Bogotá's sheer size and violent reputation are intimidating for visitors, but the city opens up to the savvy traveler with incredible riches befitting the capital of Colombia, and one of the biggest cities in Latin America. Artistic riches--the small historic quarter alone is home to dozens of experimental theaters, and diverse art galleries dot the most popular neighborhoods pressed against the dramatic Eastern Andes peaks. Rich with nightlife, the party lasts well into the night at sweaty salsa clubs, English pubs, caffeinated indie rock shows, cocktail lounges, steakhouses-cum-dance parties, and amidst drawn-out conversations in coffeeshops and corner cafes in this decidedly intellectual university town known as the Athens of South America. Wink Travel Guides introduce you to the best world travel destinations, in a clear and concise way, illustrated by photos.

Colombia occupies the northwest corner of South America. It has an area twice that of France and almost twice Texas, with long coasts on the Caribbean and the Pacific oceans, mountainous regions, and Amazon jungle areas inland. For culture, intellectual Bogota might lead the rest of Latin America in experimental theater, indie-rock, and the number of bookstores, or you could delve into the huge Latin music scene of salsa and cumbia. For nightlife, hot Cali is today's world capital of salsa, claiming that competitive distinction over Colombia's other vibrant big-city party scenes. And for relaxing, there are gorgeous tropical beaches along Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Wink Travel Guides introduce you to the best world travel destinations, in a clear and concise way, illustrated by photos.

Medellín is a vast city built north to south in the Aburrá valley and surrounded on either side by majestic mountain ranges. The city is home to a half-dozen universities, accounting for a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene fueled by thousands of young adults from all over the country. For international travelers, Medellín is perhaps most famous for the Botero Museum, whose namesake is one of the most famous modern artists alive today. It is also known for its perfect climate with its nickname "city of the eternal spring". Wink Travel Guides introduce you to the best world travel destinations, in a clear and concise way, illustrated by photos.

Pereira is the capital city of the department of Risaralda in Colombia's Zona Cafetera. It is in the center of the western region of the country, located in a small valley that descends from a part of the western Andes mountain chain. It is an urban center in the coffee producing region. Pereira is a beautiful university city. The city's motto is "Pereira con Vida". Wink Travel Guides introduce you to the best world travel destinations, in a clear and concise way, illustrated by photos.

Cartagena or Cartagena de Indias is a city and a world heritage site in Bolívar, Colombia. The city was one of the first sanctuaries of freed African slaves in the Americas. It is populated by an ethnic mix representative of Colombia's own variety. The impressive buildings from the Spanish time today make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cartagena's 500-year-old coralstone forts and great parts of its walled city are admirably intact and represent some of the finest examples of civil and military architecture of the Spanish colonial times. Wink Travel Guides introduce you to the best world travel destinations, in a clear and concise way, illustrated by photos.

If you're planning a trip to Colombia, you probably know already that guidebooks on this country have left a lot to be desired. Recognizing the need for a reliable travel guide to Colombia, V!VA sent a team of writers, and they came back with the best guidebook yet. From the pearl beaches of San Andrs Island and the emerald jungles of the Amazon to the stunning Guajira deserts and the enigmatic mangroves of the Pacific, this book offers information on all you need to know, including: * hotel, restaurant and activities listings for every budget; * shopping in markets and workshops for the nation's best artisan crafts; * coverage on almost two dozen National Parks Sanctuaries; * border crossing information, to Panam, Venezuela, Per, Brazil and Ecuador; * an extensive bibliography to keep informed and help make your journey safe. Whether for business, a family vacation or a gap-year adventure, V!VA Travel Guide to Colombia is the guidebook for all travelers.

The most in-depth guide available to one of South America s undiscovered gems."