Bradt Colombia

by Sarah Woods

Much like neighboring Panama, Colombia is home to a fascinating mix of cultures and wildlife. The country has more plant and animal species per square mile than any other country in the world – over 130,000 endemic plants and 1,900 species of bird – and both coastlines (Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea) are rich in coral reefs and marine life. Sports enthusiasts are catered for with climbing, paragliding, fishing, diving and windsurfing, and for the culture vultures Colombia also boasts historic colonial and six sites with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Genres: Travel

454 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2008

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the wake of the scandal involving the Lonely Planet Colombia book, I began searching for another guidebook about Colombia that would be current, well-researched, and honest. I chose Bradt's guide mostly because there is not a whole lot of current information about Colombia. All in all, I've been quite pleased. The book is a little short on "nuts and bolts" information for my taste - things like bus schedules, costs, and times - but is very heavy on interesting sidebars and in depth examination of what makes Colombia the amazing destination that it is. The book seems to be honest to what I remember of Colombia - from ten years ago - as well as informative enough that I plan on making the Bradt guide my main resource when I'm back in country next year. A very solid travel guide.

[Mereke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colombia only has 2 well-known travel books - the Lonely Planet and this one (published new in 2008 and it reads quite up to date.) I have been skimming this one and it's obvious the author really knows Colombia and her voice is evident in the writing which makes it more interesting. It also seems to have quite a bit more detail and recommendations than the Lonely Planet (not that LP is bad, it's just not as good.) I will definitely start recommending the Bradt guide to people who come to visit Colombia.

[Susie]

I didn't read the whole thing, but the parts on Cartagena and Bogota were pretty helpful. One major note: the book is only a few years old, but the prices are already very out of date, double everything you read!