Honest thoughts on Colombia after my first visit

First time in Colombia and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Bogotá was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best sancocho I've ever had. Coffee Region was the big set piece and fully justified the trip.

Two things worth knowing: some areas still off-limits, which is more of a factor than some guides acknowledge. But also: Cartagena is one of the Americas' most beautiful cities, which I'd never read about and turned out to be a genuine pleasure. Solid first impression — I'd return.