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Bogota Travel Guide
For decades, Bogota has been a turn-off for tourists, overrun by notorious drug dealers and organized crime syndicates. In fact, it was considered as one of the most violent cities in the world; during the ‘90s, more than 4,000 cases of homicides were documented each year. Taking drastic action, the Colombian government implemented the “Comunidad Segura” project. The situation improved considerably, and the city has become one of the safest in Latin America.
Today, Bogota has completely reinvented itself. Generating more than 25 percent of the country's annual GDP, the city is one of the most prosperous in the continent - its wealth manifesting in its urban landscape. Towering buildings dominate its skyline, parks and leisure spots dot its terrain, while buzzing clubs and bars highlight the night.
Seven Million
Bogota is home to more than seven million people, and is Colombia's most densely populated city. Because of its incredible ethnic diversity, with numerous Colombians from different parts of the country emigrating there, the city has become a melting pot of cultures. The Spanish-which colonized the country in the 16th century-influenced Bogota's cuisine, religion, and customs. They also handed down a few of their colorful festivals, such as the Tomatina and Carnaval.
While Bogota is prosperous, the wealth is not distributed equally among its inhabitants. Some 32 percent of its people live in poverty, and shanties dominate the city's southern portion. Still, 99.5 percent of the households have electricity, and illiteracy is the lowest in the country.
Sights and Sounds of Bogota
The city of Bogota is one of the highlights of a visit to Colombia, evidenced by the more than 600,000 foreign tourists who head there yearly. A bustling urban destination, it is known for its excellent restaurants and busy shopping malls. Not to mention its array of theaters, wherein visitors can watch local plays and other performances.
Bogota also is a haven for the avid cyclists. It boasts of the Cicloruttas bicycle route, which at nearly 303 kilometers long is one of the most extensive dedicated bike path networks in the world. The city has a historic center as well, the La Candelaria sector filled with architectural sites and monuments. Warranting a mention are its libraries and museums, the most important in the continent.
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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