Helpful links for Visiting Colombia

Aguardiente
Monserrate in Bogota
Cartagena de Noche (Cartagena at night)
The Beaches of Colombia

Aguardiente

Photo title: mi perdicion
Link to flickr.

Aguardiente is the general name for booze of high alcohol content, meaning "fiery water", or, literally "burning water".

This drink is really popular in Colombia. Aguardiente Cristal is one of the most famous brands there. It's anise flavor will definitely give you quite a burn. Enjoy shots with your friends!

Monserrate in Bogota

Monserrate - Bogota, Colombia

While in Bogota be sure to take a trip to Monserrate. There's a funicular going to the top as well as a cable car. The cable car is probably more thrilling since it goes through a tunnel. Walking is NOT recommended at all since it's not particularly safe unless you're with a big enough group to feel comfortable.

You may want to bring a jacket too since it's usually much colder at the top - 3k meters of elevation!

Finally, after you're done, start at the funicular base station and walk south to Finca de Simon Bolivar to check out the modest dwelling of the hero to many modern Latins (particularly Mr Chavez of Venezuela). For those of you not in the know, Bolivar is known for pushing the Spanish out and is therefore a hero to many progressive Latins.

Cartagena de Noche (Cartagena at night)

Cartagena de Noche

Cartagena is beautiful at night. There's a good article summarizing the travel here on the NY Times website.

Their advice is good. Instead of staying in Bocagrande, find a hotel in Old Town. The Sofitel Santa Clara is a great choice but somewhat pricey for Colombia standards (~$300 a night). Shop around first before booking!

The Beaches of Colombia

Some of the best beaches are in Santa Marta. Its on the Carribean coast

Cartagena has some beaches but they have a zillion vendors trying to sell crap. The beaches are OK nit great but not poor. I didn't try going into the water. There are a bunch of islands called Isla Del Rosario that claim to have great beaches. Great meaning the water is crystal clear. The sand area tends to be small and the full of still more vendors. Its ok if you have a sweetie with you, boring without one. Cartagena has much more foreigners (American) than any other tourist. Santa Marta has mostly domestic tourists.
CTG has great night life and you can have some real fun. CTG has things to see but not a whole lot. Walled cities and forts are interesting. Check out the Inquisition Museum

Medellin has even less to do than Cartagena but the women are amazing. The Dancing midgets at Mangos night club are not to be missed. Medellin is a big industrial city so don't expect alot of touristy stuff. No touts just a great time.