Colombia 

White sand beaches, rivers, mountains, colonial cities with a huge past, the densest and most diverse flora and fauna in the world, the heritage of ancestral communities... you just have to choose. Colombia is the perfect playground to vary the pleasures.Did you know that it is considered the country with most biodiversity per km²?

2x

larger

1,1 million de KM2

50

millions of people

8M in Bogota, 2.5M in Medellin, 2.5M in Cali, 1.2M in Barranquilla, 1M in Cartagena

85

native languages

Spanish is the official language

5

neighbouring countries

Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador

3rd

biggest economy in Latin America

A bit of history

The first human traces in this region of the globe date back to 20,000 BC. Historians agree on two major periods: the agricultural era from -5000 to -1200 BC (and it is in San Agustin in the south of the country that we find the remains of an indigenous community, probably of sculptors and artists, dating back to 3300 BC), then the golden era from -1200 BC to the arrival of the Spanish (the tayronas people  were then the largest indigenous community in Colombia, settled in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta). The Spannish settled Colombia in 1499 and created the kingdom of New Granada including Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela and northwestern Brazil. The independence of Gran Colombia was acquired in 1819 by Simon Bolivar and his troops. In 1830 Ecuador and Venezuela gained their independence, then in 1903, it was the turn of Panama. Colombia is now a constitutional republic and a great mix of cultures. The indigenous inhabitants (Muisca, Tayrona…), the African population who arrived as slaves, the settlers from the Iberian Peninsula, European and middle east immigration in the 20th century make this territory one of the most beautiful ethnic mixtures. Let yourself be surprised and enjoy what they have to share with you. 

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Geography

If History is the richness of this territory, what about its geography?  

From the Pacific to the Llanos plateaus, from the Caribbean to the southern volcanoes, Colombia is crossed from northeast to southwest by the Andes Cordillera where the main cities of the country are located: Bogota (Cordillera Oriental), Medellin and Cali (Cordillera Occidental) and the cities of the coffee zone (Manizales, Armenia, Pereira). Cartagena and Santa Marta complete the list of major cities and are the jewels of the Caribbean with their colonial heritage. Not to mention the two main snow-capped peaks over 5000m above sea level: el Nevado del Ruiz and the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta.  

Its rather constant tropical climate throughout the year is punctuated by two rainy seasons in the year. Close to the equator, it is ideal for varied agriculture. Bogota has an average of 18°C ​​all year round while Medellin, also called "the city of eternal spring", has an average of 25°C. The Pacific coast is the rainiest and the Caribbean coast the hottest with an average of 26°C. 

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Culture

Unsurprisingly given its history and geography, Colombian culture is rich and diverse. The precolonial era transmitted its artistic remains (to be seen at the Gold Museum in Bogota, for example), and archaeological remains (on the recognized site of San Agustin or Tierradentro, for example). The colonial era, for its part, particularly marked Colombia with its architectural printfoot (the "amurallada" of Cartagena being the figurehead, but also the many colorful villages of the coffee zone or "Antioqueña"). 

 The culture of a country is also expressed (and above all, in my opinion) by its way of living. What is striking when arriving in Colombia is the joy of its inhabitants. Music, dancing, partying and going out to eat are the pillars of all Colombians, regardless of their origins or social status. Without going into clichés, whether the table is modest or abundant, you will always be invited to sit there.  

You will not miss the "arepas" (corn pancakes which are devoured especially in the morning), el "ajiaco" (a potato soup with vegetable, corn, chicken accompanied by rice and avocado), the " bandeja païsa" (the "païsas" are the inhabitants of the Medellin region and offer a very carnivorous dish accompanied by arepas, avocado, rice and egg... for big eaters only!) and of course the specialties Caribbean (fried fish and "patacon" a variety of fried banana, too) and other empanadas (fried!).  

Musically you will not miss cumbia, salsa, bachata and… reggaeton (the main contemporary artists are from Medellin). And why not let yourself be guided by the various festivals and carnavals (Carnaval of Barranquilla, Féria de Cali, Féria de las "Flores" de Medellin, "Blancos y Negros" en Pasto, Feria de Manizales...).  

Finally, if you have the opportunity to be in Colombia during a match of its national football team, then you will discover the euphoria and the pride of a people for its country. And if you are that day in Barranquilla (city where the selection plays) then get ready to live a unforgettable experience.  

To finish on a personal note, the most striking culture of Colombia are the Colombians themselves. Discover them in their diversity and richness, they have so much to give to you visitors! 

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