Colombia: culture and diversity that makes the world dance

Colombia is known as the country of a thousand rhythms thanks to the diversity of sounds that identify five regions with distinct cultures, making every Colombian proud.

Did you know that approximately 1,025 rhythms have emerged in Colombia, grouped into 157 musical genres? This makes it clear that Colombia has musical flavor and much to offer to the rest of the world. Colombians love to move, dance at every party, celebration, festival, and event that represents our culture, folklore, and stimulates memories.

Christmas festivities, important events for the country like the Barranquilla Carnival, and even a family birthday are the perfect excuse to get up and practice the movements taught to us since childhood. Because of this and the cultural and historical value of each musical genre that makes Colombia what it is, the country is always present at Fitur, an event held in Spain each year, where tourism professionals gather to showcase the best of their countries.

What does music mean to Colombians?

Music moves us, makes us remember, makes us vibrate and get up from our seats; it is what unites us, brings us joy, and brightens our lives. “Music, as a universal language and expression of the richness and diversity of countries, allows you to connect your physical journey with your intellectual, emotional, and spiritual journey so you can have unique, memorable, and transformative experiences,” said Julián Guerrero, Vice President of Tourism at ProColombia.

What can you do in Colombia?

Discovering Colombian culture is a whole experience worth living. In addition to music, gastronomy, landscapes, people, and every component of its charm are unique. From the coast, where you can discover people full of joy and explosive flavors created from local ingredients like fried fish, coconut rice (which you must try!), patacones, shrimp ceviches, coconut water, and many more, you can enjoy it all in the beauty of its beaches and coastal territory.

In cities like Barranquilla, you can enjoy the music, the ‘gozadera’, and the joy of its people. In La Guajira, you will soak up a culture deeply rooted in its origins; you can feel the mysticism of places like Cabo de la Vela and Guajira culture, sleep in a hammock, and enjoy a unique sunset as the breeze envelops you.

Besides visiting these places, you can explore any other part of Colombia and be amazed. It’s very easy to do so; you can even drive through various regions of the country to better know each destination. Traveling through Cesar, Quindío, Antioquia, the Cultural Coffee Landscape—where you cannot leave without trying the best smooth coffee in the world—Meta, Cundinamarca, the Amazon, and all those renowned places in Colombia have options for every lifestyle and traveler. Wonderful places like Caño Cristales, the salt mine of Zipaquirá, the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, various natural reserves like Chicaque, Chingaza National Park, the Lost City, the Tatacoa Desert, and others make this one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the world.

Come and feel the rhythm of Colombia!