DISCOVER THE RICHNESS OF COLOMBIAN CULTURE

Welcome to Colombia, a vibrant and diverse place. In the Country of Beauty, music, art, and history are woven into everyday life. Ancestral rhythms, folk dances, artistic expressions, and literature are part of daily life in both cities and towns. Each region has its own way of celebrating identity, making Colombia’s culture a fascinating expression of diversity.

The country also owes part of its beauty to its festivities. Colombia’s fairs and festivals are a display of joy and tradition, expressing centuries of cultural blending and popular heritage. The Carnaval de Barranquilla, the Feria de Cali, and the Feria de las Flores in Medellín are just a few events that let you feel the essence of Colombia through its people, colors, and music.

What information should I know
if I travel to Colombia?

Among the key facts about Colombia is that the country is located at the northern tip of South America and enjoys a privileged position with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, something unique in this part of the continent.

This geography provides access to a wide variety of climates and landscapes over relatively short distances. The capital is Bogotá, a city at 2,600 meters above sea level, known for its rich cultural life, museums, colonial architecture, and ever-evolving gastronomy.

Spain is the official language of Colombia, yet the country preserves great linguistic richness: around 65 Indigenous languages are still spoken, reflecting the diversity of Colombia’s original peoples. This cultural multiplicity is also expressed in accents, customs, and clothing, which vary from region to region.

Another interesting fact about Colombia is that the peso is the country’s official currency, regulated by the Banco de la República. Payments are commonly made in cash, electronically, and by credit or debit cards, with providers such as Mastercard and Visa.

Flavors that tell stories: Colombian gastronomy

In Colombia, every dish tells a story that connects with the land, climate, and traditions of each region. Colombian cuisine is deeply regional, meaning ingredients, techniques, and flavors can vary considerably from one area to another. From mote de queso to cayeye, or tamal, the country’s culinary offering is as varied as its geography.

Each region has its own culinary identity. Here are some typical Colombian dishes you shouldn’t miss:

• Bandeja paisa (Antioquia): a generous combination of ground beef, chicharrón, rice, beans, fried egg, avocado, arepa, and plantain.

• Ajiaco (Bogotá): a hearty potato soup with chicken, corn on the cob, capers, and cream—ideal for the capital’s cooler climate.

• Arepa de huevo (Costa Caribe): a fried arepa filled with egg and sometimes meat; crispy outside and soft inside.

Colombian coffee is another national emblem. World-renowned for its smoothness and quality, it stems from Andean coffee traditions passed down through generations. Visiting a coffee farm is highly recommended

to better understand the entire process behind a cup.

Traveling across Colombia is also a journey of flavors: exotic fruits such as lulo, guanábana, maracuyá, and corozo complement a cuisine rich in contrasts. Traditional preparations, local markets, and food festivals make the culinary experience one of the great pleasures of the trip.

Nature in Colombia

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Its territory ranges from deserts like Guajira, to rainforests such as those in Amazonas, unique páramos, and paradise beaches bathed by the Caribbean and the Pacific. The diversity is so great that in a single day you could be in a tropical area and then move into a high-mountain ecosystem.

This ecological diversity is also reflected in fauna and flora: Colombia is home to thousands of species of birds, butterflies, and orchids, many of them endemic. It’s no surprise that it is a coveted destination for ecotourism, biologists, nature photographers, and travelers seeking sustainable experiences.

Electricity

On practical matters, the country’s electricity runs at a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. The most common plugs in

Colombia are two flat pins (types A and B), similar to those in the United States, which makes it easier for travelers from North America.

If you’re coming from Europe or other places with different outlets, you can easily find adapters and voltage regulators in stores, airports, or department stores. Bringing a universal adapter is always recommended to avoid issues.

National symbols

The anthem:
The national anthem was officially proclaimed in 1920, though its origin dates to 1887, when it was written by Rafael Núñez with music by the Italian Oreste Sindici. Its melody and lyrics reflect patriotic spirit and national pride.

The coat of arms:
Designed in 1834 by Francisco de Paula Santander, Colombia’s coat of arms is divided into three horizontal bands. In the upper section, on a blue background, there is a pomegranate and two cornucopias symbolizing the country’s wealth and fertility.

In the middle band, a Phrygian cap sits atop a spear (a symbol of freedom), and platinum represents mineral resources. In the lower band, the former Isthmus of Panama appears with two seas and a ship, recalling the country’s maritime and historical importance. Above the

shield, a condor with open wings holds the ribbon bearing the national motto: “Libertad y orden.”

The flag:
Initially created by Francisco de Miranda in 1807, the tricolor flag has undergone several changes. The current version, established in 1924, has three horizontal stripes: yellow occupies the upper half and represents the country’s riches; blue symbolizes the seas and sky; and red, the blood shed by independence heroes.

The country also recognizes as national symbols the wax palm of Quindío (national tree), the Andean condor (national bird), and the orchid (national flower), all present in different ecosystems and highly representative of Colombia’s natural and symbolic wealth.

How to get to Colombia

By air:
The most common way to enter the country is by plane. Colombia has several international airports:

• Bogotá (El Dorado International Airport)
• Medellín (José María Córdova International Airport)
• Cartagena (Rafael Núñez International Airport)
• Cali (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport)
• Barranquilla (Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport)
• Santa Marta (Simón Bolívar International Airport)

• Pereira (Matecaña International Airport)
• Armenia (El Edén International Airport)
• San Andrés (Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport)
• Bucaramanga (Palonegro International Airport)
• Cúcuta (Camilo Daza International Airport)

Airlines such as Avianca, LATAM, American Airlines, Delta, United, Air Canada, Iberia, Air France, KLM, Copa Airlines, Spirit, and JetBlue operate frequent routes to Colombia.

Estimated flight times:

• From Miami: 3–4 hours
• From Madrid: 10–12 hours
• From Mexico City or Buenos Aires: 4–6 hours

By land:

• From Venezuela: the Cúcuta crossing is the most used, though it may face restrictions for political or security reasons.
• From Ecuador: the border at Ipiales (Rumichaca Bridge) connects by bus to Cali or Bogotá. The journey can take 20–30 hours.
• From Peru or Brazil: less common, but possible via Leticia (Amazonas), combining river and land transport.
• From Panama: there is no direct overland passage due to the Darién Gap, a jungle area without passable roads.

By sea:
Some cruises include stops in port cities such as Cartagena or Santa Marta, departing from Caribbean ports like Miami or Panama. These calls are ideal for travelers who want to explore part of the country within a regional trip.

Tourist regions

Colombia is divided into six major tourist regions, each with its own personality:

• Greater Colombian Caribbean: paradise beaches, Caribbean culture, and cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta.
• Western Colombian Andes: home to Medellín and the Eje Cafetero, with traditional towns and mountain scenery.
• Colombian Pacific: biodiversity, Afro-Colombian communities, and tropical rainforest landscapes.
• Eastern Colombian Andes: Bogotá, Santander, and Boyacá, with mountains, history, and colonial towns.
• Colombian Massif: the country’s geographic and ecological center, where major rivers are born.
• Colombian Amazon-Orinoco: natural and cultural wealth, Indigenous communities, and unexplored landscapes.

Exploring Colombia is opening yourself to an experience that blends nature, culture, and flavor. Every region offers a different view of the country, and every

encounter with its people leaves an unforgettable impression. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, a connection with biodiversity, or ancestral traditions, Colombia awaits you with its unique beauty.