20 reasons to visit Colombia

Colombia's rapid rise as a premier tourist destination stems from its diverse offerings, attracting explorers, eco-lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers alike. Here's an expanded look into the 20 reasons why your next holiday should be in Colombia:

1. The People

Colombia is a multiethnic society. The country has around 50 million people who are a mix of Europeans, Africans, and Amerindians, predominantly Spanish-influenced. Most of the population lives either in the highlands of the Andes or along the coast of the Caribbean. All colombians have a great reputation for friendliness and hospitality, they are generally welcoming people. We enjoy having visitors in the city, we like being the hosts and go over and above to assist you in any way that we can. Colombians foster their new and growing tourism industry and you can be sure to meet some very interesting and friendly people as you explore it.


Image source: https://co.pinterest.com/pin/493566440390389343/

2. The Beaches

In Colombia, there are over 300 amazing that you can visit - on the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Two of the most popular beach areas in this country, both featuring turquoise water and white sand, are the Rosario Islands and the beaches in the Tayrona National Park. Find more information about Tayrona Park in our blog post about the best national parks in Colombia.

3. The Coffee

If you are a coffee lover - Colombia is a must visit! Colombian coffee is famous throughout the world and is one of the country’s biggest exports. Colombia has perfect weather conditions that allow for growing the might best coffee in the world. Even though the majority of the coffee is exported, a good amount is kept within the country, contributing to the growing coffee culture demand, especially in the main cities, where a big movement of coffee brands, coffee shops, immersive experiences and more have followed the international and national success of brands such as Juan Valdez. The coffee production generates income for over 500,000 coffee farming families across the country and supports thousands of indirect jobs. There are many regions where you can explore the culture of coffee but one of the most famous regions to explore the farms, coffeehouses, shops, and more is the “Eje Cafetero” or the Coffee Axis. You can reach this destination from Pereira, Armenia or Manizales, the cities that make the famous colombian coffee traingle. It has a pleasant climate and allows you to experience life as a coffee farmer. There you will learn how this popular product is produced from seed to cup, and mingle with some local farmers. 

You can explore our tours in the coffee zone and book with confidence online!

4. The Festivals

If you want to experience the people and the culture in Colombia, it is an absolute necessity to visit one of the festivals. You can visit the Carnaval de Barranquilla which is the 2nd largest festival in the world after Rio de Janeiro Festival or the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros in Pasto. During the festivals, the entire city shuts down for a few days and you will see everybody come together and celebrate with dancing, music, and drinking. The streets are filled with parades and parties. The carnivals are a big draw for tourists, who are very warmly received by locals. If you are in Colombia during one of these festivals, it is highly recommended to be a part of one of these events. The festivals in Colombia are worth one full blog post as we have more than 50 different ones so if you are interested in this topic we highly recommend that you go ahead and 
take a look at our blog post on the top festivals in Colombia to find out more (there is a free documentary series at the end of the blog so you can enjoy watching some of the most incredible festivals).

We are proud to present our Sounds of Colombia travel series where you can visit in 8 days the great colombian Caribbean in a musical journey that will stay in your memory forever. 

Check the tour here and the official video.


Image source: https://eliturs.com/carnaval-de-negros-y-blancos-narino/

5. The Food

Colombia has a rare and delicious cuisine - unique in the world. The range of climates and altitude allows the local farmers to grow a large variety of crops all year round, and the country is home to a number of unique fruits and vegetables. The country prides itself on its homemade meals. Juices are popular as well as rice and corn arepas. A must try is the limonada de coco, a delicious coconut, and lime drink. As well as the bandeja paisa, a massive platter with three different types of meat, rice, beans, potatoes, and a small salad. Especially if you are a meat lover this cuisine will not let you down. The dishes vary depending on where you are in the country and depending on the local specialty. Another traditional dish is soups like Ajiaco and Sancocho, these are chicken based with different types of potato, corn, and native spices and accompanied with white rice and a slice of avocado. If you are a food lover and want to read more about the delicious food in our country please read this blog post to find more about the typical dishes and foods in Colombia.

6. The Nightlife

Colombia is known for its extravagant bars and clubs. Locals have a natural rhythm for dancing and partying. The cities all offer vibrant nightlife and the people like to dance until sunrise. In the nightlife of this country, you can find all the different areas of the country, bringing with them their traditions and cultural influences. 

We have updated our Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota city guides that you can download by clicking here and see our selection of the best party places in our three most important cities.  

7. The Street Art

Colombia's graffiti scene is a vibrant reflection of the country's rich culture, history, and social fabric. In 2011, Bogotá made headlines by decriminalizing graffiti, a move that sparked a creative renaissance and transformed the city's urban landscape. This progressive approach to street art marked the beginning of a new era, where flyovers, office blocks, and municipal walls became canvases for talented street artists to express themselves freely. 

In the heart of Bogotá lies the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and vibrant street art scene. Here, the city's mayoral drive to protect listed historic structures intersects with the flourishing graffiti culture, creating a unique juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. Visitors can wander through La Candelaria's labyrinthine streets, where colorful murals and intricate stencil art adorn every corner, breathing new life into the historic district.

Beyond La Candelaria, Bogotá's graffiti extends its reach to other districts, where street art has become an integral part of the urban fabric. From the bustling streets of Chapinero to the bohemian neighborhood of Usaquén, graffiti serves as a form of expression, protest, and cultural commentary, reflecting the diverse voices of Colombia's capital city.

8. The Lost City

Trekking to Colombia's ancient lost city, nestled in the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains of Santa Marta, is a journey of discovery and adventure that captivates travelers from around the globe. The Teyuna archaeological site, shrouded in mist and mystery, beckons adventurers to unravel its secrets and delve into its storied past. Believed to have been founded at the dawn of the ninth century, the lost city predates even the famed Machu Picchu by approximately 650 years, adding to its allure and mystique. Once a thriving metropolis of the Tayrona people, the city served as a cultural and political hub, boasting intricate stone terraces, ceremonial plazas, and enigmatic stone carvings. As trekkers embark on the challenging 4 or 5 days journey through dense rainforests and steep mountain trails, they are transported back in time to a bygone era, where ancient civilizations flourished in harmony with nature. Along the way, they encounter cascading waterfalls, indigenous villages, and diverse flora and fauna, immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of Colombia's wilderness. With each step, they inch closer to the lost city's elusive ruins, where echoes of the past reverberate through the mist-shrouded valleys. And when they finally arrive at their destination, standing amidst the ancient stone structures cloaked in the whispers of history, they are filled with a sense of awe and wonder, humbled by the timeless legacy of Colombia's lost city.

If you are interested in the trip to the Lost City fill out our footer contact form and we'll give you a great price.

9. Exotic Fruits

Biodiversity does not just mean plants and animals, this country has a myriad of edible diversity too! Colombia’s exotic fruits are a highlight: fruits grow in every climate, whether cold, warm, tropical, or dry. Many fruits are native and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. If you head to a local market you can sample colorful fruits: from guavas, dragon fruits and zingy zapotes to lulos. Getting your “five-a-day” has never been easier. 

We have one of the most amazing tours in Bogota called "The Fruit Tour". This activity takes place with a local farmer in the Plaza of Paloquemao, the biggest market of the country, where under the guidance of an expert marketer you will embark on a 12-fruit-tasting journey, leaving your taste buds in awe. 

Paloquemao Market Fruit Tour

10. Botero's Art

Fernando Botero, the renowned Colombian artist, is celebrated for his distinctive style characterized by exaggerated proportions and voluptuous forms. Born in 1932 in Medellín, Botero's art reflects his fascination with the human figure and his love for his native Colombia. His iconic paintings and sculptures depict scenes of everyday life, imbued with a sense of humor, satire, and social commentary. Botero's subjects, from bullfighters and musicians to politicians and everyday people, exude a sense of robustness and vitality, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of power, wealth, and human nature. Over the course of his prolific career, Botero's work has garnered international acclaim, earning him a place among the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His sculptures adorn public spaces around the world, while his paintings grace the walls of museums and galleries from Paris to New York. Despite his global success, Botero remains deeply connected to his Colombian roots, using his art to celebrate the beauty and complexity of his homeland. With his bold colors, playful compositions, and larger-than-life figures, Botero continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of artists with his unique artistic vision.

11. Caño Cristales

Caño Cristales is probably one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. For a large share of the year it appears to be regular, but between September and November a miracle happens - it becomes multicolored. It is tinted in 5 colors: red, green, black, yellow and blue. This is why it is also called “The River of Five Colours” or “Rainbow River”. Without much further to say about Caño Cristales its better that you see it for yourself and we will be more than happy to assist you with the best plan available for you. Here is the link to the tour on our website where you can see the day to day plan and price per person.

12. The Amazon

The Amazon is an incredible place for tourists who seek intense contact with nature and get to know some of the most representative cultures of the country. Almost a third of Colombia is made up of jungle regions. The capital of the department, Leticia, is a friendly little place, located right on the border with Brazil and Peru. But the main reason to visit is the Amazon River and the rainforest that surround it are the strange and exotic plants and animals. The jungle is the longest in the world with its 6,800 kilometers. This is a destination where 212 species of mammals and 195 of reptiles live. Since this region represent so much about colombia's territory we have dedicated a full blog post about it Colombian Amazon.

13. The Desert that is not actually a desert

The Tatacoa Desert is actually not a desert: It is a dry tropical forest with a rich, colorful terrain. Millions of years ago, it was a lush forest full of vegetation and animals. Today, earth and rock stand where trees and flowers once stood. The land is not covered with dunes, as you might expect, but with rocky canyons that form dry labyrinths whose red and grey colors are interrupted by the occasional green bush. It is considered one of the largest vertebrate fossil sites in South America and has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Read our blog post to find out how to visit and what to do in the Tatacoa Desert.

14. The beautiful Catholic Architecture. 

Colombia's Catholic architecture, epitomized by landmarks like the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá and the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles, merges European influence with indigenous craftsmanship. Yet, the most striking gem is Las Lajas Sanctuary, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colombia's southern region. Sanctuary (also called Las Lajas Cathedral) is famous for both the legend surrounding it and for its stunning architecture. Spanning across the Guaitara River, the Gothic-style church has a breathtaking structure. It was built between 1916 and 1949. The legend says that the Virgin Mary visited a mother and her deaf-mute daughter during a fierce storm. It is believed that years later after the daughter died the mother re-visited the site and the daughter was then revived by the Virgin Mary. The area is said to have healing powers and many reports of this have been made over the years.


Image source: https://destinationlesstravel.com/2018/06/30/las-lajas-sanctuary/

15. The Nature and the (National-)Parks 

If you like getting lost in nature on your vacations - this country is the place for you. There are plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities. If you like to get some fresh air without leaving the urban zone there are as well a lot of easily accessible parks in the cities like Bogota where you will find the Simon Bolivar Park, which is even larger than Central Park in NYC. The opportunities to escape into nature here are endless. The country has 62 national natural parks, which vary in landscape, climate, and ecosystems. Many of them offer unique experiences for visitors. All national parks are designed to protect the wildlife, ecosystems, culture and architectural heritage of the area. You can visit the rainforest as well as the mountains which both have rare species of wild animals and also native communities that safeguard these natural sanctuaries. The Andean mountains bring about some of the highest points in Colombia and some of the nicest scenery as well. 


 

16. The History

You have probably already heard something about the Colombian history - it is quite fascinating. The history dates back for centuries, with Pre-Colombian communities creating many of the towns and cities that were re-founded with Spanish name after the conquest like Bacata to Bogota, Pubenza to Popayán or Sogamuxi to Sogamoso. The country has been heavily influenced by its natives as well as by the Spanish, French and British. It strongly reflects its history as a colony of Spain. Colombia is often referred to as the most Roman Catholic of the South American countries, and most of its people are proud of the relative purity of their Spanish language. The country is now turning a corner from its history of the last 50 years. Civil war has torn through the country, but 2016 a peace agreement was signed which opened the doors for thousands of inhabitants after the war.


Image source: https://www.colombia.co/en/this-is-colombia/culture/august-7th-flag-day/

17. The music and rhythms

Dancing and music have been an integral aspect of the culture for centuries. They represent the various influences, being a very important part of it. The music from the Andean region has indigenous as well as Spanish influence, played mainly with string and wind instruments. In contrast, the music from the coasts has a clear African influence, with drum rhythms predominantly Salsa, Cumbia and Vallenato are very popular styles in the whole country, and have now reached global audiences.  The country’s most popular dance style is Cumbia, which also happens to be one of the most popular music forms in all of Latin America and its the only three-ethnic rhythm having influences from the Africans, the Spanish and the Indigenous groups.

18. The Cities and Towns

The biggest and most famous colonial cities in Colombia are Bogota and Cartagena. Both have lovely old quarters with Spanish architecture, pretty churches, statues and squares. For a smaller alternative, Villa de Leyva is a three-hour drive north of Bogota. Offering pretty cobblestone streets, Villa de Leyva is located near to a desert area with dinosaur fossils and remnants of a previous empire. Another city worth a visit is Medellín, the second biggest city in this country. It is an up-and-coming conurbation and has passed through an urban and social transformation over the last 20 years turning it from one of the world’s most violent cities to an award-winning center of innovation, which is becoming a model for other cities around the world. Learn more about Medellín's Transformation in our blog post series. 

19. The Salt Cathedral

The colonial city of Zipaquirá, a short drive from Bogota, is home to one of the most popular attractions in this country: the underground salt cathedral. The cathedral is located within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters deep, it was built using 250,000 tons of rock salt and is 75 meters long and 18 meters high. It opened in 1954, hewn from the town’s salt deposits and was traditionally used by miners. The mine is the largest deposit of rock salt in the world. Today it is a pilgrimage site for many Catholics. The salt cathedral is a functioning church but doesn’t have a bishop and isn’t officially recognized as a cathedral in Catholicism. 

20. The Safety 

Colombia has not always been considered as a holiday option due to security problems in the past. However, in the last 20 years, the country has become much safer, tackling many of its issues and problems. Both Medellin and Cali as well as the capital Bogota and Cartagena are all safer places today. Many foreign travelers can be seen everywhere in Colombia and locals are happy to have a blossoming tourism industry. 


Image source:https://www.shexexplores.com/blog/2017/2/27/cartagena-colombia-you-seafaring-beauty

The whole of Colombia is rapidly becoming a must-see tourist destination, with a large increase in visitors from all around the world within the last five years. With its Caribbean beaches, snow-capped Andean mountain peaks, rainforests, and national parks, Colombia offers something for all types of travelers. The country’s magic, its astonishing variety of climates, landscapes and the friendliness of its people turn every trip into an unforgettable experience.



Sources:
https://www.goatsontheroad.com/9-reasons-visit-colombia/
https://theplanetd.com/reasons-to-visit-colombia/ 
http://www.vacationsincolombia.com/articles/top-10-reasons-to-visit-colombia 
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/south-america/colombia/articles/21-reasons-why-colombia-should-eb-your-next-holiday-destination/ 
https://www.tripsavvy.com/reasons-to-visit-colombia-34301