7 Fun Facts About Colombia That Will Inspire Your Next Adventure

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

>>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:

1. CIA.gov: The World Factbook Colombia
2. National Geographic: Discovering Colombia’s Lost City