Colombia is a nation that has spent decades under the shadows; now, everything has changed. The country is worth exploring with its incredible range of stunning natural features. But Colombia has much more to offer than just the landscapes. In today’s post, EnjoyFunTrip will help you find a more throughout answer to “What is Colombia known for?”
Colombian Coffee
Whenever you hear the name Colombia, one of the first thoughts that undoubtedly springs to mind is its coffee.
But what distinguishes Colombian coffee from others?
Arabica seeds are the exclusive species of Colombia’s mountain ranges. Those seeds are well-known for their mellow consistency and fragrant flavor. Combined with a meticulous harvest procedure, this results in a high-quality, silky drink.
The coffee business also contributes significantly to Colombia’s economic activity annually.
There are plenty of Colombian coffee labels that you can choose from once you set foot in this coffee heaven. These companies also sell pastries and unique recipes related to coffee in addition to drinks.
Colombian Carnivals
If there weren’t a carnival happening here and there, Colombia simply wouldn’t be Colombia!
Colombians enjoy a good time partying like the rest of Latin Americans. Colombians are known for their positive energy and will take any opportunity to rejoice.
Once per year, each metropolitan area hosts a carnival in which local customs are presented entertainingly and artistically. If flowers magnetize you, we strongly recommend visiting Medellin’s Flower Festival in August.
You will come across the biggest and most gorgeous flowers you have seen. If you enjoy music and dance, go to Barranquilla’s Festival in February. The vibrantly colored balloons in the processions are what make it so popular.
We can only ascertain one thing: no matter which festival you choose to participate in, you will have a great time!
Salsa Dancing
Salsa rhythm originally came from the Caribbean, primarily in Puerto Rico, but it came to Colombia in the 1960s and remained among the most popular sports in Colombia.
Dancing was a relatively popular pastime but has developed into a professional sport. Each country has a team of dancers who represent them in international events.
Take some dance classes in Cali if you want to try something new. Cali is now the world’s salsa dancing center, with over 90 facilities specializing in instructing the dance.
If dancing isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy salsa by going to live performances, which is a lot of fun.
Orchids
Colombia is well-known for high-quality trading flowers such as roses and carnations. Many of us do not know that Colombian orchids are their proudest and most representative flower.
There are over 4,000 orchid varieties around the globe, with almost one-third located exclusively in Colombia.
The white and purple-spotted Cattleya Trianae Orchid has become the country’s flower after a researcher discovered that the shades of the country’s official flag (yellow, blue, and red) are visible within this flower.
Pablo Escobar
Pablo Escobar, the famous drug lord. From the 1970s through 1993, the Medellin Cartel was run by this cold-hearted criminal.
Pablo is well-known in his home nation, owing to shows like Narcos. A Robin Hood type of guy. That, however, could not be any further from reality.
Colombians are highly nationalistic and paid a heavy price under Pablo’s guide. He murdered ruthlessly, leaving Colombia with violent cities and a tarnished image. He was also involved in and commanded terrorist attacks in Medellin, leaving approximately 1,700 wounded and 400 killed over a decade.
Nowadays, those areas have transformed. Comuna 13, once the globe’s most violent neighborhood, now serves as a significant draw for tourists. Eye-catching wall paintings portray Colombia’s daunting history, pastiches to indigenous communities, and encouraging texts about the future are adorned on the hillside facades.
If you have a chance to visit Medellin, you can tour a few of his estates and several victim memorial locations.
Famous People From Columbia Like Shakira
Colombians are unique and energetic. They have also been rated as one of the nicest and sweetest individuals on the planet. A few Colombians are even internationally famous.
From researchers to performers, below are some celebrities from Colombia who have made a name for themselves:
- Sofia Vergara, the globe’s best-paid television actress in 2019.
- Fernando Botero is well-known for his sculptures with huge volumes. You can find his artworks in some of the globe’s most lavish settings.
- Colombia also produces many great vocalists, namely Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup star Shakira.
- Egan Bernal, the 2019 Tour de France title holder, is one of the various athletes who represent the nation.
Colombian Food
When evaluating what a nation is best known for, deem the local or regional cuisines. The 3 delicacies below epitomize Colombia. Each one is inspired by a different part of the vast territory and pays homage to the local ingredients and customs.
Arepas
This popular dish was developed by both Colombians and Venezuelans. Despite its exact birthplace, it is so tasty that it has now been customized by Mexicans (Gorditas) and Salvadorans (Pupusas).
Colombian arepas are oval, smoothed corn tortillas. Locals usually enjoy them alongside cheese, eggs, chicken, and sometimes even broths at any time of day. An authentic Colombian meal is only complete if arepas are there, and it is a must-try when coming to Columbia.
As once said, nothing is more Colombian than arepas!
Bandeja Paisa
A gut-busting, smoothly fatty stack of meat and carbs will bring you into an unforgettable food daze. This is a dish for the working class and not for the faint-hearted.
A thick black grill grate is filled with beef mince, chorizo, chicharrones, juicy plantain, omelet, rice, red beans, avocado, and a nice and warm arepa. This grill is large enough to serve a small group of 4 people, but we’ve seen Colombian men eat the entire meal by themselves.
Ajiaco
This is a subtler dish compared to the 2 above. It is the highland area’s chicken stew, and it’s soothing in a unique way.
For almost 200 years, a few chosen places have offered the same Ajiaco recipes. Corn and chicken combine in a mild, calming broth that soothes you from within.
La Tatacoa Desert
It’s a close call, but this is not outer space or Arizona. You are seeing a photo of Colombia’s La Tatacoa Desert in Huila province.
If you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind, picturesque site, you’ve just discovered it. The temperature here can be extremely high during the day, making it ideal for relaxing by the pool. If you’re feeling energetic, hike to the observation tower or lease a four-wheeler and start exploring further.
This location is also absolutely gorgeous at night. Because of its remote position, this region is ideal for stargazing.
Cartagena’s Historic Old Town
Cartagena, also referred to as “the valorous city,” is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
Community members built nearly 7 miles of walls to keep their enemies at bay throughout the XVII century. What remains of those walls encircle what is now known as the Historic Old Town. This is the area to explore architectural treasures, upscale shops, and fine diners.
This area is the ideal blend of glamor and entertaining. Daytime, go shopping and enjoy street performances. Reserve a place at the renowned Cafe del Mar right before the sun goes down to witness a natural splendor.
In the early evening, wander through the roads of Historic Old Town and choose a restaurant for dining. They’re all fantastic.
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona is as famous to Columbians as New Mexicans’ White Sand National Park. This is an excellent alternative if you like to mingle with the natives and explore less busy areas.
Tayrona Park used to be inhabited by a variety of indigenous tribal communities. Your morning will most likely begin with a hike to the Lost City’s ancient relics, and if you stroll even farther, you will most likely stop by one of the park’s peaceful shorelines.
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
You could only build a chapel out of a salt mine in Columbia! Can’t believe it? Check the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.
The Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is only one hour drive from the center of Bogota. The 1954-built underground building is now home to a chapel in addition to an exhibition with figures made of marble and salt.
Caño Cristales
This is the ideal place for you if you wish to take a close-to-the-nature tour.
Some people consider Cao Cristales the most picturesque river on the globe. Its bottom contains phytoplanktons that, when exposed to sunlight, change into other colors. Green to red are some of the shades, and the water flowing through it is exceptionally pure.
Many people come to this secluded place to enjoy a fantastic camping and leisure weekend.
Los Nevados National Park
The Colombian area known for its coffee-growing includes 4 divisions that make up Los Nevados National Park. It features a wide range of mountain tundra, known in Spanish as paramo, which is a distinctive ecology of Colombia and is host to 6 glaciers.
It’s not only about the goal; it’s also about the journey, notably the summit of the Nevado del Ruiz Peak. The 1st half of your climb must be done by vehicle, although the vista is spectacular.
When you reach the hiking section of your ascent, you will encounter deep snow, so be prepared. It’s a quick hike, but the sights from the summit are spectacular.
San Andres Island
The most well-known island in Colombia is San Andres. It is the largest island in the Caribbean cluster of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. Its water is known as the “sea of 7 hues.”
Like many tropical places, San Andres is great for leisure and tax-free spending. This area is well-known for its luxurious 5-star facilities.
Also prosperous is its heritage. Most inhabitants speak creole and enjoy calypso and reggae songs. You should surely not miss out on any of their seafood.
The Amazon Rainforest
Colombia shares a significant part of the Amazonian ecosystem, the biggest tropical rainforest on the planet. In fact, Colombia is home to 10% of the Amazon.
Over 2,000 kinds of birds, 400 mammalian species, and 1,500 types of fish are available in this enormous rainforest, along with an astounding diversity of other wildlife and plants.
There’s also a ton of wildflowers, vines, and trees. The Amazonian rainforest is truly breathtaking.
If you want to explore the Amazonian rainforest, various tour companies provide jungle expeditions and riverboat excursions. This is a fantastic chance to witness many of the splendid species that live in the Amazon.
Beaches
Colombia, situated next to the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is richly endowed with countless islands and beautiful beaches, ranking it among the best island countries on the planet. Indeed, they’re as poetic and captivating as Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beaches!
The Caribbean coastline is more attractive and boasts many of the world’s most recognized beaches, whereas the Pacific remains relatively unexplored by the mass audience, providing a more private experience.
Below is a rundown of a few of Colombia’s best beaches:
- Taganga: This beach, popular with backpackers, was once a small fishing community but is now a thriving tourist hotspot with several accommodation options and restaurants.
- Capurgana and Sapzurro: It’s a little friendly coastal rural town neighboring Panama City Beach, and the shores are intended for a laid-back escape from the urban bustle.
- Palomino: This beach alongside the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain offers a private setting. It’s a wonderful visit because of the peaks on one side and the lovely seashore on the opposite.
- Islas de San Bernardo: Islas de San Bernardo consists of 9 offshore coral islands and one artificial island. Standouts entail mangrove forests, marshlands, and some delicious local cuisine.
- Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: Tayrona National Park is a tourist honeypot with luscious green forests, coconut palms, and gorgeous sandy beaches.
Emeralds
Colombia is rich in treasured green-colored crystals. In fact, Colombia is well-known for producing 70-90% of the world’s emeralds.
A high-quality Colombian Emerald can compete with diamonds in terms of price per carat. Emerald extraction in Colombia largely centers on the Eastern area of the Andes.
Colombian Emerald reserves are the only on the planet discovered on depositional rocks instead of igneous ones, making Colombian Emeralds the highest quality globally.
Emerald open-pit tours are incredibly famous and involve mine touring in the beautiful Andes, where visitors can gain knowledge about the way emeralds are found and excavated and even become a miner for an entire day!
Wrapping Up
We bet now you can confidently answer the question, “What is Colombia known for?” The country is full of scenic natural landscapes, delectable dishes, talented and energetic people, and many things to discover. Thus, keep these things in mind if you’re planning a trip to Columbia.
For more travel findings, refer to our Amazing Findings section.
