Colombia has a population of 45 million people, a life expectancy of 73 and a per capita GDP of $7,000. The country is enjoying surging tourism and strong growth in the Colombian economy, thanks to the efforts of ex-President Alvaro Uribe Velez almost 9 years ago to reassert noticeable control over rebel violence and drug operations. The government has a presence in every municipality. Peru has replaced Colombia as the largest cocaine producer in the world and the drug barons have moved to Mexico, thanks to a bottomless appetite for drugs in the United States. Colombia's people are ranked the 3rd happiest on the planet, with a literacy rate of 94%, higher than the world average.  20,000 new cars a month flood onto Bogotá streets as part of this peaceful economic resurgence. Colombia is ethnically tolerant with numerous communities complementing the Spanish and aboriginal majorities. Canada has ratified its free trade agreement with Colombia.

The immensely popular ex-President Alvaro Uribe Velez has now been replaced by his former defence minister, His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos, who won by a 9 million vote landslide with 69% of the popular vote. H.E. Juan Manuel Santos promises to continue the economic and security policies of his predecessor. Despite some slowing due to the global recession in 2008 and 2009, the Colombian economy has continued to grow at a rate of about 5% per annum. This has led many independent analysts like Business Week magazine to tout Colombia as an excellent investment jurisdiction.

You Can Feel Safe!

It is perhaps ironic, but some Canadian and many US cities have much higher per capita murder rates than does Bogotá 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. Numerous hostages once held by the insurgents have been liberated. The demobilization of the former paramilitary groups is complete. The rebels are collapsing, with insurgent groups surrendering and demobilizing on a weekly basis.

Puerto Carreño in Vichada is very safe. Some of our visitors have wandered through town well after midnight with a bit too much rum on board, only to have the locals make sure they get to their hotel safe and sound. The town is typical of friendly rural communities. You will agree with us when you come to visit your tropical 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 Puerto Carreño. Or start your day with freshly squeezed orange juice and a serving of buñuelos (delicious, round cheese fritters) at the Radio Mango café. Check out our Colombia bookstore.