Anyone looking to escape the harsh realities of the 21st century should head for Providencia.

This tiny island in the Caribbean enchants with its striking natural beauty, swaying palm trees and crystal clear waters.

Interaction with the locals is another highlight - a tiny population means that everyone seems to know each other and swapping stories about friends and neighbors is a time-honored tradition.

Providencia is only 17-square kilometres so it possibly to walk around the island in day, passing through quaint settlements as you go.

Bogotá is Columbia's sprawling capital

The Colombian capital is a heaving metropolis that bursts with energy.

Walk beneath Cartagena's pastel-colored mansion

Even the most jaded traveler can't help but be swept up by the magic of Cartagena.

Oozing romance, the old city is a warren of cobblestone streets that meander between pastel-painted mansions.

Each turn of a corner reveals bougainvillea-covered balconies, sun-bleached walls and the sounds of cumbia or vallenato crackling from old radios.

Time seems to have stopped in Mompós a long ago.

Founded in the late 1500s, the town saw early prosperity as an active port along the Río Magdalena. But in the late 19th century shipping traffic was diverted and Mompós lost its reason to exist.

Still the town managed to carry on and stands today as a relic of the forgotten past.

Today, most locals pass the time rocking in their rocking chairs and lounging at the night market.

Bats fluttering between the town and the swamp add to the already haunting atmosphere.

Stroll along Villa de Leyva's cobblestone streets

Photo: Wikipedia

Among Colombia's many historic towns, this one stands out for its beauty as well as its congenial atmosphere.

Villa de Leyva is a relatively short trip from Bogotá, just three hours by bus (via Tunja).

It takes three days to walk to the abandoned city of Cuidad Perdida

The 'Lost City' is Colombia's version of Machu Pichu.

The city was built by the Tayrona Indians 900 years ago but abandoned after the Spanish conquest (when most of the Tayrona were wiped out). It was only rediscovered in 1975, having been covered for centuries by impenetrable jungle.