With a reputation far from its reality, Colombia is finally emerging as a top tourist destination. Many are attracted to the very diverse population, calling it a “Spanish Brazil”, while others come for the varied landscapes or tropical coast.

Cartagena is as famous for its colonial architecture as for its scuba opportunities and white-sand beaches.

Lonely Planet has named Colombia a Top Ten destination for 2006 and from the Economist, June 29, 2006: “under Álvaro Uribe, Colombia's president since 2002, violence has fallen steadily and many parts of the country have become safe.”