Traveling the northern Caribbean coastline from Cartagena, Bolívar to Cabo de la Vela, la Guajira you can find an incredible diversity of beaches.

Geographically speaking, Colombia is a surprisingly diverse country. Before arriving in 2009, I imagined it was one big jungle. I'm embarssed to admit that my knowledge of the country was limited to what I'd seen on news clips and in Hollywood movies.

Right up in the north-eastern corner of Colombia, bordering Venezuela and the Caribbean lies the Guajira peninsula. This is a region that nominally belongs to Colombia but remains sparsely populated and out of touch with the rest of the country due in part to its hostile yet intriguing desert environment. Make the trip here now as it is slowly becoming a travel destination for the more intrepid visitor.

To many people the whole of Colombia remains 'off the beaten track', but this is a situation that is  rapidly changing. As you walk the streets of Bogota or Medellin, increasingly you bump into travellers and expats that have discovered the paradise of Colombia, and are intent on spreading the word. Worried your favourite destinations are going to get crowded before long? Fear not.