Colombia

Incredibly diverse and utterly intoxicating, Colombia is a country that promises an unforgettable holiday. Its gorgeous landscapes of glittering coastline, dense jungle and soaring summits are accompanied by colonial cities and incredible archaeological sites. So, whether you're tempted by a beach break, an active adventure or simply the chance to soak up some unique South American culture, Colombia is an outstanding choice.

When to go to Colombia

National holidays and celebrations

Colombia has one of the highest numbers of national holidays of anywhere in the world, with some of the most important being the Catholic holidays of Easter and Christmas, but there are several major civic holidays as well. These include Independence Day on August 7th and New Year's Day (January 1st). Whether a national holiday is Catholic or civic, it means that travellers need to be prepared for locals to be on holiday - often, this means fewer local people in the major cities, and therefore many restaurants and other attractions will be either close very early, or not open at all. Remember, as in the UK, if a national holiday falls on a weekend, it will be marked the following Monday instead.
It's also worth bearing in mind that during some public holidays, hotel prices will be higher than usual - particularly in the week before Easter. You will also need to book your hotel as far in advance as possible during those periods.