The 4 Most Popular Cities For Foreigners To Visit in Colombia
According to the tourism statistics in Colombia, the following cities are the most popular ones for foreigners to visit. They all have their unique charm and friendly atmosphere ready to fill your soul.
Start discovering these stunning cities! Scroll down and begin reading!
1. Bogotá
Bogotá is Colombia’s capital and home to art, culture, history, fashion, vibrating restaurants and unique experiences. As the most visited city in Colombia, Bogotá is a place of variety. From the city’s nightlife scene, to its design events, art fairs and historic center – La Candelaria –, there’s always something new to see in this attractive metropolis.
Did you know that ... Bogotá's decision to decriminalize graffiti in 2011 turned the city into a canvas for some of the world’s best-loved street artists? Though some areas have been listed as historic places and are then protected, other districts have allowed expression to flourish. oriana-van-beem.hatenablog.com
2. Cartagena
Cartagena is not only one of the most exquisite and romantic cities in Colombia, but in Latin America as well. Located in the Caribbean coast, the city of Cartagena is a place with a unique blend of cultures, a beautiful historic Walled City and lots of scenic nearby beaches.
This picturesque Colombian city is the place where lovers enjoy watching sunsets from the city walls and where horse-carriages and musicians clutter the streets and plazas where the iconic Palenqueras – Afro-Colombian women – sell fruit in their colorful dresses.
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3. Medellín
Medellín is the second biggest city in Colombia and the capital of the Antioquia province. Until recently, this striking city was drowned in the war of drugs, but today, thanks to its massive regeneration effort, Medellín has its vision centered on a bright and promising future.
As a reborn city, Medellín is renowned for its coffee plantations, flower farms, orchids and butterflies. But as well for its distinct artist, Fernando Botero, who’s famous for featuring oversized subjects with a subtle touch of satire.
The city of Medellín, which lies in a valley between two Andean Mountain ridges, is known as the City of Eternal Spring because of its mild and idyllic climate. This makes it possible for this city to hold the event known as ‘Feria de las Flores’ (Flower Festival) every year in August.
Did you know that ... In 2013, Medellín was voted the World’s Most Innovative City?
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4. Cali
The city of Cali is well known for its cheerful atmosphere, which is reflected in Salsa – a dance involving a lot of footwork with quick rapid steps and skipping motions. Salsa brings people together and everyone in this city moves to the beat of this dance.
Cali might not be as scenic as Medellín, but its racial diversity, coming from its Afro-Colombian heritage, along with the vibrant attitude of ‘Caleños’ – as the folks from Cali are known -, are enough reasons to win you over!
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Get inspire to travel to Colombia, the country of diversity and open-mindedness. Take your time to visit all of these cities and don’t forget that no matter where you go, Colombians will always grin from ear to ear to the sound of …
7 Colombian Street Foods You Need To Try
Trying new flavors is one of the most exciting aspects of travel. When it comes to street food, Colombia has a lot to offer. To help you plan a culinary trip that’ll pamper your palate, here’s a list of seven delicious Colombian street foods you must try!
- Empanadas
- Pandebono
- Chicharrón
- Chorizo Santarosano
- Arepa
- Aborrajado
- Patacón
5 Colombian Dishes Not To Be Missed
It is safe to say that pampering your palate is one of the most exciting aspects of travel. Tasting new spices and diving into foods with names you can hardly pronounce it's all part of the experience as a tourist in a foreign country.
To help you plan a delicious culinary trip of your own, here's a list of five Colombian dishes not to be missed.
- Ajiaco
- Sancocho
- Bandeja Paisa
- Pescado Frito
- Ternera a la Llanera
Easter Traditions: Semana Santa in Colombia
Colombia is a country in which people and their daily lives are highly influenced by religion. Catholicism is the main religion in Colombia, with an estimated of 70% of the national population as adherents.
Like any other Catholic in the world, Colombians are getting ready to celebrate what it's known as 'Semana Santa' or 'Holy Week' in English. Semana Santa is the most important religious festival of the year, but for many Colombians it actually means a break from study or work and free time to travel. It traditionally starts on Palm Sunday - day to commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem - and lasts until Easter Sunday - day to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
During this time of the year, cathedrals, churches and plazas all over the country are filled with people celebrating this religious festival. However, small cities and towns are specially known to hold beautiful processions and pilgrimages.
Keep reading to discover the best places to celebrate Holy Week traditions in Colombia!
Popayán, Cauca
The city of Popayán, known for its white colonial buildings, holds traditional Holy Week celebrations that are among the most esteemed in the country. These celebrations are actually on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the UNESCO.
Thousands of people watch and participate in processions devoted to Mary, Jesus, The Cross, The Laying in the Tomb and The Resurrection.
Santa Cruz de Mompox, Bolívar
The town of Mompox, located in northern Colombia, is also a renowned place for Holy Week celebrations.
Mompox was declared a Historical and Architectural World Heritage site by the UNESCO, and during Holy Week, locals have a very distinctive way of celebrating: On Holy Wednesday, they dress in their best clothing and participate in a procession through the town center. The procession ends at the cemetery where people pass the night while adorning the graves of loved ones with flowers and listening to music.
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
In the Colombian capital, Bogotá, many devoted Catholics take part in pilgrimages to visit religious monuments or churches in the city. One of the most famous ones is the pilgrimage to the church located on the top of ‘Monserrate’. While many people usually take the cable car or funicular railway to reach the top, during Holy Week, Catholics make the pilgrimage on foot, climbing all the way to the top.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, located just outside Bogotá, is also a very important religious site. It features underground cathedrals and is specially visit by many tourists and devoted Catholics during Holy Week.
If you're looking for what to see and do in Bogotá click on the following article:
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Cali, Valle del Cauca
In the city of Cali, pilgrimages also take place as part of Holy Week celebrations. The path leading to 'Las Tres Cruces' (The Three Crosses) is a very famous hike for locals.
People of all ages climb to the top of the mountain every single day, but during Holy Week, 'The Three Crosses' becomes crowded by devoted Catholics as it turns into a site of pilgrimage.
If you're looking for what to see and do in Cali click on the following article:
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Holy week 2020: April 5th - April 11th
How To Greet People in Colombia
Greeting might be seen as a simple day-to-day practice that comes naturally to all of us, but the truth is that there’s more to it than just saying “Hi”. Whether it is waving, bowing or kissing, there’s always a cultural background and situational context to take into account.
Colombians stand out from the crowd due to their warm and friendly way of greeting. They adore showing their love for others and don’t mind a bit of hugging and kissing here and there. Needless to say, this behavior is shaped according to the person addressed and the particular context.
Keep on reading to learn the right greeting for every situation!
- Greeting a friend
- Women give kisses and men give handshakes
- Greeting a family member
- Greeting a person you haven't seen for a long time
- Greeting your professional contacts / Meeting someone for the first time