Dreamy beaches, steamy jungles, soaring Andean summits and quaint towns. Colombia’s landscapes are wonderfully varied, and packed full of adventure. Go hiking, biking or horse riding in the northerly ‘Coffee Triangle’, explore the ruins of Santa Marta’s Ciudad Perdida (‘The Lost City’), or try rock climbing and hang-gliding in the rugged Santander region just east of Medellín. Colombia’s third biggest city is known for its progressive vibe, picturesque parks and spectacular surroundings. As the capital, Bogotá is the definitive place to get a taste of Colombia’s culture. Take in the streets’ bright canvas of street art, murals and graffiti, or kick back in the Parkway area of La Soledad, where you’ll find live music, local art exhibitions and pop-up theatres. The far-flung islands of San Andres and Providencia spell aquatic paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers. Glide your way through vivid corals and schools of tropical fish, explore an eerie shipwreck off the southwest coast of San Andres, or stick to dry land and enjoy a salsa-fuelled culture through day and night. Elsewhere, Cartagena’s Old Town is alive with colour – picture lemon walls with sky-blue shutters and balconies overflowing with tropical plants. Colombia has a good variety of accommodation in the west and to the north, from stylish hotels to homely apartments and cozy posadas (guest houses). There are a few remote lodgings east of Bogotá.