Colombian Adventures Unveiled: Surprises and Tips from My Memorable Journey
Welcome to my blog! In today’s post, I am super excited to share with you some insightful experiences from my first trip to South America. You are probably thinking, “Why would Colombia be your first stop?” That’s a good question.
During my time in the military, I visited many Eastern countries, including Singapore, Dubai, and Thailand, but my deployments never took me anywhere remotely close to South America. So,naturally, I wanted to explore somewhere different, and with a little research, I decided to give Colombia a try. I had heard various opinions, both positive and negative, about the country, but I wanted to have my own personal experience. In my mind’s eye, I’m a low-key fact checker of sorts (imagine Penny from Inspector Gadget). LOL!!
Colombia’s rich, vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and geographical diversity make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. There are a wide range of exciting opportunities for exploration and adventure. So, grab your Nike walking shoes and join me as I unpack some surprises that I have discovered along the way and share a few tips.
Surprise #1 Colombian Floral Culture
Interestingly enough, Colombia is one of the world’s leading international exporters of flowers. Who would have thought that a country that is slightly less than twice the size of Texas could have such a large reach. Wow!! Colombia is known worldwide for its diverse and beautiful flowers, and it holds a prominent position in the global cut flower industry. While visiting in 2019, I traveled to Santa Elena, a small colonial town outside of Medellin. The area is well-known for its floral arrangements and captivating, family-owned organic flower farms. I immersed myself into the smells, sights, and beauty of one of these small farms. The tour also included a fresh cup of coffee that was served with some type of cheese in it.
LET ME PAUSE RIGHT HERE!! (*exhales silently*)
My initial reaction was: What in the world is this? How dare they break dance all over my dreams of Colombian coffee by introducing it with cheese! However, and I am laughing to myself as I write, the coffee maintained its rich aroma and the cheese took nothing away from it. Now that I’m thinking about it, it was actually pretty good. HAHA!!
Colombia’s floral culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in the country's history, geography, and traditions. Every year, the Ferìa de las Flores festival is held in Medellìn around the end of July to the early part of August. In Spanish, Ferìa de las Flores translates simply to “Flower Festival.” This festival draws thousands of spectators from around the world as well as participants known as “silleteros.” While I have yet to visit this festival personally, I have included a couple pictures below from my visit to a local flower farm in Santa Elena.


Surprise #2 Colombian National Aviary
According to Aviario Nacional de Colombia, this preservation houses the most species of birds in the world, boasting more than 170 species and 1700 different specimen. It is considered one of the largest aviaries in the Americas and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of Colombia’s rich bird diversity. The aviary is located outside of Cartagena and covers the space of about 17 acres, but some online sources vary about the actual size. Due to Colombia’s biodiversity, the climate in this area is perfect for observing rare birds in their natural habitat. These habitats include tropical rainforests, mangroves, dry forests, and high-altitude Andean forests. Visitors can explore the park through a network of trails and walkways that guide you through the various ecosystems. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn about different bird species, including toucans, macaws, flamingos, and condors just to name a few.
Sidebar—one condor I saw looked like a grown man in a bird suit watching me with suspicious eyes. LOL!! And, yes, before you ask, this is the location where I took a picture smiling awkwardly at a random bird. OH MY!! Just as an added note, if you decide to visit here the weather is more on the tropical side so try to stay hydrated.

Surprise #3 Population of Afro-Colombians
A substantial number of persons of African descent can be found in Colombia. This community represents around 10-12% of Colombia’s overall population, although the exact figures can vary. The African presence in Colombia dates to the colonial era when African slaves were brought to the country by European colonizers. One notable location, San Basilio de Palenque was founded by individuals who had escaped a life of slavery. By continued teaching of their native language, the residents of Palenque have successfully maintained their African heritage. San Basilio de Palenque is also listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site. The majority of Afro-Colombians can be located along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts in cities such as: Cali, Barranquilla, Quibdò, and Cartagena. Afro-Colombians have had a significant impact on Colombian music, dance, cuisine, language, sports, and politics. In 2022, Colombia made history by electing Francia Màrquez as the country’s first Afro-Colombian vice president.
Sidebar—picture this: while walking around Cartagena, an Afro-Colombian lady walked up to me and started talking to me in Spanish. So, with the best basic Miami Spanish I could muster up from high school I told her that I did not speak Spanish. She gave me one of the most epic puzzled side-eyes EVER. AND. I. MEAN. EVER. Her glance wasn’t an ordinary confused look, she looked at me like I was her kid skipping school and got caught. UH-OOH!

Tip #1 Altitude, Climate, and Packing
If you're visiting high-altitude destinations like Bogotá or the coffee region, take precautions for altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities upon arrival, pay attention to your body and how you are feeling. Not everyone will feel the same effects, if any at all. Take time to research your destination and check the local weather forecast ahead of time. This will help you save time, energy, and effort when you start packing your suitcase. Colombia's climate is geographically diverse and varies from region to region, so remember to pack according to your destination.
In just a 30–45-minute flight, you can effortlessly go from flip-flops to a light jacket. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for hot and humid areas, while warmer layers are recommended for higher-altitude regions or cooler evenings. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and comfortable shoes for exploring. As a rule of thumb, I try to bring a light jacket along with me on my trips because there’s nothing like shivering in cut-off shorts and a tank top, wishing you had brought that ugly jacket with you. LOL.
Tip #2 Spanish speaking
You can absolutely have a good time while visiting Colombia, but that good time can become great if you know more than some basic Spanish. I personally remember becoming frustrated because I couldn’t communicate effectively apart from having a third hand conversation with an interpreter. I wanted to engage everyday people in small talk, jokes, and basic questions about their culture, but I lacked the skills to do so at that time. Don’t get me wrong: English is spoken in the tourist areas but, outside of these locations, not so much. Learning more than the basics helps you get around easier, makes you a more confident traveler, and allows for more one-on-one interactions with locals. One of the dopest quotes I’ve read by Nelson Mandela says, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” WHOA!!
Tip #3 Use common sense
Different cultures have different customs, traditions, and social norms. Exercising common sense means respecting and adapting to the local culture. Being observant, asking for help when needed, and using common sense can help you navigate efficiently and avoid getting lost. It’s always a good idea to be mindful of your belongings and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Don’t be a flashy tourist traveling with a stack of credit cards, lots of cash and excessive jewelry. Trust your intuition, and if something feels off, then definitely remove yourself from the situation immediately.
In conclusion, whichever region of Colombia you decide to venture to, the country has a lot to offer. From vibrant cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena to the island of San Andrès, there is no shortage of unique experiences there. By exploring Colombia, you can immerse yourself in its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're planning to go on a solo adventure, a family vacation, or an exploration with friends, these tips can assist you in reaching your objective.
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