{"id":20821,"date":"2017-07-07T04:04:24","date_gmt":"2017-07-06T18:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=20821"},"modified":"2025-03-17T21:30:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T10:30:19","slug":"love-letter-colombia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/love-letter-colombia\/","title":{"rendered":"I&#8217;ve visited Colombia 8 times; here&#8217;s why I&#8217;ll return"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>I have a love affair with Colombia that\u2019s lasted eight years and counting.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I still remember my first visit to Cartagena, a magical Caribbean town on the northern coast, when I was 19. I was instantly enamored by the quaint, romantic Spanish architecture. There was a certain allure in how puddles of flower petals fallen from balconies cluttered the streets alongside litter; how street vendors lured in tourists in traditional Colombian garb; how the clack of horse hooves spliced with the whir of car on cobblestone. Every day that went by, I found something that made the depths of my chest flutter. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I did not know it then, but as I continued returning to Colombia, I understood that this was a country that I would grow old with.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20851\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20851\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_mountain-top.jpg\" alt=\"Colombia's Cocora Valley\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_mountain-top.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_mountain-top-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_mountain-top-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_mountain-top-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Colombia&#8217;s Cocora Valley<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite having traveled to over 45 countries, Colombia is unquestionably one of my favorites. This is why I plan on returning to Colombia every year:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The kindest people<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What makes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/5-colombias-beautiful-places\/\">Colombia special extends far beyond the country\u2019s physical beauty:<\/a> it really comes down to the people. Colombians are some of the kindest, most hospitable, and helpful people that I\u2019ve encountered throughout my travels. It\u2019s communicated in their wide smiles, their willingness to include you in whatever they\u2019re doing, and the way that they always say \u201ca la orden\u201d (at your order) as a gesture of responsibility to lend a helping hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps what I love the most about the Colombian people is the way that they pay attention to the tiny details that bring joy into their lives, a quality that was likely developed because of the country\u2019s turbulent past.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20856\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20856\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20856\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cartagena_fruit-seller-woman.jpg\" alt=\"Local Cartagena Colombia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cartagena_fruit-seller-woman.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cartagena_fruit-seller-woman-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cartagena_fruit-seller-woman-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cartagena_fruit-seller-woman-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20856\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fruit seller in Cartagena<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, Colombia was consistently struck by tragedy during the latter half of the 20th century. Political turmoil and the war against drugs contributed to many\u00a0deaths, millions of displaced people, and a society plagued by violence<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But the situation has<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0significantly improved in the past decade, and half a century of conflict was brought to an end after the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the\u00a0rebels in 2016. Finally, and fortunately, this beautiful country has become a safe place for tourists to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the trauma they\u2019ve had to deal with in their recent past, Colombians are some of the happiest people I\u2019ve met. Their mindset and approach to life has touched me deeply: rather than allowing unfortunate circumstances to bring them down, Colombians have a tendency to focus on the happiness of being alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20825\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20825\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20825\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_8017-e1499346339731.jpg\" alt=\"Cocora Valley Colombia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_8017-e1499346339731.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_8017-e1499346339731-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_8017-e1499346339731-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_8017-e1499346339731-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20825\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">With a local who took me around Cocora Valley<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During my last visit to Medellin, I was speaking with a local about how taken aback I was by the residents\u2019 happy and friendly demeanor despite everything that had happened up until recently. To which he said, \u201cWe Colombians take any happy moment and extract all the joy out of it in order to survive.\u201d When faced with adversity, Colombians persevere by turning the page. This attitude translates into their lively culture: anywhere you go, you can find Colombians \u201crumbeando\u201d (partying) and dancing the night away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/salsa-blog\/\"><strong>RELATED:\u00a0WHY THE WORLD NEEDS TO LEARN SALSA, COLOMBIAN STYLE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I cannot count how many houses I\u2019ve seen painted in bright, happy colors, how many locals have offered to host me in their homes, or the times I\u2019ve walked into an establishment and instantly felt warmly welcomed. These people truly live life as if there is no pain to grieve for. Colombians have shown me that, no matter what happens in our lives, happiness can be created and we are always capable of rising from our ashes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The majestic landscapes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colombia has countless dramatic landscapes packed into a geographically stunning country, which makes sense, considering it is the second most biodiverse country in the world (after Brazil and before Indonesia). There is just so much to see in this country \u2013\u00a0so much so that after eight visits, I\u2019m still nowhere near done with my wishlist.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20859\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20859\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20859\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_palm-trees-path.jpg\" alt=\"Colombia's Cocora Valley\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_palm-trees-path.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_palm-trees-path-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_palm-trees-path-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_cocora-valley_palm-trees-path-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Colombia&#8217;s Cocora Valley<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Colombia has a little bit of everything, and all of it is spectacular. In a country that boasts the Andes, the Caribbean, the Pacific coast, the Amazon, and the eastern plains, there is truly an option to suit any traveler\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For clear, turquoise waters and white sands, there are Caribbean paradise islands such as San Andres, Providencia, and Islas de Rosario. For those seeking the desert, there is La Guajira, where giant sand dunes meet the Caribbean sea, or Tatacoa, the country&#8217;s second largest arid zone.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20826\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20826\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20826\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Providencia-San-Andres-e1499346150343.jpeg\" alt=\"Providencia, San Andres Colombia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Providencia-San-Andres-e1499346150343.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Providencia-San-Andres-e1499346150343-425x239.jpeg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Providencia-San-Andres-e1499346150343-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Providencia-San-Andres-e1499346150343-585x329.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20826\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Providencia, San Andres<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those who prefer rolling green hills, gaping canyons, vast waterfalls, and watching farm animals freely roaming and munching away on fresh, dewy grass can visit Eje Cafetero, the Colombian coffee region that produces some of the world\u2019s best coffee. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For adventure, jungle, wild animals, and opportunities to interact with\u00a0indigenous tribes, there is the Amazon, the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest. Visiting here\u00a0was by far my favourite\u00a0experience in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s these geographical extremities that make it such a unique and exciting place to visit \u2013\u00a0it\u2019s hard to find an environment that won\u2019t please you, and its vast size and diversity ensures that there is always something to come back for.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20858\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20858\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20858\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_tayrona-park-beach.jpg\" alt=\"Tayrona National Park in northern Colombia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_tayrona-park-beach.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_tayrona-park-beach-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_tayrona-park-beach-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_tayrona-park-beach-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20858\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tayrona National Park in northern Colombia<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><b>The unique urban spaces<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colombia is full of interesting cities and towns, each one special in its own right. Colombian urban areas are some of the most unique I\u2019ve seen, and showcase pieces of Colombian\u2019s intricate and fascinating history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/colombia\"><strong>SEE COLOMBIA&#8217;S CULTURE &amp;\u00a0BEAUTY ON A SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE WITH INTREPID<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most popular tourist destinations is Cartagena, the fifth largest city in Colombia and a previous key port for the Spanish in the 1500s. Pastel-coloured, old-style Spanish houses \u2013 many adorned with wooden balconies swathed in flowers of every splendid shade \u2013 line the Old City\u2019s cobbled streets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By night, the city comes alive with sounds of salsa, rumba, champeta, and reggaeton, and even the most unrhythmic body can\u2019t resist moving to the melodies infusing the air. In addition to being a testament to northern Colombia\u2019s political and economic power and key role in the expansion of the Spanish empire, Cartagena is a beautiful city with an irresistible atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20823\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20823\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20823\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Cartagena-e1499346883688.jpeg\" alt=\"Cartagena Colombia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Cartagena-e1499346883688.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Cartagena-e1499346883688-425x239.jpeg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Cartagena-e1499346883688-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Cartagena-e1499346883688-585x329.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20823\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cartagena<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then there is Medellin, a city with a dark history and a bright future. Despite the conflict that plagued it for so many years, Medellin persevered. In the past 20 years, it has become one of the most innovative cities in the world. Vibrant and eccentric, the city has excelled at reinventing itself, and has bridged the gap between poor communities with an efficient public transportation system and tons of other education and infrastructure initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/welcome-to-medellin-colombias-capital-of-cool\/\"><strong>RELATED:\u00a024-HOURS IN MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA\u2019S CAPITAL OF COOL<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located just a two-hour drive from Medellin is Guatape, one of the most charming towns I have seen in Colombia to date. Guatape is known for the Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol, a giant granite rock that offers 360-degree views of an impressive valley of man-made lakes. Upon entering the town, the first thing you\u2019ll notice are houses decorated with colorful z\u00f3calos (bas-reliefs). <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20852\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20852\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20852\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_guatape-antioquia_colourful-colonial-houses.jpg\" alt=\"Guatape Colombia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_guatape-antioquia_colourful-colonial-houses.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_guatape-antioquia_colourful-colonial-houses-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_guatape-antioquia_colourful-colonial-houses-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_guatape-antioquia_colourful-colonial-houses-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20852\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Guatape<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every building in Guatape features reliefs that tell the story and heritage of the family or business that owns it. For example, the building of a music school would have reliefs of instruments, and a private home would have the family crest. Every building, and street, tells a story about the locals who own it \u2013\u00a0in a fun and colorful way!<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/subscribe\"><strong>SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID&#8217;S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL INSPO, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS &amp; MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, there is Salento, a sleepy backpacker Andean town located in heart of Eje Cafetero. With its beautiful architecture, surrounding green hills, and proximity to Los Nevados National Natural Park and the stunning Cocora Valley, Salento is the perfect place for those seeking peaceful nature and a deep dive into Colombia\u2019s coffee culture.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20857\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20857\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20857\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_coffee-beans-harvest-farmer.jpg\" alt=\"Colombian coffee farmer\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_coffee-beans-harvest-farmer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_coffee-beans-harvest-farmer-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_coffee-beans-harvest-farmer-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/colombia_coffee-beans-harvest-farmer-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20857\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Colombian coffee farmer<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the country\u2019s landscape speaks to its natural wonders, its cities and towns each tell a different story about the country\u2019s rich culture and history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s\u00a0a country packed with kind-hearted people, impressive scenery, unique cities, and a special positive energy. I am proud to call Colombia an adopted country, and a place I will frequently return to for as long as I live. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I hope you love it as much as I do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tempted to visit this awe-inspiring country? <a href=\"\/colombia\/cafe-colombia-160462\">This 9-day trip to Colombia takes you from Bogota to Cartagena and everywhere in between.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n<p><em>(Image credits from top to bottom: Celinne Da Costa, Intrepid Travel, Jaydene Chapman, Celinne Da Costa, Intrepid Travel, Celinne Da Costa, Intrepid Travel, Celinne Da Costa, Intrepid Travel x2)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite having traveled to over 45 countries, Colombia is unquestionably one of my favorites. This is why I plan on returning there every year I can.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15954,"featured_media":20823,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[286],"tags":[1172,637,124,866,1213,38],"class_list":["post-20821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories","tag-caribbean","tag-cartagena","tag-colombia","tag-love","tag-medellin","tag-south-america","ipf_region-colombia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>I&#039;ve visited Colombia 8 times; here&#039;s why I&#039;ll return | Intrepid Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Despite having traveled to over 45 countries, Colombia is unquestionably one of my favorites. This is why I plan on returning there every year I can.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/love-letter-colombia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"I&#039;ve visited Colombia 8 times; here&#039;s why I&#039;ll return\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"I still remember my first visit to Cartagena, a magical Caribbean town on the northern coast, when I was 19. 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