Colombia is in the northern region of South America. In 2020, I traveled through the country for three weeks, starting on the Caribbean coast, moving through Tayrona National Park, visiting Cartagena, hiking in rural areas, and completing the Lost City trek. Spanish is the official language, but more than 60 other languages are spoken by different groups across the country. I used Spanish in most places but had trouble communicating in some rural areas. This article shares 7 facts about Colombia based on that experience.
7 Fun Facts About Colombia Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean Ciudad Perdida is older than Machu Picchu Colombia has more species of birds than Europe and North America combined across its 59 national parks Colombia is home to Catedral de Sal, an underground salt cathedral Tejo, not soccer, is Colombia’s traditional national sport Colombia’s colonial history was influenced by the viceroyalty of New Granada The national anthem plays on the radio and television every day at 6 AM and 6 PM
1. Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean Colombia boasts a presence on two oceans, a fact that sets it apart from other Latin American countries. >>Interested in the coastal life? Explore the Dominican Republic: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration 2. Ciudad Perdida is far older than Machu Picchu The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) is hidden away in the Santa Marta Mountain range. It was built by the Tairona indigenous culture around A.D. 700 which makes it much older than Machu Picchu in Peru, built in 1450. The city was later abandoned in the 16th century. The trek to one of Colombia’s most famous ruins takes 3 to 5 days. Machu Picchu vs. Ciudad Perdida: A Tale of Two Ancient Wonders Dimension Machu Picchu Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Location Andes Mountains, Peru Santa Marta Mountains, Colombia Date Built Circa 1450 Circa A.D. 700 Civilization Inca Empire Tairona Indigenous Culture Altitude 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level Accessibility Train and bus to nearby town; short hike 3–5-day trek through rugged terrain Abandonment Abandoned during the Spanish conquest Abandoned in the 16th century Global Recognition UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983) Not a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Yet) Visitor Experience Relatively easy access, large crowds Challenging trek, fewer visitors Cultural Significance Sacred site of the Inca Empire Sacred site of the Tairona civilization >>Planning your next trek? Discover the charm of Ciudad Perdida! 3. Colombia has more species of birds than Europe and North America combined across its 59 national parks Colombia is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting over 1,900 species—more than the combined total of Europe and North America. From toucans to rare Andean condors, the country’s ecosystems offer unparalleled biodiversity across its 59 national parks. Moreover, Colombia’s 1,141,748 square kilometers has 10% of Earth’s known species, making it the second most biodiverse country in the entire world after only Brazil. The nation’s ecosystems span from Pacific Coast rainforests to 13,000-foot Andean páramos in Sierra Nevada del Cocuy and the La Guajira desert in the north. In the Amazon River and Orinoco River basins, pink river dolphins inhabit the freshwater systems, becoming central figures in indigenous folklore. The 200-foot wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense) in Quindío Department’s Cocora Valley stand as the world’s tallest palm species. These trees grow throughout the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region) in the central Andes mountains. 56,343 known species of plants grow across Colombia’s varied terrain, from coastal mangroves to high-altitude vegetation. The Medellín Flower Festival, established in 1957, celebrates this biodiversity annually as one of the world’s largest flower festivals. The Cocora Valley is part of Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Colombia is home to Catedral de Sal, an underground salt cathedral The Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá is one of the most famous landmarks in Latin America. This underground salt cathedral was carved into a salt mine. Catedral de Sal: Location: Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 06:00 PM. Tickets Basic – National: Adult: 66,000 COP ($15.15 USD). Child/Senior: 54,000 COP ($12.40 USD). Tickets Basic – International: Adult: 110,000 COP ($25.25). Child/Senior: 97,000 COP ($22.27). Details: It takes about an hour from Bogota. Dress modestly and wear comfortable walking shoes. 5. Tejo, not soccer, is Colombia’s traditional national sport The traditional national sport of Colombia is Tejo, a game that involves throwing metal discs at a target filled with gunpowder. When the discs stick, the target explodes. While soccer is more popular than Tejo, the classic game is still a matter of national pride. Take a look at how Tejo is played by local Colombians in this video: 6. Colombia’s colonial history was influenced by the viceroyalty of New Granada During the colonial period (1499-1810), Colombia was part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, which also included Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Bogotá, now the capital city of Colombia, was the capital under Spanish rule. 7. The national anthem plays on the radio and television every day at 6 AM and 6PM This is less a requirement of the Colombian government and more a traditional cultural practice within Colombian society. This daily practice dates back to the mid-20th century when broadcasting the anthem became a way to promote patriotism and reinforce national identity across Colombia’s regions. References: CIA.gov: The World Factbook Colombia National Geographic: Discovering Colombia’s Lost City