Asked to think of Colombia, most people will imagine a war-torn country overrun with gun wielding cocaine cartels. This image couldn't be further from the truth.

    Despite a long running and well publicized internal conflict that renders vast swathes of the country out of bounds, Colombia continues to exceed projections and expectations with regards to its current tourism boom.

    Naturally, figures - collected by Colombian Immigration Authorities and the Banco de La Republica - show that a large portion of tourists to Colombia are from the neighboring countries of Ecuador and Venezuela but more strikingly, despite US State Department warnings, citizens of the United States make up the second largest number, 235,000 individuals, and represent 22 per cent of the total annual tally. Out of the 1,100,000 foreigners that arrived in Colombia in 2007 roughly 17 per cent came from European locations.

    This tourism bonanza that is a veritable tale of rags to riches for Colombia is a turnaround from the dark days of steady narco-terrorism headed by the infamous cartels of Cali and Medillin. Colombia, long a major cruise-liner destination has re-established itself in recent years pulling away from the grim figures in 2003 that saw only 42,600 passengers choosing to come this way to exceeding 126,000 just four years later in 2007.

    Proexport – A Colombian institution set up to promote Colombian exports, international tourism in Colombia and foreign investment in Colombia – is supremely optimistic in the possible growth in years to come despite gloomy prospects of a worldwide recession predicted by experts.

    Said Angela Maria Claro the Sub Director of Information for Proexport, “Colombia’s touristic growth is well above that of the World growth as a whole and we are looking into specific profiles of tourist such as one who stays longer and spends more money."

    “We are encouraging cruise-line companies to start their tours here in Colombia and this will mean that their passengers can come to a place like Cartagena and spend a few days before boarding the ship and then on return at the end of their voyage they stay a further few days. Alongside this we are actively promoting Colombia as an unrivalled location for film production, for example last year saw the release of Love in the Time of Cholera filmed in Cartagena.”

    Certainly figures show that Colombia’s tourism industry is growing but are targets being set at lofty ideals? Proexport aims to hit the 4 million tourist mark in 2010. Given that Colombia’s tourist growth from 2005 to 2006 was 13.1 per cent and then from 2006 to 2007 was 13.6 per cent that means that the increase in 2008 must be an overwhelming 29.8 per cent.

    It may be too much. If the projected recession in the US hits as predicted then surely the all valuable US tourist will defer from holidaying in 2008.

Claro thinks otherwise: “The US market is one that includes 250 million people and we haven’t even scratched the surface.”

    Perhaps Colombia is perfectly prepared for the economic downturn…after all the country has nurtured an unprecedented tourism boom in recent years despite being in the midst of a 40 year old internal conflict.

    Colombia's third city and the world capital of salsa entices tourists into its balmy climes to enjoy late nights, fine dining and an impressive arts scene.

    Cali, geographically important as the industrial powerhouse in Colombia’s southwest state of Valle del Cauca, is an attractive prospect for any potential visitor planning on visiting the pacific coast or making journey to or from Ecuador overland. Cali is gradually realizing its potential as a tourist destination not least in the cultural attractions and nightlife within the city but the variety of options that make for pleasant day trips.

History and Contemporary Facts
    Founded in 1536 by Sebastian de be alcazar that also founded Quito in Ecuador, Cali has always been strategically important for trade and therefore grew quickly. As with most Colombian cities Santiago de Cali played an important part on the road to independence. In the 1980’s the city played home to the Cali cartel, one of the most notorious cocaine mafias.

Attractions
    Watched over by the statue of the Cristo Rey and the Tres Cruces, Cali is blessed with fine weather, salsa mad inhabitants, beautiful women and a plethora of fashionable barrios whose boutiques and restaurants would not look out of place in Los Angeles or Miami.

Where to Eat
    For those with no budgetary constraints they are advised to head to the up market barrios of Granada or El Pennon where they can feast on gastronomical wonders in fashionable establishments. Granada is an area of ten blocks that oozes style and substance. Whatever the case do not miss out on the opportunity to dine on the exquisite piangua clam harvested from the roots of mangroves on the pacific coast or the delights of Vallecaucano cuisine. Another option is the barrio San Fernando and the environs of the Parque del Perro where a new dining area has sprung up.

Museums
    To enjoy exhibitions of Pre-Colombian artefacts then head to the Museo Arqueologico La Merced. Also in this district are a number of other worthwhile museums including the Museo de Oro Calima, Museo Religioso y Colonial San Francisco and not far from the towering Hotel Intercontinental is the recommended Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia.

San Antonio
    The colonial barrio of San Antonio can be visited in an afternoon. Head up through the quaint streets before lunch to take advantage of the midday deals before wandering to the leafy hillside park frequented by necking couples. The San Antonio chapel is located at the top of the park and was completed in 1747. Inside there is an ornate baroque altar. Take a breather here at the top of the hill and rest in the shade and admire the views of the city sprawling out before you before lunching at one of the arty cafes and restaurants located here.

Cali Zoo
    The authorities of Cali zoo have focused on the preservation and conservation of species endemic to the region and the aviary is particularly worthwhile allowing visitors to get up close and personal for photographing rare species like the cock of the rock.

Medellin - as has been frequently reported in recent years - has turned the corner from the dark days of its Escobarian past and is powering forward.


Walking Tour
    In a day the visitor can cover most of what the old centre of Medellin has to offer. There is no better nor less hurried way to see this part of town than by foot.

    Start the day at the Basilica Metropolitana de Medellin located at the far end of the Carrera Junin. Enjoy a tinto coffee in the park while marvelling at this immense brick structure.

    From here then walk along the Carrera Junin browsing the shops and businesses in this downtown sector. As you reach the end cross over the road and make your way to the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de La Candelaria. A colonial style construction it stands at odds with its environment of 1970’s high rise office blocks.

    Just a few blocks from here, the other side of the Metro station can be found the attractions of the Parque Berrio with its Museums and Botero sculptures. The Museo de Antioquia is the large building towards the back of the square and holds a permanent collection of 119 pieces donated by Fernando Botero himself. Pose for photos in front of the grotesque reclining lady and then move on a further few blocks south.

    The Parque San Antonio really isn’t a park at all. It more resembles an enormous parking lot in front of a shopping mall. But, of interest to the visitor are the two Botero sculptures here. The original Bird of Peace sculpture was placed here by Botero and was subsequently blown up and a dozen or so passers by tragically killed, by a suspected FARC bomb. Instead of replacing or moving the mangled sculpture, in brave defiance, Botero created an identical sculpture to the original and placed it alongside the bomb affected version.

    Move down from the Parque San Antonio to the Estacion Central where historically all rail travel into Medellin would pass. Now a visitor’s centre one can relax with a cold juice or another coffee here before moving through the large buildings that make up the Town Hall of Medellin and passing by the Plaza de Cisneros in front of the city’s library.

    From here you will be able to see the Edificio Inteligente – literally the Intelligent Building – which was built with environmental features in mind. Before reaching this building pass through the Parque de los Pies Descalzos where the emphasis is on recreation. Fountains are in place so that student’s fresh from visiting the children’s museum here can play in the jets.

    The Cerro Nutibara is easily in view now as the only geographical feature in this area of the Aburra Valley. At 80 meters in height one can gain a reasonable view of the downtown area and view a Pueblito Paisa, constructed here to show what a typical Antioquian village should resemble.

Tips for the tourist
    Take the metro – Medellin’s new Metro system constructed in 1995 is the choicest way of getting around the city. Single journeys cost $0.70 and the service is clean, safe and air conditioned.

Hang out at Parque Lleras
    Definitely a place to come and watch the beautiful people, Parque Lleras is located in the fashionable area of El Poblado. From Thursday’s on people congregate here to meet friends and have a cocktail before hitting one of the nearby clubs.

Theatres
    Check out local listings as Medellin is gradually becoming known for its cultural activities. Very often free performances are put on at the Theatres in Medellin. Recently one could catch the city’s Symphonic Orchestra performing the Carmina Burana.

Catch a Football Game
    If you are in Medellin when two of the cities teams come head to head then try your best to secure a ticket. Nacional of Medellin was Pablo Escobar’s team and is a Colombian powerhouse. Medellin’s other side are in a slump of late, but this game is always different to the form book and will give you the opportunity of seeing true South American passion.

Founded in1533 by Pedro de Heredia, colonial Cartagena bewitches Tourists and Colombians alike.

    Gateway to America, Spain’s first city on the South American main, Cartagena witnessed the shipment of Peruvian silver to Europe, the galleons from Seville, the piracy of Drake and Hawkins and sheltered behind its thick and impregnable walls, remained intact.

    The origins and prosperity of this city are undoubtedly inextricably linked due to its location and the security of its port and the wealth inherent in the urban centre is reflected in the extravagant balconies and ornate doorways of the Ciudad Vieja (the old city). What were once homes to aristocrats and merchants are now guesthouses, gift shops and museums.

    Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984, Cartagena remains the most popular tourist destination in Colombia, in part due to the security of the city and its popularity as a destination for cruise ships. It was, for a number of the years the only city in Colombia where US presidents dared to tread.

    More elegant and far removed from Bogota’s Candelaria, the bay, the tiled rooftops and the multicolored colonial walls of the Ciudad Vieja exude humidity and a sticky closeness familiar to those with experience of Caribbean weather patterns and coastal attitudes. To walk in the midday heat is a folly and solely the refuge of tourists who know no better. Cartageneros wisely shut up shop move to air conditioned or well ventilated retreats while beach lovers flee to nearby offshore islands or to the spit of land that makes up the architectural mess of Boca Grande.

    The atmosphere, the sea air, the street vendors, everything feels like a film setting for a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. Indeed Gabo himself spent pivotal and formative years here as a journalist and aspiring writer.

    There is a sultry decadence here that has bewitched writers and wayward souls since time immemorial. Has it something to do with the sorcery of the fickle mistress the Caribbean? Is there something in the air, or are people rendered slightly unhinged and light-headed from the tall measures of rum in the potent Cuba libres served at the bars that line the streets and portions of the old city wall?

    Cartagena is the ideal place for a conference, but will the participants stay faithful to the event they are supposed to attend. With colonial treasures to discover, antiquated streets, museums, galleries and shops to peruse, do people go missing? Do the Congresos and Festivales seem thin on bodies? Are there visible empty seats in the conference auditoriums?

    Whatever the case, this captivating Caribbean jewel must be visited. From the Puerta del Reloj and the Plaza de la Aduana, to the Plaza de los Coches and the Calle Santo Domingo, Cartagena will cast a lasting spell on you.