Colombia

Colombia has coasts on both the Caribbean and the Pacific, and the Andes split here into three ranges. On the Caribbean, Cartagena's walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, means colonial balconies, bougainvillea and quiet squares; neighbouring Getsemaní adds street art and evening life, and the San Felipe fortress rises above it. A boat ride away lie the Rosario Islands and Barú beaches; further east, Tayrona's coves sit beneath the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Bogotá, at about 2,600 m, offers cobbled La Candelaria, the Gold Museum, views from Monserrate and a lively food and art scene. Medellín has spring all year, with cable cars climbing the green hills of Antioquia; nearby are Guatapé's lake and El Peñón. In the Coffee Region, a UNESCO cultural landscape, haciendas stand among plantations and wax palms tower over the Cocora Valley near Salento. Colombia has more bird species than any other country; at the table: arepas, ajiaco, ceviche, tropical fruit and coffee.

Temperatures barely change through the year and depend on altitude: warm on the Caribbean coast, mild in Medellín, cool in Bogotá. The drier months are roughly December to March and July to August. It suits lovers of old towns, food and coffee, nature and birdwatching, couples, and anyone adding a few beach days.