FAQ · Geography & Regions 9

Colombia has been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes in the past. For example, Hurricane Matthew affected the coast of Colombia with flooding rains and tropical storm-force winds. During this event, heavy rainfall was recorded in Cartagena and Santa Marta. Additionally, Tropical Storm Bret moved across northern Colombia in 1993. This specific storm resulted in one death within the country.

Colombia features a diverse landscape including flat coastal lowlands and eastern lowland plains. The country is also characterized by central highlands and the high Andes Mountains. Altitude plays a major role in the environment and significantly influences vegetation patterns. Different zones exist such as the hot land, temperate land, and cold land. These variations in elevation create a wide range of different natural environments across the country.

The two main monsoon seasons occur in April and November, which can lead to floods in the Caribbean Region, the eastern savannahs, and the Magdalena and Cauca River valleys. Rainfall is heaviest in the Pacific lowlands and parts of eastern Colombia, where rain is almost a daily occurrence. The Pacific lowlands are among the wettest regions in the world, with Lloro being estimated to have the highest average annual precipitation. In contrast, the dry seasons typically occur from January through March and July through September. During these dry periods, abnormally dry conditions can cause water shortages for urban centers and crops.

Medellín is the second city in Colombia with the worst air quality, and Downtown Medellín is one of the most contaminated areas due to car emissions. Low quality gasoline and diesel are considered main sources of air pollutants in the city. Cali is also one of the cities of greatest concern regarding air pollution alongside Bogotá and Medellín. To address this, authorities in Cali launched the Clean Air for Cali Program to reduce atmospheric contamination. This program focuses on emissions, health impacts, and improving air quality monitoring. Air quality reports for these areas are publicly available.

The Banana Massacre occurred between December 5 and 6, 1928, in Ciénaga near Santa Marta. It involved workers of the United Fruit Company who had gone on strike on November 12 to demand dignified working conditions. The workers made nine specific demands, including better pay, hygienic dormitories, and the abolition of payment through coupons. After the company refused to negotiate, the Colombian government sent 700 soldiers to quell the strikers. This resulted in a massacre where historical records suggest between 47 and 2000 people were killed.

You can travel between cities using domestic airlines or by bus. Major airlines include Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Wingo, while Satena provides service to remote regions. Traveling by bus is widespread and long-distance trips rarely cost over US$55 one way. However, bus travel tends to be very slow because main highways are two-lane roads with heavy truck traffic. For any distance longer than five hours, you may want to consider air travel instead.

The historical Inca Road system was a great network that reached the northernmost limits of the Andean mountain range in the Los Pastos region of Colombia. This road was built through deep valleys, high peaks, and snow covered mountains. It featured various terrains including marshes of water, live rock, and areas beside furious rivers. In the snowy parts, the road included steps and resting places for travelers. The system was well maintained with dwellings, warehouses, and relay stations along the route.

The meter in all taxis starts at COP$25 and increases based on the distance traveled. The final number on the meter corresponds to a tariff displayed on the front seat of the cab. You should be aware that prices increase on Sundays, public holidays, late at night, and early in the morning. There are also extra charges for baggage and for booking a taxi in advance by telephone. While it is not customary to tip the driver, it is ultimately up to the individual.

Rail transport in Colombia remains underdeveloped and has been neglected in favor of road development. While the network links seven of the country's ten major cities, very little of it is used regularly. This is due to security concerns, lack of maintenance, and the power of the road transport union. Long-distance passenger-rail use is considered abandoned. Currently, only two passenger trains are still functioning between Puerto Berrío and García Cadena, and between Bogotá and Zipaquirá.