Colombia's Amazing Recovery

In the 1990's anti-government insurgents and illegal paramilitary groups funded by the drug trade caused civil unrest. The insurgents lacked the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government, and violence has been decreasing for the past 8 years.

President Uribe Change occured with the election of President Alvaro Uribe in 2002. He increased the military from 12,000 to 80,000 men. The insurgents are now cornered in the South of the country. 33,000 former paramilitaries have been demobilized. The government has reasserted control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every municipality.

President Alvaro Uribe is immensely popular due to his peace, order and good government crackdown. He has ameliorated conditions for the poor, like a new cable car system into impoverished working-class areas of Medellín. In 2006 he easily won re-election with 62% of the popular vote.

Colombia's economy experienced positive growth over the past 3 years despite high defence spending. The economy continues to improve due to austere government budgets, focused efforts to reduce public debt, an export-oriented growth strategy, an improved security situation and high commodity prices.

You Can Feel Safe!

It is perhaps ironic, but some Canadian and many US cities had much higher 2006 per capita murder rates than they had in Bogotá or Medellín in Colombia. The security crack down in Colombia has been vast and effective. Foreigners visiting places like Medellín have stated for the record that it is one of the safest South American communities they have visited.

Floating Police Station in Puerto Carreño Puerto Carreño in Vichada is also very safe. Some have wandered tipsy through town to their hotel, well after midnight, with a little bit too much rum on board. The town is typical of friendly rural communities. You will agree when you come to visit your trees.

Speaking of rum, we highly recommend the excellent Ron Viejo de Caldas sold in Puerto Carreño, as well as the excellent Aguila beer and the more robust Club Colombia beer. Several bars and small restaurants with hearty country fare round out the dining choices in town. Or start your day with freshly squeezed orange juice and a serving of buñuelos (delicious, round cheese fritters).