About Colombia
Archaeological findings show evidence of settlements in the Colombia region dating as far back as 12,500 BC. Long inhabited by various groups of Amerindians, the area was reached by the Spanish around 1500 AD. The country’s official name – the Republic of Colombia – was adopted in the 1800s and comes from the name of Christopher Columbus. Spanish is widely spoken in Colombia, which also features the most pronounced Roman Catholic culture of any South American country. Colombia’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly coffee and fruit production; the six major metropolitan areas house more than a third of the total population. As of 2023, Bogota, the capital, has a population of over 11.5 million people.
The port city of Cartagena, known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Baranquilla, Colombia, is home to one of the world’s largest carnivals, Carnaval de Barranquilla, which was inscribed in 2008 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Where is Colombia?
The country is bordered by the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the west. It is north of the equator and east of Brazil, and shares land borders with Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.
Getting to Colombia
Turkish Airlines operates daily direct flights from İstanbul to Bogota, Colombia’s capital. For more information on the flight, which takes an average of 13 hours and 15 minutes, you can visit the Bogota flight ticket page. Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye do not need a visa to enter Colombia.
When to go to Colombia?
Colombia has various climatic zones and precipitation can last all year in some areas. That being said, the country’s proximity to the equator gives it a generally tropical climate and high temperatures. Colombia’s mountainous regions, especially in the Andes, tend to be cold and become even more frigid at higher altitudes. There are two dry seasons – December to March and July to August – and these are considered by many to be ideal times to visit, with less rain and milder weather. Coastal areas such as the Caribbean coast and Tayrona National Park, for example, are popular from December to March, while the months of July and August are ideal for visiting the Andes.
Bogota and other Colombian cities
Bogota, the capital of Colombia
Colombia’s capital and a center of music, dance, salsa and coffee, Bogota is also the country’s most populous city, home to 11.5 million people. The fourth most populous city in South America, Bogota is set in the eastern part of the Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 2,640 meters in some places. The city’s rich cultural heritage is derived from its diverse population. The best time to visit Bogota is during the winter and summer months, as the city experiences heavy rains in the spring. Bogota’s highlights include La Candelaria, the famous Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, Bolivar Square, Monserrate Hill and Lake Guatavita.
Medellin
Medellin, Colombia’s second most populous city, has a population of over 4 million people as of 2023. Set in northwest Colombia, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Medellin is a cultural and commercial center with a dynamic structure. The city’s highlights include Pueblito Piasa, Plaza Botero, and the Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico) and Butterfly House.
Cali
Cali is the third most populous city in Colombia and the capital of the Vella del Cauca department. Cali is also known as the salsa capital of the world: In December, the city hosts the annual salsa festival called Feria de Cali. Take a walk along the Cali River, offering delightful areas for trekking and nature sports, and enjoy the city’s energetic atmosphere along with its colorful streets and nightlife. Other Cali highlights include the San Antonio Church, La Merced Church and the Calima Gold Museum.
Dining in Colombia
Colombia is known for local and regional specialties such as the following:
- Sancocho, a warm and satisfying soup containing meat or chicken along with corn, potatoes, bananas and various other vegetables.
- Empanadas, a hearty and delicious Colombian snack of fried or baked dumplings filled with meat, cheese or vegetables. Typically, cornmeal dough is used for the dumplings.
- Arepa, a round, unleavened bread made with cornmeal.
- Bandeja paisa, served on a large platter, this traditional meal usually consists of beans, rice, ground and fried meats, fried eggs, fried plantains, sausage, bread, avocado, lemon and various sausages and sauces.
Practical information about Colombia
Colombian capital: Bogota
Colombian official language: Spanish
Colombian currency: Colombian Peso
