Bogota

Santa Fe de Bogota, or the Athens of Latin America as it is affectionately known due to its educated and polite citizens (rolos), at first appears sprawling and congested like many cities in the region, but given time the city and its attractions soon become irresistible.

Situated at 2640 meters above sea level on a high plateau in the Andes, Bogota may leave some visitors short of breath. With a population nearing eight million this is by far the largest and most populous city in Colombia.

With its unstoppable nightlife, fine restaurants catering for all budgets, cultural attractions and seductive inhabitants, Bogota is witnessing a renaissance of sorts. More and more tourists are being drawn to this effervescent and enticing capital and Colombia as a whole.

Escape modernity and wander through the beautifully restored Candelaria district with its eclectic shops, pedestrianised cobblestone streets and family run restaurants.

Hollywood would have you believe that you are entering a war-zone; these images could not be further from the truth. Bogota is currently statistically safer that Madrid. Here can be found sophisticated pursuits, decadent bars and a café culture to rival any European city.

Richard McColl