From the storied capital of Bogota to Medelin to the Amazon Basin, this guide to Colombia, South America, offers readers practical advice on planning your trip and explains the country in the context of its history, culture, cuisine, landscape, and flora and fauna. Acclaimed travel writer Christopher Baker explores the Eastern Highlands, the Caribbean Lowlands, the Western and Southern Highlands, the Pacific & San Andres, and Los Llanos & the Amazon Basin. Contemporary editorial features and experiential sidebars highlight every aspect of life and every activity under the Colombian sun- how emeralds are mined and marketed, the history of pirates off Colombia's shores, parrots and macaws, volcanoes, whale watching, and poison dart frogs. Gorgeous National Geographic photography and useful maps help you navigate your way around Colombia and its many landscapes- Take a walk through Bogota's historic Candelaria district, take a drive through coffee country, follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, or enjoy a drive around San Andres.