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Let us travel to the Colombian Massif, from Huila to Cauca and Nariño, passing through Tolima and Putumayo. Here you will find some of the absolute best Colombia has to offer.
Welcome to the Colombian Massif! Get ready to find some of the most mysterious and most beautiful places in our country. Let us begin our journey!
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The San Agustín Archaeological Park is one of the Colombian Massif’s most iconic places.
We begin our tour of the Massif with the department of Huila, where you’ll find the legacy of pre-Hispanic communities across its great archaeological heritage. In fact, it’s home to one of the most spectacular places in the country—an ancient land of early human rituals which is now the San Agustín Archaeological Park.
In San Agustín, the richness of the pre-colonial history of Colombia stands out, highlighted by a mystical ambiance that impregnates travelers’ souls. It is an impressive, interesting, and magical destination of the Colombian Massif that you simply cannot miss if culture and history entice you, on top of spectacular natural landscapes.
It highlights over 500 funerary statues of still-unknown origins, often attributed to the first cultures that inhabited this region more than 2,000 years ago. This makes the San Agustín Archaeological Park one of the largest necropolises in the world!
Neiva, the capital of Huila, has plenty of comfortable hotels for tourists. So does Pitalito, the gateway town to the entire archaeological and tourist area of this southeastern department.
The Nevado del Huila is an active stratovolcano located in the central Andean Mountain range of Colombia, right in the middle of the Massif. Its summit reaches 5,364 masl, making it the fourth-highest mountain in the country after the twin peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Cocuy’s Ritacuba Blanco.
For fun, you can visit the Los Lagos theme park in the municipality of Palermo and Astrosur in Villavieja. Among the natural places to escape to for rest and ecotourism are the Magdalena Strait, the Betania dam and the Tatacoa desert.
The Tatacoa Desert is the second-largest arid zone in Colombia after the Guajira Peninsula. Located in the municipality of Villavieja, north of Huila and between the Magdalena River and the Eastern Andes, the Tatacoa is not a proper desert—it is a dry tropical forest. Its name is also given to rattlesnakes in this area of the department, unlike other regions of the country where they call harmless black snakes Tatacoas.
This is the Sanctuary of Las Lajas in Nariño. One of the most amazing places of the Colombian Massif and one of the most beautiful churches in the world.
In the southernmost Massif you’ll find the department of Nariño, with natural places to unwind and enjoy ecotourism like the Túquerres plateau, the La Cocha lagoon and The Sanctuary of Las Lajas. In this department there are several festivals and cultural events such as the Blacks’ and Whites’ Carnival, the Tumaco and Currulao festivals, the festivities of La Mujer, Virgen del Carmen, Las Mercedes and San Juan.
Behold the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, a temple well known to Colombian Christians. Its architecture and appearance have added a magical quality to its surroundings, like something out of a fairy tale.
You’ll find it in Ipiales, Nariño. Its full name is The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas. Its main building is 27.50 meters high, its towers 100 meters, and it has a bridge that is 50 meters long and 17 wides over the steep valley below.
This beautiful temple houses precious stones and luxuries within it, and it is well known for its painting with a gold crown, sapphires, diamonds, pearls, and emeralds. In this sanctuary you’ll also see the famous flat slabs and wide gray stones that surround the whole place. It has often been named among the most beautiful churches on Earth.
A little over 40 minutes from Pasto by car, you’ll encounter La Cocha Lagoon. You definitely have to visit this wonderful place of the Colombian Massif. This unforgettable site hides in a mist as though frozen but beams bright with the warmth and light of the sunniest day. At its center lies La Corota island, which legend claims used to be a woman who was turned into an island out of jealousy.
It is also said that La Corota island was the totuma, or bowl, that spilled the water which fills the reservoir.
Anthropological Tourist in Cauca
Popayán, nicknamed “the White City of Colombia”, is the pearl of the Massif.
You’ll find that the department of Cauca, in the Colombian Massif, has countless natural and anthropological tourist attractions. This wealth is unmatched since very few regions of Colombia have such cultural, climatic and natural diversity in their territory.
The varying altitudes of the department of Cauca offer visitors the chance to experience beautiful landscapes like the snow-capped volcano, Nevado del Huila, mountains and rivers that form amazing deep valleys such as the Patía, natural lagoons such as Magdalena and Buey and three national parks, all ranging from chilly to warm temperatures.
You’ll have to travel to the Puracé National Park. This important park in the Massif is popular for its richness in flora, fauna, geology, and hydrography, which features hot springs, geysers, and waterfalls. The Munchique is listed as one of the richest in variety of bird species, mammals, reptiles, and rodents.
And don’t forget the Tierradentro Archaeological Park, which is one of the largest pre-Columbian attractions in Colombia. It comprises a vast area of tombs dug under the surface of the earth and painted in different shades of red and black. The most important archaeological sites in this park are El Duende, Alto de San Andrés and El Aguacate.
Another very important place to check out on your visit to Cauca is its capital, Popayán. This very beautiful colonial city, commonly called the White City because of the color of its houses, is home to various historical, architectural, and cultural heritages of the country such as churches and museums.
The largest migration to Popayán occurs during Holy Week when people flock to the city to admire its famous processions, which has been listed as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, not only for its beauty, but for the effort made by those in charge to maintain this majestic tradition year after year.
Natural destinations to enjoy in Tolim
Heliconias are a type of plant located at the Orchid Nature Reserve in Tolima, Colombia
In Tolima one of the most wonderful things, you’ll find is the Orchid Nature Reserve where visitors can enjoy 180 species of orchids, represented in more than 8,000 plants, 10 species of guaduas and bamboos, 60 species of heliconia, 30 species of bromeliads, 15 species of araceae, as well as a sample of fruit and timber trees.
It also has areas suitable for safe camping within the nature reserve. Visitors can bring their tents or rent them from the orchid garden. The reserve has different environments for adventure, rest, group activities and training.
It is dedicated to the conservation, use and management of biodiversity, ecotourism, environmental education, and cultural development to generate social, environmental, and economic benefits, within the framework of sustainable human development.
You will also find the San Jorge Botanical Garden, which is a birdwatching destination, where visitors can observe birds in daytime or nighttime tours this service is aimed at all audiences, particularly those interested in bird watching and photography.
The garden has an inventory of 211 species in a natural environment, each one with its own technical sheet that can be consulted in the Bird Guide at San Jorge Botanical Garden (2016), and a checklist to facilitate their identification.
If you head further south, you will find the beautiful town of Natagaima on the road that leads to Neiva, 65 km from El Espinal. This is a gastronomic destination where the festival of San Juan, held on the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Saint John the Baptist on June 24, is particularly festive. A must in your trip to the Colombian Massif!
What can you see in Putumayo?
A beautiful waterfall in the jungles of Putumayo, in the Colombian Massif.
This last part of the Colombian Massif features the department of Putumayo, characterized by its flat highlands. Two different areas can be distinguished within this department, the first is the mountainous western border with the department of Nariño. This is where the Patascoy and Putumayo hills stand out.
With heights that exceed 3,500 masl and a unique topographic conformation, you can experience a variety of climates from cold to warm.
From there, you will head east across many tourist attractions, like the Río Vides archaeological park, the Serranía del Churumbelo, the Mandiyaco Canyon, the Sibundoy Valley, and many other natural wonders that eventually head to the lush rainforests of the Colombian Amazon-Orinoco.
Likewise, the Massif’s great ethno-cultural diversity allows for ecological conservation activities, management of natural settings, attractions for ecological, scientific, sports, recreational and social tourism.
Discover Colombian gastronomy
This right here is a tasty lechona, a traditional dish of the northern Colombian Massif
The Colombian Massif has great gastronomic diversity:
In Huila, typical dishes include the asado huilense (Huilense barbecue), the famous achira biscuits, curd sponge cake, quesillo (a type of cheese), masato (a drink made from cassava, rice, corn, oats, or pineapple), goat stew, chicken sancocho soup, and much more!
The traditional dish of Nariño is the famous cuy, a roasted guinea pig native to this region, which goes rather well with pastuso potatoes and steamed eggs.
Among the most culturally cherished foods that Cauca has to offer, you will find the exotic champús, a delicious drink made with lulo, corn, pineapple, panela, cinnamon, cloves, and orange leaves that is shared with the neighboring Colombian Pacific region. While visiting, you should also try the lulada, made with crushed lulo and sugar the tambourines that are a dry and powdery biscuit the tortilla soup, a broth with potato, meat substance and corn tortillas and the puerquitas, also called marranitas, that are prepared with crushed green plantain and pieces of toasted pork.
If you are quite the carnivore and find yourself in Tolima, you must try the lechona, which is a suckling pig or pork marinated with fried peas and lard, usually served with white arepas. Other options include the traditional tamal tolimense which consists of rice, beef, dried peas, pork, egg, potatoes, chicken, garlic, onion, and coriander. One of the best plates in the entire Massif!
The gastronomy in Putumayo is as varied as it is exquisite. One such example is el tacacho, a puree that is prepared with green plantain that you can find wrapped in corn and drizzled with Amazonian fruit juices, resulting in a concert of typical Colombian flavors. You can also find it wrapped in corn or yucca. Don’t leave without trying some caimarón wine, chicha de arracacha, carambolo juice, or any of the destination’s other typical dishes.
Live the best experience traveling and getting to know the Colombian Amazon - Orinoco, discover an unforgettable destination!
The colombian Amazon-Orinoco is the green heart of Colombia, a land of ancient forests and colossal skies, formed by two regions of extraordinary importance—the Amazon rainforest and the Orinoco Eastern Plains—which are home to formidable rivers, thunderous waterfalls, impossible rock formations and fascinating cultures.
This travel guide will show you the most beautiful places to visit and the best experiences to try around the Amazon-Orinoco region in Colombia. Let’s get started!
Arauca has one of the most striking landscapes on Earth: The Eastern Plains of ColombiaIts people are recognized for their hospitality, joy, and for their love of dance. In fact, the entire plains region is well known for its ‘joropo’ dance.
This department of the Amazon-Orinoco which shares a border with Venezuela, boasts tourist destinations like the Museum of Culture and the José Antonio Páez International Bridge, where the best of two great nations comes together.
The department of Casanare in the Amazon-Orinoco has countless tourist attractions to choose from. You can enjoy live music and dances as well as myths and indigenous legends that make up the cultural fabric of the population. Joropo is its flagship rhythm and coleo, a cowboy tradition, its best-known cultural heritage.
The contrast between mountains and plains paints landscapes of truly unique beauty. The purest water flows from its northwestern Andean moors down to the plains which spread in east and south with their exotic flora and fauna—especially birds. From a cultural standpoint, you can enjoy the historical attractions of places like Pore, the region’s Heritage Town, which preserves barracks that were of great importance for the country’s Independence process.
Among the natural places you’ll find here, you may opt to unwind and try ecotourism in the Tinije lagoon, the Cusiana river. In this department, festivals and cultural events are held regularly, among which you’ll find festivals such as Aguazul, Chámeza, Hato Corozal, Banda Criolla, and Rodeo.
Horses are a fundamental part of the cowboy culture of the northern Amazon-Orinoco
In this department of the Amazon-Orinoco you can take part ina multitude of festivals and cultural events such as the Llano Las Colonias, La Cachama, Canoero and Coleo international folk and tourist festivals, as well as the national and international Joropo Tournament, the Catama fair, and the San Martín groups.
Among the natural locations for rest and Amazon-Orinoco you’ll find the La Macarena, Tinigua, Chingaza and Sumapaz natural national parks, the Santo Domingo hot springs, Yucao river, Honda stream falls, Güejar canyon and, perhaps the most famous attraction of them all: Caño Cristales, the melted rainbow that flows across the landscape.
The beauty of Vichada is easy to admire, and Alexander von Humboldt even declared to be the eighth wonder of the world upon arrival because of its great variety of animal species. Some noteworthy locals include the araguate, the night monkey, the widow, the white-faced cornstarch, and the horned cornstarch—all of them primates. You can even catch a glimpse of pumas, anteaters, otters, squirrels, and savanna deer during your visit.
Some natural surroundings ideal for leisure and ecotourism include the Tuparro National Natural Park, the Meta and Orinoco rivers, and La Bandera and Santa Elena hills.
Puerto Carreño, the capital of the department, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Amazon-Orinoco region, on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. There, you can enjoy bird watching, and, if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot all its over 320 species, which include woodpeckers, cocks-of-the-rock, curlews, herons, paujiles, turkeys and guacharacas, among many, many others.
Another absolute must tourist destination in Vichada is El Tuparro National Natural Park. Or, if you’re in the mood for something mystical, you can also visit the old cemetery of the ecotourism include the Tuparro National indigenous Maipure people.
In this department you’ll enjoy several cultural events such as the Corrío Llanero International Tournament and festivals such as Colonias and Encuentro de Tres Culturas, El Cachicamo de Oro, Cumare, and the folkloric Reinado del Curito.
Protected by over twenty-five indigenous communities communities belonging to the Eastern Tukano, Middle Tukano and Arawak linguistic groups, which include the Tucano, Piratappuyo, Carapaná, Tatuyo, Cubeo and Carijona peoples, Vaupés invites seekers of adventure, ancestral knowledge, and natural experiences to the Amazon-Orinoco
The Vaupés, Apaporis, Isana, Papurí, Querarí and Taraira rivers make up the iconic scenery of a territory coursed by the pure, plentiful waters it enjoys in a world that watches this natural resource become increasingly scarce.
Navigating these rivers provides an opportunity to observe local birds and other species of flora and fauna that can’t be found elsewhere in the world. It’s an activity you simply can’t skip when in the Amazon-Orinoco The region’s ecosystem is completely unique, boasting 586 species of wildlife, 96 species of fish and 550 species of birds.
Tourism in Guainía, although still in the earliest of stages, offers mind-blowing natural wealth. You can try water sports in the Matevení, Pavón, and Payara lakes or in the Inírida river, the latter which will lead you to the surreal Cerros de Mavecure (Mavecure Hills),as well as the Las Brujas lagoon, and the Sapuara stream.
The Puinawai National Natural Reserve is one of the most popular sites to visit in the department of Guainía in the Amazon-Orinoco, and one of Colombia’s most protected areas. Puinawai comes from the word "Puinave" which translates to "Mother of Humanity". The Puinave are a native tribe from the Amazon rainforest
This department is a place of striking nature and beauty. Don’t forget to visit the "Lost City",the hot springs, the Chiribiquete and Nukak National Natural Parks, the Guayabero River, and the Dorado Caño while you’re in the Amazon-Orinoco some of these places boast lagoons that are home to the iconic pink dolphins.
The Nukak National Natural Resrve is a protected area categorized under the Amazon Forest Reserve Zone. This reserve houses and protects different ecosystems, allowing it to enjoy a great flora and fauna variety. This reserve is the ancestral territory of indigenous groups such as the Nukak, Curripaco and Puinave.
But perhaps one of Guaviare’s most precious gems is the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. Colombia’s—so far—only mixed Heritage Site. UNESCO declared it so because of the ridiculously lush greenery that surrounds its towering tepuis and the miles of rock paintings on the cliff faces that date back over 12 thousand years and are yet to be entirely deciphered.
"Caquetá where gold is green".
Known as the heart of the Colombian Amazon the department of Caquetá has a massive wildlife, foliage, and floral wealth that any country would envy. More than seven rivers traverse this land and support its incalculable species of insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Among the natural oasis you’ll find for rest and ecotourism are the Picacho Natural Park and the Chiribiquete Mountains, the Araracuara Mountains, and the Yarí Plains. All treasures on the Colombian Amazon-Orinoco.
Festivals and cultural events are held here, such as the Festivals of Interpreters and Composers of Colombian Folk Music "El Colono de Oro" and the folkloric and departmental Reinado por la Paz y la Cultura (Reign for Peace and Culture), with traditional music concerts and the department of bands also being regular attractions.
The Putumayo department offers countless tourist destinations. There are places of interest such as the Lost City (not the same that hides in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta! This one’s not man-made) on the Congor River and the Vides Archaeological Park.
Among the natural places suitable for rest and ecotourism are the Colón hot baths, the Caliyaco-Mocoa river, the Churumbelo waterfall, the Guácharos cave, La India waterfall, and La Paya National Natural Park.
Currently, tourism in this department revolves mainly around the Amazon Trapezium, Colombia’s southernmost region, surrounded by Peru to the west and south and Brazil to the east. Among its main tourist attractions are the Ethnographic Museum of the Amazonian Man, which testifies to the infinite wisdom of Amazonian indigenous cultures, and the Island of the Monkeys.
The lakes of Yahuaracas, Tarapoto, and Zacambú are also very popular amongst visitors. You can also visit the villages of the friendly indigenous communities of the Ticuna and Yagua ethnic groups as well as the community of Hitoma. Thanks to its rich folklore including myths, legends, and traditions, coming in deep contact with the Amazon rainforest is an intense experience worth living.
The Amacayacú park, located between the municipality of Leticia and the departmental district of Tarapacá, is characterized by its ridiculous diversity of wildlife, especially birds and mammals.
The Amazon-Orinoco offers all sorts of typical dishes. Starting out with Casanare, there you’ll find the mamona or ternera a la llanera (traditional veal roasted on a spit), sancocho de pato pelón llanero (duck meat broth), grilled cachicamo (armadillo), creole hayaca (tamales), and finally, the traditional pollero or bastimento (a plate made of fried plantain slices, fried pieces of beef or pork, gofios—sweet made of panela and corn flour—and pieces of cheese).
In the departments of Meta, Vichada, and Vaupés you’ll get to savor typical dishes as well as the mamona or ternera a la llanera, here accompanied with yucca (cassava) and chili. Try the llanero brandy cocktail with carambola, moriche chicha, and llanero or cashew. For lighter palates there’s the muñica, a fish dish cooked in broth, muguiado fish and meat, casabe, fariña, and ants.
In Guaviare you can grab a bite of typical dishes like the muqueado fish (a typical Indigenous dish), sweet rice or heron dessert, chicha (a fermented corn-based drink), chicha de moriche, baked chigüiro (yes, the nuggety unbothered mammal that stole the show in Encanto), sancocho de gallina (chicken broth), tapacura or gumarra, casabe, green plantain broth, green mango candy and sweet cashews.
Caqueta puts flavors on full display with dishes like muquiado fish (a cooking technique in which fish is wrapped in plantain leaves), chicken stew, and fish stew. Dairy products are also aplenty here, and it’s easy to find cheeses, yogurt, and fruits such as caimo, caimarón, badea, and cherries.
In Putumayo and Amazonas the typical dishes are smoked cachama, tacacho (both fishes), wrapped in yucca, wrapped in corn, sancocho de gallina criolla (chicken stew), and the divisive mojojoy: thick, juicy roasted scarab larvae (kind of something you’d see Timon, and Pumbaa from The Lion King enjoy). Would you try all these exotics plates during your visit to the Amazon-Orinoco?
Get ready to tour the Eastern Andean Region, starting from Tolima, to Bogotá, Cundinamaca, Boyacá, Santander and North Santander, you will see what Colombia has to offer.
The Eastern Andean Region is one of the most beautiful parts of Colombia. It not only has a diversity of weathers, it also has a varied of exotic birds and landscapes. It goes from the department of Tolima, through the planes of Bogotá and Cundinamarca, up to the cold weather of Boyacá and ending with the warmth of Santander and North Santander.
In this guide we will take you through the most amazing places the Eastern Andean Region has to offer. Let’s start with where you must definitely go.
The colonial town in Honda is listed as one of the heritage places of the country.
We’ll start with the department of Tolima, here, music is the distinctive cultural expression of Tolima. Its capital, Ibagué, is known as the Musical Capital of Colombia, in the department there are many musical festivals and contest that you’ll be able to experience through the year.
In this department you cannot miss going to the Canyon of Combeima, where you can go trekking through a path that takes you through the mountains in a beautiful scenery. You also have to go through the Natural Reserve of Orchids where you can see the hundreds of variations Colombia has of these beautiful plants.
On your way you cannot miss going to the capital of the department, Ibague and see the Prime Cathedral which is not only beautiful but imposing, invites you to reflect, very pleasant to walk close to it, because one of its roads is pedestrian.
Bogotá, the city “2,400 mts closer to the stars”.
On your way up this region you will find the country’s extensive capital, Bogotá, which is located high in The Andes, giving the city its logo of “2,400 mts closer to the stars”. The city is full of amazing places to discover between cultural museums, which includes the Gold Museum full of the pieces the ancestors made to the best gastronomical restaurants.
Here you’ll have to stop at La Candelaria, the cultural center of the city that has the colonial streets and buildings from 500 years ago as well as the Colon Theater with a Neoclassic style and the Botero Museum, full of the works of this super artist. You will also be able to go up to Monserrate, where you can see the full city from above and have a snack in the cold mountain.
The pedestrian area in Chía is well-known for its craftshops, restaurants, cafés and bars.
Continuing the route up the region you will find various small towns in the department of Cundinamarca that offer a natural view of the country and you’ll also find the magnificent Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá. The Salt Cathedral is one of the most important engineering works in Colombia and at the same time, one of the main tourist attractions in the department of Cundinamarca.
Its an important historical, cultural and religious heritage of the nation underground architectural work whose depth of 160 meters underground, where the chapels of are carved into the walls of the mine, with simple and powerful lines bathed in a soft light that accentuates the atmosphere of seclusion.
Another unmissable place is the Guatavita Lagoon, where the legend of El Dorado is from. It comes from the Muisca casique that used to enter the lagoon bathed in gold and with thousands of golden pieces to give in sacrifice to the gods. Even though there have been tenths of searches, the gold has not been recovered, giving the lagoon a mystical feeling.
The pedestrian area in Chía is well-known for its craftshops, restaurants, cafés and bars.
In Boyacá you will find some of the most beautiful architecture the country has to offer with their colonial housing painted in various colors full of artisanal pieces that are a big part of Colombia’s brand. The town of Villa de Leyva is the most renown town in these parts and is the best place to get the feeling of everything these towns have to offer with many trekking routes and various cultural places.
In Villa de Leyva you will find some of the most beautiful and traditional architecture in Colombia.
Here you can also find many natural parks that are a must see in your travels such as the Iguaque sanctuary, where you can travel through the Paramo and see the vegetation change from step to step and see the beautiful frailejons around the lake at the top that gives a beautiful view. You will also find a great variety of exotic birds only found in Colombia that live in their natural habitat without interference.
Almost at the end of the route you will find Santander. It is characterized by river valleys and rugged terrain, including the rugged mountains of the Chicamocha National Park. The park is known for its cable car that crosses the Chicamocha river canyon, in addition to its water park.
You will also find the high-rise city of Barichara which is famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. You will also find the city of San Gil, where most people go to find many ecotourism plans and aventure sports that will give even the most daring a huge dose of adrenaline.
Barichara is a small town characterized by its colonial architecture.
At the end of the route you’ll come to North Santander, characterized by a mountainous relief, although two large physiographic units can be distinguished, one mountainous and one flat.
The mountainous one corresponds to the Eastern Andes, from which two large branches emerge, one that continues north to form the Motilones mountain range and the other towards the northeast, which goes into the Republic of Venezuela.
This region is also inhabited by numerous indigenous groups such as the Cúcutas in the Cúcuta area, the Chitareros in Pamplona and the mosquitoes in Ocaña, among others.
Along the natural places suitable for rest and ecotourism are the Tamá Natural National Park, the Cazadero and Brava lagoons, the Valderrama and El Páramo caves, the unique Los Estoraques natural area and the Pailitas and La Chacona streams. The department of North Santander offers countless tourist attractions from a natural, cultural and scientific point of view.
As a bonus, through all the route you may be able to see The Condor of the Andes, which is the emblematic bird of the shield of Colombia. It is the largest flying bird in the world. It is a scavenger bird, that is, it feeds on dead and decomposing animals. Due to its function as a scavenger, it is an important piece in the balance of the ecosystems of which it is a part and is very useful for the health of many animals, because by quickly consuming the corpses it eliminates sources of contact of diseases or sources of contamination.
The Condor of the Andes is an emblematic bird in Colombia.
As it is impossible to travel without trying the local cuisine, you will find here the best gastronomy in the Eastern Andean Region. As is usual in Colombia, each part has it’s own particular dishes and desserts and here you will find the best of them!
Starting in Tolima, you cannot go without trying the Lechona, it is suckling pig or pork marinated with fried peas, lard, and is usually served with white arepas. You have to try also the Tamal Tolimense, in the preparation, the ingredients are rice, beef, dried peas, pork, egg, potatoes, chicken, garlic, onion, coriander, etc.
In Cundinamarca you will find the Ajiaco, a type of chicken soup prepared with sabanera potatoes, criolla, guascas, pastusa potatoes and cob, usually accompanied with rice, avocado, cream of milk and capers.
One of the most traditional dishes is also the Santafereño stew, prepared with meat, yucca, banana, pastusa and sabanera potatoes and tender corn on the cob and is served decorated with cabbage leaves. When it comes to desserts, you can't miss the Cuajada con Melao, which is curd cream covered with panela caramel, as well as the cream dessert and rice pudding.
The ajiaco santafereño y similar to a chicken soup accompanied with Colombian different types of potatoes, alcaparras, guascas and cream milk.
Boyacá is known for being authentic and conserving its roots. For example, the chicha and guarapo are beverages that come from pre-Columbian times based on corn. Other typical drinks of the region are sabajón, panela water (aguapanela), rice masato, kumis and quinoa beer.
As typical dishes you can find the boyacense stew, the Sutamarchán longaniza, which is a type of sausage, the lamb stew, the peasant stew or boyacense stew, rulla soups, among many other dishes. And for dessert, you have to try the filled quesadillos, the curd cake with melao, the ripe plantains stuffed with cheese, the feijoa sweets from Tibasosa and the curuba sponge, among others.
Finally, in both Santanderes you will find that the regional dishes are simple to prepare and satisfy even the most demanding of palates. Some of them are the mute, the goat, the triphasic sancocho, the sobrebarriga, the turmada, the oat and pigeon soups, the 'oreada' or dried meat, the corn arepas and the culona ants, the latter with a belief of being nutritional and aphrodisiac.
The culona ants are a typical snack in Santander, Colombia.
Now you’re ready to live the best experiences in the Eastern Andean Region with its diversity in landscapes, food and experiences. Come and discover for yourself all that this region has to offer, and remember, the risk is that you’ll want to stay!
For their 60th feature film, Walt Disney Animation Studios was so inspired by the massively rich cultural and natural diversity of Colombia, they decided to not just set the movie in our country, but to have its unique essence define the characters, music, plot and overall production. Since the first teaser trailer for the movie Encanto came out, Colombians flooded social media with as many details, Easter eggs and references they could find that reflected the sheer depths Disney went to in their research on Colombia. We thought we’d share with you a few of them ahead from the film’s theatrical release—from the most obvious to those even some Colombians had no clue existed—to get you as hyped as we are.
Starting with the obvious: one of the first elements our eyes were drawn to were the sky-high palm trees towering above the Madrigal household. Wax palms are actually Colombia’s national tree, and as the tallest monocots on Earth they can grow well over 60 meters high. These are a common sight across the famous Cocora Valley, a tourist destination near Salento, Quindío that has spiked in popularity over the past few years thanks to the surreal ambiance these trees create. Upon visiting this magical place, the filmmakers knew the movie Encanto simply had to be set there.
Another display of both Colombia’s wide cultural diversity and the lengths Disney went to for it to be properly depicted in the movie Encanto are the numerous traditional dresses and accessories worn by various characters. Among them you’ll find the famous Wayúu bags, which are hand woven by this indigenous community of La Guajira, and the iconic sombrero vueltiao which, being perhaps one of the most recognizable elements of Colombian identity ever, was declared Heritage and Cultural Symbol of the Nation. Mirabel’s dress, which to many initially seemed more Mexican-influenced, turned out to be inspired by the colorfully embroidered dresses of Vélez, Santander, which just shows that Colombia is so ming-blowingly diverse, even its citizens are still discovering new traditions and expressions they didn’t know about. Alpargatas (a type of hand-woven sandal made with natural fibers), ponchos, and ruanas, are all part of the traditional attires worn by Colombians in the countryside, be it for comfort, handiness, or to stay warm in the cold mountain temperatures. You may be also interested: Get to know Colombia’s beautiful varied traditional clothing.
You probably know the accordion, that puffy, piano-like instrument ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic plays (btw, he was at the movie’s L.A. premiere, so maybe watch out for a possible cameo!), but Colombia’s version is slightly different to his. The one played by Mirabel in the trailer is actually a diatonic accordion, which switches out the piano keys for rows of buttons. This type of accordion is one of the three key instruments of vallenato music, one of Colombia’s flagship rhythms. It’s so influential it was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and it features heavily in Carlos Vives’ modern take on the genre, which you’ll hear in the song he performs for the movie, “Colombia, mi encanto”, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Discover: Vallenato, the history of an entire region.
How can we talk about Colombian diversity without talking about food? The first previews of the movie Encanto gave us a mere glimpse into the countless delicacies you can find across the country like achira biscuits, panela, corn on the cob, ajiaco, deep-fried Christmastime buñuelos and, of course, Colombian coffee, often regarded as the best in the world. The movie is certainly set to feature a lot more given that Mirabel’s mother, Julieta, has the power to cure people with her cooking. We already saw her do so with an arepa con queso, and the brief snippet was enough to ignite Colombia’s old row with Venezuela over which country is the genius behind this wholesome snack. (It was invented by the indigenous communities who lived here before European arrival, so the recipe’s actually older than both countries—there’s no need for silly bickering!)
In the movie Encanto, the overall look of the town and especially the Madrigal house were strongly inspired by the colonial architecture that renders places like Barichara, Salento, Villa de Leyva and Cartagena so stunningly beautiful and quaint. The filmmakers actually consulted with Colombian experts on the subject after having visited the country themselves, and the colorful wooden doors, balconies, windows, staircases, archways, tiling and even lush Bougainvillea flowers Isabella blooms around her are picturesque details you’ll definitely find when visiting our heritage towns.
Thanks to its varied topography and strategic geographic location, Colombia is the world’s second-most biodiverse country, and the richness resulting from this did not go unnoticed by the filmmakers. The movie Encanto shows some of the country’s most iconic and exotic animals, such as macaws, jaguars, tapirs, hummingbirds, toucans, coatis, and the apparent fan-favorite, the unfazed capybaras. These Colombian animals are sure to charm both children and grown-ups alike with their beauty and good nature.
Another staple of Colombian culture are the numerous festivals, carnivals, fairs and celebrations scattered across the calendar that make us one of the most joyful countries you could ever visit. In the movie Encanto, the Madrigal family has been blessed with gifts by a magic candle, which appears to be a reference to one of the most beautiful, joyous and solemn occasions in Colombia: Día de las Velitas, or Little Candles’ Day, celebrated on December 7, the eve of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This holiday traditionally sets off the Christmas season with millions of candles lighting up streets and houses across Colombia. Another colorful reference lies in the “Not-Special Special” gift Mirabel gets in the trailer. It’s inspired by the Macetas Festival, which takes place on June 29 in the city of Cali and celebrates the bond between godchild and godparent through the giving of the traditional “macetas vallunas”.
You’ve probably noticed one of the recurring sights across the movie’s posters and trailers are the fluttering yellow butterflies. These are perhaps one of the most recent, yet beautiful national symbols, having risen from our beloved Gabriel García Márquez’s literary work. In the fifty years since his masterpiece, One Hundred Years of Solitude, was published, yellow butterflies have become a symbol of Colombia and the way it weaves fantasy and reality together—this magic realism strongly inspired the filmmakers and Gabo’s works had a direct impact on Encanto, according to them. The film, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, isn’t just a movie about Colombia created by Americans. In addition to numerous Colombian historians, anthropologists and other experts who were consulted during its conception, the movie Encanto features some of Colombia’s greatest musical talents, such as the aforementioned legendary Carlos Vives young star Sebastián Yatra, who performs “Dos oruguitas”, also written by Lin-Manuel Miranda Juan Carlos Coronel’s rendition of the all-time classic “Colombia, tierra querida”, which was featured on the original teaser and reggaeton prince, Maluma, who even voices one of the supporting characters in the original version. Speaking of cast members, a great deal of them are well-known Colombian actors with many memorable roles to their names. For the most part, they’ll be playing their characters in both the original and Spanish-dubbed versions of the film. These include:
Those who are not Colombian, are at least of Colombian descent. Stephanie Beatriz, for example, who voices the leading heroine, Mirabel, was born to a Colombian father—the character will be dubbed by none other than Olga Lucía Vives, one of the talented singers of the hit Colombian girl band, Ventino. Other stars born to Colombian parents include:
So now that you know all the trouble Disney went through to try and capture the magical, joyful, glorious, diverse essence of Colombia, it’s only a matter of taking a seat and admiring the sheer splendor of our proud nation on the silver screen. Time to go see Encanto!
According to the Oxford Dictionary, self-love is “the feeling that your happiness and wishes are important.” Despite this, men, just like women, are still fighting the taboo of their behaviors, beliefs, and decisions that act outside the traditional gend
It’s not easy to challenge stereotypes, but society doesn’t change if you don’t start changing yourself first.” Rina Kosovo, activist from UNICEF Therefore, technology currently affects almost every aspect of our society. This has pushed us to change our mindsets for good. We are aware that our lifestyles, as well as our idiosyncrasies, have changed tremendously, but some traditional gender roles are still rooted in our mentality. We are more than a gender, a religion, or a profession. We are human beings trying to find our space in the world and finally be happy. Stereotypes have been a part of our society for too long, but it won’t last forever. Get to know 5 famous Colombian bloggers and influencers that have broken stereotypes in our country:
“I named my blog ‘Fat Pandora’ because I’m not afraid of the fat word.”
Adriana was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia. She is a Publicist specializing in Marketing and Fashion Communications. When she was a kid, she fell in love with fashion and has been ever since. At a young age, she knew that her purpose in life was to love her body first and then to help other women to do the same. Everything started in 2012 with her blog Fat Pandora. She used the word ‘fat’ in its name because she doesn’t care about that label. She created this space to talk about fashion, beauty, trends, and how she adjusts them to her body. She grew up in a society where people weren’t allowed to talk about beauty and size, and she realized that wasn’t right. With the help of her father-- the person who influenced her background-- she started fighting stereotypes around women's bodies. She doesn’t pretend to say that being fat is the best, but to Adriana, women with large size bodies shouldn’t hide them or let them be a limitation. When people don’t accept who they are, they let others decide for them. Adriana calls herself a ‘fatshionista’, and she’s proud of it. She found a powerful tool in social media, as well as her podcast ‘Talla única” where she breaks stereotypes by promoting self-love, tolerance, and acceptance. She’s conscious of the detractors, but she just sees them as the people who help her stay grounded. Therefore, she is tremendously happy about her collaboration with Falabella Colombia. It’s a new collection that shows you how to love yourself and to break stereotypes around sizes, especially since they are such a big part of the shopping experience.
“My story is not the only one, it is also one of many of you.”
Bella was born in Bogotá, Colombia. She used to be an androgynous model. But since 2020 she has been a proud female dancer and model who doesn’t want to be labeled. However, she has received a lot of criticism about her decision to walk away and said: “We’re not static, we can change our minds, the most important thing is to recognize ourselves and not fool ourselves. Because of this, she has been suffering from depression and anxiety. She didn’t feel that she fit in the environment she grew up in. Nevertheless, all her previous experiences have helped her become the strong woman she is today. Her past has given her the strength to encourage people to love themselves and fight prejudice for the voiceless. Despite her process of change wasn’t easy, but she admitted that her family and friends were supportive and respectful with her decision. Her new name, Isabella, was chosen because of her mother. Bella is aware that it’s not an easy task, she recognizes that society needs a change “not only for identities but also for gender equality.” On the whole, she knows that living in a more tolerant culture, transforming stigmas, educating people, teaching how to love yourself, and becoming conscious are the keys to break stereotypes and change the world into a better one.
“Today I'm a living example of how adversity doesn’t define us.”
Daniella was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is a social communicator, model, TV host and was also Miss Colombia in 2011. Furthermore, she’s an entrepreneur and brand owner of a boutique where fashion is her tool to send loving and inclusive messages to people. Additionally, she has been UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador since 2016 and her message to support this organization and the community is to bring solidarity and love to our children. Daniella has been part of projects such as Somos Paz, Eso es cuento, and programs related to water, sanitation, and hygiene. In May 2020, her life changed when she lost her left foot as a result of Ischemia (a blockage in the arteries). At the time she thought her career was over. Now, living through this experience has shown her how resilient she can be. However, not everything has been perfect, but she found the courage and the strength in her family, close friends, and all the support that she has received from people around the world. Moreover, social media allowed her to share her progress from the time she was operated on, until the moment that she could walk again. She is living proof that just as she said, ‘adversity doesn’t define us.’ Hence, she won’t give up on the new version of herself, not only because she needs it but also, because she wants to break stereotypes and give hope to people in the same situation.
“You deserve the chance to be better and help other depressed people to have a more bearable life. Remember you’re not alone, resistance creates magic.”
Juan Carlos was born in Cucuta, Colombia. He’s a lawyer with a master’s degree in Law, but he’s currently working as a journalist for a Colombian newspaper El Espectador. Where he co-founded La Pulla, La Puesverdad, and Las Igualadas, three digital projects about politics, mental health, trends, culture, education, literature, and other topics. He has also participated in a Ted x Talk in which he talks about how the digital world has transformed our societies. Additionally, his latest project was an illustrated book titled “Depression doesn’t' exist”. A collaboration with the illustrator Cecilia Ramos Valencia. He decided to write it because of his own experience, as he knew he wasn’t the only one with depression and lack of self-love-- a taboo illness. He was diagnosed with depression many years ago, and he realized then that it wasn’t an easy issue to talk about, not even with his relatives. Hence, the purpose of this book is to break the stigma around depression and anxiety. This book was launched to help people to overcome the disease. To sum up, he dedicated the project to his loved ones, people with depression, and anyone who wants to learn about it. The purpose behind this book was to help society to become more tolerant and empathic. As well as create awareness about the stigma of self-love.
“You always change the love of your life, for another love or another life.”
Amalia was born in Cali, Colombia. She is a writer, journalist, and illustrator who has confessed that her passion for writing started when she was a child. One of her most precious memories is with her mother and uncle going to the national bookstore in her hometown every Sunday. When it was time to start college, she decided to study literature in Bogotá. From that moment she hasn’t stopped and has written for a variety of different Colombian media. Her most famous book is “You always change the love of your life (for another love or another life).” In this publication, she talks about how breakups can be hard to handle, but it doesn’t mean the end of the world-- it can be the beginning of something good. Because of this, she demonstrated that indifference is paramount. Amalia has also talked about anxiety she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that she has been learning to deal with. During the pandemic, she said, “Now I’m surviving. I think I’m using all the tools to learn how to handle the anxiety...Although I think I have lived with it since I was a kid.” In 2017, she published another book named “Things you think about when you bite your nails.” There she talks about anxiety and panic attacks, based on her experiences with psychologists and physiatrists. So, people with the same diagnosis can feel identified, and know they are not alone. To sum up, for Amalia it was important to talk about the taboo and make people feel confident when they speak about this matter. Of course, her aim was also to break stereotypes and create a consciousness about anxiety.
Every person in this article has something to teach, they have proved that courage, resistance and promote self-love can change the world. Related articles: What are the biggest fashion shows in Colombia? Colombian athletes represent the best of the country Five artists putting a new spin on traditional Colombian sounds
The Western Colombian Andes is a region that brings together three different lifestyles: nature, countryside, and urban culture. It’s also where coffee-growing and flower production beautifies entire cities and towns. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the adventures, gastronomy, and culture the most representative sites of this region have to offer.
Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, is the capital of the Antioquia department. In this sprawling metropolis, nicknamed the‘City of Eternal Spring,’ you’ll find tons of activities to try, from exploring its galleries to perusing its marvelous vintage buildings. As such, we recommend you start this incredible experience by visiting its museums and squares. The famous ‘Plaza de Botero’, for example, boasts 23 larger-than-life sculptures by Colombia’s best-known artist, Fernando Botero. Also, along the western edge of the square, you’ll find the Museum of Antioquia, a place dedicated to artists of the region, as well as more of Botero’s artworks and art samples from the pre-Columbian period.
Fernando Botero is a famous painter and sculptor from Medellín. His iconic style is known as ‘Boterismo.’
If you’re a coffee lover, don’t forget to visit the myriad coffee shops of El Poblado, a beautiful neighborhood known for being a cultural promoter, where you can try different ground coffee roasts from local sites. Likewise, in El Poblado, you’ll find the Castillo Museum and Gardens, a place where you can admire porcelain and glass objects, antiques, paintings, and sculptures in its permanent exhibition. Along your tour you’ll also learn more of this castle’s story. You can also visit the Comuna 13, an entire neighborhood that has been completely transformed over the past few years. For this particular destination, we recommend you hire a professional tour guide so you can learn more and relish your visit to this community. You can finish this fantastic trip in Guatapé, a small town located a couple of hours west of Medellín that is known for its colorful houses, and because it sits by a vast, artificial reservoir. El Peñol is a massive monolithic structure that defines the landscape with around 649 man-made concrete steps that’ll take you to the top. Once you get there, you’ll get a view of the Guatapé Reservoir unlike any other and a unique backdrop to take a picture in. Consider hiring a tour agency that’ll help you fully enjoy the trip.
Colorful houses and antique bas-relief decoration of their façades, Guatapé, Antioquia.
The bandeja paisa a typical dish from Antioquia and one of Colombia’s most iconic ever. Made up of red beans, fried sweet plantain slices, chorizo, white rice, ground meat, arepa paisa, avocado, fried eggs, and chicharrón (fried pork belly), this highly caloric delicacy can only be followed by a nap. You may also try frijoles antioqueños, a dish made with red beans, tomatoes, cumin, plantain, scallion, and hogao (a traditional seasoning made of ground cumin, ground pepper scallion, tomatoes, and garlic). Across the region you can drink mazamorra, a milky side beverage made of crushed corn, sugar, and raw sugarcane known as panela. Afterwards, try mondongo, a classic vegetable, potatoe, agave, and beef tripe soup.
Try the delicious bandeja paisa, one of Colombia’s most iconic dishes.
Hands down one of the most amazing destinations in our country, the entire region has been shaped by Colombia’s famous beverage. This unique culture, as well as the beautiful landscapes, led to the declaration of the ‘Coffee Cultural Landscape’ as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2011.
Manizales is the capital of the Caldas department, and is often known as ‘the City of Open Doors’. This charming, welcoming city in the Coffee Cultural Landscape is also privileged enough to enjoy a beautiful view of the snow-capped Nevado del Ruiz volcano. When you find yourself downtown, visit the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the highest church in Colombia. Its imposing neo-Gothic style will leave you speechless. The Chipre viewpoint is another must when in Manizales, there, you can head to the top of a 40-meter-tall structure known as the‘factory of sunsets’. It’s perfect if you’re looking for memorable 360-degree views that include theNevado del Ruiz and Santa Isabel snowy peaks. This city is a great base to go visit the surrounding Los Nevados National Park, a place where you’ll explore snow-capped volcanos, paramo ecosystems, and mountain lakes.
Pereira, the capital city of the Risaralda department, is located in the foothills of the Western Andes and is well known for its coffee production. Once in Pereira, you’ll find inspiring landmarks, historical sites, natural parks, and other incredible places. Start with the surrounding coffee farms in the towns nearby, where you’ll sample the exquisite taste of local Colombian coffee. The Nevado Santa Isabel is a destination where you can enjoy extraordinary landscapes. Likewise, Ukumarí National Park is a wonderful place where you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush and beautiful nature. Last but not least, you can take a walk through Bolívar Square, Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza, and the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, where you’ll find the planetarium, botanical garden, and other amazing spots.
Armenia is the capital city of the Quindío department: its historical center was named part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape by UNESCO in 2011. Check out its downtown district alongCarrera 14, a modern street where you can find the Bolívar and Sucre parks. You can also visit the Quimbaya Gold Museum, which hosts a wide collection of archeological wonders of the pre-Columbian culture famous for its impressive gold work. Like many other places in this region, you simply can’t miss a good Coffee Tour that will give you a taste of life in the surrounding coffee farms!
Santa Fe de Antioquia is a small town, founded back in 1541, that marked the beginnings of the Antioquia department. Its beautiful colonial architecture and historical relevance have earned it a place among the country’s 18 heritage towns. Discover its historical center and get closer to the amazing Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral, the Puente de Occidente, interesting museums, and other great spots.
Did you know Santa Fe de Antioquia is one of the oldest towns and has the longest tunnel in Latin America?
You cannot leave this lovely town without trying its delightful food: bandeja paisa, mazamorra and arepa paisa made of corn and cheese.
Salento, a town located in the northeastern Quindío department, is also a dreamy locale in the Coffee Cultural Landscape. Here you’ll find colorful streets, balconies and façades, and plenty of handicrafts and culinary delights to enjoy, such as trucha de arcoíris (prepared with fish, rice and fried green plantain slices called ‘patacones’) bandeja paisa, and, of course, coffee. Just minutes away from this picturesque little town, you’ll find the Cocora Valley, a place where you can marvel at the iconic wax palms, Colombia’s national tree and the world’s tallest monocots, which reach over 60 meters high(nearly half the height of Colpatria Tower in Bogotá).
‘Cocora’ was the name of a Quimbayan princess and means ‘star of water.’
Filandia is a town in the northern end of the Quindío department known for its colorful colonial façades, coffee farms, and diverse ecosystem where natives cultivate fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, coconut, mango, guaca, beetroot, and others. In this lovely town, you can admire lush green hills, find cozy places for a snack, gaze at the landscape from majestic viewpoints, meet grazing horses, and see misty snow-capped mountains in the distance. Definitely a place all nature-lovers must visit at least once in their life.
Jardín,another beautiful town in the Antioquia department, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, beautiful rivers, and lush vegetation. Here, you’ll meet lovely people, you’ll be able to explore the town on a Tuk-Tuk tour, and visit places such as the Cristo Rey viewpoint, Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción, and Camino La Herrera, among others. Definitely don’t miss out on this destination if you visit Medellín.
Japan will not only discover the strength and unique charisma of Colombian athletes, they will also enjoy experiences that will bring them closer to the most welcoming place on Earth.
Sports unite humanity in a single language: soccer, cycling, swimming or tennis manage to become a universal language that connects countries, even distant and opposing ones, around the competition, the triumph or the emotion of winning a medal. And there is nothing like the magnificence of the Olympic Games, which focus the world's attention especially because they are held in Japan, a country full of symbolism and beauty. Behind the sporting experience of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games that will make the 206 participating countries vibrate, there is also the possibility of getting to know the places where those athletes who leave everything in the competitions to fill their nations with pride come from. And in that, for sure, Colombia will give something to talk about. Colombia, the most welcoming place on Earth, as its Country Brand manifesto is known, arrived in Japan with 71 Olympians and 69 Paralympians who have trained for years in the Andean mountains full of biodiversity, in the midst of immense coffee plantations where the world's softest bean is harvested, or on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. In Japan, Colombian athletes have also been welcomed by different host cities, with which activities have been carried out to bring the regions of both countries closer together. Currently, the cities of Kazo and Chichibu in Saitama and Kitakyushu in Kyushu are hosting athletes from different disciplines. The city of Kazo prepared organic vegetables and specially fed pork so that the Colombian athletes could enjoy the food of this region. In appreciation, Colombia delivered organic bananas donated by the Daabon Organic company.
Under the format of Base Camps: Colombia's aim is for residents in Japan to experience the South American country through its products. For this purpose, three establishments specialized in selling 100% Colombian products will open their doors to show the best of the country. Lohas Beans, is a store near the new Olympic Stadium and there you can enjoy coffee from the Magdalena region accompanied by banana chips from Urabá and Juan Valdez coffee in different presentations. Chocolate Bank by Maison Cacao, located in Kamakura, will be a strategic point of the Colombian experience in which there will be a special menu with avocado hass and 'cacao fino de aroma'. Also, Cacao Hunters, located in the emblematic Tokyo train station, will offer chocolates from different regions such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (near the Caribbean Sea) and Tumaco, a region in the southwest of the country. These establishments will be adorned with Colombian handicrafts and preserved flowers. Through a stamp rally in which participants will contest by collecting stamps that they will get in these stores, the aim is to spark curiosity about Colombian athletes and products. The participants who collect the most stamps will be able to obtain Colombian souvenirs at the Colombian Embassy and participate in a raffle for four trips to Colombia via American Airlines. "We want each spectator to enjoy in the three Base-Camps the most similar experience of the Colombian culture. The 140 athletes representing us in Tokyo are a reflection of the constant work, dedication, passion and talent that we Colombians have. We want to showcase our athletes, their disciplines and their achievements, which are proof of the passion and tenacity of the Colombian people and, through them, we also want them to know about the touristic sites and export products that we have not only for Japan, but for the whole world", says Flavia Santoro, president of ProColombia, the state agency that promotes tourism, investment, exports and the country brand. Colombia is a country in transformation and the world has acknowledged this. Eight countries in 2019 made positive changes in their travel warnings towards Colombia. The United States, France, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Israel, South Korea and Japan are the markets that have seen improvements in the country's safety situation. The Olympic games begins and will be joined by great Colombian athletes such as bmx queen Mariana Pajón, athlete Anthony Zambrano, boxer Céiber Ávila, and tennis player María Camila Osorio. The legacy they will leave will not only be due to their talent: they are the best ambassadors of the most welcoming place on Earth. You may also enjoy: On the radar: Colombia's newest sporting heroes Colombian athletes represent the best of the country Colombia, cradle of great athletes
Colombia is very well represented by its athletes. In the competition they not only deliver the best of themselves, they also represent the best traits of our people with their bravery, joy and human warmth. Get to know their DNA!
Colombia has made news in sports, thanks to the outstanding performance of Colombian athletes. Starting with Édgar Rentería, the 'Golden boy' of Colombian baseball soccer players Radamel Falcao García and James Rodríguez also Colombian cyclists: Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Urán and Egan Bernal tennis players: Roberto Farah and Juan Sebastián Cabal triple jump queen Caterine Ibargüen Mariana Pajón in BMX, as well as Óscar Figueroa and María Isabel Urrutia in weightlifting.
However, the list goes on, as there are many outstanding Colombian competitors who have made a landmark in history. The achievement of 29 Olympic medals for Colombia are moments that will last forever. And how to forget the achievement of Guinness records, such as those obtained by diver Orlando Duque and freediver Sofía Gómez.
All of them are national icons and representatives in different sports in world competitions. Our athletes promise to continue the legacy at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, competing in various disciplines such as athletics, swimming, equestrian jumping, archery, Greco-Roman wrestling, taekwondo, cycling, fencing, boxing, BMX, among others.
Would you like to know what makes those sports leaders special? Discover the secret behind the success of the ones who represent us.
In each competition those heroes show the best that the country has: its people. This is the reason why our Colombian cyclists represent the drive and motivation. They move forward and achieve the dreams they set out to achieve. Anyway, the determination is the one that characterizes us in cycling, by training hard and riding for long distances.
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In addition, Colombian athletes enjoy every moment of the journey to the finish line. Therefore, with joy and humility we enjoy the path to achieve our goal. At the end, we celebrate our achievements with a huge smile and a dance that spreads good energy to those who are watching us, like when our Colombian National Soccer Team scores a goal or when Caterine Ibargüen overcomes the record distance with a new jump.
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On the other hand, our kindness is shared with the world through our way of speaking. That humbleness that characterizes Colombians like the cyclist Rigoberto Urán, whose accent and self-confidence transmits that warmth to those who admire him.
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Regardless of where in Colombia we are from, we are united by the same DNA and this time we will demonstrate our talent and kindness in Tokyo to continue fulfilling our commitment to sports.
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Colombia has witnessed the birth and growth of sports legends and has shared with them the best things the country has to offer to encourage them to succeed. Discover why Colombia is so special for its sports representatives!
Boxing and baseball were the first sports of international fame and importance in the country thanks to athletes like Antonio Cervantes "Kid" Pambelé. In other matters, cycling took off and the history of "los escarabajos" began with the first "Vuelta a Colombia" in 1951. Meanwhile, in the 60's, soccer began to captivate popular attention, and to this day, it has become a part of the national culture.
Colombia has had great moments in the history of sports. For example, in the London 2012 Olympic Games the country won 8 medals. In 2013 the first gold medal in a World Athletics Championships achieved by Caterine Ibargüen. The next year the admission of the Colombian National Soccer Team to the World Cup in Brazil 2014. Meanwhile the multiple achievements of the Colombian cyclists: Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Urán and Egan Bernal.
Regions such as Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, Cauca and Antioquia are the birthplace of 23 Colombian athletes. They have won 29 medals in the history of the Olympic Games. Diverse regions, with an exceptional cultural and natural richness where those people have been raised and today proudly wear the tricolor flag. Thanks to the great variety of landscapes, mountains and thermal floors, Colombia is one of the best countries to practice different kinds of sports.Its natural scenery allows athletes not only to have a demanding training plan, but also to enjoy the training, because Colombia is a sports paradise.
Colombia, a country in which athletes deliver an outstanding commitment that unites in joy and history. That is why we are going to Tokyo to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, united by a single nation, Colombia. You may also enjoy: Mariana Pajón, 100% superstar On the radar: Colombia's newest sporting heroes Colombia's most beloved sports: Tejo and Chaza
The benefits of working remotely have become apparent in recent years, especially among young people looking for a lifestyle for traveling and working. Discover why Colombia is an attractive destination for you.
Camille Besnier is a Frenchwoman and freelance graphic designer who found in Colombia the best place to enjoy both of her passions: work and travel.
“I came to Colombia in 2014 with two friends from Paris. I really liked the country, its culture, its food and people. I arrived in Bogota two months ago for vacation, I have visited the Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral and Villa de Leyva, but I continue working for my clients in France. I just need a computer and an Internet connection to do my job”, she says.
Like her, many foreigners have come to the country to enjoy a comfortable and practical lifestyle that allows them to do their job remotely, and get to know Colombia at the same time.
Medellin, Colombia, awarded in 2013 as “Innovative City of the Year” by The Wall Street Journal, is well known for its warm climate, beautiful mountains, lush nature, great transport system, low cost of living and unique culture. It’s also known for its coworking areas and availability of free wifi in public areas and several coffees stores and restaurants. Countless tourist attractions help that position the capital of Antioquia as one of the 10 best destinations for digital nomads, alongside cities such as London, Berlin and San Francisco. Bogotá, Colombia is a great example too. The capital of Colombia is the cultural and economic center of the country, a cosmopolitan city that allows travelers to enjoy a varied gastronomic offer, attractive nightlife, shopping, business centers and work remotely in coworking spaces. Two different cities that capture the same essence, as they have all the comforts of a great major city, wide-ranging access to wifi, different spaces for remote work, and places specially designed to work in a comfortable and pleasant way.
Likewise, thanks to the connectivity of the airports in Colombia, it is very easy to move from one city to another quickly. For this reason, if you’re a digital nomad you can take advantage of your stay to explore the country. For example, you can work in Medellin or Bogota and enjoy the weekend in Cartagena, Cali, Bucaramanga or another Colombian city.
World Tech, a startup well known in programming bootcamps in Latin America, created ePioneers, the first community for digital nomads and remote workers in the region. Inspired by the work of Estonian eResidency, the startup has worked in its new service branch since March 2020, partnering with private and public sector partners. The initiative is expected to facilitate the arrival of at least 45,000 digital nomads to the country in the first 18 months. Become a digital nomad and enjoy a lifestyle that combines technology and traveling in Colombia, a country that has it all. Related articles: Discover why Medellin is definitely worth visiting more than once Enjoy your weekend in Bogota experiencing the ciclovia Why the most welcoming country feels like home