From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the serene beaches of the Caribbean coast, there’s something for nearly everyone in Colombia. Travel there with an eSIM for Colombia, and easily share pictures of the Caño Cristales, navigate the streets of Medellín, or book a tour to the Lost City—all with reliable mobile connectivity. Dive into these 25 incredible Colombia facts and find inspiration for your next adventure.
25 Amazing Facts About Colombia
1. Colombia is the Third Most Biodiverse Country in the World
From the dense Amazon rainforests to high-altitude páramos and coral reefs, Colombia is home to countless different ecosystems, making it one of the most biodiverse nations in the world (behind only Brazil and Indonesia). Thousands of these species are threatened by deforestation and climate change, making the country an essential destination for conservationists and climate scientists.
2. Colombia is Named After Christopher Columbus
Colombia’s name is derived from the Latinized surname of the Spanish explorer - “Colombo” - despite the fact that Columbus never set foot in the country. It was adopted in the early 19th century after the country gained its independence from Spain. The choice was intended to symbolise a broader connection to the New World and the spirit of exploration.
3. Bogotá is one of the Highest Capitals in the World
Situated at 2,640 metres (8,660 feet) above sea level, Bogotá is the third-highest capital city in the world – behind only Quito, Ecuador, and Bolivia’s La Paz. This elevation means a mild year-round climate, with average temperatures ranging between 14–16°C (57–61°F). Visitors are often advised to acclimatise slowly to avoid altitude sickness while exploring the city’s rich history and art scene.
4. Coffee Culture: Colombia’s Global Brew
Colombian coffee is world-famous for its smooth, rich flavour. The beans are grown in the fertile volcanic soils of the Colombian Coffee Axis. This region, comprising the Quindío, Risaralda, Caldas and Tolimas districts, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours here let visitors witness the entire coffee production process from bean to cup, against a stunning Andean backdrop.
5. The Literary Giant Gabriel García Márquez was Colombian
Nobel Laureate Gabriel García Márquez, born in Aracataca, is one of Colombia’s most celebrated figures. His masterpiece One Hundred Years of Solitude is a defining work of the magical realism genre, which blends of the fantastical and the mundane. Márquez’s works are deeply inspired by Colombian landscapes, folklore, and history.
6. Colombia is Home to the World’s Tallest Palm Trees
The Quindío wax palm, Colombia’s national tree, can grow up to an astounding 60 metres (200 feet). Found chiefly in the Cocora Valley, these towering palms rise above the surrounding forest. Preservation efforts have stepped up in recent years to counteract the palms' dwindling numbers caused by deforestation.
7. Colombia Borders Two Separate Seas
As the only South American country with both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Colombia is home to a wide range of coastal and maritime habitats. While the Caribbean coast boasts crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Colombia’s Pacific shoreline is known for its rugged beauty, world-class surfing and whale-watching opportunities.
8. Colombia is the Birthplace of Many Salsa and Reggaeton Icons
Colombia has given rise to global music icons like Shakira and J Balvin, as well as entire genres like vallenato and champeta. This varied musical legacy reflects the country’s cultural diversity. Contemporary Colombian music draws from African, Indigenous Colombian and Spanish musical influences to create a unique sound.
9. The Nation is sometimes called “The Country of Eternal Spring”
Colombia’s equatorial latitude and topographic diversity means it enjoys a variety of climates but avoids extreme seasonal changes. Medellín, dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring,” offers pleasant weather year-round, with temperatures hovering around 22°C (72°F). This makes it an ideal destination for visitors any time of the year.
10. Colombia has a Rich History of Civilisation
Before Spanish colonisation, Colombia was home to several Indigenous civilizations including the Tayrona and the Muisca. The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), built around 800 CE in the Sierra Nevada mountains, predates Machu Picchu. Rediscovered in the 1970s, it remains one of the world's most awe-inspiring archaeological sites.
11. Arepas are a Culinary Staple
Arepas are versatile cornmeal cakes enjoyed across Colombia, with variations reflecting regional traditions. In Bogotá, they’re stuffed with cheese, while in Cartagena, they are fried and served with eggs. Arepas are a symbol of Colombian culinary heritage, found throughout the country.
12. One-Third of Colombia is covered by the Amazon Rainforest
Colombia’s Amazonía region is a paradise for eco-tourists. Here, visitors can trek through jungles, encounter pink river dolphins and enjoy some of the continent’s best views. As part of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, Amazonía is a crucial region in the struggle to maintain global biodiversity and climate stability.
13. Colombia is home to the Caño Cristales, or the ‘River of Five Colours’
The Caño Cristales River is also known as the “liquid rainbow” for the effect created by its glass-clear waters and multicoloured underwater foliage. Located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park, the river has fast become a popular tourist attraction since its discovery in 1969.
14. Colombia Is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
From the colourful Andean cock-of-the-rock to the Andean condor, Colombia contains some of the world’s rarest and most spectacular wild bird species. The birding spots of Tayrona National Park and the Chocó Rainforest offer birdwatchers and conservationists the opportunity to study these up close.
15. The Legend of El Dorado Originated in Colombia
El Dorado, the mythical city of gold, originated in Colombia is based on Spanish invaders’ accounts of a Gold city near Lake Guatavita, where the chieftain would cover himself in gold dust. While the city itself remains a legend, the lake is a real destination. Much of the myth is likely inspired by the Muisca civilisation, who were skilled goldsmiths.
16. Cali is the Salsa Capital of the World
Cali is known as the world’s salsa music capital, with a high density of salsa clubs, bars and open-air dancefloors. The annual Feria de Cali is a week-long salsa festival that features live music, parades, and dance competitions on the streets of Cali. Visitors can even join classes to learn salsa dancing from the best.
17. Colombia is Home to Thousands of Wild Orchid Species
Colombia’s range of humid climates provides the perfect conditions for the notoriously choosy orchid flowers to grow wild. The nation is home to over 4,000 orchid species, while the purple May orchid is the official national flower.
18. Colombia is Highly Culturally Diverse
Colombia’s population includes 87 officially-recognised ethnic groups and over 60 languages, reflecting its multicultural heritage, including Indigenous Colombian, Afro-Colombian, European and Asian influences. Events like the Barranquilla Carnival showcase this cultural diversity with music, dance, and costumed parades.
19. Colombians Invented the Explosive Game of Tejo
While football may be the most followed sport in the country, Colombia is also home to several unique sports and games. One of the most popular is Tejo. This pre-colonial sport has been played for centuries. The game involves throwing a metal puck (called a tejo) at a clay-covered board with gunpowder-filled targets. When the tejo hits its mark, the targets explode.
20. The Country is Avocado Lover’s Dream
In Colombia, avocados, or aguacates, are a dietary staple enjoyed in a variety of dishes. They are added to soups like ajiaco, salads, or simply eaten fresh with a sprinkle of salt. Thanks to its fertile land, Colombia produces massive avocados, with some varieties weighing up to 2 kilograms.
21. Cartagena’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cartagena’s old town is a well-preserved remainder of the nation’s early Columbian-era history. The cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and hilltop forts date back to its origins as a 16th-century Spanish outpost. Highlights include the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the city walls, which were built to protect against pirate attacks.
22. Colombia has an Underground Cathedral
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an awe-inspiring structure carved inside an active salt mine. Located 200 metres underground, the cathedral is renowned for its illuminated salt sculptures. Zipaquirá is more than just a functioning church - it’s a remarkable feat of engineering, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
23. Colombia Is a Cycling Powerhouse
The Andes Mountains have long been a proving ground for some of the best road cyclists in the world. Athletes like Nairo Quintana and Egan Bernal, the first Latin American to win the Tour de France, are Colombian. Cycling is a popular pastime, with Bogotá hosting Ciclovía events every Sunday, where roads are closed for bikers and pedestrians.
24. Colombia Contains Over Fifty National Parks
With 59 national parks, Colombia offers a wealth of natural wonders for exploration. Tayrona National Park features stunning beaches and jungle trails, while Los Nevados is famous for its snow-capped peaks. Whether you’re trekking in the Amazon or birdwatching in Chingaza, there’s a park for every nature enthusiast.
25. Colombia is a Nation of Festivals
Colombia hosts hundreds of festivals each year, celebrating everything from flowers to music. The Medellín Flower Festival showcases gigantic floral displays and parades, while the Carnival of Barranquilla is a UNESCO-recognized cultural institution. The Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá features a mix of street performances, traditional plays and avant-garde theatre.
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Colombia Travel eSIM Plans
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