About Colombia
Colombia is a hidden gem of South America, a land full of surprises and endless diversity. This vast and enchanting country offers everything your heart desires: majestic mountains, towering volcanoes, two oceans with stunning beaches, lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers, arid deserts, and expansive coffee plantations. It is home to extraordinary wildlife, vibrant flora and fauna, and rich cultural traditions shaped by its indigenous heritage.
Music is the heartbeat of Colombia, with the rhythm of salsa, cumbia, and vallenato filling the air wherever you go. The country is also steeped in history, with archaeological monuments that date back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the fascinating cultures that have shaped this beautiful land.
Colombia’s incredible ethnic diversity is one of its most defining features, blending the traditions of indigenous peoples, Afro-Colombian communities, and Spanish heritage. This unique cultural tapestry is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and way of life, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit unforgettable
Weather
The climate of Colombia is similar throughout the year. The country is located in the equatorial zone, so the seasons are not as noticeable as in many other countries in the world. This does not mean that the climate in Colombia is the same everywhere. In fact, the topography provides Colombia with enormous variability in climate, landscapes and biodiversity.
Any season is good to come to Colombia. What clothes to pack to your suitcase will depend more on the places you want to visit in Colombia, than on the time of the year you are planning to go. All year round you will most likely find rain in Bogota, eternal spring in Medellin, heat in the Caribbean and snow on the Nevado peaks.
Thanks to Colombia’s climate diversity you will find something interesting to see and do all year round.
Cuisine
Colombian cuisine is famous for the variety of fresh fruits, grilled meats, fresh fish and seafood (depending on the region of the country). What is interesting about Colombia is that it is one of the few countries in Latin America where rice is more important than corn and it is served with almost all meals.
The most famous dishes in Colombia are ajiaco soup (Bogota), la bandeja paisa (Antioquia) and sancocho soup. Other delicacies worth trying are:
Empanadas – fried cornmeal ‘dumplings’ with different fillings made of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cheese and / or minced meat.
Arepas – corn pancakes that come in many versions, salty or sweet, with or without filling. They can accompany almost any dish!
Tamales – one of the most traditional meals in America, already known to indigenous pre-Colombian civilizations thousands of years ago! Tamal is a mix of corn dough, vegetables and meat, wrapped in a corn leaf and steamed.
Platano – large vegetable banana, which in the culinary diversity of Colombia makes a specific contribution to dishes throughout the country.
… and much much more! All this food can be accompanied by an interesting variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as aguapanela (sugar cane drink), freshly ground arabica coffee, freshly squeezed juices, coconut lemonade, rum or aguardiente!
Money
The currency in Colombia is Colombian Peso (COP).
1 USD = approx. 4500 COP
1 EUR = approx. 5000 COP
The currency can be exchanged at exchange offices that are easily accessible in large cities or at airports. In restaurants, hotels, transport companies, etc.in larger cities you can pay with a credit or debit card without any problems.
Small businesses, taxis and corner stores , both in small towns and big cities, usually only accept cash.
ATMs are generally available and accept main cards: VISA and MASTER CARD.
Safety
Colombia has often been misunderstood, but it’s much safer today than many people think. While it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and look after your belongings, the country is full of welcoming people and beautiful places to explore.
With our local guides, you’ll be well taken care of throughout your journey. As the sign at Bogotá’s airport says: “The biggest risk is that you’ll want to stay!” Come and experience the warmth and safety of Colombia for yourself.
Souvenirs
What is worth bringing from Colombia? Among the souvenirs and handicrafts worth attention are:
What is worth bringing from Colombia? Among the souvenirs and handicrafts worth attention are:
Colombian coffee. Coffee is one of the most famous and appreciated typical Colombian products in the world
Emeralds. Colombian emeralds are also a product that is considered unique in the world and highly valued for their excellent purity, size, color and durability.
Mochilas bags. The colorful bags handcrafted by the indigenous people of Wayuu are one of the most original and beautiful souvenirs!
Hommocks. Different regions of Colombia have find different types of hammocks – fabric or woven from natural materials. It is a practical craftwork that will serve you for many years!
Aguardiente or rum. Local Colombian alcohols based on sugar cane will please every fan of exotic alcoholic beverages!
What To See
• Bogota and the La Candelaria district, full of colorful colonial buildings, churches and museums.
• Sanctuary of the Fall of Jesus Christ on the hill of Monserrate (3151 m above sea level), which towers over the center of Bogota. The church with its breathtaking panoramic view of the city is a must see.
• Villa de Leyva, a charming little town with a well-kept old town with colonial white architecture and cobbled streets.
• Zona Cafetera – the picturesque region famous for its exceptional coffee plantations, colorful charming towns and the Cocora Valley with the tallest palm trees in the world;
• Medellin – in the past one of the most dangerous places in the world, today the bustling City of Eternal Spring.
• Tatacoa Desert – the unique area resembling the Grand Canyon in the USA. There is an astrological observatory, where you can admire celestial bodies thanks to the pristine sky;
• Cartagena de Indias – is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities of the Americas, the undisputed treasure of the colonial Caribbean. Cartagena’s old town is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
• Rosario Islands – located off the coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Sea. They form an underwater nature park, perfect for coral reef observations. It is a perfect place to relax on a sandy, tropical beach surrounded by coconut trees;
• Tayrona Park – a magical piece of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea and the clear air of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains meet;
• Ciudad Perdida – The Lost City – the undisputed treasure of South America. An ancient city hidden for hundreds of years in the tropical forest in Sierra Nevada mountains, that was rediscovered to the world in the 1970s;
• Colombian Amazon – a unique area for travelers who want to have close contact with wild nature and learn about some of the indigenous cultures that still inhabit the Amazon Jungle;
• Pacific Coast – the characteristic blackness of the beaches contrasts with the green of the dense forest vegetation. A unique combination that captivates every visitor. During a few weeks during the year you can observe the majestic humpback whales coming to the waters of the Pacific Ocean!