There are a few things U.S. citizens and all other non Colombian citizens must do before they are allowed to enter the country. One must, of course, be able to show a valid passport to enter and leave Colombia. U.S. passports that are issued from Colombia can take up to eight days for processing, and under certain circumstances, considerably longer than that. The easiest way to get around this, of course, is to obtain your passport before leaving the United States or the country in which you reside.

As it goes with many other countries, your stay in Colombia will be determined by a Colombian immigrations officer and will be stamped into your passport. You will be able to request extensions of time you are allowed to stay if need be from the Colombian Immigration Authority. This department is known as the DAS or Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad. If you are planning on staying longer than three months’ time in Colombia you must register you VISA within fifteen days time of your arrival in Colombia, and this must be done at the Departmento Administrativo de Seguridad. If this is not done you may have to face some hefty fines while abroad. There is no tax upon your arrival in Colombia for entry, however, you must pay a tax of around sixty dollars upon your leaving Colombia. There are some airlines that will include a portion of this tax for you in with your tickets, so be sure to check with your airline before you leave to see if this will apply for you.

Try not to lose your passport while you are abroad or you will be forced to obtain a new one before you are allowed to leave. If your passport happens to be stolen while you are abroad, you will have to file a police report and of course wait for a new one to come in. You will not be allowed to exit the country unless you are able to show your passport, with no exceptions.

The Secretary of State has identified three Colombian groups that may pose a threat to travelers, The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia FARC, the National Liberation Army ELN, and United Self Defense Forces of Colombia AUC. These organizations are all recognized as foreign terrorist groups. These groups have been known to carry out bombings and other attacks around major urban areas, even with civilian targets. However, within the last four years these happenings have decreased. There have been fewer cases of kidnappings, bombings, and other violent crimes. There is still reason for the traveler abroad to very cautious when traveling to certain areas.

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There are a lot of famous buildings and landmarks scattered around Bogota. The safest and the wealthiest part of Bogota is downtown, whereas Bogota is divided into three main territories. Tourists are warned to try to stay to these much safer areas. There are also the northern suburbs which is a relatively safe area. The most crime ridden part of town is in the south where the much poorer housing and things are found. Tourists are again urged to steer clear of this area in general. You must be ready to vacation responsibly when in countries like Colombia. Of course, most of the tourist sights are in the central neighborhood of La Candelaria. A lot of the buildings in this area are of a colonial fashion with wide-eaved balconies. These houses are arranged in a sort of grid around the Plaza Bolivar, which is the center seat of the government here. Out from the Plaza, there are also neoclassical administrative buildings, such as you will find all over South America. The neoclassical fashion is a popular on nation wide here in South America.

The Cathedral and the gigantic Palace of Justice are also placed around the Plaza Bolivar. The Palace of Justice has been rebuilt and remodeled, as the original Palace was destroyed in 1985 after the building was stormed and taken over by guerillas. Another place you must make sure to walk around is La Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo. This is where the city was founded and you can get a great feel of everything from this point.

The most acclaimed museum here in Bogota is the Meseo del Oro, or the Gold Museum. This museum contains, by far, one of the world’s richest collections of golds, emeralds, and other priceless jewelry artifacts. Many or most of these artifacts pre-date the Colombian period of time. There is also an array of other museums to visit while in the city. These include the Colonial Museum, the Museo 20 de Julio – or the Museum of July 20- where in this museum it documents the rigorous nine year struggle for independence which began in 1810. If you are interested in viewing the works of Colombia’s most famous painter, Fernando Botero, then do not forget to visit the museum set up in his honor as well. Of course, this Museum of Art also houses many other famous painters’ works as well.

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Land transportation is important in the city of Medellin. When traveling in the city of Medellin you have the option of traveling with the Metro Public transportation system. Medellin’s Metro Public transportation system consists of diesel buses and taxis and an urban train. The urban train connects the cities of Medellin, Envigado, Itagui and Bello. There is also an air cable car that complements the urban train that is locally known as Metrocable. It serves a geographically difficult area that is known to be depressed. The traffic in Medellin is what you would call chaotic because of the number of vehicles that is on the highway. And exceeding the highways capacity. The diesel buses and the pollution produced by them have become a big problem and issue. This is noticed more in the center of the city and the southern district called El Poblado. The city offers no additional space for more constructions of new highways.

In the year 2006 the construction started for the Metroplus. This will help in allowing faster transit for buses and stations similar to Bogota’s TransMilenio. This service will take place in 2008 covering almost all of the city area. This service will help out with the city’s traffic problems and contamination problems. Most of the old buses will be retired and the new service buses with operate with natural gas. Air transportation is also used for many reasons in Medellin. International flights go through the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Rionegro a municipality of Medellin. This airport is much better suited for larger aircraft and night time operations. It has an international terminal that has daily international flights to and from the areas of Miami, Panama City, New York, Caracas, Quito, Aruba and a mixture of other important ant cities.

There are certain signs of heavy urban development in the city of Medellin, mainly with the construction of many new skyscrapers. The fact is Medellin is outpacing every other major Colombian city in the construction and in the development of new high rises that includes Bogota, known as the nation’s capital and economic center. In November 2007, there were many new high rises that were under construction and going up in Medellin. One of these included twenty five being approved and seventeen of them being proposed. There are more high rises under construction in Medellin today than in cities such as Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia put all together.

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Like Bogota, Cartagena is a city that is divided into main sections. There is of course downtown, there is the northern section of town, the Matuna, San Diego, Bocagrande, and the Getseman

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Santa Marta may very well be the biggest hot spot for tourism in the country of Colombia. It has quite the array of historical and modern sights to see as well as many sights for the eco-tourist. Every year Las Fiestas del Mar, or The Festival of the Sea, is celebrated here in Santa Marta. This festival is held around the months of June and July and serves as a large tourist attraction during the midyear vacationing season. One of the most anticipated events here every year is the jet ski show organized by the Santa Marta Esqui. Like most other South American festivals there are parties, music, beauty pageants, and parades throughout the city. People here in this part of the world are very serious about their celebrations! This particular festival even has its own slogan: Santa Marta, la magica de tenerlo todo, or in translation, Santa Marta, the magic of having it all!

Of course you can find other museums, monuments, and parks within this gorgeous city. The last home of the city’s founder, Simon Bolivar, was made into a museum for his honor. Here you will find many artifacts that are important to the history of this city and to South America. One of the oldest Cathedrals in South America may also be found here. This Cathedral is a national monument and also held the remains of Simon Bolivar until 1842. Here you will also find the oldest house of America, built in 1530; it is called La Casa de la Aduana- or simply the Customs House. Today it is actually known as the Tayrona Museum, and is one of the more popular tourist sights. Here in Santa Marta you can also find the building which is known as the jewel of colonial architecture. This building is known as the Madame Augustine House. Close outside the city you will find the San Fernando Fort which is another great example of colonial architecture. It was built to protect the city from pirates and the like.

Of course, a trip to Santa Marta would not be complete without visiting the Tairona National Park, which is located about thirty four kilometers north of Santa Marta. This reserve is by far the most important one inside the country of Colombia and holds vast beauty for the locals and the traveler abroad.

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This is a special district in Colombia, a very industrial district. It is the capital of the Atlantico Department, and is the largest industrial city and port on Colombia’s Caribbean region. Barranquilla is the fourth largest city in Colombia and is strategically placed on the delta of the Magdalena River and has served as a port for maritime transportation. This city is also known as the cradle of Colombian aviation. Barranquilla is also home to a beautiful picturesque carnival.

Barranquilla is a beautiful city with many rich cultural activities to get involved in, especially if you at the right time of year. As with many other South American cities, Barranquilla is home to a fantastic, world renowned carnival, known simple as the Carnaval de Barranquilla. This carnival is one with traditions that date back to the nineteenth century. This carnival takes place four days before Ash Wednesday. During this monstrous carnival, most other city activities are stopped in their tracks due to the enormous amount of people in the streets dancing, performing musical masquerades and parades.

This carnival is second only in size to Rio’s parade, but is much less commercialized in comparison. There are many cultural dances and themes you may only find involved in this carnival, such as the Spanish dance of paloteo. There are also great dances like the African Congo and the mico y micas. There is a great and wide variety of Colombian music performed here at the carnival, such as the cumbia style of music. This style includes a variety of drums and wind instruments and ensembles. This carnival was proclaimed in the year 2003 as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Even though the carnival takes the cake for the city’s main tourist attraction there are still other great things to do in this beautiful city. There is a great appreciation for the fine arts here in the city of Barranquilla. The main cultural scene in the city can be found at the Teatro Municipal Amira de la Rosa. Barranquilla is also home to other great cultural buildings such as the Cinemateca del Caribe, Centro Cultural Avianca, Centro Colombo Americano, and the Alliance Fran

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ATM machines, or Automatic Teller Machines, seem to be a recent hot spot for crime in the country of Colombia. If you have to use an ATM, please exercise caution. Victims have reported robbers even approaching them on motorcycles so that they may quickly flee the scene after they have committed the robbery. So, if it is at all possible for you to do while abroad, use an ATM machine that is indoors and preferably in a well populated area. If this cannot be done, please try to use outdoor ATMs only during daylight hours. The U.S. embassy also urges American travelers that are abroad to use a vehicle for transportation rather than walking. Of course, if you have a very short distance to your next destination, it is understandable to walk. The U.S. Embassy even warns the American traveler abroad to keep a watchful eye out for anyone who may be following you or keeping a watchful eye on you. They also put out the message to the traveler that if you do happen to fall victim to the crime of robbery, if you do not fear for your life or think you are going to sustain serious bodily injury that you should not resist your assailant. Most of these people that commit these crimes are merely trying to make some quick cash from the tourist and usually not out to harm. However, there is a much greater chance that you may be killed or harmed if you resist.

There is another serious problem that has been recently centered in Bogota. This robbery has victimized the tourist hailing a cab, which is picked up first, and then robbed by criminals the cab driver picks up afterwards. The cab drivers are usually in on this as well. The armed cohorts the driver picks up overpower the unsuspecting traveler and take their belongings. They have even been known to take the travelers ATM card and force them to go from ATM to ATM withdrawing money. So, it is a great idea to take advantage of calling a cab by telephone since there have been no cases of this type of crime from someone calling in a taxi. Only travelers hailing taxis off the street have been victimized by this crime. If you are traveling in Colombia it is a great idea for you to escort yourself around and to stay in public places at all times.

Please exercise caution and good sense if you are planning on traveling abroad to Colombia. The country has many interesting and beautiful sites, but the cities can be quite dangerous. Be careful in your travels.

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Traffic laws and speed limits are rarely observed or obeyed and even more rarely enforced as I have already mentioned. This creates much more dangerous road conditions than what we will ever be used to here in the states. The conditions make city driving dangerous for both driver and pedestrian and out of city driving just as dangerous. So, you would also do well to remember that if you are on foot in the city for very long, to watch out for the drivers because it seems the pedestrian does not have the right of way here in Colombia. The law concerning seat belts is the same as it is here in the states. Seat belts are a mandatory thing for front seat passengers. However, car seats are not mandatory for children, but children under ten are not permitted to be front seat passengers. It is also against the law to talk on your cellular phone while driving in Colombia and if you are caught doing so you could be up for some hefty fines.

If you are driving outside any major city at any time you must travel with your head lights on. It does not matter if it is day or night, this is a must requirement in Colombia. If you do happen do get involved in an accident the usual rules apply. You must not leave the scene of the accident until proper authorities have arrived and everything is sorted out, much like it is done here in the United States. This is another one of their rules that is strictly enforced, so if you do find yourself in this situation by some means please follow their rules.

Luckily for the American traveler road safety and security is slowly improving in some places, especially around the major cities like Bogota. However, the U.S. Embassy highly recommends that you do no traveling outside of major cities or urban areas, whether by bus or car. The Colombian Government has made extra efforts and taken extra precautions during holidays for travelers from all over the world, but outside those periods of time it is still not entirely safe for anyone to be driving around on their roads. There is also the danger of the guerrilla and paramilitary groups and even the common criminal being out on these urban roads which makes them dangerous in that way as well. So just remember to exercise extreme caution and safety if you decide to travel these roads on your own.

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This is another great South American city to find yourself visiting if you are a sports fan. As a matter of fact, it is the sports capital of Colombia. In the same year that this great city was named the sports capital of Colombia, they also finished the construction of the second largest building in Colombia. This building is known as the La Torre de Cali, or the Cali Tower. This gigantic building houses a hotel, offices and even apartment complexes. It stands forty two floors above the city and is a wonderful stop on any vacationing trip here to Colombia. You can even reserve a room in the hotel here at this great tower, but plan ahead because it becomes booked for months in advance!

Santiago de Cali is home to a vast array of historical tourism. There are a great and many attractions here in downtown Cali such as churches like the La Merced and La Ermita, which are very popular sights. These historical sights are so very popular because of the preservation of the old city and other historical land marks. One of the most important zones here in Cali is La Plaza de Caycedo, which is considered by locals and tourists alike to be the center of the city. It is a square surrounded by an array of both historical and modern buildings. Some of the important buildings surrounding this square are the El Edificio Otero, La Cathedral, and El Palacio de Justicia. This Plaza is in proximity to many popular tourist places like the municipal theater, the La Merced Church, and the Saint Francis’ church in Spanish Iglesia de San Francisco. All these sights are highly acclaimed by the locals and tourists alike and a re a great place for any foreigner to stop and check out.

Cali is also a city that has many various monuments, parks, squares, and museums that are all very well kept, as this is one of the cleaner cities in Colombia. They are a few very famous sculptures within this city such as the Cristo Rey, which is located on top of a mountain range. There is also the sculpture of Sebastian se Belalcazar, who was founder of the city.

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