Salsa, literature, art, Colombia is known for its love of the small pleasures and grand passions of life. You’ll feel it in all its major metropolises, from Bogota with its baroque grandeur, shiny skyscrapers and edgy street art all melting into one, to Cali, where the streets come alive with dance parties at night, to Medellin, so-called City of Sculptures because of its artworks, including Boteros, scattered across public plazas.

Colombia uses the peso (COP). Credit cards are accepted at most establishments, but it would be useful to have some cash on you for smaller restaurants and shops.

Colombia’s lowlands enjoy year-round tropical weather, with averages temperatures of 24°C – 32°C. The highlands, meanwhile, are 13°C – 18°C, and can get very cold at night. Columbia is also known for its rains which peak in April and October.

All of Colombia’s major cities have their own airport. These are served by flights from all across the Americas, with some from Europe as well. Travelling within the country is mostly by domestic flight, as deceptively close locations in fact involve long, winding drives.

Bogota is one of the largest cities in the world, with so much to see and do. Start out at Plaza de Bolivar, seat of the government with its spectacular neoclassical buildings, then explore the surrounding maze streets of La Candelaria, museums and churches.

Because of its size, where you stay in Bogota will also determine what you do. In Usaquen, history meets the modern day, with beautiful architecture and country clubs, luxury malls and restaurants sprinkled in for good measure. And in the Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93, you can taste your way around Colombia then party until dawn.

The first Spanish colony in the Americas, Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination. Within its walls, you’ll find fortresses, churches and museums to enter, but really just walking around is beautiful in itself. Perfectly preserved, colourful and overflowing with jacaranda, you’ll find charming shops and cafes to stop at all along the way.

With its wide variety of landscapes, Colombian food is rich in diversity, with fresh produce and meat from the Andean regions, and seafood from all along the coast. And while it may share some similarities with the rest of Latin America, it offers its own unique take on things like tamales and empanadas, so be prepared to sample new flavours.

Colombia is also known for its desserts which are sinfully sweet, like the cholado fruit salad and shaved ice topped with condensed milk, whipped cream and sprinkles, and famous tres leches cake. Be sure to enjoy with a cup of coffee, or aguardiente if you dare, an anise-flavoured liqueur made from sugarcane.

As a deeply Catholic country, Colombia’s religious celebrations are magical to watch. During Holy Week, you’ll find solemn processions all across the country, with ornately decorated floats depicting the Easter miracle.

Colombia is also a fun-loving country, with carnivals throughout the year: Barranquilla hosts one of the biggest in the world, with the entire city dressing up for four days of non-stop parading. There is the Battle of the Flowers led by the Carnival Queen, then concerts and all different types of dance, from cumbia to samba to fandango.

Minor Hotels has hotels large and small, luxurious and simple, in all of Colombia’s biggest cities. Located in the best neighbourhoods, you’ll find yourself surrounded by restaurants, bars, malls and parks, living life like a lucky local.