The culture of Colombia is ancient yet vibrant, mysterious and also exuberant. Let us guide you to the most authentic cultural experiences of this emerging destination! Once known for its drug-fueled violence, Colombia has made peace with its narco past and visitors can safely enjoy its dramatic scenery of rain forests, Andes mountains, coffee plantations, and Colonial cities dripping with Old World charm. Colombian culture is a potpourri of indigenous, Spanish and African influences and while its traditions are diverse, a warm welcome is the common denominator. Here’s our bird’s-eye-view of the best of Colombian cultural, followed by a growing collection of stories and interviews on places to go and people to meet!
Bogota
Breathtaking beauty abounds in Bogota, from the gorgeous Baroque art of 17th century Church of Santa Clara to the skyline of steeples against the backdrop of verdant mountains to the spectacular vistas from 10,000 feet atop Montserrat. The hip and vibrant neighborhood of La Candelaria is an al fresco gallery of thought-provoking graffiti murals; Museo Botero offers a collection of works by one of Latin America’s most-recognized artists; and the Museo del Oro tells the story of how gold has shaped the history, beliefs and lifestyles of Colombians from pre-Hispanic cultures through today.
La Candelaria Neighborhood in Bogota, Colombia is City’s Oldest Enclave
La Candelaria neighborhood in Bogota, Colombia is explored with locals who share their impressions of living in such an alluring place.
Simon Velez, Colombian Architect on Culture of Bamboo
Meet Bogota resident, Simon Velez, who shares his views on eco-architecture & politics of building with “poor people’s wood” or bamboo.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a Caribbean colonial city founded in 1543 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture includes cobbled streets and squares, fortified walls, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and the La Popa convent. The neighborhood of Getsemani is home to restaurant La Plaza de Macondo, its artfully-decorated walls inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Alvaro Restrepo, Founder of “The School of the Body” in Cartagena, Colombia
Interested in dance? Social justice? Meet Colombian dancer & choreographer Alvaro Restrepo who founded El Colegio del Cuerpo in Cartagena.
Ecotourism Preserves Way of Life in Cartagena Beach Community
Find out why the magical city of Cartagena in Colombia inspired the epic novels of literary genius Gabriel García Márquez.
Northern Caribbean Coast
Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast reflect the diverse cultures of the region. In Santa Marta, the architectural style reflects the city’s colonial history; it is the country’s oldest city, founded by Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1525 and its cathedral was built in 1766. A half-hour north is Tayrona National Park, the most important ecological reserve in Colombia and home to archaeological site, Pueblito, one of the 200 pre-Colombian cities discovered near Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Amerindians from the Tairona culture are believed to have lived in the area as far back as 4,000 B.C.
Tayrona National Park, Colombia’s Most Important Ecological Reserve
Tayrona National Park is home to the world’s “Elder Brothers,” the Kogi people. Their rituals and lifestyle are distinct to their culture.