If Colombia has a problem, it is reputation. Back in the 70’s through to the early 90’s, the country was downright dangerous for everybody. Drug cartels and a particularly vicious civil war birthed the idea the country was in a permanent tailspin and that foreigners would be shot on site if not kidnapped, ransomed for a fortune, and THEN shot on sight. It’s an image that has been hard to shake. Truth be told, Colombia’s been sittin’ pretty for the last 16 years, and any precautions you have to take now are the same precautions you would take anywhere.
Columbia has a lot of plusses and points, but from a gay travel perspective, all roads lead to the capital of Bogotá, particularly to the hip (and hipster) neighborhood of Chapinero. Gay Pride kicks off in June, and while the city’s self-proclaimed title of “Gay Capital of the World” may be a bit of a stretch, it shows that Bogotá takes the whole LGBTQ-thing seriously.
But perhaps it is understandable, given that the Theatron megaclub is one of the biggest gay nightclubs on the planet. It practically dominates the entire scene (as well as an entire city block). But that does not mean you should skip other hotspots like El Mozo, Gia Bar, or the Village Cafe. Never underestimate a Latin country’s drive to have the best party.
Beyond the club scene, Bogotá gives every indication of a city on the rise. And I mean that in more ways than one: Because the city is over 8,000 feet up, lowlanders may want to give themselves a day or two of low-level activities to acclimate. One of the bling-iest draws is the world-famous Gold Museum, dedicated to the goldsmithing of pre-Colombian and pre-Spanish cultures. The most famous piece is the Muisca Raft, arguably one of the most iconic works ever made in the New World.
Certainly not “low-level” is Carnival — this is South America, after all. However, Bogotá bucks the Lenten trend and holds its parade and assorted parties in (huh?) August. But like any other Carnival on the continent, this puppy shuts the city DOWN. If you are not there to have a good time and dance the night away, you may as well just stay in your hotel. And if you are into salsa, you are in luck; the genre has a hammerlock on the country.
Other photo-ops include the pastel-colored lanes of the old La Candelaria part of town, Journalists’ Park, and the quirky San Alejo flea-market. And if you into gemstones at all, there is no better place than to score a few emeralds. Colombia is synonymous with them.
Contact Steele Luxury Travel to plan your Colombian extravaganza! www.SteeleTravel.com