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Colombia
Fact File
Capital: Bogotá
Major cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena de Indias, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Santa Marta
Currency: Colombian peso COP $
Population: 52.5 million (2024 estimate)
Official language: Spanish (castellano)
Demonym in Spanish: colombiano
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Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogota (Bogotá in Spanish), the capital of Colombia and its most populous city, stands as a hub of art and culture that intertwines indigenous heritage with Spanish colonial influence. As a thriving global city, Bogotá drives Colombia’s political, economic, and cultural identity, shaping its role on the world stage.
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After the city of Santa Fe de Bogotá was founded by the Spanish Conquistadors in 1538 (although there were some indigenous groups who lived in the region before then), the city quickly rose to being one of the most important administrative centres in the Spanish colonies. It soon became the capital of the Spanish colony, the Viceroyalty of New Granada (modern day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama). As such, its importance and subsequence wealth grew.
After Colombia gained its independence from Spain in the 1800s, the city, much like the nation, underwent significant change and upheaval as it tried to define its identity and assert its sovereignty. One symbolic change was that the city became known as just Bogotá, to symbolise a detachment from Spain.
In the modern era, Bogotá has sought to define its identity through institutions such as the Gold Museum. While gold historically symbolised Spain's quest for wealth in the Americas, the museum focuses on pre-Columbian artefacts (including those from the Ciudad Perdida), reflecting Colombia's evolving sense of self.
Moreover, Bogotá has emerged as a beacon of cultural excellence, attracting artistic talent from various fields. The Botero Museum, dedicated to Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero, showcases works of art from the country's most famous artist, while the city itself is a canvas adorned with vibrant murals.
Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena de Indias (often informally referred to as Cartagena), Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast, is a city steeped in history and importance. Founded in 1533 on the site of a former Calamarí tribe settlement, Cartagena is known for its colonial architecture and cultural vibrancy.
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During Spain's colonial period, the city emerged as a strategic port as it was from where Spain exported its treasures from its South American colonies. Not surprisingly, this attracted unwanted visitors to the area in the form of pirates from Spain's competitors, England and France.
As a result of the frequent attacks from their European rivals, the Spanish Crown commissioned walls to be built around the city, which still stand to this day. The construction on these walls started in 1614, and give the city's historic centre its nickname, la Ciudad Amurallada.
Following Colombia's Declaration of Independence in 1810, Cartagena witnessed many bloody attacks as Spain tried to keep hold of its colony. However, the city was greatly impacted by the conflict, and was neglected in the initial post-independence era, meaning that it took a long time to recover. However, in modern times, Cartagena's historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its colonial architecture attracts numerous tourists to the country.
Medellín
Medellín
Medellin (Medellín in Spanish), Colombia's second city, has a fascinating recent history. Although the city does have a historic past, its journey into being globally recognised really started in the 20th Century when coffee exportation (and businesses associated with it) propelled it into being one of the most important cities in Latin America.
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Unfortunately, Medellin's positive trajectory took a negative turn in the 1980s with an influx of drug-related gang violence, notably through Pablo Escobar (as recently depicted by Netflix's Narcos). As a consequence, the city was one of the most dangerous cities in the West, and synonymous with violence up until Escobar's death in 1993.
Following this uneasy period, Medellin (and the nation as a whole) has gone above above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the city and project that improved image to the rest of the world, reclaiming the narrative surrounding it. As such, the city has undergone a sort of cultural renaissance, with Medellin now being one of the hotspots of Spanish-language music, with major artists, Karol G, J Balvin, Sebastián Yatra and Maluma all hailing from the city.
In addition to its recent musical success, the city is renowned as the birthplace of Colombia's most celebrated artist, Botero, whose larger-than-life sculptures and paintings reflect the city's vibrant spirit and creative soul. Many of his works can be seen adorning its galleries and squares, adding a distinctive image to Medellin's urban landscape and reinforcing its cultural identity as a hub of artistic expression.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that the city's Feria de las Flores (flower festival), held annually in Medellin, is perhaps Colombia's most well-known festival internationally. It is a celebration that embodies the city's vibrant culture and is often associated with its nickname, "la primavera eterna" (the eternal spring), symbolising both its floral abundance and ongoing development.
Santa Marta and Tayrona
Santa Marta and Tayrona
Santa Marta, the oldest-surviving Spanish-founded city in Colombia, was established in 1525 by conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas. As the longest-enduring Spanish settlement on the Colombian coast, Santa Marta served as a base for Spain’s expansion across the Caribbean and into the Andes, with traces of its colonial legacy still visible today.
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The area around Santa Marta has deep connections to its pre-Columbian roots, particularly through the Tairona civilisation. The Tairona’s enduring influence is visible at the nearby Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), hidden high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Although difficult to reach, the Ciudad Perdida reveals the Tairona’s advanced masonry and intricate goldwork, which captivated Spanish explorers eager for riches. Today, examples of Tairona goldwork, including artifacts linked to the Santa Marta region, are displayed in Bogotá’s Museo del Oro, preserving a glimpse of the Tairona’s legacy.
Santa Marta is also the gateway to Tayrona National Park (pictured), a coastal sanctuary known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and remnants of Tairona culture. Travellers often begin in Santa Marta and pass through the fishing village of Taganga on their way to the park, drawn to its mix of natural beauty and archaeological significance.
Santa Marta’s layered history is perhaps best symbolised by its connection to Simón Bolívar, who spent his final days at Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, just outside the city. Bolívar, revered as the liberator of much of South America, left a profound impact on Colombia’s path to independence. His passing here in 1830 marked Santa Marta as a place where Colombia’s revolutionary and colonial pasts intersect, adding to the city’s role as a focal point of the cultural and historical layers that shape Colombia’s identity.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is an archaeological marvel nestled deep within Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains near Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park. Built around 800 AD by the Tairona civilisation, this ancient site was concealed beneath thick jungle growth, untouched by the Spanish conquest, and largely unknown to the outside world until treasure hunters stumbled upon it in 1972.
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Upon its rediscovery, the city was uninhabited and overgrown, quickly earning the name “Lost City” due to its hidden and remote location. For centuries, Ciudad Perdida had evaded detection, sparing it from the destruction that befell many other indigenous sites during Spanish colonisation. Though the Tairona people themselves were devastated by diseases brought by the Spanish, their isolated city remained intact, sparking renewed interest and archaeological exploration that continues to this day.
Recently, LiDAR technology (a cutting-edge tool in archaeology) has revealed even more of Ciudad Perdida’s hidden structures. By scanning through dense jungle foliage, this technology has provided a clearer picture of the site’s scale and design, uncovering terraces, staircases, and ceremonial platforms across the mountainside. The Tairona civilization's remarkable culture is also evident in their intricate goldwork, much of which is now preserved in Bogotá’s Museo del Oro.
Today, Ciudad Perdida stands as a symbol of endurance and mystery, representing a lost chapter in Colombia’s pre-Columbian past. Those who embark on the trek to this ancient city not only encounter the impressive legacy of the Tairona but also experience the profound solitude of a place untouched by time, offering a rare glimpse into a world that has withstood centuries of change.
Barranquilla
Barranquilla
Barranquilla is a bustling port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Established by the Spanish Conquistadors in the early 1600s, its strategic location along the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea transformed it into a vital trade port, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between the Americas and Europe.
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The city is perhaps most famous for its vibrant Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of Latin America’s most celebrated festivals. Recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the carnival brings Colombia’s rich cultural mix to life with colourful parades, traditional music, and spirited dance performances, making Barranquilla a showcase of Colombia’s diverse traditions.
Barranquilla is also the birthplace of international superstar Shakira, whose music uniquely blends multiple Colombian genres with global pop, reflecting her hometown’s fusion of influences and outward-facing mentality. Shakira’s connection to Barranquilla is deeply rooted; she frequently references her coastal origins in her songs and has been celebrated by locals as a cultural ambassador for the city. In 2023, Barranquilla even honoured her with a 6.5-metre bronze statue, symbolising her impact on the city’s identity and pride.
Cali
Cali
Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city and the capital of Valle del Cauca, was founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar in 1536. Positioned strategically as a trade route between Colombia’s interior and the Pacific coast, Cali quickly grew into an economic and cultural hub, with its location fostering a unique fusion of Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, and Spanish influences.
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Known as the Capital Mundial de la Salsa (World Capital of Salsa Music), Cali’s reputation for salsa music runs deep. This blend of cultures gave rise to a vibrant musical and dance movement that reflects the city’s diverse heritage. Salsa in Cali isn’t just music, it’s a lifestyle. Its presence is felt throughout the city, from local dance schools to the vibrant nightclubs, where residents and visitors alike embrace the lively rhythms.
Every December, Cali’s passion for salsa culminates in the Feria de Cali, a citywide festival that draws thousands to celebrate its music and dance culture. Dance competitions, salsa concerts, and parades fill the streets, showcasing the city’s world-renowned energy and talent. Cali’s salsa style, known for its speed and precision, has gained international acclaim, solidifying the city’s status as a global centre for salsa music and dance.
Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga, known as the Ciudad de los Parques (City of Parks), is a dynamic city in north-eastern Colombia celebrated for its history in trade and manufacturing. Its strategic position in the Santander region helped it thrive as a colonial outpost, eventually developing into a key economic centre nestled in the Andes.
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Among Bucaramanga's many green spaces is Parque Botero, a tribute to Colombia’s famed artist Fernando Botero. Although Botero hails from Medellín, Bucaramanga created this park to honour his contributions to Colombian art and national identity.
Ironically, Parque Botero itself doesn’t house any of his sculptures, but another of the city’s parks, Parque San Pío, proudly displays his somewhat polemic Mujer de Pie Desnuda, fondly referred to as “La Gorda". This beloved sculpture has become a cultural icon in the city, reflecting Bucaramanga’s deep appreciation for Botero’s distinctive artistic style.
Bucaramanga is also known for its unique culinary specialty, hormigas culonas, or "big-bottomed ants" (put politely). Although the name (and source) never ceases to raise eyebrows, the crunchy snack is believed to bring good luck, and is always a source of curiosity and amusement for visitors.
Guatapé
Guatapé
Guatapé, a colourful town in Antioquia, near Medellín is famous for its vibrant zócalos (decorative panels adorning the lower walls of nearly every building in the historic centre). Each zócalo tells a story, from village life to intricate floral designs, creating a kaleidoscope of colour that makes Guatapé feel like a living mural.
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The town’s most iconic landmark is El Peñón de Guatapé, a massive granite rock towering over 200 metres high. A bit of rivalry surrounds this landmark, as residents of Guatapé and the neighbouring town of El Peñol have long debated which town it truly belongs to. In an attempt to claim it, Guatapé locals began painting the town’s name on the rock. But work was halted after a painter fell to their death, leaving the letters “G” and “U” as the only markings. Today, the unfinished letters remain, a reminder of the ongoing debate over ownership.
For those who tackle the 700-step staircase to the top of El Peñón, the reward is a breath-taking 360-degree view of the stunning surrounding lakes and islands.
Salento and Valle de Corcora
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Salento and Valle de Corcora
In Colombia’s Zona Cafetera (Coffee Region), Salento and the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley) are celebrated for their cultural richness and natural beauty, famously inspiring Disney’s Encanto. With colonial streets, misty mountains, and lush coffee farms, the area embodies Colombia’s deep-rooted connection to coffee (a cornerstone of the country's cultural heritage and economy).
Salento was originally established in the 19th century as a penal colony, where prisoners were tasked with building and maintaining the Camino Real, a vital trade route linking Bogotá to the Cauca Valley (on the Pacific side of the country). This strategic location helped Salento develop as a stopover for travellers and settlers, and its fertile land and ideal climate made it a natural centre for coffee cultivation. Today, the town’s colourful facades, wooden balconies, and central square reflect a blend of traditional architecture and vibrant community life.
Salento is also known for its iconic jeepao rides, where large Jeeps, originally brought to support coffee farming, now carry visitors up steep paths to the Valle de Cocora. The valley is home to Colombia’s national tree, the towering wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense), with some of them reaching up to 60 metres in height. Now protected within Los Nevados National Natural Park, these majestic palms have become a powerful symbol of Colombia’s conservation efforts and the unique beauty of its landscapes.
San Agustín
San Agustín
San Agustín, a small town in southern Colombia, is famed for its ancient Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian sculptures in South America. The park houses over 500 stone statues and tombs, carved by the enigmatic San Agustín culture, which flourished and then vanished mysteriously around the 8th century.
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These statues, depicting human figures, animals, and mythical beings, stand as guardians over ancient burial sites and ceremonial grounds, revealing sophisticated beliefs about the afterlife and spiritual protection. Some figures reach over three metres in height, their striking features and complex iconography offering a rare glimpse into Colombia’s indigenous past.
Set against the lush landscape of the upper Magdalena River, San Agustín’s archaeological treasures make it a key site for understanding Colombia’s pre-Columbian history and the lasting legacy of its early civilizations.
Popayán
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Popayán
Popayán, often called La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) for its whitewashed colonial buildings, is one of Colombia’s most historically and culturally significant cities. Founded in 1537 by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar during his quest for the legendary El Dorado. During Spanish colonial rule, the city's strategic location between Bogotá and Quito enhanced its importance as a centre for trade, governance, and culture.
Popayán has played a pivotal role in Colombia’s literary and political history. The city is the birthplace of Guillermo Valencia, a prominent poet of the modernismo movement whose work bridged Colombian and European literary traditions. Valencia was also an influential politician, embodying Popayán’s legacy as a cradle of intellectual and cultural thought.
Popayán’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions are among the most celebrated in Latin America, recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These processions, which date back to the 16th century, reflect the city’s deep Catholic traditions, with elaborate floats and solemn rituals drawing visitors from across Colombia and beyond.
Beyond its colonial and intellectual significance, Popayán is renowned for its gastronomy. Declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2005, it preserves traditional culinary practices, with iconic dishes such as empanadas de pipián and carantanta.
Ipiales (Las Lajas)
Ipiales (Las Lajas)
Ipiales, a Colombian town on the border with Ecuador, is best known for the Santuario de Las Lajas (Las Lajas Sanctuary), a neo-Gothic cathedral dramatically perched on a canyon bridge. Often considered one of the most stunning cathedrals in the world, its unique location and legendary origins make it a symbol of faith and architectural brilliance.
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Las Lajas Sanctuary, built between 1916 and 1949, replaced earlier chapels established after a reported Marian apparition (the Virgin Mary appearing to a woman and her daughter) in 1754. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is revered as a site of miracles, drawing pilgrims from across Colombia and beyond. The cathedral’s intricate design blends harmoniously with the cliffs and waterfalls, creating an awe-inspiring visual spectacle.
Historically, Ipiales’ strategic location made it a key trade route connecting Quito and Popayán during colonial times. Today, its border position continues to foster vibrant cultural and commercial exchanges with Ecuador, reflected in its bustling markets and festivals.
Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva, nestled in Colombia’s Boyacá department, is one of the country’s most picturesque and historically significant colonial towns. Founded in 1572 by Hernán Suárez de Villalobos, it was established as a retreat for Spanish officials. Its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets make it a living testament to Colombia’s colonial heritage.
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The town is best known for its massive Plaza Mayor, one of the largest town squares in Latin America, surrounded by whitewashed buildings, including a colonial church. Originally designed as a space for markets and military drills, the square remains the heart of Villa de Leyva’s cultural and social life.
Beyond its colonial history, Villa de Leyva is steeped in prehistoric history. The surrounding area is a rich paleontological site, with fossils dating back millions of years. The Museo Comunitario El Fósil houses an almost complete skeleton of a Kronosaurus (a marine reptile from the Cretaceous period), reflecting the region’s unique geological heritage.
Jardín de Antioquia
Jardín de Antioquia
Jardín, a vibrant town in Colombia’s Antioquia department, was founded in 1863 during the coffee boom that reshaped the region’s economy and culture. Its location in the Andes, combined with fertile volcanic soil, made it an ideal centre for coffee cultivation, a crop that remains central to Colombia’s identity and heritage.
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The coffee boom not only established Jardín as an agricultural hub but also tied it to broader transformations in Antioquia, connecting rural production to Medellín’s urban trade networks. Coffee cultivation in Jardín represents a continuation of 19th-century practices, where small-scale farms built around family labour have persisted despite modernisation. These farms, nestled in the surrounding hills, produce some of the finest coffee in the region, using techniques that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
In addition to its colourful buildings, Jardín’s natural surroundings add another layer to its charm. At its heart is the Plaza Principal, framed by vibrant facades and the neo-Gothic Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción. Outside the town, the Cueva del Esplendor, where a waterfall plunges through a cavern, showcases the region’s ecological richness, shaped by the same forces that enriched the soil for coffee cultivation.
Desierto de la Tatacoa
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Desierto de la Tatacoa (Tatacoa Desert)
The Desierto de la Tatacoa (Tatacoa Desert), located in Colombia’s Huila department, is a striking arid zone known for its dramatic landscapes of red and grey canyons. Once a lush tropical forest, this semi-desert now reveals fascinating geological formations shaped by millennia of erosion.
Tatacoa is also famed for its stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution making it one of the best places in Colombia to observe the night sky. The desert’s unique combination of natural beauty and scientific interest offers a glimpse into Colombia’s diverse and unexpected landscapes.
Associated Content
Music:
Discover more about one of the biggest new stars in music from the Spanish-speaking world: Karol G.
Discover more about Maluma, one of Latin pop’s most influential stars, whose inspiring career is reshaping Medellín's music scene.
Discover more about Manuel Turizo, one of Latin music’s most exciting voices, blending urban and tropical rhythms with fresh takes on traditional genres.
Discover more about Kali Uchis, the Colombian-American artist blending Latin rhythms with R&B to captivate global audiences.
TV and Film
Discover more about Maria Full of Grace, a pivotal film in Hispanic cinema that explores human resilience in the face of desperate circumstances.
Food
Discover more about arepas, a traditional Colombian and Venezuelan cornmeal cake with rich history and diverse regional variations.
Discover more about Bandeja Paisa, a traditional dish from Medellín, originally eaten by Colombian farmers, featuring beans, meats, rice, and plantains.
