Colombia
is full of surprising stories, vibrant culture and extraordinary
natural wonders that most travellers never encounter. These insights
reveal a deeper, more intriguing side to the country before you
experience it for yourself.
Colombia is the world’s second most biodiverse country, home to nearly 10% of all known species.
It has more butterfly species than any other country on Earth.
The country celebrates “Día de las Velitas,” a festival where entire streets glow with candles and lanterns.
Bogotá sits higher than many mountain towns at 2,640 metres above sea level.
The Caño Cristales river is known as the “River of Five Colours” due to its vibrant natural pigments.
Colombia pioneered the development of modern heart stents.
The country is a major leader in orchid research and preservation.
Several Colombian cities were early adopters of cable-car public transport systems for urban mobility.
Cartagena’s walled city was one of the first major fortified ports in the Americas.
Greetings are warm, often with a handshake or cheek kiss depending on the region.
Colombians value courtesy; it’s common to greet strangers in lifts or shops.
Time can be flexible with social gatherings starting later than scheduled.
Tipping is widely expected, usually around 10%.
Gabriel García Márquez, Nobel Prize-winning author, shaped global literature with magical realism.
Shakira is one of the most influential Latin music artists of all time.
Fernando Botero is famous for his distinctive artistic style featuring exaggerated proportions.
Egan Bernal became the first Latin American cyclist to win the Tour de France.
Colombia is the only South American country with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.
The Cocora Valley is home to the world’s tallest palm trees, soaring up to 60 metres.
Tayrona National Park blends rainforest, beaches and Indigenous heritage.
Medellín is known for its year-round spring-like climate.
Colombians are known for their warmth, hospitality and expressive communication.
Music and dance play a central role — from cumbia to salsa to vallenato.
Coffee culture is integral to daily life, especially in the Eje Cafetero region.
Family gatherings are frequent and often include extended relatives.
Arepas are a staple food enjoyed in many regional variations.
Colombia hosts the world’s largest salsa festival, Feria de Cali.
The country celebrates numerous colourful carnivals, including Barranquilla’s UNESCO-recognised festival.
Artisanal crafts, such as mochila bags, reflect Indigenous traditions.
Colombia’s Indigenous cultures date back thousands of years, with vibrant archaeological sites like San Agustín.
Cartagena played a key role in colonial trade and defence.
The Gold Museum in Bogotá houses one of the world’s largest pre-Hispanic gold collections.
Colombia’s modern history includes significant periods of transformation and resilience.
Caño Cristales is one of the world’s most unique natural rivers.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground church carved inside a salt mine.
Tayrona National Park features untouched Caribbean coastline.
Piedra del Peñol offers spectacular views from its 740 steps.
Colombia is the world’s second most biodiverse nation.
Home to the tallest palm trees on Earth.
Bogotá sits at 2,640 metres.
Cumbia and salsa influence national culture.
Colombia has both Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Caño Cristales is called the “River of Five Colours.”
Coffee is a national symbol.
Cartagena’s walled city is UNESCO-listed.
Medellín is the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is built inside a mountain.
Colombia grows more orchids than any country.
Shakira is one of the world’s best-known Colombians.