From the storied capital of Bogotá to Medelín to the Amazon Basin, this guide to Colombia, South America, offers readers practical advice on planning your trip and explains the country in the context of its history, culture, cuisine, landscape, and flora and fauna. Acclaimed travel writer Christopher Baker explores the Eastern Highlands, the Caribbean Lowlands, the Western and Southern Highlands, the Pacific & San Andrés, and Los Llanos & the Amazon Basin. Contemporary editorial features and experiential sidebars highlight every aspect of life and every activity under the Colombian sun: how emeralds are mined and marketed, the history of pirates off Colombia's shores, parrots and macaws, volcanoes, whale watching, and poison dart frogs. Gorgeous National Geographic photography and useful maps help you navigate your way around Colombia and its many landscapes: Take a walk through Bogotá's historic Candelaria district, take a drive through coffee country, follow in the footsteps of Gabriel García Márquez, or enjoy a drive around San Andrés.

After studying geography at the University of London and Latin American studies at the University of Liverpool, CHRISTOPHER P. BAKER settled in California and established a career as a travel writer, photographer, and lecturer. He has authored and photographed the National Geographic Traveler guidebooks to Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Panama. His more than 20 other books include Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba, plus two coffee table books: Cuba Classics: A Celebration of Vintage American Automobiles and Enchanting Costa Rica. Baker--the Lowell Thomas Award 2008 Travel Journalist of the Year--has written for more than 200 international publications, including CNN Travel, National Geographic Traveler and Robb Report. He has spoken at the National Geographic Society (televised live); has been profiled in USA Today; and has appeared on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, NPR and Fox TV, among other radio and TV outlets. He escorts National Geographic Expeditions tours and photo expeditions to Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Cuba.