If you have a business trip planned to Colombia, take the opportunity to visit these incredible destinations. If cities like Cali, Cartagena, Medellín, or Bogotá are on your itinerary, organize your schedule to have time to explore these charming capitals that will surely captivate you.

Learn more about our local cuisine and gastronomic offerings, or make cultural plans that allow you to connect more deeply with Colombia. Here are a few suggestions.

Bogotá

Discover the capital of the country, Bogotá, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

The Colombian capital is undoubtedly one of the most important business centers in the region. Many large national companies are based here, and several multinational companies have chosen Colombia as their hub in Latin America. Additionally, it is the perfect place to do business and understand how the country's economy works. It is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse cultural, gastronomic, and musical offering.

What to eat?

In Bogotá, you can try the best of Colombian and international cuisine. This city is becoming one of the most important foodie destinations in Latin America. Proof of this is that, for the second consecutive year, Colombia will host the Latam 50 best, and each year it hosts international events such as Alimentarte or the Bogotá Wine and Food Festival in August.

The restaurant and bar scene will amaze you. Divided by areas such as the famous Zona G, Zona T, Usaquén, La Macarena, or La Candelaria, in Bogotá you will find a wide selection of local and international cuisine. If you want to enjoy Colombian gastronomy, you will also find options from different regions of the country.

Be sure to try typical dishes from the city like ajiaco, almojábanas, or tamales, to name a few. We also recommend visiting the Plaza de Paloquemao, one of the largest and most important markets in the country, where you will enjoy the great variety of fruits and ingredients that Colombia has to offer.

Cultural plan

A plan to connect with the capital's culture is, without a doubt, visiting downtown Bogotá. Discover the impressive Plaza de Bolívar, where you will find the Cathedral, the Congress of the Republic, among other monuments of national interest filled with history. Visit the Museum of the Bank of the Republic where the private collection of Colombian master Fernando Botero is held, which also features temporary exhibitions of international artists. Other must-visit museums include the Gold Museum, which boasts the largest pre-Columbian gold collection in the world, and the National Museum, which houses about 20,000 objects such as archaeological pieces and works of art, and has been operating since May 2, 1948, in the building of the old Central Penitentiary of Cundinamarca.

There are also cultural events throughout the year, such as the Book Fair in April, the ArtBo art fair in October, and others where culture is the main focus.

Medellín

Discover what Medellín has to offer

Medellín is known as the city of eternal spring because of its pleasant climate all year round. This Colombian city has undergone an architectural and cultural transformation that will leave you enchanted. Discover a city that has been recognized as one of the most innovative in the world, where fashion is a key part of the city's development.

What to eat?

One of the characteristics that identifies Medellín worldwide is its food. You've surely heard of the fame of the bandeja paisa, which you can find in almost any restaurant in the city. This typical dish has more than ten ingredients that will result in an explosion of flavor.

Don’t miss out on trying mazamorra paisa, one of the dishes that best identifies the region. It is made from yellow corn and milk, served cold with a bit of ground panela. Other dishes you'll love are arepa paisa made from fresh corn and the famous mondongo. Discover a selection of restaurants that highlight local products like El Cielo, Carmen, Oci, or Barcal, to name a few.

Cultural plans

In Medellín, you’ll find many plans to enjoy. If you like nature and science, think no further and visit Parque Explora or check out Parque Arví, which you can reach via the Metrocable, another of the city’s attractions. From up high, you can see the magnitude of this ever-growing metropolis.

You can also visit the El Castillo Museum, Plaza Botero, the Museum of Antioquia, Parque Lleras, the Barefoot Park, among others. Make the most of the city's warm weather and discover the warmth of its people.

Cartagena

Experience the magic of Cartagena and its historic streets

Cartagena is the gateway for many foreigners who come to the country for business. It is a magical and colorful city, perfect for experiencing Colombian magic and charm. Make the most of every free minute you have to explore, eat, and learn more about this coastal destination.

What to eat?

Everything. Once you are in Cartagena, the smells, colors, and textures of the local food will captivate you. You will surely see streets filled with fruits, "salpicón," "cocadas," and juices, and you will also find popular street fried foods like "carimañolas" or "arepa de huevo."

The city has a wide selection of restaurants for all tastes, and here you will find a great variety of dishes inspired by local cuisine. Options include fried or stewed fish, ceviches, rice, fried plantain or yucca, salads, and many creations based on seafood.

Cultural plans

In the first quarter of the year, one of the country’s most important cultural festivals takes place: the Hay Festival. Here, intellectuals, artists, musicians, thinkers, and writers from all over the world gather, and cultural projects of all kinds are showcased, with a common goal: transforming the world. There is also the Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI), the oldest in Latin America, the International Music Festival, and others that pay tribute to various areas of culture.

If your business trip is at another time, walk around the city, explore its walls, visit the San Felipe Castle, discover the Getsemaní neighborhood, or take the opportunity to have a beach day at the Rosario Islands, a true paradise just an hour by boat from the city. For a more cultural experience, you can visit the Adolfo Mejía Theater and attend a theatrical or musical performance.

Cali

Visit Cali, the city of salsa choque in Colombia

Known as The 'World Capital of Salsa', Cali is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, a perfect place to enjoy Colombia's charm. Its warm climate, averaging 23 °C (73 °F), is ideal for outdoor activities and making the most of all its corners.

What to eat?

Cali has a well-defined culinary style, featuring dishes made with local ingredients and influences from the Colombian Pacific. You will find dishes where the main ingredient is plantain, such as marranitas or aborrajados; "sancocho de gallina," a type of soup made with potato, yucca, plantain, and hen; as well as "chuleta valluna" and "arroz atollado."

Although you can try most of these dishes in local restaurants, experience the delights of the Valle del Cauca on the street. There, you will find several cholado stands, a mix of fruits like papaya, banana, and pineapple, accompanied by shaved ice and condensed milk. Don't forget to try "lulada" and "champús," a drink made with corn and fruits. Also, don't miss out on "chontaduro," a fruit from the palm tree native to this region, and delight yourself with desserts such as "manjar blanco" and "gelatina de pata."

Cultural plans

Cali boasts several cultural sites: among them, you can visit the Municipal Theater of Cali, where major musical artists perform, and concerts, theater performances, and more are held; the Jorge Garcés Borrero Departmental Library, the La Merced Archaeological Museum, Caliwood Museum, and others that are worth visiting not only for their varied cultural offerings but also for the importance of their facades and architecture.

Cali is recognized worldwide as one of the capitals of salsa, so learning about this rhythm and how to dance it is a must if you visit the city. Let yourself be carried away and feel the rhythm of this musical genre that is characteristic of Latin music and get infected by the "tumbao" that the locals add to each of their movements. In several areas of the city, you will find dance schools that offer classes for beginners and tourists. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the experts! You can also attend Salsa shows like Delirio or Ensálsate, which are experiences not to be missed in this city.

Visit the La Ermita Church, whose neo-Gothic architectural style contrasts with the rest of the city. If you want to exercise and enjoy the outdoors, climb to the Cristo Rey Monument, where you can enjoy the view of the entire city.

With these plans in mind, you will surely enjoy any city you visit for work. Each destination is unique, so be encouraged to learn about its culture and experience those unique elements that identify Colombia and its people.