20 surprising facts about Colombia you might not know

Colombia is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be discovered. From its stunning landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, this South American gem has captivated hearts worldwide. Here, we unveil 20 fascinating curiosities about Colombia that may surprise you!

Significance of Colombia's Flag

The flag of Colombia features three horizontal stripes: yellow, blue, and red. The yellow stripe, which is the widest, symbolizes the country's vast natural resources and wealth. The blue represents the two oceans that touch Colombia's shores—the Atlantic and the Pacific—along with its many rivers. Lastly, the red stripe is a tribute to the blood shed by the patriots who fought for independence from Spanish rule.

The National Sport: Tejo

In Colombia, the game of tejo holds a special place in the hearts of its people. Found in almost every town, it involves throwing a metal disc at a clay surface with the goal of landing as close as possible to a central circle. It's not just about precision; players stand around 20 meters away, making it a test of skill and accuracy. This traditional game originated in the town of Turmequé, Boyacá, and has roots that trace back over 400 years to indigenous warriors.

The Gastronomic Delight of Bandeja Paisa

One cannot discuss Colombian cuisine without mentioning the bandeja paisa, a hearty dish originating from Antioquia. This iconic plate includes a variety of ingredients such as beans, rice, ripe plantain, avocado, fried pork belly, blood sausage, meat, arepa, egg, and chorizo. It was designed to provide enough calories for a long day's labor, making it both delicious and filling.

→ Discover more about typical Colombian dishes.

Leticia: A Unique Trifinio City

Leticia is not only a beautiful city in the Amazon but also a unique trifinio where the borders of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil converge. This area, known as the Tres Fronteras, offers visitors the chance to explore multiple cultures in a single trip.

Colombia's Biodiversity

Colombia is recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, coming in second only to Brazil despite its smaller size. The country boasts over 50,000 registered species, including:

• 4,000 species of orchids
• More than 3,000 different butterflies
• Around 2,000 species of birds

This incredible biodiversity makes Colombia a paradise for nature lovers and researchers alike.

The Legend of El Dorado

The legend of El Dorado is one of the most famous tales associated with Colombia. It tells of a mythical city covered in gold, believed to originate from the rituals performed by indigenous tribes at the Laguna de Guatavita. In these ceremonies, new chiefs would be adorned with gold dust and would offer gold objects to the waters as a sacrifice, thus giving rise to the legend.

Colombia: A Country of Many Names

Throughout its history, Colombia has borne several names. It was once part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada during Spanish colonization. After gaining independence, it became known as Gran Colombia in honor of Christopher Columbus, followed by names like Nueva Granada and Estados Unidos de Colombia. It officially adopted the name Republic of Colombia in 1886.

Pico Cristóbal Colón: A Mountain Named After Columbus

Another tribute to Christopher Columbus can be found in the form of Pico Cristóbal Colón, Colombia's highest peak at 5,775 meters. This majestic mountain, located close to the sea, ranks as the fifth most prominent peak in the world.

Birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez

In Aracataca, the birthplace of renowned author Gabriel García Márquez, there once was a proposal to rename the town to Aracataca-Macondo, named after the fictional town in his famous novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude." However, the referendum failed to meet the required number of votes, and Aracataca remained unchanged.

Fernando Botero: The Iconic Colombian Artist

When in Bogotá, a visit to the Fernando Botero Museum is a must. This museum showcases the artist's unique style characterized by exaggerated proportions and vibrant colors. Botero generously donated his personal collection of artworks, making it a treasure for both locals and tourists.

Coffee Culture: More Than Just a Drink

If you hear someone at breakfast ordering a tinto, don't be surprised when they aren’t asking for wine. In Colombia, tinto refers to coffee, and it is considered some of the best in the world. If you have the chance, visit a coffee farm to experience the process firsthand and savor the rich flavors.

Emerald Export Champion

While many may think Colombia is the leading coffee exporter, that title actually goes to Brazil. However, Colombia is the world’s top producer of emeralds, known for their unmatched quality. Recent years have seen competition from Zambia, but Colombian emeralds remain unparalleled in beauty.

High Altitude Capital

Did you know that Bogotá is the third highest capital city in the world? Situated at 2,640 meters above sea level, it follows only Quito and La Paz. This altitude contributes to its unique climate and culture.

National Anthem Broadcast

In a unique cultural tradition, Colombian public radio and television stations are mandated by law to play the national anthem at 6 AM and 6 PM daily. This practice reinforces national pride and unity.

Unusual Snacks: Hormigas Culonas

One of the most peculiar snacks you can find in Colombia is hormigas culonas, or "big-bottomed ants." These large ants are roasted or fried and seasoned with salt, often enjoyed like peanuts. While we haven't tried them ourselves, locals claim they’re considered a delicacy!

Beyond the Narco Narrative

Colombia's past with narcotrafficking has left deep scars, but it is crucial to recognize that the country is so much more than its history of violence. As locals often say, “the biggest danger is wanting to stay.” Cities like Medellín, once labeled as the crime capital, have transformed remarkably and are now considered havens for digital nomads.

The Cycling Phenomenon

Cycling is another passion in Colombia, especially when it comes to competitive sports. The country produces exceptional cyclists, largely due to its mountainous terrain, particularly from the Altiplano Cundiboyacense and Antioquia regions. Young cyclists train at high altitudes, preparing them for international competitions.

Discover more about Colombian cyclists.

The Natural Wonder of Valle del Cocora

In the Valle del Cocora, you can witness the stunning wax palms, which can reach heights of up to 60 meters. This tree is a national symbol, and hiking in this valley is one of the best experiences Colombia has to offer.

Two Oceans, One Country

Colombia is unique in that it has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This geographical feature allows for diverse ecosystems and cultural experiences. While we have explored the Caribbean coast, we hope to return and discover the beauty of the Pacific side.

Caño Cristales: The River of Five Colors

Caño Cristales, known as the “River of Five Colors,” is famous for its vibrant hues, which change with the seasons. This phenomenon results from the presence of the macarenia clavígera algae, creating a stunning natural display that captivates visitors.

There are undoubtedly countless more curiosities about Colombia. Do you have any interesting facts to share? We would love to learn more about this spectacular country!

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