated into Peru.  However, in 1739, Colombia split from Peru, becoming a part of the New Granada. 

The Spanish took more than land and the Indian’s freedom, they also took over the commerce and taxes, which during the 18^th century, led to a huge protest.  During this time, autonomy occurred but not until 1819 was independence won.  Even with this incredible victory, unrest continued over the years between the Liberals and Conservatives.  Violence in Colombia had rose to an all-time high by 1990 due to the establishment of paramilitary death squads and the powerful drug cartels.  However, the head of the Medellin cocaine cartel was captured in 1991 and a year later escaped but when found, he was assassinated. 

One of the greatest challenges of Colombia today is the continuing unrest associated with drug trafficking.  This internal conflict has placed this country among the 10 bloodiest places in the entire world.  Keep in mind that while this country has struggled from the beginning, there are still wonderful people who want desperately to take back control.  In fact, in an effort to help, the United States approved $1.3 billion in aid to support the government in winning the war against the drug cartels and guerrillas. 

Again, if you stay within the safe zones, Colombia has much to offer, which includes a number of different ethnic groups that bring with them fabulous cultures, arts, and folklore.  As the fourth largest country in all of South America yet the only one that has coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, this is a remarkable country with extreme diversity.  Colombia borders with Panama to the northwest, Brazil to the southeast, Venezuela to the east, Peru to the south, and then Ecuador to the southwest. 

You will notice that the western regions of Colombia are mountainous, with the Cordillera de los Andes running the entire length of South America, some 5,000 miles.  In addition to the beautiful mountains, there are two valleys called Valle del Magdalena and Valle del Cauca.  Then when you reach the territory to the east of the Andes, you will find that more than 50% is lowland covered with dense rainforest where rivers meander through. 

Another interesting fact about Colombia is that this country has the highest number of animals and plants per unit area of any other country on the planet.  For example, you would commonly see deer, armadillo, peccaries, tapirs, and jaguars, although numerous species of monkeys and bears also live in this country.  In addition, more than 1,550 species of birds live in Colombia that ranges from the small hummingbird to the massive Andean condor.  Marine life is also incredible with more than 130,000 classified plants.  With 33 national parks, you can imagine the beauty.  

Colombia is also very close to the equator, which means temperatures vary little.  Now, as you climb high into the mountain regions, you will notice that for every 1,000 feet, the temperature will drop between five and seven degrees.  Even so, this country offers no real universal seasonal pattern.  While visiting Colombia, you can enjoy many things from festivals to sightseeing to dancing to eating incredible food.  The fish is fantastic, as is the snorkeling and diving, all favorite pastimes of the locals.  Again, just stay with educated guides or within the constraints of safe territory and you will have a magnificent time while in Colombia.