Traveling to Colombia

My first trip to Colombia - spending Christmas and New Year in South America! With a population of around 50 million, Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation from its troubled past to become one of Latin America's most exciting destinations.

Fun fact: Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and it's named after Christopher Columbus, though he never actually set foot in the country.

What I Experienced

Arriving in Colombia during the festive season was magical. The streets were alive with decorations, music, and celebrations. The warmth of Colombian hospitality was evident everywhere - locals eager to share their culture, their food, and their stories.

The country's biodiversity left me amazed. Colombia has more bird species than any other country on Earth, and the landscapes shift dramatically from Caribbean beaches to Andean peaks to Amazon rainforest. Even on a week-long trip, you can experience this incredible variety.

Colombian coffee is genuinely different when you drink it at the source. The coffee culture here isn't about rushing - it's about savoring each cup and the conversation that comes with it.

Practical Notes

• December-January is dry season - perfect weather but busy
• Colombian pesos go a long way - very affordable for travelers
• Safety has improved dramatically - use common sense in cities
• Coffee tours in the Zona Cafetera are worth the trip
• Try bandeja paisa, the hearty national dish
• Spanish basics are essential - English is not widely spoken

High-resolution aerial panoramas from Colombia are available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for South American travel marketing, tropical destination content, or biodiversity-rich landscape wall art.