The remarkable rebirth of Colombia

Beleaguered by its tumultuous past, the vibrant country of Colombia is actively making strides to unshackle itself from a receding and misrepresentative history. Having emerged in recent years as one of the top tourist destinations, the powers at be are driving full steam ahead in a concerted effort to make this diverse country a safe, exciting and unparalleled getaway experience.

“If Earth’s biodiversity were a country, it could be called Colombia”, wrote National Geographic seven years ago, and this claim is incontrovertibly buoyed by the figures: home to almost 9,000 endemic species – there are more species of birds and orchids than any other nation in the world, second in the number of plants, amphibians, butterflies and freshwater fish, third for palm trees and reptiles, and fourth in its overall mammalian diversity.

           

Colombia is also a country overflowing with cultural and natural treasures; home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The lush rainforests and abounding ecosystems of Los Katíos National Park make it the perfect spot to witness Colombia’s dazzling array of flora and fauna, the famous Colombian ‘Coffee Triangle’ not only produces some of the world’s best coffee but is replete with rolling hills of verdant beauty, and the National Archeological Park showcases some of the most fascinating statues and tombs of ancient indigenous cultures.

The trendy and dynamic city of Medellin – often called the “City of Eternal Spring” for its equable climate – has undergone an incredible transformation over the past 30 years. Its metro service is world-class, boasting accolades for its cleanliness and efficiency. The city itself is the subject of a number of awards for its dramatic urban development, including being named Latin America’s representative as a Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the World Economic Forum.

Marrying bohemian chic and cosmopolitan charm, Medellin exudes a modern atmosphere, filled with trendy cafes, vibrant restaurants, and lively music. In fact, on Nomad List, a database comprising over 1,200 cities, Medellin reached fifth best city in the world for digital nomads and remote workers, as well as topping countless ‘Best places to retire’ lists…

           

It was so attractive that Odyssey World MD, Felicia, spent 5 weeks there on her own at the end of 2021 – testing out the appeal for digital nomads and proving that a remote business can be run from anywhere.  “After being ‘locked down’ for so long, I wanted to go somewhere that thrilled and scared me a little. But what I found in Colombia was an absolute treasure. Colour and life is abundant, and there appeared to be a constant celebration of just being alive. When you start to understand how many people from Medellin have families that were affected by the horrific violence that permeated the end of the last century, you realise why they just celebrate the every day. This, for tourists, creates a super warm welcome, with phenomenal food and hospitality. The question I was asked by locals most was ‘do you like Colombia?’. Colombians are so eager to not be defined by their past so what they’ve created instead is a place that lights up your heart and dances right into your soul.”

As a tourist, the best way to experience Colombia is with a finger in every pie. There’s truly something for everyone. One can easily admire Cartagena, which showcases vibrant colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque plazas, the secluded coves of Tayrona National Park, inviting you into paradisiacal bliss or venture into the ancient ruins of the ‘lost city’, Ciudad Perdida, to uncover the abandoned architecture of a society over 1,200 years old…

Colombia isn’t just pretty sights and old buildings either. Its flourishing culinary scene – accessible through Bogotá’s upscale restaurants or Medellin’s artisanal street food – showcases its personality through creative alterations of traditional dishes, from the Pacific coast’s seafood delicacies, to the fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and African flavours found in Cartagena and Cali.

And one can’t mention food without addressing coffee – to the Colombians, it’s not just a beverage; it’s an integral part of their identity and a cornerstone of their heritage. The Coffee Triangle’s ideal climate produces world-class beans and contributes to the ubiquity of the aromatic beverage, but it doesn’t stop there: permeating every avenue, Colombian chefs creatively incorporate coffee into both sweet and savoury dishes, enhancing meats with coffee-infused sauces and crafting coffee-flavoured desserts.

           

And when Colombians party, they also like to play.  As a tourist, you can attend a local football match. Intensely competitive, the atmosphere at these games is edgy, exciting and electric. Of course, salsa dancing is a must-try and among all the lessons and professional shows, Felicia highly recommends seeking out a local club – just wander in and watch how the locals do it. And for a truly traditional bit of family fun – try your hand at Tejo. Typically played in a neighbourhood park or yard, crack open a bottle of Club Colombia cerveza and throw your metal; puck at a ‘skee-ball’ like target until the bullseye explodes. Yes, there is a little gunpowder involved, so please only play with a local guide!

Odyssey World has the most amazing partners in Colombia who will guide you through their country, experiencing only the most authentic, beautiful and safe experiences. We can craft a personal itinerary to include hiking, scuba diving, jungle walks, wildlife tours and rich cultural explorations. What are you waiting for? Vamos! Contact us now: email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or call us directly (+44 117 313 7070)!