Bogotá, Colombia, is an amazing and very diverse city. Beautiful street art is everywhere you look, and street markets sell everything from produce to art pieces. The Paloquemao Market sells everything from flowers to fish and serves as the agricultural distribution hub. 

Just outside Bogotá, the old salt mines were turned into a cathedral, the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral – a must-see. A stunning underground experience of decorative light displays. Another must-see on the outskirts of Bogotá is the Casa Terracotta, an architectural marvel by Octavio Mendoza. Made entirely of baked clay.

The Cuadrillas de San Martín was the draw for me and the reason we took off for Colombia. It was presented as an indigenous celebration, which always gets my attention. For me, the term “intact” indigenous culture is the key. When a festival is held in a huge stadium with loudspeakers and packed grandstands, that is hardly ”intact,” but it was still very interesting. 

We had press passes (again hardly “intact”) which got us onto the field so we could photograph. You did take your life into your own hands since the horses and horsemen were not looking out for you; you looked out for yourself.  Staying safe and unharmed meant ducking behind a pole at the last minute. There was a parade the day before and the day of; we were able to experience the Cachaceros getting into their costumes for the big event. Both events were worth the price of admission. Cuadrillas de San Martín is an ancient tradition spanning more than 300 years. I wish I had been there years ago.