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Hoyo Soplador
At the southern tip of the island, the Hoyo Soplador is a small geyser where sea water spouts into the air (up to 20m at times) through a natural hole in the coral rock. This phenomenon occurs only at certain times, when the winds and tide are right. An international surf contest i
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Parque de la Vida
If all the concrete is getting too much, stop by this tranquil park located in a valley in the middle of the city. It features both gardens and forested areas, as well as several small lakes and a fast-flowing stream. Keep an eye out for the guatin(a kind of large rodent); they may
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Iglesia de la Merced
Begun around 1545, this is the citys oldest church. Its a lovely whitewashed building in the Spanish colonial style, with a long, narrow nave, and humble wood and stucco construction. Inside, a heavily gilded baroque high altar is topped by the Virgen de las Mercedes, the patron sa
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Museo Militar
This two-floor museum is run by military guys in fatigues, and may be interesting to some for its playful models sporting the history of military uniforms (note the antiterrorist outfit); a Korean War room; and a courtyard of artillery and aircraft including a presidential helicopt
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Plaza de la Aduana
This is the largest and oldest square in the old town and was used as a parade ground. In colonial times, all the important governmental and administrative buildings were here. The old Royal Customs House was restored and is now the City Hall. A statue of Christopher Columbus stand
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Museo de Arte Colonial
This museum occupies a one-time Jesuit college and traces the evolution of how religious and portrait art pieces are made, particularly by Colombias favorite baroque artist, Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos (1638–1711). At time of research, it was closed for renovations and is e
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Museo de Arte Moderno Ramírez Villamizar
In a 450-year-old mansion, this museum has about 40 works by Eduardo Ramírez Villamizar, one of Colombias most outstanding artists, born in Pamplona in 1923. The collection gives an insight into his artistic development from expressionist painting of the 1940s to geometric abstract
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Capitolio Nacional
On the southern side of the plaza stands this neoclassical seat of Congress. It was begun in 1847, but due to numerous political uprisings was not completed until 1926. Its square-facing facade was built by English architect Thomas Reed. To visit, call ahead; otherwise you can wand
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Lago Tarapoto
Lago Tarapoto, 10km west of Puerto Nariño, is a beautiful jungle lake that is home to pink and gray dolphins, manatees and massive Victoria Regia waterlilies. A half-day trip to the lake in a peque-peque can be organized from Puerto Nariño (COP$50,000 for up to four people), and is
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Alto de los Ídolos
Located across the Río Magdalena 4km southwest of San José de Isnos (a clutch of houses 26km northeast of the town of San Agustín), this is the second-most important archaeological park in the region. Its home to the largest statue in the San Agustín area, which is 7m tall but with
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Iglesia de San Antonio
Constructed in 1747, this small church is set atop a hill, the Colina de San Antonio, west of the old center. It shelters valuable tallas quiteñas, 17th-century carved-wood statues of the saints, representing the style known as the Quito School. The park surrounding the church offe
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Casa de Aquileo Parra
The Casa de Aquileo Parra is a small, humble home of Alquileo Parrera, who served as Colombia’s 11th president (1876–78). There’s a small museum but most of the building is now a cooperative for elderly weavers where you can watch them at work. The woman who runs the co-op can give
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Casa Colonial
One of the oldest buildings in town, Casa Colonial dates from the early Spanish days. The collection includes some pre-Columbian pottery, colonial sacred art, artifacts of several indigenous communities including the Motilones and Tunebos (the two indigenous groups living in Norte
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Jardín Botánico
One of Medellín nicest green spaces, the botanic gardens covers 14 hectares, showcases 600 species of trees and plants, and includes a lake, a herbarium and a butterfly enclosure. A couple of hours here offers a fine respite from the bustle of the city. The gardens are easily acces
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Panaca
This farm-themed park caters to city Colombians nostalgic for their rural past. Located just near Quimbaya, a short bus ride from Armenia, it has more than 4500 domestic animals, including many rare domestic breeds. The real highlight of any visit are the animal shows, especially p
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Playa Olímpica
Just south of the mouth of the Río Nuquí, rugged Playa Olímpica stretches as far as the eye can see. A local named Señor Pastrana can paddle you across the river in his dugout canoe (COP$5000). To find him, walk south along the main beach road, past the church; he lives a block fro
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Casa Anzoátegui
A disappointing museum related to the crucial events surrounding General José Antonio Anzoátegui, the Venezuelan hero of the independence campaign who fought under Bolívar. His strategic abilities largely contributed to the victory in the Battle of Boyacá of 1819. He died here, thr
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Museo de Caribe
A very smart, modernistic, multimedia-heavy permanent exhibition detailing the culture, history, nature and people of Colombias Carribbean. Youre advised by staff to start on the upper floor and work your way down – but theres no real reason to do this. If you want to avoid hordes
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Puente del Humilladero
Popayán´s emblematic landmark, this 240m-long, 11-arch brick bridge was constructed in the mid-19th century to improve access to the center from the poor northern suburbs. It dwarfs the adjacent Puente de la Custodia, a pretty stone bridge constructed in 1713 to allow priests to cr
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Catedral de Manizales
Plaza de Bolívar’s south side is dominated by the odd but impressive Catedral de Manizales. Begun in 1929 and built of reinforced concrete, it is among the first churches of its kind in Latin America. Its main tower is 106m high, making it the highest church tower in the country. Y
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