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The Darien Gap is a section of land straddling the borders of Colombia in South America and Panama in Central America. Because of the activities of drug smugglers and Colombian rebel forces, the Darien Gap is known as one of the most dangerous places in the world. There are no roads connecting Panama and Colombia, so the Pan-American Highway simply stops here. On top of all this, the area is covered in thick, impenetrable jungle. Travelers who wish to go between Colombia and Panama are generally advised to find ways to get around the Darien Gap.
The Tayrona National Park is an area of spectacular beauty and one of Colombia's greatest treasures. Its 58 square miles run from the rainforest-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta down to the beaches of the Caribbean coast. Finally reclaimed, after years of struggle, from Colombia's warring paramilitary groups, Tayrona now attracts an increasing number of tourists, who can choose to stay in accommodation either inside or outside the park.
With its beautiful Caribbean coastline and stunning colonial architecture, Cartagena is one of South America´s most romantic cities. Cartagena is also, not surprisingly, Colombia´s most tourist-friendly city and welcomes huge crowds of foreigners arriving by land, sea, and air each day. Traveling to Cartagena is quite easy and is no easier or more difficult than traveling to any major international city.
After years of civil conflict, Colombia has emerged a safe travel destination that's attracting visitors from all over the world. With more and more direct international flights entering the country each year, Colombia's airports are welcoming travelers with open arms. Though there are some things you should watch out for, getting into Colombia by plane is a relatively simple process.
Once a dangerous country plagued by drug crime, guerrilla warfare, paramilitaries and civil unrest, Colombia is currently experiencing a level of peace that has allowed tourism to thrive. Cautious travelers can experience the varied countryside full of mountains, jungle and coastal plains, along with rich archeological and cultural sites.
Colombia, a country in the northern part of South America, has long been regarded as a dangerous country because of guerrilla warfare. In the past several years, however, rebel activity has been lower due to military efforts in Colombia, and tourists have taken advantage of the relative safety. While guerrilla activity in Colombia should not inhibit your travel, you should exercise caution when traveling over land.