Latin America - Many people have differing thoughts when you mention Latin America. Some think of poverty-stricken, third-world countries with dictators and hot, humid weather. To be honest, Latin America is all of that, but much more!

Latin America includes many countries from Mexico to the tip of Argentina and most of the Caribbean islands. However, today I want to talk about Colombia, a counrty with a soiled reputation for drug-running, paramilitary abductions and violence. There have been some real changes made in Colombia over the past twenty years. Gone are the days of Pablo Escobar, the Medellin Cartel, Cali Cartel (Rodriguez brothers) and most other drug cartels. Drug dealing now is the forte of paramilitary groups that have been pushed to the far rural reaches of Colombia. Even the FARC are discussing peace with the Santos government.

Most of the current violence in Colombia is among small-time drug dealers, family disputes and it is mostly confined to the poorer barrios of the major cities. Don't take me wrong, the killing of a United States DEA Agent in Bogata was the result of a "Millionaire Ride" gone bad. He wasn't targeted because of who he was, but the subject of criminals that prey on single persons traveling alone, usually at night. Most victims are well-dressed and have shown money in public. They become robber victims, first then if they resist, more violence follows. Common sense for most people will keep them out or these situations. See the full story: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/06/26/the-danger-of-the-millionaire-ride.html. There are parts of most North American and European cities that are very dangerous as well!

Colombia has much more to offer! Take as an example, the World Games in Cali beginning July 25th and running through mid-August. Athletes from around the world are competing and spectators are coming from all parts of the globe. You might read more here: http://worldgames2013.com.co/en/ .

Colombia is a modern country considered to be an emerging economy with an infrastructure that takes advantage of many natural resources and human capital to win the attention of tourists.

Its privileged location in the continent and the presence of Caribbean islands, Pacific coast, and the Andes mountain ranges, its natural regions are all tropical environments with glaciers, beaches, plains, mountains, jungles and deserts. Colombia is one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet!

 The Colombian Amazon is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to be in contact with nature and meet some of Colombia's representative national cultures.

This wonderful habitat hosts more species of flora and fauna than any other ecosystem in the world and is an amazing place not only for the cultural diversity of its indigenous peoples, but for the culture that originates, grows and thrives on the banks of the Amazon, the largest river in the world.

As long, large veins of water traverse this region, majestic rivers facilitate commercial traffic and commutes to magical places in the middle of the jungle, Many more remote locations, reservations, parks and nature reserves are found near or on the banks of the Amazon River.

Indigenous groups give this area a unique ethnic multiplicity. Observing their rituals, culture and beliefs, you can interact with community leaders and begin to understand their symbiotic relationship with nature.

The fascinating world of the Amazon region offers countless possibilities to travelers looking to find peace of nature sanctuaries and long-held wisdom of indigenous peoples.

Barranquilla Colombia's Gateway

The primary capital of the Caribbean coast has become the door of colorful and open arms.

Since the late nineteenth century Barranquilla was characterized by being the country's main port where entering and leaving passengers and goods, and has since become known as the Golden Gate of Colombia.

With incredible architectural beauty, surrounded by exquisite natural landscapes, golden streets of sun and sand, spontaneity and joy of the people of the Caribbean, Barranquilla make a fantastic destination to enjoy the calm of its beaches and wealth of culture, which gives way to the biggest party of Colombia: the carnival .

The Carnival of Barranquilla.

This is a living treasure passed from generation to generation, is a true expression of the Colombian people and a meeting of colors, races, legends, the revelry and musical rhythms such as the cumbia , mapalé and the black are filling the streets of Barranquilla.


The Barranquilla Carnival culture is derived from its origin of European, African and indigenous people of Colombia. This festival is indigenous for its cadence and dances that are performed around the world, is white from Spain, whence came the celebrations with beautiful gowns. Black slaves brought by the settlers, arrived with drums, and of course rhythm, writhing movements.

...more to come......http://lat-am-blog.com/