New York Times readers pick Colombia as #2 world destination in 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/travel/2010-places-to-go.html



In a poll of readers asking what destinations were top choices for visiting in 2010, Colombia ranked 2nd in the entire world as far as responses go, out of 1,532 responses. The NYT itself ranked it one of the top choices as well, noting:

26. Colombia
Unfairly or not, Colombia is still known for its cocaine cartels and street violence, but cool-hunting travelers are calling it Latin America’s next affordable hot spot.

Bogotá, its capital, has emerged as a role model of urban reinvention. Starting in the late 1990s, the city underwent a breathtaking transformation. Sidewalks, once used mainly for parking, are now lined with bicycle paths and tree-shaded cafes. An innovative bus system zips residents across the traffic-congested city. And museums and restaurants have opened in its historic center, including the refurbished Museo del Oro, which houses pre-Columbian treasures.

Getting there is affordable, too. JetBlue recently began nonstop daily service to Bogotá from Orlando, Fla., joining other carriers including Delta.

Meanwhile, the picturesque coastal city of Cartagena, a Unesco World Heritage site, which has been experiencing a tourism surge in recent years, gets even more stylish. The latest addition is the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa (www.tcherassihotels.com), a seven-room boutique hotel designed by Silvia Tcherassi, a Colombian fashion designer. It has even prompted some travel bloggers to call Cartagena the next Buenos Aires. — Denny Lee

Gold and Coffee: 10 Day Escorted Tour in Bogota and the Coffee Growing Region, Colombia

For more details, including the daily itinerary, check out
http://vamoscolombiatour.blogspot.com/2009/09/gold-and-coffee-10-day-escorted-tour-in.html
and our facebook page for the trip:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=135715701766

Gold and Coffee: 10 Day Escorted Tour in Bogota and the Coffee Growing Region, Colombia

Vamos Colombia Tour, LLC is offering our latest trip: 10 Days of Colombian Beauty and Flavor in October, 2009 (escorted by Walter Rey)

Escorted 10 Day Tour
Detailed Daily Itinerary
October 22-Nov 1, 2009

Double Occupancy $1979, plus airfair to Bogota
Single Supplement $400

www.VamosColombiaTour.com

Thursday Oct 22 - Bogota
Arrive in Bogota; Welcome dinner.

Friday Oct 23 - Bogota
9 am. On an included city tour we visit the highlights of Bogota, including: La Candelaria neighborhood and Monserrate for a great view of the city.
La Candelaria is the historical colonial center of Bogota, and contains many political, recreational and historical sites. We will visit the Donacion Botero Museum, the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango, La casa de Marques, and the Plaza de Bolivar. We will then explore the one-of-a-kind Gold museum where there is a rich display of our pre-Colombian indigenous gold artifacts in many forms. There are some very good restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy as we stroll around, including a delicious French-Colombian bakery.
3 pm. Back to hotel, relax. Dinner is on your own. For special dinner, we recommend the following high-end restaurants (reservations required): Leo Cocina y Cava (gourmet Colombian, very upscale) , Donostia (Spanish-Colombian, with emphasis on fresh ingredients), or Itanos (Italian-Colombian). We can assist you with transportation arrangements.
10 pm. Optional evening at the bars. We will help you with arrangements.

Saturday Oct 24- Bogota Environs
9 am. Tour through the picturesque countryside of green rolling hills and small towns. An all day tour of the Sabana of Bogota. This includes the traditional towns of Calera with the great Mercado , Sopo with it great and only Alpina creamery where we can taste the sweets of the milk products with a Swiss twist. Guatavita where the legends tell us about the Indigenous Cacique who bathed in the lake wearing gold on all his body. Zipaquira has the well known cathedral carved out of the underground salt mines. We will end up at Chia for a 6:30 pm. For dinner at Andres Carne de Res which defies description. Dinner here is a uniquely Colombian fiesta, including full dinner, live music and entertainment. Dancing always ensues, so bring your shoes!


Sunday Oct 25 - Bogota
Free day. Sunday in Bogota offers many options which you can explore during this free day, including the treasure-filled Sunday market in Usaquen (known for crafts and antiques); bicycling through the major city streets closed to car traffic; strolling though the botanic gardens; or brunch buffet filled with Colombian delicacies in an aristocratic setting (Club Colombia followed by shopping in the upscale northern boutiques and designer stores).
Additional optional half day trip: 11 am we drive to the lovely town of Subachoque, to visit an orphanage that takes in and cares for children with HIV while trying to place them with families followed by lunch at a lovely hacienda restaurant in the farming community outside of Bogota. Will be returning around 4pm.
We suggest a lighter fare dinner at Crepes and Waffles.

Monday Oct 26 Coffee Region (Armenia city, Quindio department)
We will be flying to Armenia, principle city of the Zona Cafetera, or Coffee Region. We will stay at an old hacienda on a coffee plantation or farm, which has been restored with period antiques and modern amenities. We visit Recuca, a working coffee farm where the visitor can experience the history and production of coffee, including harvesting the beans right off the plant, and then sitting for a tasting of the local product.

Tuesday Oct 27 Coffee Region
We visit one of the highlights of the region, the picturesque town of Salento, with its beautifully painted main square and attractive streets containing crafts, shops and cafes. From there it is a short drive to the Cocora Valley, home of Colombia’s national tree, the Wax Palm, rising from the green hills into the fog above, making for an incomparable sight.

Wednesday Oct 28 – Coffee Region
Free Day. As an option, spend time relaxing at the Santa Rosa de Cabal natural hot springs for a warm bath in a beautiful natural setting. A dip in the pool at the hacienda is an inviting alternative.


Thursday Oct 29 Coffee Region
Free day. Some options include a ride down the river on a balsa raft, a visit to the natural gardens with a butterfly encounter, or visiting other quaint and traditional towns, for example Manizales, famed for its beauty.

Friday Oct 30 – Fly to Bogota
Relax in the morning at the hacienda, and return to Bogota in afternoon.

Saturday Oct 31 - Bogota
Free Day We can provide additional suggestions for shopping or other activities.
Evening Halloween party at Teatron

Sunday Nov 1 Bogota; tour ends
Return to USA

Colombian Carnaval and Machu Picchu 13 day tip

AMERICAS TRAVEL and VAMOS COLOMBIA TOUR invite you to join us on an exciting journey to Peru and Colombia.

Peru - Colombia

13 Days Escorted Tour

February 12 - 24, 2010

The perfect combination to enjoy the best of Peru and Colombia, from ancient civilizations to cosmopolitan settings, from mystical encounters with the glorious past, high in the mountains, and in the enchanting Caribbean.

Barranquilla, Colombia, Colombia's "Golden Gate"; it's carnival features traditions dating back to the 19th century.

Cartagena, Colombia, has the largest (and best restored) walled colonial city surviving on the continent, combined with the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean.

Bogota, Colombia, has a thriving nightlife. Bogota also surprises visitors with its culture, including the famous Gold Museum, one of the largest pre-Colombian collections in the world.
Lima, Peru, takes you to the heart of the latest trend in international cuisine, with many new gourmet restaurants featuring the latest in modern Peruvian food.

Cuzco, and the Sacred Valley, in Peru, will introduce you to the ancient and modern worlds of the Inca civilization, from the beautiful ruins to the popular markets.

Machu Picchu, Peru, is heralded as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, a fascinating and spiritual destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

This 13 day trip includes 2 countries and 7 flights (domestic and international, all included in the 1 low price), with hotel, tours and some meals.

Only $3995 per person
Single Supplement $550.00

Price includes: International and domestic flights and transportation throughout the tour ~ Hotel accommodations, based on double occupancy ~ Daily breakfast and meals specified in the itinerary ~ Transportation in air-conditioned bus with driver and English-speaking guide ~ Visits mentioned in the itinerary with guides and entrance fees.

Price does not include: Optional Tours ~ Extra baggage charges ~ Gratuities and personal expenses ~ Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance ~ Airport Departure Taxes in South America

ITINERARY

Fri 12 Feb ~ USA to Barranquilla, Colombia
Depart USA in morning, arrive same evening, transfer to hotel.

Sat 13 Feb ~ Barranquilla
Attend Carnival parade. (B)

Sun 14 Feb ~ Barranquilla – Cartagena
Morning bus departure to Cartagena, transfer to hotel. Guided sunset walking tour old city; evening at leisure (B)

Mon 15 Feb ~ Cartagena
Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Rosario island day tour. (B)

Tue 16 Feb ~ Cartagena – Bogota
Flight to Bogota, transfer to High Park hotel (B)

Wed 17 Feb ~ Bogota
Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate and Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

Thu 18 Feb ~ Bogota
Half day tour : Zipaquira, Salt Cathedral; dinner optional at famed Andres Carne de Res (B)

Fri 19 Feb ~ Bogota – Lima, Peru
Flight to Lima, Peru, transfer to hotel Casa Andina Miraflores Centro. Half Day Lima city tour (B)

Sat 20 Feb ~ Lima
Day at leisure (B)

Sun 21 Feb ~ Lima to Cuzco
Flight to Cuzco, transfer to hotel, afternoon city tour including nearby ruins (B)

Mon 22 Feb ~ Machu Picchu
Full day excursion (B,L)

Tue 23 Feb ~ Sacred Valley
Full day excursion (B,L)

Thu 24 Feb ~ Cuzco to Lima to USA

To register for Peru & Colombia 2010, please follow these steps:
1. Fill out and sign the Registration Form (available upon request).
2. Review and sign a copy of the Terms and Conditions.
3. Fax or mail these documents to AMERICAS TRAVEL with your deposit.



AMERICAS TRAVEL
348 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-4421, USA
Fon: 415-703-9955 ~ Fax: 415-703-9959
www.americastravel.net
cesar@americastravel.net

VAMOS COLOMBIA TOUR

www.vamoscolombiatour.com

415-637-2660
walter@vamoscolombiatour.com

PROTECT YOUR TRAVEL INVESTMENT !

TravelGuard Essential - We recommend the purchase of the TravelGuard Essential policy, TravelGuard includes protection against Trip Cancellation or Interruption up to the total Trip Cost; $500 Trip Delay; $10,000 Medical Expenses; $100,000 Emergency Medical Transportation, $500 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Baggage & Travel Documents; $100 Baggage Delay; Free Lost Baggage Tracking; Travelguard Assistance, LiveTravel 24-hour hotline for emergencies; Live Messaging to relay email or phone messages; Emergency Cash transfers; and pre-trip Travel Advisories. Purchase your policy at the time of deposit to lock-in pre-existing condition coverage.

Latin Americas Travel, Inc., dba AMERICAS Travel . . . .. .. . . . CST 2064111-20

Special Deal: Bogota and Cartagena only $1,349 for 9 days

BOGOTA and CARTAGENA

9 DAYS, including Gay Pride Colombia

$1,349 (Double)

$1,695 (Single)

June 24 to July 2, 2009

Partially escorted

Cartagena, Colombia, has the largest (and best restored) walled colonial city surviving on the continent, which combined with the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean makes this UNESCO World Heritage site an unforgettable vacation spot.

Bogota, Colombia, has the thriving gay life, including a large gay pride parade in June, as well as over 80 bars and clubs. Gay Colombians even have the option of a same-sex civil union with legal benefits, and the city government supports the annual pride parade.

Bogota also surprises visitors with its culture, including the famous Gold Museum, one of the largest and most impressive pre-Colombian collections in the world.

This 9 day trip includes round trip airfare from Bogota to Cartagena, hotels, tours and some meals.

As a courtesy to our guests a free 1-hour professional massage will be available in Bogota for you.

Itinerary

W Arrive in Bogota; Check in High Park (gay) hotel (optional massage available)

Th Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate, Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

F Free Day; Optional (not included) ½ day tour to Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira. Dinner at Andres Carne de Res (B)

S Day at leisure in Bogota. Evening includes dinner and entrance to Theatron nightclub. (B,D)

Su Gay Pride parade in Bogota and related activities. Starting around noon (B)

M Fly to Cartagena. Guided sunset walking tour of old city; evening at leisure (B)

T Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Majagua Island and beach day tour. (B)

W Back to Bogota; Dinner with local family optional (B,D)

Th Return to USA

Price is per person depending on room occupancy, and does not include airfare to Colombia.

For more information and reservations, please contact Walter Rey at
walter@vamoscolombiatour.com or 415-637-2660

www.VamosColombiaTour.com

VAMOS COLOMBIA TOUR, LLC

CST# pending

$1,349 Double Occupancy

$1,695 Single Occupancy

Cost is per person

We reserve the right to substitute hotels or local tours if absolutely necessary.

Peru and Colombia 14 days Airfare Included - A great gay trip!

PERU AND COLOMBIA 14 DAYS

AIRFARE INCLUDED

Departing dates in 2009: June 18 (Gay Pride) and October 22

(Halloween)

Machu Picchu, Peru and

Bogota, Colombia: Gay Pride or Halloween

The perfect combination to enjoy the best of South America, from ancient civilizations to gay life in a cosmopolitan setting, from mystical encounters with the glorious past, high in the mountains, and in the enchanting Caribbean.

Machu Picchu, Peru, is heralded as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, a fascinating and spiritual destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Cartagena, Colombia, has the largest (and best restored) walled colonial city surv

iving on the continent, combined with the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean.

Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, in Peru, will introduce you to the ancient and modern worlds of the Inca civilization, from the beautiful ruins to the popular markets.

Bogota, Colombia, has the thriving gay life, including a large gay pride parade in June, as well as over 80 bars and clubs.

Bogota also surprises visitors with its culture, including the famous Gold Museum, one of the largest pre-Colombian collections in the world.

Lima, Peru, takes you to the heart of the latest trend in international cuisine, with many new gourmet restaurants featuring the latest in modern Peruvian food.

This 14 day trip includes 2 countries and 7 flights (domestic and international, all included in the 1 low price), with hotel, tours and some meals

Only $3,995 per person double occupancy

1. Arrive in Lima, Peru, transfer to hotel Casa Andina

2. Half Day Lima city tour (B)

3. Lima day at leisure (B)

4. Flight from Lima to Cuzco, transfer to hotel, afternoon city tour of city and nearby ruins (B)

5. Full day Machu Picchu excursion (B,L)

6. Full day tour Sacred Valley (B,L)

7. Fly from Cuzco to Bogota; transfer to High Park (gay) hotel (optional massage available) (B)

8. Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate and Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

9. Half day tour : Zipaquira, Salt Cathedral; dinner optional at famed Andres Carne de Res (B)

10. Day at leisure in Bogota. Evening includes dinner and entrance to Theatron nightclub. (B,D)

11. June trip: Gay Pride parade in Bogota and related activities. October trip: Free Day (B)

12. Fly to Cartagena. Guided sunset walking tour of old city; evening at leisure (B)

13. Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Majagua island day tour. (B)

14. Fly to Bogota and to USA

Information also available at

http://www.vamoscolombiatour.com/tours.htm

Please contact Walter Rey of Vamos Colombia Tour, LLC, at 415-637-2660 or

www.vamoscolombiatour.com walter@vamoscolombiatour.com

JOIN US FOR A GREAT (AND GAY) TIME IN PERU AND COLOMBIA!

Bogota: "Great Destination (bad reputation)" says Conde Nast Traveler Magazine

Bogota featured in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as a "Great Destination" with a bad (and not longer deserved) reputation.

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500609









Check out some of the quotes:

"This walkable metropolis of seven million is once again reclaiming its role as Latin America's intellectual and cultural hub"

"Bogotá is rapidly emerging as one of Latin America's hottest destinations. The city boasts one of the world's biggest theater festivals every other spring (festivaldeteatro.com.co); a free massive open-air rock concert series each November (rockalparque.gov.co); and a jazz festival every September (teatrolibre.com/jazz_home.html). There are more than 50 museums in the city, with exhibitions ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts in the Gold Museum (Calle 16 No. 5-41; 57-1-343-2221) to Fernando Botero's corpulent contemporary take on the human body at the Botero Museum (Calle 11 No. 4-41; 57-1-343-1331)."

"The best of the Sunday flea markets are in the trendy Usaquén area, where antiques, fine leather goods, and wood carvings are readily available on the street and in the many boutiques along the edges of the market."

The same edition also lists Armando Records in Bogota as on the 35 top new bars and clubs of the world. It is an open air roof top lounge with a line down the street to get in.