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If you consider yourself to be the variety of traveler who is willing to crawl out on a limb and assume a few extra risks for the sake of acquiring memorable life experiences, then Colombia is most definitely the destination for you. The problem with traveling to this country of endless scenic beauty is not so much the avoidance of violence and guerrilla warfare, but deciding on how long to make your stay and which destinations to highlight on your itinerary.

Since truly knowing a country is becoming familiar with its people and cultures, the inclusion of at least a moderate level of spoken Spanish will be found as indispensable. Also, like any other destination, a handful or two of common sense will help maintain a safe distance from trouble.

So, once you have made the decision to come to Colombia, what are Colombia's hot vacation spots? Well, first of all, the answer to that question depends on what the adventurer is in search of. This country offers something for every breed of traveler. Whether the objective is relaxing beach time, scuba diving, whale watching, rain forest exploration, mountaineering, municipal integration, small town enchantment or indigenous curiosity, Colombia will satisfy your cravings.

Because most travelers arrive via the friendly skies, orienting your travels around a central location may be the most practical approach. The welcoming, capital city of Bogota can be used as a hub for excursions throughout the country, either by bus or national charter flights. Upon arriving to Bogota, a tourist visa will be issued for up to 90 days. If you decide to postpone your return flight home, visa extensions are easily obtained.

Bogota offers a plethora of sites and activities, many of which are accessible with the city's public transportation system (El Transmilenio), thousands of independent buses (colectivos) and swarms of taxis. In the downtown center area, there is the must see colonial center of La Candelaria. This colorful and generally well-preserved sector is where the capital city got its start. The narrow, cobblestone streets lined with houses, shops, restaurants and bars of various rainbow chromatics, beckon a visitor's afternoon stroll or twilight exploration.

From this district you can go to Bolivar Plaza where famous government buildings like the Palace of Justice and the National Capitol surround the historic plaza. Nearby is the Museum of Gold which displays the country's countless collection of indigenous, gold artifacts. While

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