Having read so much about Colombia recently, I have decided to visit. I prefer to travel independently, but am looking for help at finding the best and cheapest way to fly to Bogota? Derrick Handley, London

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green: The country is on the rise as an independent destination, and with some caution, it is a fabulously rewarding country.

Unfortunately there aren't yet direct flights from the UK, so you'll have to make a stop, either in the US or Europe.

About the cheapest price around is with Alternative Airlines (0871 222 9222), which has fares to Bogota from £460. The routing from Heathrow is to fly with Virgin Atlantic to Miami, and then American Airlines onwards. However seats at that price are scarce, and you might end up paying something in the region of £600 instead.

If you prefer not to change planes in the States, you can fly with Iberia via Madrid from about £640. There are also options from London to Madrid with Iberia or Air Comet, and then on to Bogota with the Colombian national airline Avianca . Air France (0871 66 33 777) also flies to Bogota from Paris.

Or try Expedia , Opodo (0871 277 0090), WeFly (0845 370 6602), Ebookers (0871 223 5000) , Kayak or Travel Supermarket .

See the imaginatively designed www.turismocolombia.com for more information.

Times recommends

• The world's 10 weirdest things to eat
• Correspondents: hoteliers revenge for Tripadvisor
• A slow, ponderous journey up the Mekong