California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees – but that’s only part of the picture.
21.08.2023 - 16:25 / lonelyplanet.com
With a durable peace deal in place that has opened up vast swathes of the countryside and an ever-growing number of international visitors, Colombia has become one of the most sought after stops on any South American ticket.
Hemmed in by the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines in the north and west and the Amazon rainforest in the south, Colombia contains some of the region’s most spellbinding scenery and thrilling adventures. Wildlife-rich jungle, startlingly rugged high-altitude mountain paths and thriving coral reefs flush with tropical fish can be experienced all on one (ambitious) trip. Meanwhile, away from the wilds, modern cities brim with music, culture and welcoming people.
For the curious, open-minded traveler, it’s difficult not to fall in love with this country – and even harder to leave. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, showstopping nature or a fabulous party, here are the top things to do in Colombia.
Adjoining the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, one of the best national parks for hiking in Colombia, the Valle de Cocora is one of the country's most breathtakingly beautiful destinations. A land of lush green farmland divided by rushing mountain rivers, it's home to swathes of lofty Quindío wax palms, which can reach the height of a six-story building and tower over this idyllic rural landscape.
Planning tip: Take a Willys Jeep (an experience in itself) from nearby Salento into the valley, from where a 15km (9-mile) circular hike heads along a pretty river and up into the hills for spectacular views of the palms backed by rolling emerald hills topped with tracts of cloud forest.
Colombia’s Caribbean coastline feels like paradise – and that description applies even more to emerald-green Providencia, a mellow tropical island that spans just 17km sq (6.6 sq miles) and lies around 800km (497 miles) north of mainland Colombia.
Providencia was flattened by category 5 Hurricane Iota in late 2020, which destroyed houses and affected the surrounding reefs, especially those in shallow waters. Fortunately life on the island is now getting back to normal and the crystal-clear warm waters remain one of the best places in Colombia for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Lying off the island's northeast coast, the McBean Lagoon National Natural Park is characterized by waters tinted with a glorious patchwork of colors. It’s been dubbed the “Sea of Seven Colors,” and is inhabited by an amazing variety of tropical fish, manta rays and sea turtles.
Staking its claim as the world capital of salsa, in party-loving Cali the music rings out loud whatever the time of day or night. Here the only dilemma facing DJs is which particular subtype of salsa to play. Embrace the city’s favorite rhythm
California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees – but that’s only part of the picture.
Of all the art exhibits NYC has to offer, some of the best come not from the permanent collections of storied establishments but instead, the temporary shows at museums, galleries, and other more unconventional spaces. As summer comes to its inevitable close, several new shows are opening around the city—some celebrating great masters, others with an eye for the contemporary and/or the unsung. Plus, some of summer's tentpoles—Africa Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum, for example—will run all the way into October, so if you haven't made your way to them yet, there's still time. Of the myriad options, we've rounded up some of the best to hit now or in the coming weeks—we're certain you'll find something to your liking.
With more than 300 glorious days of sun and majestic landscapes to match, it’s no wonder Colorado beckons to outdoorsy types.
The season for pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and fall foliage is almost here. Ontario is beautiful in all seasons but leaf peeping in autumn is particularly special as nature puts on a vibrant colorful show with leaves of bright fiery reds, golden hues of orange, and shining yellow ambers. As temperatures start to dip it’s the perfect time to hit the open road and head to a destination to appreciate the great outdoors and fall in Ontario. Canada’s second largest province is home to rugged beauty, forests, and natural landscapes making it a great road trip journey whether you live in Canada or are coming from the United States. Here are three Ontario destinations where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.
My foray into the world of credit cards, points and miles really began when I joined TPG about a year and a half ago. I had a couple of cards prior to working here, but I didn't give much thought to which card to use, or when or how to maximize the benefits.
If you’ve ever been crammed into an uncomfortable coach seat, been charged extra for a bag, or had a flight delayed for no good reason, you know how much the airline you fly can impact your trip.
Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws. And while autumn is always an exciting time to visit (think football and foliage), there’s enough happening in each of these destinations to warrant a getaway any time of year. From a bustling big-city suburb to a UNESCO City of Literature, here are the Midwest’s best college towns to visit now.
While 2023 has already ushered in plenty of hot new debuts, there’s still more to come...
The best time to visit Thailand is from December to March—though, as with any tropical destination, a short and ridiculously torrential burst of rain is unpredictably possible, even on the sunniest of days.
This story is part of the Great Bagel Boom, a Bon Appétit series celebrating the vast creative expanses of bagel culture across America—because yes, you can find truly wonderful bagels outside of New York now.
It’s been a boom year for travel thus far (to put it mildly) and the upcoming Labor Day weekend period will prove no exception. If heading out of town to celebrate this September holiday, which traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer, prepare yourself for more intense crowding and congestion than last year.
Whether they are naturally formed, cast in concrete on a rock shelf or hewn from the rock itself, tidal pools solve a problem by providing safe access to the sea. Plunging into rich saltwater in a sheltered area protected from the turbulent waves, yet still refreshed by the tide twice a day, is an unfettered joy.