Colombia

Spanish Course in Cartagena de Indias

Spanish Course in Bogota

Colombia

Rythm and Moves

Colombia is undoubtedly a country, where not only the landscape stands out with its beauty, but also its people. The country lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and is a neighboring country of Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

With 43 million inhabitants, Colombia is the state with the most inhabitants in South America after Brazil. Most Colombians live in the Andean region or in the Caribbean lowlands. The rainforest areas of the Amazon, which make up almost half of the country, are only sparsely populated and largely untouched. More than two thirds of all Colombians live in cities. In contrast to many other countries in Latin America, Colombia is characterized by decentralized organization

The population of Colombia is made up mostly of people of indigenous origin, descendants of the Spanish conquerors and descendants of African slaves, who were deported to the "new world" between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The west of the country is dominated by the Andes. The north of Colombia is located on the beautiful Caribbean coast and offers many wonderful beaches and Caribbean flair. Since the equator runs through Colombia, large parts of the country have tropical climate and are covered by huge areas of rainforest with a high biodiversity, just like in Ecuador. There are, for example, more than 3,500 orchid species and a diverse fauna.

Here are our Colombia tips. You should not miss that:

  • Follow the Ruta del Café: Colombia is one of the leading coffee growing countries. So, you shouldn't leave the country without visiting at least one coffee farm – tasting included, of course!
  • Catedral de Sal, Zipaquira: The so-called "Salt Cathedral" was carved into the tunnels of a salt mine and is therefore really made of salt. It is one of the most outstanding constructions in Colombia.
  • Cartagena de Indias is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America, but it also offers legendary nightlife, Caribbean beaches and fantastic temperatures all year round – this also includes the water temperatures!
  • The Tayrona National Park, which lays between the mountains and the Caribbean coast, is simply wonderful. The rainforest ends right on the beach and coconuts might fall directly into your lap!
  • Take a jungle tour to Ciudad Perdida (“lost city”), the “Machu Picchu of Colombia”. Founded around the year 800, the sunken jungle town was once home to thousands of people.
  • Explore Colombia's two largest cities, Medellin and Bogota, on exciting city tours!
  • The Tatacoa Desert, actually a dry tropical forest, offers spectacular rock formations, crowned by majestic cacti - a mixture of lunar-like landscapes and Grand Canyon-feeling!

Music is doubtlessly a wonderful part of Colombian life - and it is as diverse as the Colombians themselves. On the Caribbean coast, people mainly dance to cumbia or vallenato rhythms. This is due to the African influence, since many Afro-Colombians live there. A new type of music, that originated in this region of Colombia is “Champeta”, which is also strongly influenced by African and Caribbean backgrounds. Salsa is also very popular across the country, like in large parts of South America.

The Colombians are very cheerful and polite people. The people are very open-minded, and their hospitality makes every stay in Colombia an unforgettable experience.