Pass The Passport

Places / South America

Colombia

Visited

At a glance

Region
South America
Capital
Bogotá
Population
53.4 million (2025)
Area
1,141,748 km²
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Colombian peso (COP)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+57
Visited: Colombia

Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.

Before you go

Overview

Colombia is the only South American country with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. It spans the Andes, the Amazon and the plains of the Llanos.

History

Colombia was the centre of the Spanish Viceroyalty of New Granada and won independence in 1819 under Simón Bolívar. A long armed conflict ended largely with the 2016 peace agreement.

Food & culture

Bandeja paisa, arepas, ajiaco soup and excellent coffee are national favourites.

Wildlife

Colombia has more bird species than any other country, and humpback whales visit the Pacific coast.

Festivals & events

The Barranquilla Carnival, the Medellín Flower Festival and the Cali Fair are highlights.

Things to see

The walled city of Cartagena, the Coffee Triangle, Tayrona National Park, Caño Cristales and the Lost City.

Interesting facts

Colombia is one of the world's largest producers of emeralds.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Famous hikes in Colombia

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)

Distance
About 47 km return
Time
4 to 5 days
Best time
December to March

How to do it: A jungle trek to an ancient city older than Machu Picchu. You can only go with a licensed tour company from Santa Marta.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia

1 of 9 visited. See every site I've been to.

My photos from Colombia

From 2 trips, newest first, so you can see which places each set of photos came from.

February 2020 Central America

Medellín, Guatapé, Comuna 13, Medellín

Whole trip gallery
  • A colourful street mural of two smiling girls and a heart in Comuna 13, Medellín
  • Dan sitting on a flight of rainbow-painted steps in Colombia
  • A bright "Medellín Power" mural in Comuna 13.
  • A blue and red mural celebrating Comuna 13 in Medellín.
  • A large red-brick building with many green shuttered windows on a sunny plaza.
  • A large dark sculpture of intertwined figures rising diagonally against a tall building and blue sky.
  • A brightly painted mural with a big red 13 and the words Book District.
  • A blue mural with clouds, a big red 13 and the word Medellin.
  • A vividly painted chiva bus with a red front parked on a street.

April 2016 Cartagena

Cartagena

Whole trip gallery
  • A bright yellow colonial house with a carved wooden balcony in Cartagena's old town

Plan your trip to Colombia

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Colombia