Colombia

Pre-Columbian cultures existed in scattered pockets in the Andean region and on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Among the most outstanding were the Tayrona, Sinú, Muisca, Quimbaya, Tierradentro and San Agustín. Many of the tribes produced accomplished goldwork and pottery, and some left behind burial chambers and rock paintings which have helped anthropologists piece together their cultures.

Situated on Colombia’s highest plateau at 2600 metres, Santa Fe de Bogota was founded in 1538 by the Spanish.  Bogota owes its colonial splendour to its status as the capital of the new Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada in 1740.

There may be few advantages to living in a country where violence, kidnappings, drug deals and murder have been  a daily affair, but a Colombian tailor appears to have found one.

With its colonial buildings, and architectural treasures, Cartagena is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and being one of Colombia’s safest areas, It the country’s most popular tourist destination.

The Lost City  ranks among South America’s most magical spots.  Built by the Tayrona Indians on the northern slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the lost city is perched in a 1300m high slope and it’s thought to be the Tayrona’s biggest city and their major political and economical center.