Colombia Fun Facts: Did You Know?

The country of Colombia is only recently becoming more well known for its many unique attributes including being a wonderfully diverse cultural hub. In October 2018, on our “Colombia: Cuisine, Whitewater, & Antiquities” active adventure, you’ll have the chance to explore this small but extraordinary country.

Here are ten fun facts about the country of Colombia to know before you go!

#1: Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after only Brazil which is 10 times its size. Colombia is one of only 17 “mega-diverse” countries in the world.  It has the largest amount of species by area anywhere in the world, including the most endemic species of butterflies, the most orchids, the most amphibians and more species of bird than all of Europe and North America combined.

The sweeping beauty of Colombia’s bio diverse landscapes, Embalse El Peñol – Guatapé.

#2: Colombia is part of the “Ring of Fire”, a group of countries surrounding in the Pacific Ocean containing 452 volcanoes and vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

#3: Bogota, Colombia has South America’s largest network of bicycle routes: over 300 km stretching from the outer suburbs to the city center.

#4:  Colombia is the only country in South America that has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

#5: The traditional national sport of Colombia is called “Tejo”. The aim of this game is to throw a tejo (disk) to hit gunpowder-stuffed mechas (usually a metal pipe), causing them to explode and bringing your team closer to victory.

Playing Tejo in Colombia. Source: Pinterest

#6: Cano Cristales, the “River of Five Colors” also known as the “Liquid Rainbow”, is a river in Colombia located in the Serrania de la Macarena province of Meta. This river’s bed changes color between yellow, green, blue, black, and especially red, beginning the end of July and through November.

The incredible Cano Cristales in Colombia

#7: Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a mecca for street artists. The government not only tolerates graffiti but also encourages and sponsors street art.

#8: The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. Colombia’s law 198, for example, ensures that ‘¡Oh gloria inmarcesible!’, the national anthem, is always played daily at 6 am and 6 pm both on the radio and on public television.

#9: Age is valued in Colombia. The older a person is, the more powerful their voice becomes. Elders are deeply respected throughout the country.

The colorful town of Guatape in Colombia

#10: Colombia is the world’s leading source of emeralds. It is also the third largest exporter of coffee in the world after Brazil and Vietnam.

We hope you’ll consider exploring the unique destination of Colombia with AdventureWomen!