Colombia
After taking a look at Chile and Peru, we continue northwards for our next adventure - a visit to Colombia. After Simon Bolivar gained the country's independence in 1819, it's grown to a size of nearly 50 million residents - making it the continent's second most populous country. With a diverse variety of scenic landscapes and modern cities such as Bogotá, Medellin, Cartagena, and Cali - tourism has grown rapidly over the years and it's not hard to see why.
Our tour of Colombia begins in the scenic Cocora Valley, located in the footsteps of the imposing Nevado del Ruiz. The valley's famous wax palms are the world's tallest, growing to a height of nearly 200 feet tall - giving this destination a truly whimsical feeling.
Colombia is home to some truly impressive cities, and the first one we'll visit can be found roughly 100 miles north of the Cocora Valley - Medellin. The late 1960s and early 1970s brought a building boom to Colombia - and Medellin's skyline quickly became one of the continent's best with the additions of the Coltejer Building (bottom left) and Torre del Café (top right).
Today, another wave of construction is taking place, changing the skyline of the country's sprawling capital city, Bogotá. The 661 foot tall Torres Atrio is scheduled to be completed this year and will be the city's second building - only to be bested by the nearby BD Bacatá, seen in the nighttime picture.
Colombia's natural wonders are truly unique. Located on in the heart of the country, Caño Cristales is known as the "river of five colors" due the aquatic plants growing underneath the waters that give the river a range of breathtaking colors every rainy season.
Colombia's third largest city - Cali - can be found near the country's west coast and will be our next destination. Located on the city's Cerro de los Cristales (Hill of the Crystals), the Cristo Rey statue bears a striking resemblance to the much more famous Cristo Redentor in Rio (but not quite as tall). It was completed in 1953 and quickly became the city's most iconic landmark.
We'll be traveling to Colombia's northern coastline for our last two sights - beginning with a stay at the beautiful Tayrona National Park. This protected area is known for its palm-shaded lagoons, lush jungles and amazing biodiversity.
Our stay wraps up with a visit to the port city of Cartagena. Although the city now boasts one of the country's best skylines, no trip here is complete without a trip to its beautiful walled old town - one of the world's best preserved examples of colonial architecture.
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-korver
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Previous Update: "Peru"
Thanks to @Tyberius06, @EvansRE4, @jakis, @Toby Ferrian, @RobertLM78, @catty-cb, @CorinaMarie, @Goldman Sachs, @Dom Pedro, @Simmer2, @Androgeos, @Wallibuk, @ByeByeBayou, @tariely, @Odainsaker, @mrsmartman, @matias93, @cydonianmystery, @bladeberkman, @Dead_End, @Manuel-ito, @raynev1, @bobolee, @sejr99999, @Krasner, @rathefalcon, @Kitkat5533, @mertzigzag, @Duco, & @mattb325 for all the likes and comments!
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