Colombia Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Colombia (Continued...)

. Modern-day Colombian geography is a result of a millennia of such changes. Colombia can also boast two spectacular ocean coastlines – it is one of only two South American countries that border both Caribbean and Pacific oceans.
The country is characterized by five main geographic regions and each of these presents its own unique topography. From the Andes mountain range to the Pacific Ocean coast; or the Caribbean Sea lowland areas to the enormous Los Llanos (plains) region, shared on the east with Venezuela. And in the south is the magnificent Amazon Rainforest. In Colombia the Andes Mountains form three main branches of peaks called Cordilleras. Near the western Pacific shoreline is the Cordillera Occidental. The highest peak here is 2,999 metres and this is the least populated area of Colombia. The neighboring branch of mountains is the Cordillera Central. Mountains here soar to 5,365 metres and there is snow on some peaks all year round. In the east are the mountains that make up the Cordillera Oriental. The altitudes here only reach 2,700 metres. Fertile plains unite the mountain peaks and provide suitable areas for settlement and intensive economic production.
In extreme northern Colombia is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This isolated mountain system is technically part of the Andes chain but the main spine cannot be reached without dropping below 300 metres altitude en-route. The Sierra is a compact collection of mountains that rise from the tropical Caribbean lowlands to reach heights of over 5,700 metres.
Colombia has an equatorial climate, which means its temperature varies little throughout the year. The temperatures do change with altitude thus creating various climatic zones, from hot lowlands to freezing mountain peaks. As a general rule, the temperature decreases about 6C with every 1,000 metres increase in altitude. Therefore, if the average temperature at sea level is 30C, it will be around 24C at 1,000metres, 18C at 2,000 metres, 12C at 3,000 metres and so on. The best time to travel in Colombia is December through March. This is officially the dry season - the wet season extends from April to November. The Amazon region of Colombia does not have a uniform climate but, in general, it is quite hot and wet year round.

Whitewater Rafting

With no shortage of mountains, canyons and valleys, it goes without saying that there is no small number of fast-flowing white water. The bulk of Colombia’s rafting operators are based around the pretty town of San Gil, in the foothills of the Cordillera Oriental. This area of Colombia is stunningly beautiful and in short will make the dreams of extreme rafters come true! The Chicamocha River and Fonce River are suitable for anybody wanting to raft, regardless of experience. Located nearby is the Suarez River. This is by far the wildest running water in the area, and offers excellent class 4 and 5 rapids for experienced rafters.
Up north are the archeological lands of San Agustin. Colombia’s most important river, the Magdalena, runs through this historic region and makes for a thrilling and refreshing rafting journey.
Close to Bogota is another top adventure destination. Tobia boasts the Negro River. This river has a class 3 section, which is good for beginners and intermediate rafters, but if you are interested in more action head to the upper section, which includes boiling class 4 rapids.

Trekking

Colombia boasts thirty-seven National Parks and twelve Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries. The Andes and their associated peaks offer trekking to the more adventurous traveller.
The Sierra Nevada Del Cocuy is in the Cordillera Oriental range. It is a national park that has more than twenty snow-capped peaks and some forty glistening lagoons - the trekking scenery is stunning and possibly the best in all Colombia.
In northern Colombia is The Lost City or Ciudad Perdida. These magnificent ruins are nestled deep in the mountainous jungles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It takes roughly five days to trek to the ruins and the going is strenuous at best, but the goal is definitely worth it!
Only forty-two kilometres from the warm beaches of the Colombian Caribbean are the freezing mountain summits of the Sierra. The two highest peaks in the chain are Mount Pico Cristobal Colon and Bolivar, at 5,775 meters. Journey along the trails that lead up to mountain lakes and glaciers, although when the going gets steep it does help to have previous mountaineering experience.

Scuba Diving

Colombia is lucky enough to have a Pacific and a Caribbean coastline, both of which offer excellent diving, plenty of sunshine and spectacular marine life. The Caribbean side is the more developed coastline and thus attracts more divers. The Pacific coast is where currents are stronger but the dive sites are less exploited.
Dive highlights on the Caribbean coast are the colourful reefs off Rosario Island and Baru Island, a stone’s throw from the fascinating city of Cartegena. Or the 2,000 square miles of tunnels, caves, wrecks and reefs around San Andreas and Providencia Islands. The Caribbean waters are sheltered, warm and a good place for all levels of ability to enjoy scuba.
Over on the Pacific coast, the conditions are cooler and marginally rougher. Highlights include diving in the marine park around Gorgana Island, thirty miles off the coast. For experienced divers, take a boat out to Malpeno Island, 350 miles offshore. A permit is required to dive here, and it’s a bit of a mission to get to, but large marine species like Hammerhead sharks and Humpback whales call this place home … Prepare to be amazed!

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing in Colombia is still a fairly new activity. This means you’ll be sharing the beaches with only a handful of other keen enthusiasts. The winds are strongest and most consistent in all months of the year, apart from May and June. The average water temperatures across the entire Colombian coastline are a Jacuzzi-esque 30C! So no wetsuits needed.

Just outside the historic city of Cartegena is La Boquilla beach. Along the beach are a few kit hire shops and the conditions are fine for beginners or intermediates.
For the more experienced kitesurfer then travel to the northern shores of Cabo de la Vela. This is a four kilometre horse-shoe shaped beach with year round warm water. It’s also perfectly flat, with no waves and no dangerous animals – always a bonus!
Another alternative is San Andreas Island. Take a short flight to this beach paradise located 480 miles north-west of Colombia. The best winds are from November to February or July to September; during the other months the winds are inconsistent. Conditions will suit all levels of ability.

Classic Itineraries

The majority of international flights land in Bogota. This bustling metropolis is located in the middle of Colombia, which makes it a good base to travel from. First of all, head west in to the Andes Mountains and organise some trekking through this globally renowned range. From there go west again to Malpeno Island, 350 miles off shore in the big blue Pacific Ocean; Scuba dive and chill on the beaches of the islands. Afterwards, come back to the mainland and continue north to the historic city of Cartegena. Journey through the Caribbean lowland coasts of the north and enjoy kitesurfing, scuba diving or snorkeling en route. Fancy some more trekking? Well get yourself up to the summit of Mount Pico Cristobal Colon at 5,775 metres and explore the beauty of the surrounding Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park. Finally head south and back to Bogota.

Other Activities

On the waters around Colombia you can Kayak, sail and windsurf. Alternatively, in the Darien province you can get your aqua-fix on Colombia’s largest inland body of water, Lake Calima.
On land you can abseil, mountainbike and horse ride through the forests, jungles and plains.