NICOLE TERRAZAS BOGOTA

About the destination: Medellin is Colombia's second largest city and the capital of Antioquia. Known as the City of the Eternal Spring due to its year-round pleasant, spring-like climate, Medellin has transformed its reputation from a dangerous city in the 80s and 90s to one of the safest cities in Latin America today. Medellin is a city of modern elegance, boasting luxurious restaurants, stylish bars and cafes, boutiques, and galleries. It is the birthplace of Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero, and many of his sculptures can be found throughout the city, particularly in Plaza Botero which houses 23 of his works. Visitors can explore several museums and historic churches, the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning Botanical Garden, and numerous vibrant squares. The city's nightlife, reputed to be one of the best in Colombia, attracts many visitors. Medellin is also renowned for its significant festivals and events, including the International Poetry Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the International Tango Festival, the Flower Parade, and Los Alumbrados - the Christmas lights that adorn the city, making it the most beautiful Latin American city during the holiday season.

About the destination: Colombia's cosmopolitan capital city, Bogotá, home to approximately 8 million people, is situated at an elevation of around 2640 m in the Andean Highlights. This results in a perpetual spring-like climate. Bogotá serves not only as a hub for travel throughout the country, but also as an intriguing city to discover. It boasts a charming old district, La Candelaria, which is a blend of old and new, featuring stunning old colonial buildings and palaces, bohemian coffee shops, art galleries and theaters, and some remarkable examples of modern, futuristic architecture. The city is renowned for its collection of pre-Columbian gold art, magnificent colonial churches, and top-notch museums like the exceptional Museo del Oro, regarded as one of South America's finest museums. Bogotá provides visitors with all the amenities a contemporary city can offer, including a lively and diverse cultural scene. El Centro is packed with shops, offices, coffee shops, and a financial district. The majority of the best hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and nightclubs are situated in Zona Norte. Day trips from Bogotá include a visit to Zipaquirá, where you can see the remarkable underground cathedral constructed from a salt mine. Another interesting place to visit is Monserrate, which offers breathtaking views of the city.