DonCuillin

Fighting for Colombia, Not the Oil

As usual the picture painted is black and white in this case by the San Francisco Chronicle, but as we all know, nothing in Colombia is straightforward. I see winners on both the US and Colombian side from this offer to provide some assistance to the Colombian government to provide security cover for production from Cano Limon.

What to Do in and Around Bogota

Here are a few ideas on what to do in and around Bogotá. This note might give you a few ideas but it does not imply these places are all secure. Always check before going. An asterisk means there have been security access problems in the past.

Botero Sculpture

Botero sculpture in the Plaza Santo Domingo

Boyaca Field

A field in Boyaca.

Cafe Inquisition

A cafe in Cartagena.

Cartagena Building

A building in Cartagena.

Cartagena Cathedral

Cartagena Cathedral.

Cartagena Night Scene

Night street scene in Cartagena.

Cartagena Roofs

Some Cartagena rooftops.

Cartagena Street

A Cartagena street.

Cartagena Street 2

Another Cartagena street.

Cartagena Street 3

Cartagena street scene.

Street Scene

Cartagena street scene.

Edge of the Andes

From the Piedemonte - Llanos boundary. The Andes stop here along a knife edge before the flat lands of the Llanos stretch out.

Guatavita

This laguna, in Guatavita, about 1.5 hours from Bogota, is a small round lake like a volcanic crater (it’s not actually). You can walk around it – though the climb up on the right hand side is a bit slippery. If you’ve got small kids plan on climbing and descending the stairs on the left hand side and walk round to a mid point – there’s a natural rock platform with good views about half way around.

Hotel Canay Manizales

Hotel Canay, which is about 40 mins outside Manizales has a pool, horse riding and has good walks. The hotel will pick you up from the airport. The best thing is a fabulous balcony with great views (see photo). There’s nothing like sitting there, quaffing a few beers, reading a book or swinging on the hammock etc.

La Vitrolla

La Vitrolla in Cartagena.

Llanos Mountains

From the Piedemonte - Llanos boundary. The Andes stop here along a knife edge before the flat lands of the Llanos stretch out.

Llanos River 1

River at the Piedemonte - Llanos boundary. The Andes stop here along a knife edge before the flat lands of the Llanos stretch out.

Llanos River 2

River at the Piedemonte - Llanos boundary. The Andes stop here along a knife edge before the flat lands of the Llanos stretch out.

Paipa

Paipa is an area of hot springs and lovely countryside 3.5 hours north of Bogotá. The principal reason to go there (in my view) is to stay in the Casona del Salitre, a colonial hotel. (see photo). Símon Bolivar stayed here before the Battle of Boyaca. In fact you can stay in his suite – we did though I made sure they had changed the sheets – Símon was a notorious womanizer!

Piedemonte Mountains 1

From the Piedemonte / Llanos boundary. The Andes stop here along a knife edge before the flat lands of the Llanos stretch out.

Piedemonte Mountains 2

From the Piedemonte / Llanos boundary. The Andes stop here along a knife edge before the flat lands of the Llanos stretch out.

Raquira

Raquira, in Boyaca.

Santa Clara Hotel Cartagena

The Santa Clara Hotel is a converted convent with a brilliant swimming pool and good restaurants.

Tenza Plaza

Tenza Plaza, in Boyaca.

Tenza Roofs

Rooftops in Tenza in Boyaca.

Tenza Village

Village in the Valle de Tenza.

Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva in Boyaca.