Travel to Colombia

Colombia has an enormous amount to offer, both in terms of history, culture and nature. From the snow-capped Andes over the lowland’s tropical rainforests and the sunny Caribbean coast, the nature experiences are lined up and just waiting for a visit. In the cities you will see exciting architecture from the colonial era and the beautiful coffee areas attract with lush plantations, happy people and a wonderful climate. The population is a mixture of European descendants, Africans and Indians. With their own history and culture, these population groups make Colombia a colorful and exciting destination.

See Colombia

Population: 47.2 million

Capital: Bogotá

Language: Spanish

Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez is from Colombia? He is the fourth South American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

There are about 80 native languages ​​spoken in Colombia? Spanish is the official language, but the indigenous languages ​​have official status in the regions in which they are spoken.

Colombia’s nature

Colombia is located in the northwestern corner of South America and borders Panama , Venezuela, Brazil , Peru and Ecuador . The northern coast faces the Caribbean Sea and the western towards the Pacific Ocean. The western part of the country is permeated by the Andes with their high, snow-capped peaks and cool plateaus, while the low, hot swamps of the upper Amazon and Orinoco rivers fill its eastern and southeastern parts. Colombia offers many different natural scenarios, from high alpine areas and volcanoes to mist rainforest, mangrove swamp, desert and savannah. On the Caribbean coasts there are also white sandy beaches and coral reefs. Colombia also includes the idyllic islands of San Andres and Provicencia, located far north of the coast of Nicaragua.

Colombian population

Colombia’s 47 million inhabitants are Roman Catholic. Half are mestizos (a mixture of European and Native American origin). In addition, there are whites, mulattoes, blacks, mixtures of blacks and Indians, and only one percent full-blooded Indians. Nevertheless, over 200 different Native American languages ​​and dialects are spoken here in addition to the main Spanish language. During the 80’s and 90’s, many people sought refuge in the big cities, mainly Bogotá and Medellín, and this resulted in large slums. However, peace in the country has led to many returning to the countryside and partly the economy has improved so markedly that it has also had a positive effect on the living conditions of the country’s poorest population.

History of Colombia

In 1499, the first Spaniards landed in the part that today corresponds to northern Colombia. The first thing they noticed was the Indians’ many jewelry and handicrafts in gold. This fueled the myth of the gilded land of Eldorado, and over the years the Colombian coasts were forced to receive a horde of Spanish explorers. Colombia soon became a Spanish colony under the name New Granada, and also covered present-day Ecuador and Venezuela. Throughout colonial times, the native Colombians made scattered and rather tame revolts against the Spaniards. It was only when Simon Bolivar’s resistance movement became active that Colombia became independent. The new republic was established in 1819 and also included Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Panama and was named Gran Colombia. The new republic lasted only 11 years and in 1886 Colombia became the republic that still rules the country today. The population is open and cordial, something that has been preserved even during difficult periods in the 20th century. Today you experience a peaceful country with an economy that is growing fastest in all of South America.

Attractions in Colombia

The capital Bogotá has a futuristic architecture, colonial cathedrals, extravagant department stores and small stalls on every street corner. The historic La Calendaria district is the heart of Bogotá with its many colonial buildings, churches and museums. The city’s most beautiful views can be found on top of the Cerro de Monserrate mountain. A cabin ride or an hour-long hike is rewarded with fantastic photo opportunities. The port city of Cartagena on the north coast of Colombia is known for its history and beauty. The old colonial city is packed with churches and fine architectural gems along the cobbled streets.

Colombia’s second largest city Medellín has been named the world’s most innovative city and is considered one of the continent’s best cities to live in. The new, modern metro system is a particular success as it has succeeded in integrating some of the poorest areas on the outskirts of the city. Today, the population has both cheap and easy access to both jobs and education. Here you will also find the world’s largest exhibition of the famous artist Fernando Botero’s works of art and statues. The pearl of the country is the beautiful coffee area where the green plantations spread along the mountain slopes. Here you are met by the friendly population, beautiful nature and the charming cities with exciting architecture.

Anyone looking for even more beach idyll than the Caribbean coasts can offer, should go to the islands of San Andres and Providencia. The archipelago is located quite far from Colombia, near Nicaragua east coast, but it is well worth a visit with beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs and good opportunities for snorkeling. Remains from ancient Native American cultures can also add a little spice to a trip to Colombia, and you can visit Ciudida Perdad (the forgotten city). The Forgotten City is an ancient Native American city built between the 1000s and 3000s. It is one of the largest of its kind in all of Latin America and has 150 stone terraces carved into the rocks. The city is hidden deep in the jungle between the northern mountains. There are no roads to the city and a hike to the nearest city takes six days. However, the trip is worth the effort. More Native American adventures can be found at the beautiful Laguna de Guatavita or in the San Agustín Archaeological Park. The former is a lake where Muisca Indians have sacrificed gold and emeralds to the gods. It is said that this is where the legend of Eldorado originated. In San Augustín, there are over 500 statues and tombstones from an ancient Native American culture that existed long before the arrival of the Spaniards and were spread over a large area, where the Magdalena River flows through the mountain valley.

Climate Colombia

Get an overview of Colombia’s climate and weather – see temperatures for the capital Bogota and Santa Maria.

On the coasts and in the lowlands, the climate is warm and tropical. According to bridgat, the rainy season falls between March and November, when the rain comes in short, heavy villages. The rainy season lasts longer in Los Llanos, where it is only relatively dry between December and March. The Colombian Pacific coast is one of the rainiest areas in the world. The temperature varies only slightly during the year. It is necessary to go high up to experience some major temperature differences. In the lowest regions the average temperature is 26 °, in the highest parts 15 °.