GENERAL INFORMATION

COLOMBIA

Capital: Bogota

Population: 49.8 Million

Language: Spanish

Currency: Colombian Peso

Time Zone: UTC/GMT - 5

Sunrise & Sunset: August: ~ 5:50am/ 6:15pm

Climate: Colombia features a tropical climate, with an average humidity of around 90%, hot temperatures, and wind gusts. The rainy season typically runs from May – June and October – November.

Quick Climate Info:

Hottest month: July (89.2° F/ 32° C average)

Coldest Month: January (75° F/ 24° C average)

Wettest Month: October (9.4”/ 24 cm average)

Annual Rainfall: 42.7”/ 108 cm

Drinking Water: Generally speaking, tap water is perfectly safe to drink throughout Colombia. Destinations

Armenia

Founded in 1889, Armenia is the capital of Colombia’s Quindío Department. Beautifully framed by the Andes Mountains, the city’s is centered on the lively Plaza de Bolivar, site of the modern Catedral La Inmaculada Concepción. Badly damaged by a 1999 earthquake, the city has struggled to rebuild, but visitors are sure to charmed by Armenia’s Botanical Gardens, it’s museum, and most importantly, it’s people.

General Information:

Official Name: Armenia

Nickname: Ciudad Milagro (Miracle City)

Founded: October 14, 1889

Population: 292,008 (2012 est.)

May/June Climate Info:

Avg. High: 78° F (26° C)

Avg. Low: 66° F (18° C)

Avg. Hours of Sunshine: 175

Avg. Rainfall: Approx. 6.89 in. (175 mm)

Santiago de Cali

A unassuming, hot, but ultimately fascinating city, Cali is the beating heart of Colombia. Founded in 1536, the city has grown to be the economic center of southwest Colombia. Famed for it’s rich Afro-Caribbean roots, the city seemingly sways to the rhythm of its signature dance, Salsa! A place not to be missed, come see why people here say: 'Cali es Cali y lo demás es loma, ¿oís?' (Cali is Cali, and the rest [of Colombia] is just mountain, ya hear?).

General Information:

Official Name: Santiago de Cali

Nickname: Cali

Founded: July 25, 1536

Population: 2,400,653 (2012 est.)

May/June Climate Info:

Avg. High: 82° F (28° C)

Avg. Low: 66° F (18° C)

Avg. Hours of Sunshine: 155

Avg. Rainfall: Approx. 3.7 in. (96 mm)

Buenaventura

Spanish for “good fortune,” Buenaventura is Colombia’s largest port on the Pacific Ocean. Most of the city’s tourism centers on the muelle turistico – the tourist wharf, which features a variety of delicious restaurants and boutique shops.

General Information:

Official Name: Buenaventura

Nickname: El Puerto (The Port)

Founded: July 14, 1540

Population: 333,194 (2012 est.)

May/June Climate Info:

Avg. High: 92° F (33° C)

Avg. Low: 67° F (19° C)

Avg. Hours of Sunshine: 116

Avg. Rainfall: Approx. 23.89 in. (606.7 mm)