Colombia, Country in northwestern South America.
Description
Colombia is a republic in South America that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean coast and includes Andean ranges, Amazonian rainforests, and varied coastlines. The terrain goes from tropical beaches to glaciated peaks above 5700 meters and supports habitats for countless animal and plant species.
History
Spanish conquerors founded their first permanent settlement in Santa Marta in 1525 before moving inland and establishing Bogotá in 1538 as the administrative center of the New Kingdom of Granada. Under the leadership of Simón Bolívar the territory gained independence in 1819 and evolved into the present republic.
Culture
The name comes from Christopher Columbus and recalls his voyage to the Americas, while the country today is shaped by its regional coffee farming, folk music, and coastal traditions between the Pacific and the Caribbean. In rural areas you often find small plazas where people gather to talk and where local celebrations bring the community together.
Practical
The national currency is the Colombian peso, and major banks with ATMs are found in urban centers, while credit cards are accepted at most shops. International airports in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena offer connections to many destinations in the Americas and Europe.
Did you know?
The country supplies 95 percent of the world's mined emeralds from deposits in the Andean region and is also the second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil. With over 1900 recorded bird species it hosts more than any other country on Earth and draws birdwatchers from around the globe.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Colombia).
Colombia presents geographic diversity that spans Caribbean coastlines, Andean highlands, Pacific forests, and eastern plains. The country encompasses colonial architecture in towns like Barichara and Mompox, where centuries-old stone buildings and churches reflect Spanish heritage. Natural...
Hacienda Nápoles
285.9 km
Nevado del Ruiz
281.2 km
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
754.5 km
Caño Cristales
226.8 km
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
343.4 km
Las Lajas Sanctuary
636.4 km
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
159.3 km
Monserrate
139.2 km
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
761.3 km
Ciudad Perdida
780.4 km
Plaza de Bolívar
140.9 km
El Cocuy National Park
268.8 km
Tequendama Falls
162.6 km
Serranía de la Macarena
225.1 km
Gold Museum
140.7 km
Estadio Atanasio Girardot
382.1 km
Sumapaz Paramo
136.9 km
BD Bacatá
140.6 km
Páramo de Santurbán
351.4 km
Casa de Nariño
141 km
Jaime Duque
150.3 km
Torre Colpatria
140.9 km
Lake Guatavita
137.1 km
San Agustin archeological park
442.3 km
Puente de Boyacá
161.1 km
Los Nevados National Natural Park
283.7 km
Galeras
589.5 km
Chingaza National Natural Park
101.1 km
Amazonas Department
Antioquia
Arauca Department
Atlántico Department
Bolívar Department
Boyacá Department
Caldas Department
Caquetá Department
Casanare Department
Cauca Department
Cesar Department
Chocó Department
Córdoba Department
Cundinamarca Department
Guainía Department
Guaviare Department
Huila Department
La Guajira Department
Magdalena Department
Meta Department
Nariño Department
Norte de Santander Department
Putumayo Department
Quindío Department
Risaralda Department
Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
Santander Department
Sucre Department
Tolima Department
Valle del Cauca Department
Vaupés Department
Vichada Department
Bogotá
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes