Vibrant cities with soaring skyscrapers, elegant port towns cut by cobbled alleys and bougainvillea-shrouded balconies, spectacular national parks from tropical to heavenly-high-alpine, cruise boats, party buses, late-night salsa dancing and glorious shopping. This is Colombia we're talking about!

On the surface, Colombia is a seemingly untroubled country. Media reports, however, still speak of coca fields, violent crime and kidnappings. Beyond the headlines is a thriving society with a rising middle class, some of the best health care and universities in South America, and improved security.