
Colombia is one of the world’s most diverse countries with two oceans, a range of climates, energetic cities, astonishing wildlife and things to do including kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, surfing, diving, dancing and more.
Dance, music, art and culture make Colombia unique. Can you believe that Colombian art history has been evolving for 3,000 years? There is archaeological evidence of the existence of pottery in Colombia earlier than anywhere else in the Americas.
A wealth of ancient civilizations left behind a fascinating spread of archaeological and cultural sites throughout Colombia. The one-time Tayrona capital, Ciudad Perdida, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, is one of the continent's most mysterious ancient cities, arguably second only to Machu Picchu. Even more shrouded in mystery is San Agustín, where more than 500 life-sized ancient sculpted statues – some 5000 years old and of enigmatic origin – dot the surrounding countryside. And then there's Tierradentro, where elaborate underground tombs scooped out by an unknown people add even more mystique to Colombia's past.
Key Facts
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Cultural expressions as significant as fairs and festivals in the country are a vehicle that allows to know the Colombians’ idiosyncrasies within its great cultural diversity.
Each region has infinite spaces in which converge the art, creativity, music and traditions that, for years, have built an imaginary about how the Carnivals, parades and festivals, among other cultural events take place every year in Colombia. To know Colombia, you have to experience its festivals! We invite you to be part of them.
Colombia's equatorial position affords it a diversity of landscapes matched by few countries. A slight tinkering in altitude takes you from sun-toasted Caribbean sands to coffee-strewn, emerald-green hilltops in the Zona Cafetera. Continue to climb and there's Bogotá, the bustling cradle of Colombia and third-highest capital city in the world. The bottom drops out as the Andes give way to Los Llanos, a 550,000-sq-km swath of tropical grasslands shared with Venezuela, often called the Serengeti of South America.
Led by Cartagena's extraordinarily preserved old city, Colombia offers an off-the-radar treasure trove of wonderfully photogenic cobblestoned towns and villages that often feel like they hail from a different century. Unweathered Barichara and sleepy Mompós feel like movie sets, while whitewashed Villa de Leyva appears stuck in 16th-century quicksand. Colombia's panorama of postcard-perfect pueblos are among the best preserved on the continent.
Colombia also has a rich and diverse gastronomic scene. The ethnic diversity of Colombia manifests itself in Colombian gastronomy. In Colombian food there's a rich mix of Spanish and Indigenous ingredients with African, Arabe and Spanish preparation.
Soaring Andean summits, unspoiled Caribbean coast, enigmatic Amazon jungle, cryptic archaeological ruins and cobbled colonial communities. Colombia boasts all of South America's allure, and more.
Colombia’s Beating Heart
Bogotá is the capital of and largest city in Colombia. It is a place of convergence for people from all around the country and is therefore diverse and multicultural. Within this city, the past and present come together.
The city is also very green thanks to its parks and the hills that extend along its eastern boundary, dwarfed by their two highest points, Monserrate and Guadalupe. The landscape that the people of Bogotá enjoy daily—the sea of green that makes up the Andes mountain range, rising up in the east—would be nearly impossible to find in any other large city.
But Bogotá also has the colors of modern buildings and authentic colonial roof tiles that are a true historical treasure from the colonial era.
Thanks to this fusion of the past and present, Bogotá is an ideal location with history, entertainment, delicious cuisine, culture, business, and much more.
Bogotá is the melting pot of Colombia. Here, all the cultures from different regions of the country have a place, from the cuisine of the Coffee Triangle to the exhilaration and joy of the Caribbean, or the artisanal heritage of Boyacá and the Valle de Cauca Festival. Bogotá brings together the best of Colombia, and for that reason, it should be at the top your list of places to visit.
A Jewel of World Heritage
Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South American continent. If you are wondering where is Cartagena..
in Colombia, it is located in the north of the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region. The city has several archipelagos and islands around that are paradises for true rest. Among these are Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island, among others.
Cartagena de Indias is known, brings together the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid night life, fascinating cultural festivals, and lush landscapes, to bring you the perfect vacation experience. The city’s beaches beckon, inviting you to unwind and enjoy yourself in the refreshing breeze and warm waters of the sea.
But that’s not all Cartagena has to offer— the city also has excellent cuisine and a thriving hotel and tourist infrastructure.
This fabulous destination holds the secrets of history within its walled city, on its balconies, and in the narrow stone walkways that inspired author Gabriel García Márquez, who was received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.
Framed by its stunning bay, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful, well-preserved cities in the Americas; a treasure that is currently one of the most heavily frequented tourist destinations in Colombia.
Where Spring is eternal
Medellín, capital of Antioquia department, has a pleasant climate of around 24°C; offers modern transport systems like Metro and Metro Cable an efficient infrastructure which has allowed it to host world-class..
events such as OAS and IDB meetings. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, this city is always friendly to visitors.
From the mountains that surround the capital of Antioquia you can see how the Medellín River runs parallel to the Metro, which connects various parts of the city. There is an abundance of parks, libraries, museums and public spaces where many Cultural events take place. Flowers have their own fair and in the surrounding villages life is simple with relaxing landscapes and nature reserves.
Ingenuity is a quality which the people of Antioquia prize, so it is not surprising that in 2013 Medellín was named the most innovative city in the world in the Wall Street Journal's City of the Year Contest. The 'City of Eternal Spring' is also notable for the wide range of goods on offer for those who like modern shopping malls.
Families and generally all visitors find many options for fun and entertainment in Medellin. Sites abound here as museums, libraries and public parks.