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Top things to do in Colombia
Colombia has become one of the most sought-after stops on any South American ticket. This is in large part due to its awe-inspiring landscapes – among the best in the region – with Caribbean and Pacific coastlines to the north and west, and the Amazon rainforest in the south.
Adventure travelers will thrill at the scenic options, from rugged mountain trails and wildlife-rich jungles to bountiful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Visitors that prefer a little less of literal wildlife can choose from beautiful, modern cities full of music, culture and the warm welcome of the Colombian people.
It’s difficult not to fall in love with this country – and even harder to leave. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, showstopping nature, or a fabulous party, here are the top things to do in Colombia.
1. Photograph Colombia’s national plant in the Valle de Cocora
Adjoining the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, one of the best national parks for hiking in Colombia, the Valle de Cocora is one of the country’s most breathtakingly beautiful destinations.
A land of lush green farmland divided by rushing mountain rivers, it’s home to swathes of lofty Quindío wax palms, which tower over this idyllic rural landscape and can reach the height of a six-story building.
Planning tip: Take a Willys Jeep (an experience in itself) from nearby Salento into the valley, from where a 15km (9-mile) circular hike heads along a pretty river and up into the hills for spectacular views of the palms backed by rolling emerald hills topped with tracts of cloud forest.
2. Snorkel or dive in the coral reef surrounding Providencia
Colombia’s Caribbean coastline feels like paradise – and that description applies even more to emerald-green Providencia, a mellow tropical island that spans just 17 sq km (6.5 sq miles) and lies around 800km (497 miles) north of mainland Colombia.
Providencia was flattened by Category 5 Hurricane Iota in late 2020, which destroyed houses and affected the surrounding reefs, especially those in shallow waters.
Fortunately, life on the island is now getting back to normal and the crystal-clear warm waters remain one of the best places in Colombia for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Lying off the island’s northeast coast, the McBean Lagoon National Natural Park is characterized by waters tinted with a glorious patchwork of colors. It’s been dubbed the “Sea of Seven Colors,” and is inhabited by an amazing variety of tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles.
3. Learn to salsa in dance capital Cali
Staking its claim as the world capital of salsa, in party-loving Cali the music rings out loud whatever the time of day or night. Here the only dilemma facing DJs is which particular subtype of salsa to play.
Embrace the city’s favorite rhythm and take group or private classes at one of the many fun dance academies, then get your hips moving on a high-energy journey through its legendary salsa bars and clubs.
A good place to start is the friendly and always-packed La Topa Tolondra, while those looking for a fully local experience should check out Zaperoco Bar. Don’t bother looking for a dance floor, it’s perfectly legit to dance between tables.
Planning tip: If visiting during September, don’t miss the Festival Mundial de Salsa, where more than 5,000 superb dancers from around the world compete dressed in brilliant costumes, and big-name acts perform concerts.
4. Hike through the jungle to Ciudad Perdida
Hiking through lush tropical vegetation for three days before you even catch a glimpse of Colombia’s aptly named Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is an opportunity to experience the thrill of setting forth into a magnificent lost world.
The muddy, ascending trails and humid temperatures of the jungle mean it’s a challenge to get here, but all the sweat (and tears) will feel worth it when you arrive.
Once a thriving pre-Columbian city, Ciudad Perdida was built atop a ridge in the northern stretches of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta by the Tayrona people more than 1,000 years ago.
Today, the houses are gone, but the stone pathways, walls and foundations remain, and with a bit of imagination it’s possible to imagine how the mountain kingdom may have looked at its peak.
The site receives very few visitors and it’s no wonder: it’s a tough five-day round-trip hike to reach it and one of the most adventurous things to do in Colombia.
Along the way, refreshing swimming holes and striking jungle scenery ensure your efforts are fully rewarded.
Planning tip: You’re required to hire an experienced tour guide or join a tour group for this hike through the jungle.
The picturesque walled city of Cartagena feels like a movie set, with its historic plazas, majestic churches, and restored mansions that have been converted into swanky boutique hotels and restaurants serving Caribbean-infused seafood dishes.
But beyond Cartagena’s colonial opulence – built off the back of the trade of enslaved people and Spanish plunder, it’s important to remember – the city has other less-examined origins that played an enormous role in the development of its vibrant culture. At the Museo del Oro Zenú, you’ll see displays of gold artifacts from the Indigenous people who were the original inhabitants of the Cartagena region.
Today, weavers from this community continue to produce the traditional Colombian sombrero vueltiao hat, which can be bought at market stalls around the city. To find a good handmade hat, look for one that can be twisted and folded and springs back into shape.
Planning tip: Meet the artisans themselves and learn about the challenges they face as a culture in modern Colombia on a community-led city tour.
6. Join the party at the Carnaval de Barranquilla
Colombia’s most energetic street party can be found in the pulsating streets of Barranquilla during the city’s annual Carnaval celebrations. Kicking off officially four days before Ash Wednesday every February or March (although smaller verbenas – pre-Carnaval public parties – begin some 10 days beforehand), the festivities are a full-color expression of costeño culture with four packed days of floats, beauty contests, traditional rhythms and – in true Colombian fashion – plenty of dancing.
The Carnaval de Barranquilla is so integral to the identity of the city that the event was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2008. It ranks among the continent’s liveliest carnival celebrations alongside Rio de Janeiro’s festivities and those held in Oruro in Bolivia. Throw yourself into the dancing, and you may even wind up joining a local dance troupe on their float, which could end up being the most memorable moment of your trip to Colombia.
7. Ride a rail cart through the jungle to San Cipriano
Once a little supply stop on the Cali to Buenaventura railroad, the Afro-Colombian village of San Cipriano was left isolated when the line all but stopped functioning with the construction of the highway.
Surrounded by thick rainforest miles from the nearest road, the ingenious residents of the town have come up with a solution to their mobility problems: homemade motorized rail carts that zip through the forests at alarming speed.
Board one of the mostly-wooden contraptions and sit back and enjoy the scenery as you hurtle through walls of dense foliage and over rickety bridges into the heart of the jungle to reach the Reserva Forestal San Cipriano, where you can float down a crystal clear river in an inner tube or hike to towering waterfalls. Run by the local community, a visit to the reserve is a refreshingly unpolished adventure that is as much a cultural experience as a natural one.
8. Learn about Medellín’s extraordinary transformation
Whether it’s Netflix’s Narcos or reports from the ’90s that have colored your perceptions, prepare to be astounded by the reality of modern Medellín. Having shed the cloak of drug-incited conflict, this is a city transformed, with such modern neighborhoods as Poblado and Laureles showcasing upmarket restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Planning tip: Take a tips-based walking tour of the center with Real City Tours, whose local paisa guides have lived through the city’s metamorphosis and can talk with authority about its rebirth. The tour of the former rubbish dump–turned–thriving neighborhood of Moravia is similarly enlightening.
9. Sample coffee, Colombia’s tastiest export
World-class coffee is one of Colombia’s most important exports, and caffeine addicts will find their home-away-from-home on one of the coffee fincas located in the lush hills in the Zona Cafetera.
Established fincas such as the fourth-generation Hacienda Venecia near Manizales allow you to learn about the production of the bean and try “cupping,” the act of tasting the flavors of freshly made coffee. Another excellent tour can be found at the family-run Hacienda Guayabal near the small town of Chinchiná. But beware: you might struggle to enjoy a cup elsewhere after trying some of the world’s finest coffee beans at their source.
10. Explore Bogotá’s art and museum scene
Bogotá is a city that can take a while to work its charms on travelers and is often overlooked based on initial impressions that belie what’s beneath the surface. While its gridlocked streets, often slick with rain, might take some time to traverse, the capital of Colombia is a cosmopolitan place packed with dynamic nightlife and a rich range of cultural offerings.
A staple of the city’s cultural scene, the Museo del Oro displays a thousands-strong array of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Similarly crucial in the canon of Colombian cultural history is the Museo Botero, a museum dedicated to Colombia’s most famous artist, known worldwide for his humorously engorged figures.
Planning tip: For a taste of more contemporary creations, head to the stylish La Balsa gallery, or take a graffiti walking tour with Bogotá Graffiti Tour, which uses proceeds from tips-based excursions to invest in community projects around the country.
11. Take a road trip to La Guajira, South America’s northern tip
After the lush plantations of the coffee region, La Guajira is an assault on the senses. This arid desert peninsula that spears out into the Caribbean Sea on the northern edge of the South American continent is home to some of the country’s most dramatic terrain.
The main attractions include the glorious ocher dunes of Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela, which have ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Although independent travel is possible, it’s easiest to organize a tour from the regional capital, Riohacha.
One of the most impoverished parts of Colombia, this region is home to the Indigenous Wayúu, a people renowned for their weaving and whose ways of life and access to water are threatened by Latin America’s biggest open mine. Ensure your money goes into local hands by purchasing local handicrafts and using sustainable operators, such as Pura Guajira Travel, who employ Wayúu guides.
12. Explore Colombia’s archaeological parks
While Chile’s Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is known internationally for its monolithic statues, Parque Arqueológico San Agustín in southwestern Colombia lays claim to the largest clutch of pre-Columbian sculptures in South America. Archaeologists still don’t know much about the culture dating back to between 5 and 400 CE that carved hulking bodies and fanged, animalistic faces from volcanic tuff.
Located around the park, these figures mark the tombs of the culture’s dead. Home to more than 50 burial sites, the archaeological park is an enthralling (if mysterious) insight into a culture for whom death was merely a transition into another life and where funeral rites were a significant ritual.
Not too far away, another mysterious pre-Columbian site is Tierradentro, also worth visiting for archaeology buffs. This vast necropolis is believed to have been built between 600 and 900 CE and contains more than 150 enormous burial chambers whose walls are decorated with remarkably well-preserved complex geometric designs.
Planning tip: Despite being one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, Tierradentro receives few visitors, which adds to the excitement of exploring the impressive mountains of the park on a self-guided hike.
13. Sleep in a rustic cabin in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Want to kick back and enjoy Colombia’s wealth of gorgeous beaches? For sunseekers, swimmers and snorkelers alike, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona on the country’s Caribbean coast is a real paradise, where white-sand beaches are lapped by crystalline waters and enclosed by tropical jungle filled with monkeys, toucans, and wild cats.
More than 30 spectacular beaches are located within this park, although with deceptively strong currents posing a risk to life, just six are safe for swimming.
Planning tips: For a relaxing couple of days, rent a hammock or a rustic thatch roof cabin right by the beach at Cabo San Juan or Cañaveral, from where you can wander to your beach of choice for a day of soaking up the sunshine.
14. Stargaze in the Tatacoa Desert
With its Mars-like undulations of red clay, the Tatacoa Desert looks like it could have been transposed from Chile’s Atacama.
It’s actually a dry tropical forest, but what it does share in common with its Chilean neighbor is its global renown as a place for crystal-clear night skies, making it perfect for stargazing. The area’s warm, dry climate is the key to the extraordinary visibility.
Planning tip: For a stargazing tour, visit the Observatorio Astronómico Astrosur, a 20-minute drive from Villavieja and which is the labor of love of a Colombian astronomer who has spent years gazing up from the desert sands and has several quality telescopes. The enthusiastic owner can introduce you to more than 80 different constellations on the clearest of nights.
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What to Do With Your Defunct Humane Ai Pin
Humane Ai’s Pins stopped working today, turning the year-old wearable into a paperweight. Here are some ideas for what to do with yours if you want to avoid e-waste.
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Author: Julian Chokkattu
16 Secretly Affordable Basics That Impress Even the Pickiest New Yorkers
I’m confident these will sell out before spring.
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The 15 best things to do in Dubrovnik
Croatia’s top destination, Dubrovnik’s diminutive UNESCO-listed old town lies within sturdy medieval fortifications, overlooking the deep blue Adriatic. Whether you’re heading here to see its Game of Thrones filming locations, devour fresh seafood or take a trip to nearby islands, Dubrovnik is an incredible city to explore.
Historic attractions include noble baroque buildings, museums and galleries, and beyond the walls there’s a glorious coastline to discover.
Here are the top 15 things you don’t want to miss in Dubrovnik so you can plan your stay.
1. Walk a complete circuit of the City Walls
Of all the things to do in Dubrovnik, the absolute unmissable experience is a walk around the battlements of the medieval city walls. A complete 2km (1.25 mile) circuit reveals fantastic views over the old town’s terracotta rooftops and out to sea. Originally built in the 13th century, the walls protected the city – then known as Ragusa – from the outside world. At night, the two entrances into the city, Pile Gate and Ploče Gate, were locked, and wooden drawbridges hoisted up to prevent intruders from entering.
When the Balkan peninsula came under threat of attack by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century, the walls were further reinforced with sturdy towers and bastions, plus some 120 canons. The main access point to the battlements is up a flight of stone steps on your left as you enter town through Pile Gate. In summer, the number of daily visitors is limited to prevent overcrowding, so early online booking is recommended. If you’re lucky enough to be here in winter, you might have the walls all to yourself.
Local tip: Dubrovnik was caught in the crosshairs of the war that followed Croatia’s declaration of independence in 1991. Today, the town walls are once again intact, the gleaming marble streets are smoothly paved, and famous monuments have been lovingly restored – all with the help of an international brigade of specially trained stonemasons.
2. Drink morning coffee on the Stradun
Drinking coffee is a morning ritual in Dalmatia. In Dubrovnik, the place to do it is the Stradun (aka Placa). This 300m-long (984ft) white limestone-paved promenade, the main thoroughfare through the old town, effectively links Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. The 17th-century baroque stone buildings that flank the Stradun host small shops and open-air cafes at street level. This is where locals meet for coffee, read the morning newspapers, and watch the world pass by. One of the best spots is Gradska Kavana, located on a raised terrace at the end of the Stradun. Interestingly, the Stradun used to be a shallow sea channel – it was filled in during the 12th century, creating the city as you see it today.
Local tip: The entire old town is a pedestrian area, public transport is good, and parking is expensive, so you’re better off not hiring a car until you’re ready to leave the city.
3. See how local aristocrats once lived at the Rector’s Palace
Until 1808, Dubrovnik was a tiny but sophisticated self-governing republic called Ragusa. Each month, local councilors would choose a different citizen to assume the role of Rector – this short-term appointment was intended to prevent any one person from becoming too powerful. During their term in office, Rectors lived on the upper floor of the 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace.
These quarters now house the Cultural History Museum. Here you can see how local aristocrats once lived, amid baroque furniture, gilt-framed oil paintings, lavish costumes, weapons and even a sedan chair.
Down at ground level, off the internal courtyard, note the entrance to the former meeting rooms of the Great Council and the Senate. Above the door is a plaque, saying Obliti privatorum publica curate (Forget private affairs, and get on with public matters). There is also a prison cell and a chapel.
Local tip: Game of Thrones fans, you might feel like you’ve been transported to Qarth in the grand atrium.
4. Encounter Adriatic marine life at the aquarium
Below the Maritime Museum, on the ground floor of St John’s Fortress, you’ll find the aquarium. This dark, peaceful space offers respite from the hot summer sun (especially worthwhile if you’ve got tired children in tow). It displays a vast array of Adriatic underwater life in 31 fresh seawater tanks. Look out for tiny delicate seahorses, ugly scorpionfish, scary conger eels, cute starfish and shape-shifting octopuses. Afterward, stop for homemade ice cream or traditional Dubrovnik pastries at Gianni in the narrow alley out front.
5. Taste raw oysters at Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar
For centuries, Dubrovnik gourmets have relished oysters from Mali Ston Bay on the Pelješac peninsula, formerly part of the Republic of Ragusa. If you haven’t tried them, you can eat them here in Dubrovnik’s old town. The owner of Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar cultivates his own oysters in Ston and brings them into town fresh each morning. Said to be a powerful aphrodisiac, they are served on crushed ice, still in their shells, with a wedge of lemon. If you’re queasy about the slippery texture, you can order oyster tempura instead and have them fried in a light batter.
6. See medieval golden reliquaries at the treasury
It may sound ghoulish, but in the Middle Ages, people believed that relics (body parts of long-deceased saints) could bring about divine intervention. As these human remains were considered sacred, they were encased in gold plating and decorated with intricate filigree and valuable jewels. The treasury adjoining Dubrovnik Cathedral displays a horde of 138 gold and silver reliquaries – the centerpiece is the skull of St Blaise (Dubrovnik’s patron saint) encased in a golden crown. Many of these reliquaries originate from the Byzantine Empire and were brought to Dubrovnik by local seafarers returning from voyages to the East.
7. Shop for quirky designer gifts at KAWA
Just outside Ploče Gate, KAWA is a concept store stocking one-off clothing items by young Croatian designers, as well as jewelry, tote bags, ceramics, nicely packaged cosmetics, olive oil and rakija (a potent spirit). It’s a great place to buy authentic presents to take home, as well as a nice way to support local creatives.
8. Watch the sunset over a drink at Buža bar
On the rocks high above the sea, below Dubrovnik’s south-facing walls, you’ll find two open-air bars, somewhat confusingly both called Buža: Buža I and Buža II. They’re both good, so it doesn’t matter which you choose. Better still, try both. Informal and fun, they have rock-and-concrete terraces with tables shaded by big white parasols.
The choice is basic, just beer or wine (payment by cash only), but the views over the open Adriatic are absolutely stunning. Come in the morning and have a swim. Or come in the evening and enjoy the sunset followed by the romance of a star-filled sky.
9. Discover 20th-century Yugoslav design at the Red History Museum
Opened in 2019, the funky Red History Museum shows how people lived in Croatia when it was part of Socialist Yugoslavia (1945-1991). Displays include a series of rooms from a typical 1970s apartment, complete with furniture from that time. The retro look is certainly hip, as are the ceramics, posters, and graphic design of the magazine and record covers. More sinister aspects, such as the Yugoslav secret police and the Goli Otok political prison, are also referenced.
10. Buy natural cosmetics at the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy
Entered off the Stradun, the Franciscan Monastery centers on a 14th-century Romanesque cloister, with a garden of palms and citrus trees. One of Europe’s first pharmacies was founded here, by the monks, in 1317. There’s a small museum displaying old-fashioned laboratory equipment and storage jars. Nowadays, the Franciscan Pharmacy lies just inside the monastery’s arched entrance gate. Its glass-fronted cupboards are stocked with well-known international brand medications.
But on the marble counter, you’ll see several pots of natural hydrating face creams based on rose, lavender and rosemary, each labeled “Mala Braca 1317 AD.” These creams are still prepared here in the pharmacy, according to secret centuries-old recipes known only to the monks.
11. Learn about Dubrovnik sea power at the Maritime Museum
Dubrovnik lived its Golden Age in the 16th century, when its extraordinary wealth was based on shipping and trading. At that time, the tiny republic of Ragusa had one of the biggest fleets in the world, with some 180 ships and 4000 sailors. At the Maritime Museum in St John’s Fortress, you can learn more about Dubrovnik’s former naval power. Exhibits include model ships, paintings, maps, navigational equipment and sailors’ uniforms.
12. Reflect on the horror of conflict at War Photo Ltd
Dubrovnik knows how devastating war can be, having been under siege for eight months between 1991 and 1992. Witness the human suffering caused by the break-up of Yugoslavia at War Photo Ltd. On the upper floor, you can see scenes from everyday life during the conflicts that plagued Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, as documented by photo reporters. On the ground floor, the gallery hosts temporary exhibitions of photojournalism from war zones around the world. Past shows have featured Syria, Sudan, Congo and Northern Ireland.
13. Paddle to Lokrum Island by sea kayak
The tiny island of Lokrum is a 10-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s old harbor. But a more memorable way to visit it is by joining a sea kayaking tour, departing from a small beach near Pile Gate. You’ll paddle around Dubrovnik’s fortifications, then head to Lokrum to swim, snorkel, hike and cliff jump.
Green and lush, Lokrum is home to an abandoned 11th-century Benedictine Monastery, a botanical garden with peacocks, and a hilltop fort built by Napoleon in 1806. Local legend says that the monks, angered that Napoleon had closed their monastery, put a curse on anyone who should try to possess the island. It may be superstition, but still today, no one is allowed to remain on Lokrum overnight.
Local tip: To reach the nudist beach (some have declared it the best nudist beach in the world), head left from the ferry and follow the signs marked FKK; the rocks at its far end are Dubrovnik’s de facto gay beach.
14. Hike up Mt Srđ for a panoramic picnic overlooking Dubrovnik
Surely one of the most picturesque views of Dubrovnik is to be had from Mt Srđ, which rises directly behind the old town. One day in advance, contact Piknik Dubrovnik and ask them to prepare you lunch, which is packed in an easy-to-carry insulated backpack, complete with a map and blanket. Then, to reach the peak of Srđ, hike a two-kilometer zig-zagging hillside path, following the Stations of the Cross. At the top, there’s a 19th-century fortress, a bar-restaurant and a viewing deck that affords stunning vistas down onto town and out across the Adriatic. If the hike up looks too steep, you can always catch the modern cable car up, then hike back down.
15. Swim and sunbathe at Šunj beach on Lopud island
Sandy beaches are rare in Dalmatia, but there is one near Dubrovnik – Šunj on Lopud. Catch a white-and-blue Jadrolinija ferry from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port to Lopud. As you sail into the bay, note the fortified Franciscan monastery, high above the sea – recently renovated, it is now an ultra-luxurious retreat known as Lopud 1483.
From the palm-lined seafront promenade, follow a two-kilometer path through lush Mediterranean vegetation to reach Šunj (golf-buggy rides are also available). A glorious swathe of sand, giving onto a sheltered bay with warm shallow sea, it has several seasonal bars serving drinks and snacks, and hiring sun-beds.
Local tip: Lopud hosts the Ponta Lopud film festival each June.
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The Best Travel Strollers for All Your Family Adventures (2025)
Whether you’re on a road trip or a plane ride, these are our favorite travel strollers that fold as flat as possible.
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Author: Nena Farrell
Google’s Taara Hopes to Usher in a New Era of Internet Powered by Light
The Alphabet “moonshot” project is launching a new chip to deliver high-speed internet with light instead of radio waves.
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Author: Steven Levy
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Exposes The Truth
Who Killed JFK And MLK?
For over 60 years, this mystery has dominated dinner table conversations, talk radio debates, and countless movies and TV specials. Hollywood has worked hard to shape the public’s opinion, but the truth is we still don’t really know what happened.
Well, America is about to find out that fact is more interesting than fiction—thanks to Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna. The most dynamic congresswoman on the Hill, who was just featured on the cover of Maxim, has been tapped by President Trump to lead the “Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets.”
Her mission: Get the truth about JFK’s and MLK’s assassinations and other mysteries, such as unanswered UFO sightings and the real origin of Covid-19.
But this isn’t just another slow-moving, bureaucratic congressional investigation. Luna stands at the vanguard of what may become one of the most consequential truth-seeking missions in American history—a task that past Presidents have not had the courage to undertake. It’s not going to be easy, and she needs support of all Americans so that history can finally be rewritten truthfully, transparently, and accurately.
The JFK Files: Six Decades Of Secrets
Despite criticism from the left and the right, Luna is hitting the ground running. The task force’s first public hearing is already scheduled for March 26, focusing on JFK’s assassination.
According to numerous reports and a seminal book on the topic called Hit List by Richard Belzer and David Wayne, a large number of witnesses to the event have died in mysterious suicides and car crashes. Now, Luna has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to ensure their sacrifices weren’t in vain.
Will the truth be more interesting than fiction? We think the next Netflix special you’ll see on JFK will feature Luna exposing the real story.
At a recent press conference in front of a stunned press, Luna detailed her plans: “We’re going to be interviewing attending physicians at the initial assassination and then also people who have been on the various commissions—like the Warren Commission—looking into the initial assassination.”
She said she wasn’t afraid to challenge long-accepted narratives. “Based on what I’ve been seeing so far, the initial hearing that was actually held here in Congress was actually faulty in the single-bullet theory,” she declared. “I believe that there were two shooters.”
Breaking The Beltway
Luna’s relentless drive for the truth is not only refreshing but essential in a town built on closed-door meetings. “We will work alongside President Trump and his Cabinet members to deliver truth to the American people,” she declared. “From this moment forward, we will restore trust through transparency.”
This might be the most fascinating assignment in modern American politics: leading a team of investigators that will finally pry open decades of classified files on everything from the JFK assassination to unexplained UFO encounters. “The federal government has been hiding information from Americans for decades,” Luna told Fox News Digital.
To help with this gigantic fact-finding mission, Luna’s assembled a dream team of transparency warriors: Representatives Nancy Mace, Tim Burchett, Lauren Boebert, Eric Burlison, Eli Crane, and Brandon Gill. Together, they’ve got six months to crack open files that have gathered dust for decades. The clock is ticking.
“All federal agencies are cooperating with the Task Force and will provide the requested briefings in the coming weeks,” Luna said.
A Call For Support
It’s imperative that we get behind Rep Luna. Public pressure is essential to ensure transparency when dealing with secrets this old and this guarded. The timing is perfect. A congresswoman with the intelligence and integrity to lead such a mission, and a President who has the courage to boldly go where no President has gone before. History will be corrected.
For a nation built on the principle of government of the people, by the people, for the people, we’ve kept an awful lot of secrets from the people. Luna’s message is clear: That ends now. “It is time to give Americans the answers they deserve,” she says. After decades of waiting, some answers might finally be coming.
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Author: Frank Tanner
The best neighborhoods to visit in Kyoto
Within Kyoto’s historically rich and compact confines, distinctive neighborhoods tell different tales about this storied city. The liquor-fueled alleys of Ponto-chō gossip about the darkened exploits at its nightlife haunts. Ancient religious iconography chants among the rolling Higashiyama hills. And Edo-period flagstones ring with the footsteps of the kimono-clad dancers of Gion.
Venturing through Kyoto is like embarking on a journey through the history of Japan. Here are the top neighborhoods in Kyoto to include on your tour.
1. Gion
Best for Edo-period culture and traditional arts
Gion’s reputation as an entertainment hub stretches back to the Sengoku Warring States era (1467–1615). Over the subsequent centuries, it evolved into a rambunctious neighborhood of teahouses where geisha (known locally as geiko, or “women of the arts”) performed for the ruling classes.
Trademarks of the Edo period (1603–1868), when geiko culture was in its prime with some 500 traditional teahouses in operation in Gion, are stitched into the very fabric of the neighborhood. Wood-latticed shop fronts and sudare (bamboo veranda screens) flank the roadsides. Kimono-clad geiko and maiko (geiko in training) clip-clop along the ancient, lantern-lit walkways. Centuries-old shrines still exude a magnetic appeal for travelers and wandering pilgrims alike.
Part of the charm of Gion is simply walking around its atmospheric streets – though visitors should note that thrusting your camera toward the resident geiko unsolicited is a fineable offense.
Make sure to stop at the 7th-century Yasaka Shrine, a gleaming vermilion edifice dedicated to Susanoo, the younger brother of sun goddess Amaterasu. A visit to the riverside Minamiza Theater is a wonderful introduction to traditional kabuki. If you want to take the cultural immersion one step further, you can rent period-style garments at Studio Shiki, which has a variety of options for adults and children.
Gion is also one of the best neighborhoods in Kyoto for lodging. Its location on the banks of the Kamo River puts it within walking distance of central Kyoto, the Higashiyama hills and Ponto-chō across the river. Gion has several chic short-term rentals down quiet side streets, some of which take bookings from larger groups.
2. Higashiyama
Best for strolling
Higashiyama, which means “eastern mountains,” sits in the foothills east of Kyoto’s city center. The mountaintop temple Kiyomizu-dera, meaning “pure water,” is one of the most famous landmarks in city rich in temples and shrines. One of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a striking example of Edo-period religious architecture and the site of wish-granting spring waters from the nearby Otowa Waterfall.
From the main worship hall’s veranda, you’ll get some of the best views of the Kyoto cityscape and its undulating mountain backdrop – the vista is particularly stunning when the autumn leaves are in color in October. The Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka alleyways leading up to the temple precinct are lined with shops selling traditional foodstuffs, like soba (buckwheat noodles); zenzai, a hot and sweet soup of adzuki beans, sugar and mochi (pounded rice made into festive cakes); and yatsuhashi, a favorite Kyoto snack made with rice flour, sugar and cinnamon.
Stroll to the Path of Philosophy and follow the poetic walking route in between the 13th-century Nanzen-ji temple and the well-kept gardens of Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion. The approximately 2km (1.25-mile) walk alongside a gently coursing canal is best enjoyed during cherry blossom season in the spring, when thousands of pink petals drift across your path – a phenomenon that symbolizes the ephemerality of life itself.
Sanjūsangen-dō, a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect featuring 1001 statues of the Bodhisattva Kannon, also sits in the Higashiyama district. It’s recommended for travelers who want some reprieve from the busiest crowds of the city, as the no-photos rule helps preserve an atmosphere of calm within its hallowed halls.
When you are deciding where to stay in Higashiyama, consider Hotel Material, an art hotel with a rooftop deck and beer garden. Given this is a walkers’ neighborhood, most of the accommodations in Higashiyama will enable you to explore the area without relying on the (albeit excellent) public transportation system.
3. Ponto-chō
Best for drinking and dining
Running along the banks of the Kamo River is Ponto-chō, a lively yokochō (alleyway) between the major downtown shopping thoroughfares of Shijō-dōri and Sanjō-dōri. Ponto-chō comes to life after dark, when the quarter is suffused with the glow of paper lanterns and the raucous chatter of imbibers in its many drinking and dining establishments.
From May through November, riverfront restaurants erect temporary outdoor terraces called kawayuka that overlook the river and adjacent promenade. Everything from bang-for-your-buck yakitori (grilled meat or vegetable skewers) to extravagant kaiseki (multicourse seasonal cuisine) is on offer in Ponto-chō; wagyū beef is a top seller. Kyo-no-Yakiniku-Dokoro Hiro Ponto-chō is a great spot to sample DIY barbecue in a quintessentially Japanese setting.
Ponto-chō was once one of Kyoto’s geiko centers, and though today the performers are largely consigned to the other side of the river in Gion, the theme of late-night entertainment remains as strong as ever.
For classic cocktails and live jazz on weekends, head to the antique confines of Hello Dolly. The smooth Jazz in Rokudenashi (meaning “without ice”) has a fantastic selection of whiskeys, both Japanese and international. Bar Alchemist has equally suave decor, leaning toward modern cocktail mixology (with English-speaking bar staff often in attendance).
Staying near Ponto-chō is handy, as it will allow you to wander from one of its late-night haunts straight to bed. You’ll also be within walking distance of Gion and some of the must-see sites in Higashiyama. Cross Hotel Kyoto is a nice midrange hotel, located a few minutes from the alleyway on foot, with Japanese- and Western-style rooms available.
4. Fushimi
Best for Shinto history
In Kyoto’s Fushimi neighborhood, you’ll find its namesake shrine, Fushimi Inari-Taisha, renowned for the thousands of bright vermilion torii (gates) that funnel pilgrims through a forest of cedar and into the hills beyond. The most sacred of Japan’s 30,000-plus Inari shrines – which are dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, foxes and prosperity – Fushimi Inari-Taisha has existed since the Nara period (710–794 CE).
Adventurous travelers eager to try one of the area hikes can set a course to Mt Inari’s 233m (765ft) summit, a path that traverses 5km (3.1 miles) of uphill terrain and usually takes between two and three hours, starting from Fushimi-Inari Station. Summitters will be rewarded with city views and a visit to the humble Kami-no-Yashiro shrine. The Fushimi shrine complex is one of the busiest photography spots in Kyoto, so weekday mornings are the best time to visit.
Around 5km (3 miles) or 50 minutes on foot from Fushimi Inari, you’ll find another one of Kyoto’s most treasured monuments. Fushimi-momoyama Castle (whose singsong name means “Hidden Waters, Peach Mountain”) was built in the late 16th century as a retirement residence for Japan’s Great Unifier, Toyotomi Hideyoshi; he died here in 1598.
Though it was demolished in 1623, a replica was built in 1964, and visitors are free to explore the grounds. Its location in a quiet suburb of the city makes it a great escape from the crowds, especially during hanami (blossom viewing) season.
5. Nakagyō
Best for foodies
The Nakagyō ward in the heart of Kyoto is home to Nijō Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, the lineage of militaristic dictators who ruled Japan during the Edo period.
It is one of the best remaining examples of traditional castle architecture, thanks to its perimeter moat, Chinese-influenced Karamon Gate, preserved walls separating the Honmaru (main circle of defense) and Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and nightingale floors that squeaked to notify residents of potential intruders. Go on a self-guided tour of the structures and pristine landscape garden using an English audio guide (rentable at the front kiosk).
Beyond Nijō Castle, Nishiki Market is a culinary arcade known affectionately as Kyoto’s kitchen. You’ll find everything here, from fresh sushi and tsukemono (Japanese pickles) to wagyū beef burgers and chef’s knives.
Once your appetite is piqued, seek out one of the city’s 100 Michelin-starred restaurants, many of which are located in Nakagyō. Head to Tempura Mizuki for best-in-class battered shrimp and vegetables, Kentan Horibe for kaiseki cuisine or Vena for Italian-Japanese fusion. Booking ahead (through a hotel concierge if possible) is highly recommended.
Nakagyō’s modern urban aesthetic means it’s full of accommodation options, from middle-of-the-range chains to boutique hotels like Mogana and Matsui Honkan. While Nakagyō isn’t Kyoto’s prettiest neighborhood, its central location makes it well connected to the rest of the city via bus routes.
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‘I Can’t Stay Silent:’ Why Savannah Chrisley Is Speaking Out Against America’s Prison System
“To stand among those fighting for real reform and freedom, to be a voice in this movement, reminds me why I refuse to stop speaking out. The fight for justice is far from over.” In a powerful message posted for her 2.8 million Instagram followers, Savannah Chrisley commemorated her recent trip to Washington D.C., where she made her way through the Conservative Political Action Conference as a Senior Fellow for the Nolan Center for Criminal Justice.
Also during her D.C. visit, the reality TV personality, influencer and activist dined in the West Wing of the White House, the same hallowed halls where President Donald Trump’s Oval Office resides. “If you had told me years ago that I would be here, I wouldn’t have believed you. But God’s plans are bigger than our own,” she continued. “Sometimes, you have to force your way into rooms where you don’t ‘belong’….because if you’re fighting for what’s right, you absolutely do.”
Many will know Chrisley first from her beloved role on Chrisley Knows Best, a wildly popular reality show following the well-heeled Chrisley family—headed by her real estate tycoon father Todd Chrisley and mother Julie Chrisley—that was broadcast on USA Network for 10 seasons and 204 episodes from 2014 to 2023. As a former beauty pageant competitor who won the Miss Tennessee Teen USA title in 2016 and placed in the top 15 at Miss Teen USA 2016, all while maintaining an immaculate report card and an endearingly mischievous air, Chrisley quickly became a fan favorite.
But the reality star was forced to grow up in a big way when her parents, along with their accountant, were found guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks and the IRS. Per Today, Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Julie was sentenced to seven years, putting the family’s small-screen career on indefinite hiatus. At just 26 years old, Chrisley made the admirable decision to leave a frontrunning position on Fox’s military-inspired reality show Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test to take over guardianship of siblings Chloe, who was 10 at the time, and Grayson, who was 17. With her brother and sister safe by her side, Chrisley didn’t simply stand down and accept her parents’ fate—she began fighting back, both on her parents’ behalf and for all who have been mistreated under the law.
“Probably a year after my parents left, I just became very outspoken, because I knew nothing about our criminal justice system,” she said in a recent interview with People. “I honestly thought bad people go to prison. That’s what I thought. And that is so far from the truth.” More specifically, Chrisley became fiercely critical of what she describes as the “inhumane” treatment of her parents under incarceration. On a July 2023 episode of the Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley podcast, which began releasing weekly installments shortly before her parents’ sentencing, she and her older brother, Chase, detailed the “nightmare” scenario that their folks are being forced to endure.
“Now they both have no air conditioning,” Chase said. “They are both in states where it gets to be 100-plus degrees, and there’s no air conditioning.” Meanwhile, Savannah said her mom’s cell is teeming with snakes “just casually slithering on the floor in front of her.” She added, “There are some things that are gonna come to light that are disgusting. It will leave people speechless about the things that go on in these facilities, and I’m ready for that day to come.”
Though her parents continue to deny all wrongdoing and fight for freedom, their claimed mistreatment continues. In a new interview with People, Chrisley revealed that her parents “don’t get to speak. It’s been two years, and they haven’t spoken a word to each other. They’ve been together almost 30 years, and they’ve never gone a day in their life without being with one another. That’s been a challenge. That should never happen.”
In July 2024, Chrisley took her rightful grievances from the podcast studio all the way to the Republican National Convention’s main stage, where she delivered a riveting speech that included an endorsement of President Trump and a denunciation of the Department of Justice, which she called a “broken system.”
“72600019, and 72601019. These may be just numbers to you, but to me, they’re my whole heart. These numbers are my parents’ identification numbers in our federal prison system,” she told the crowd before accusing the Biden administration of weaponizing the Department of Justice to “punish their enemies.”
“There should be no immunity,” she said. “We need to expose the Democrats’ corruption and, better yet, the Biden family’s corruption. And guess what? I know just the man for that job. Donald J. Trump has only one conviction that matters, and that is his conviction to make America great again.”
Chrisley, too, has stood by her convictions, even if they’ve gotten in the way of lucrative opportunities. As she grows the scope and influence of her podcast, she has been told that advertisers won’t approach anything that could be characterized as conservative in nature. “That was a tough thing for me because once again….do I stand for what I believe in, or do I feed my family,” she told People. “Which one? We should never live in a world where your job is in jeopardy because of [a] difference of beliefs.”
Despite the possible bias in the podcast realm, Chrisley recently revealed that she’s in talks with a “very well-known, big production company” to create a show that’s already generated serious interest from a major network. Tentatively, shooting could begin in the coming weeks before an August 11 premiere date marks her return to television. But first and foremost, Chrisley remains a staunch advocate for prison reform. As she emphatically stated in the aforementioned Instagram post, “I will never stop fighting for my parents. I will never stop fighting for the millions of others crushed by the Department of Injustice. We will not be silenced.”
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Author: Maxim Staff