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A Backpacker’s Guide to ColombiaBy Seán GildeaIf there is one country to sum up LatinAmerica, it is Colombia. Rich in historyand culture, Colombia is a country that canboast both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines scatteredwith tropical beaches as well as large citieswith bustling night-life, small colonial towns andplenty more in between.On top of that, Colombia remains one of thecheaper countries in South America, making it abackpackers dream.Whether you are looking for a quiet trek in thecountry, a culture fuelled city break or somewhereto relax on an empty tropical beach, Colombia hasit all.BogotáBogotá is a culture-rich capital packed with artgalleries & museums, bars & restaurants; and anythingelse you could want from a city of 8 millionpeople.At the heart of the old-city you have La Candaleria.This is Bogotá central, where you willfind yourself surrounded by large plazas, cobblestonestreets, grand-government buildings and anarray of museums & churches. Although shabbyin parts, Bogotá’s centre is a beautifully preservedcolonial area with much to offer including theMuseo del Oro (Gold Museum), which displays ahuge collection of gold artifacts from pre-columbiantimes.Nightlife in Bogotá is confined to the Zona Rosain the north of the city. The area is jam-packedwith bars and nightclubs as well as up-marketcafes, restaurants and shops.For panoramic views of the city, a cable car upto Monserrate is a must. The mountain overlooksthe whole city from an altitude of over 10,000ftabove sea level. Just make sure it’s a clear day asmy visit was largely disappointing due to a thickfog.MedellínIf you are traveling in Colombia, time should bemade to visit Medellín, if not only to witness itscolourful nightlife. There are many hostels locatednear Medellín’s Zona Rosa, which is home to manyof the city’s bars and clubs. Worth checking outare the number of large-scale themed niteclubslocated outside of the city-centre which are accessibleby taxi.One that comes to mind is Mango’s. Althoughquite expensive and tacky, if you are ever lookingto see cowboy midgets get into a boxing ring withover-sized gloves and knock lumps out of eachother, this is your place. I need say no more.December is a great time to visit Medellín asone gets to see how seriously Colombians taketheir Christmas decorating - and in Medellín, itis very serious. Every year, the river in Medellínis decorated with kilometres of Christmas lightsand decorations, drawing huge crowds in the evenings.On the river banks you will find street stallsand performers reminding even the most jaded ofbackpacker’s that Christmas is coming.CartagenaJust 12 hours on a bus north of Medellin is thebeautiful walled city of Cartagena. Built on northernColombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena hasthe feel of an old colonial pirate town with its oldcitywalls, colourful cobbled streets and palm-treelined coast.Cartagena, like Bogotá, can be divided by its48 Fusion Magazine