When I first arrived in Colombia, I heard about a river that was supposed to be breathtakingly beautiful. I also heard that it was incredible hard to get to. So, I forgot about it. But then, last fall, some coworkers and I decided to go.

Coffee in place, good Colombian coffee, tipo exportacion, on my desk, I settle down to write a journal entry. Hopefully there’ll be no interruptions here in Mompós. And why should there be in this sleepy town that has captivated my imagination since 2007. Everything about Mompós is literary and almost as beckoning me to put pen to paper.

La Feria de las Flores began with Desfile de Silleteros (a flower parade) in the 1950′s, and has evolved into a 10-day festival with a myriad of events and parties to suit every paisa in Antioquia.

1. Cartagena

Cartagena´s colonial charm, colorful culture and picturesque coastal setting has made it Colombia´s number 1 travel destination for decades. Whether you´re there to wander through the narrow streets of the World Heritage Listed old city, party or chill out on the beaches of the beautiful neighboring islands, Cartagena certainly has something for everyone.