Tropic Thunder

A potent Colombian luxury hospitality renaissance is rising in Cartagena and beyond

- By Si Si Penaloza

Colombia's ripening cultural renaissance has never been more apparent, its vivid heritage of European, Indigenous and African influences is rich and runs deep. So go ahead and fall for the South American try-hard who's like that cryptic-but-lovable teen crush you still think about to this day. There's so much to love about the sheer effort.

From her beguiling history rises an eclectic fusion of tradition and vanguardism in the thriving hotspots of Medellin and Bogotá. A land of extremes in Latin America, geographic diversity mirrors the myriad cultural influences, from soaring snowy Andean summits down to the arid plains of El Paramo. From lively, pretty beaches to the lush Amazonian jungle and aromatic cache of homegrown coffee-this is the Colombia that you don't see on CNN.

Despite only taking up a landmass roughly twice the size of Texas, Colombia's standing as the most biodiverse country per square mile in the world makes it an irresistible draw for bird, butterfly, and orchid enthusiasts. Meaning, there's much more to gawk at than local leggy lingerie models. Throw in trekking, whitewater paddle sports, and diving on two oceans, and you've got quite a compelling hook for adventure travelers. While your more basic mates may be stuck on Cabo or Cayman on repeat, don't count out Colombia-its plum sunshine spots are more accessible than people think.