photo by Luis Alejandro Bernal Romero
Looking to see the most during your Colombian vacation but don’t know where to start? Take a look at these top five must-see things in Colombia to make sure you don’t miss anything during your vacation.
photo by Jovannabonilla via Creative Commons
Colombian Páramos
So what are páramos? Páramos are very special ecosystems that only exists in high altitudes between forested tree lines and glaciers. There are only a few in the world with Colombia being home to thirty-four of these biodiversity hotspots.
Of course seeing one or all of these páramos is a true treat but when it comes to the star amongst the flora and fauna it would have to be the frailejón. This particular plant is stellar since it has thick leaves that catch the moisture in the air and funnels it into the soil below keeping the ground fertile. On a larger scale, this plant also helps funnel water down to neighboring Colombian towns, including Bogota, which makes this plant both important and special.Finally, the plant itself is quite a looker and is definitely worthy of a selfie snap… Just make sure not to touch it as these plants are delicate.
Cafe Chaqueta
Did someone say coffee? You can’t visit Colombia without indulging in local coffee. Why? It’s because Colombia is known as the second top producing coffee country in the world right after Brazil and you betcha that the coffee will have a local twist. Enter Cafe Chaqueta. This delicious coffee drink is essentially Colombian coffee mixed with aguapanela, or a sweet syrup that is created by boiling raw sugar and hot water. This simple – yet yummy – syrup is also used in mixed summertime drinks and can also be enjoyed by itself cold over ice. So where will you be able to find the best cup a Cafe Chaqueta? Check out these adventures in Los Nevados and El Cocuy ; it truly is a treat not to miss!
photo by Carolina Pabón Silva via Creative Commons
Wax Palm in Cocora Valley
All hail the wax palm, the official national tree of Colombia. With most of the wax palm population residing in Colombia with only a brief spill-over into neighbouring Peru, this beautiful palm with dark green leaves and a smooth trunk is the tallest monocot – flowering plant with one embryonic leaf – in the world. What does it flower? Large circular orange-red fruits that measure up to 6-2 cm in diameter.
So where can you find these palms? Check out Cocora Valley for dense populations of this national tree.
Fun fact: In the 19th century, the wax from the trunk of the wax palm was used to make candles.
photo by Luis Alejandro Bernal Romero
El Dorado in the Siecha Lakes
No Colombian adventure is complete without trying your luck at finding gold artefacts in El Dorado – the lost city of gold. Said to be inspired by the the Siecha Lakes, the lost legend of El Dorado has spawned many films and adventure stories and to this day people still go hunting for gold artefacts. Why?
In 1855, a golden raft created by the indigenous Muisca people was found after the lakes were partially drained. This is fascinating since the raft was most likely used during a crowning ceremony for a new chief for the Muisca tribe. During the ceremony, a new chief would be powdered with gold dust therefore becoming the “golden one” or El Dorado. After he’s covered, he would then be sent out into the middle of the lake with a gilded raft and an assortment of treasures which he would offer to the gods. This of course gave buzz to the possibility of other gold artefacts being housed in the area by these ancient people. So why not try your luck and search for lost treasure? Sounds like a great adventurous afternoon.
photo by Wayuu Mochila Bags via Creative Commons
Wayuu Mochila
Traveling with a fashionista or trying to shop for one left behind? The Wayuu Mochila is the way to go. These beautifully vibrant bags tell the stories of the local Wayuu people who reside in La Guajira and these one-of-a-kind creations are uniquely Colombian. Kourtney Kardashian and Alessandra Ambrosio have even joined in on the Wayuu Mochila trend and throughout the years, they’ve become a Coachella staple. So why not grab an authentic Wayuu Mochila straight from the makers themselves and come home with a stellar story to tell as well?
.Pack Your Bags
With so much to see and do in Colombia it’s a no-brainer that this stunning country has got to be your next vacation destination. Reach out to an in-the-know guide and plan your custom adventure today!