Geography

Area

Colombia has an area of 1,141,748 kmts2. Its boundaries are:

» North: Caribbean Sea.
» East: Venezuela and Brazil.
» South: Ecuador and Peru.
» West: Pacific Ocean and Panama.
» Ocean surface borders: Several Central American countries.

Colombia is divided into five main regions, within which are the 32 departments that make up its territorial division:

Andean Region

Formed by the ten (10) departments (central part of the country). Antioquia, Boyaca, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Huila, Norte de Santander, Quindío, Risaralda, Santander and Tolima.

Amazon Region

Is the largest region, but also the least populated, is made up of six (6) departments located in the southeast, near the borders with Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, these are: Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vaupés.

Caribbean Region

Eight (8) departments are in the north of the country, bordering the Caribbean Sea, These departments are: Atlantic, Bolivar, Cesar, Cordoba, La Guajira, Magdalena, Sucre, San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.

Orinoco region

Four (4) departments near the border with Venezuela. Arauca, Casanare, Meta and Vichada.

Pacific Region

Four (4) departments bordering the Pacific Ocean in the West and Ecuador. Cauca, Choco, Nariño and Valle del Cauca.

Weather

For the characteristics of its territory and location Colombia has a variety of climates. Colombia has two seasons: summer and winter, the latter receiving its name by being the rainy season, varying slightly from region to region.

Bogota, at an elevation of about 2,650 m. (about 8,660 ft.), it is the third highest capital in south America after La Paz (Bolivia) and Quito (Ecuador). The climate is temperate. The average temperature is around 14.4° C (58° F) all year round. The main dry season lasts from December to March, and the wettest months are April and October.

Medellín, located at 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level, its climate is not as hot as other cities located at the same latitude near the equator. The city's average annual temperature is 22 °C (72 °F), and because of its proximity to the equator, its temperature is constant year round, with minimal temperature variations. Temperatures range from 15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F)., Medellín is known as the 'City of the Eternal Spring'. However, as the city is located in a valley and many of its districts are on slopes, temperatures can be slightly cooler on the surrounding mountains.

Bucaramanga, with its tropical climate slightly moderated by the 959m (about 3200 ft) plateau elevation, it has an average temperature of 26°C (82ºF) with an average humidity of 65%. The climate supports numerous outdoor activities and sports, including golf, water sports and fishing.

Cartagena, is located at sea level. The average annual year-round temperature in Cartagena is a balmy 88 degrees. This can turn with the wind, however, so you might consider a light jacket, but it's unlikely you will actually need it.