Colombia, with its stunning coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, boasts an enviable geographical location and a rich tapestry of culture and landscapes. Once marked by conflict due to its strategic position, the country has re-emerged as a vibrant and desirable tourist destination. Offering a mix of captivating highlights—from lush jungles and towering mountains to colonial towns and lively cities—Colombia’s newfound stability makes it a thrilling choice for travellers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Bogota: Colombia's capital city boasts a wealth of cultural attractions, including incredible museums, graceful cathedrals, and architectural wonders. By day, immerse yourself in history and culture, and by night, experience the city's vibrant nightlife. Don't miss La Candelaria, a neighborhood filled with cafes, parks, and points of interest.
Cartagena: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled city on the Caribbean coast, often described as more Spanish than Spain itself. Learn about its pirate history, wander through enchanting narrow streets in the old town, and soak up the Afro-Caribbean flavor.
The Coffee Triangle: This beautiful region is renowned for producing the majority of Colombia's coffee, considered some of the best in the world. Visitors can sample local coffee while exploring mountain passes, coffee farms, and cloud forests.
Rosario Island: Located off the Caribbean coast, Rosario and San Andres Islands provide a perfect getaway. These islands are within a national park about an hour from Cartagena. Visitors can kayak through mangroves, relax on stunning beaches, and savor fresh seafood.
Tayrona National Park: Situated in northern Colombia, Tayrona National Park covers the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta before meeting the Caribbean. It is known for its stunning palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, lush rainforests, and rich biodiversity.
In Colombia, the best times to visit are generally during the dry seasons, which are:
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
Language: Spanish
What makes it special: With its vast rain forests, sprawling savannas, huge mountains, and 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) of coastline on two oceans, Colombia is one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth. Colombia is the only country in South America that has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The area covered by modern day Colombia was originally inhabited by the indigenous tribes Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tairona. In 1499, the Spanish arrived and colonised the area, calling it New Granada.
Weather: Colombia's climate varies based on altitude, with different regions experiencing different temperatures. Here are some average temperatures for various areas:
Social customs: In Columbian culture, families can be conservative and protective of their children, no matter how old they are! It is not unusual to find grandparents living at home. Individual privacy is limited by the small size of the houses and the commonly big families.
