The 31 Most Fun and Interesting Colombia Facts You Didn’t Know

Colombia is a vibrant and culturally rich country, mainly in South America. The country welcomes millions of visitors annually and is filled with things to do and see. There is also a lot to learn about this country. To make it easier, list the 31 most fun and exciting Colombia facts you probably didn’t know.

1. Colombia Is Home to Pink Dolphins

Colombia has a very diverse wildlife population. One of the most unique animals in this country is the pink dolphin- yes, pink! The Amazon river dolphin is a freshwater dolphin that is pink and grey. Males are more pink.

2. Colombia’s Official National Dish is the Bandeja Paisa

The Bandeja Paisa is a traditional and official dish of Colombia. It’s iconic and typically includes red beans, fried eggs, pork, plantains, arepas, chorizo, white rice, ground beef, and more.

3. Colombia Gets Its Name From Christopher Columbus

Colombia is named after Christopher Columbus. Although many visitors pronounce and spell the country’s name as Columbia, the country’s name is spelled with two ‘O’s.

4. The Official Language of Colombia is Spanish

Colombia’s official language is Spanish. Although 99.2% of Colombians speak Spanish, other native languages are also spoken. There are nearly a million people in Colombia who speak an indigenous language.

5. There Are Over 60 National Parks in Colombia

One of Colombia’s most interesting facts is that the country is home to over 60 national parks. Some of the most beautiful national parks in the nation include the Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park, El Cocuy National Park, and Puracé National Natural Park.

6. Over 1,900 Bird Species Live in Colombia

Colombia is very bio-diverse. This gorgeous country is home to over 1,900 bird species, some of which are endemic. Others, though, have been introduced. A famous and stunning bird in the country is the multicolored tanager.

7. The National Flower in Colombia Is an Orchid

The national flower of Colombia is the orchid Cattleya trianae. Another name for this gorgeous flowering plant is the Flor de Mayo. This pink and yellow orchid is endemic to Colombia. It’s been an official national symbol of the country since November 1936.

8. Bogota is the Largest City in Colombia

Bogota is the largest city in Colombia. It’s also the capital of the county. Over 8 million people live in this loud and vibrant city. The town is over 300 years old. It was founded on August 6, 1538.

9. Long Before the Spanish Settled in Colombia, the Land Was Home To Indigenous People

Long before the 1500s, only indigenous people lived in Colombia. Now, Colombia is home to 87 ethnic groups and 65 different languages. About 1.4 million indigenous people live in the country, around 3% of the country’s population.

10. Ocelots Live in Colombia

Another unique animal in Colombia is the ocelot, a medium-sized spotted wild cat. These ferocious feral cats are 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall. They live throughout Mexico and Central and South America.

11. There Are Multiple Active Volcanoes in the Country

Did you know Colombia still has active volcanoes? Another interesting fact about Colombia is that the country has around six active volcanoes. Some volcanoes haven’t erupted in nearly a thousand years! A stunning volcano in Colombia is the Nevado del Huila. It’s the highest volcano in the country, standing at 17,598 feet.

12. Colombia Is Home to One of the Most Beautiful Rivers in the World

Imagine feasting your eyes on a multi-colored river. It can be blue, red, green, black, and yellow. The Caño Cristales is also known as the Rainbow River, and for good reason. This gorgeous, fast-flowing river is primarily known for its vibrant red color, which is especially common after a lot of rain. The river is in the Serranía de la Macarena.

13. The Flag of Colombia Is Made up of Three Colors

The flag of Colombia is simple but holds a lot of meaning. It’s a horizontal flag made up of three thick horizontal stripes. The ratio is 2:1:1. The order of the colors, from top to bottom, is yellow, blue, and red. 

Each stripe represents something else. For instance, the yellow band represents gold, sovereignty, the sun, and justice. The blue stripe can symbolize many things, including water from Colombia’s beaches and rivers or loyalty. Red can also be interpreted differently. It can either mean the blood shed for Colombia’s freedom or endurance and determination.

14. Colombia Has Lots of Holidays

Colombians love to party! They have 18 public holidays and many more unofficial holidays and celebrations yearly. Some holidays Colombians celebrate are Sacred Heart, Maundy Thursday, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and Saint Joseph’s Day.

15. The National Animal of Colombia Is the Andean Condor

Colombia’s national animal is the Andean condor. These large birds weigh between 17 and 33 pounds. They have impressive wingspans of up to 10 feet and 10 inches! The Andean condor is also Bolivia’s national bird. 

16. The Highest Mountain in Colombia Is Nearly 20,000 Feet Tall

The tallest mountain in the country is Pico Cristóbal Colón. Its highest point measures about 18,800 feet, making it nearly 20,000 feet tall! The first people ever recorded to climb Pico Cristóbal Colón successfully were Walter Wood, Anderson Bakerwell, and E. Praolini in 1939.

17. Tejo Is the National Sport of Colombia

Continuing our list of fun and exciting Colombia facts you probably didn’t know, Tejo is the country’s national sport. This fun sport combines drinking, steel disks, and a good time! It has its origin amongst Colombian indigenous groups over 500 years ago.

18. Colombia Gained Their Independence From Spain in 1819

Colombia is a diverse country. Although first inhabited by indigenous people, Spaniards settled the land in the early 1500s. Nearly three hundred years later, Colombia gained independence from Spain in 1819. Independence Day is celebrated in Colombia on July 20th each year.

19. Colombia Has 34 Olympic Medals

One of the most interesting Colombia facts on our list is that the country has won 34 Olympic medals so far! Five of these medals were gold.

20. Colombia Mines and Produces the Most Emeralds in the World

Emeralds are gorgeous, and they are mined throughout Colombia. The country may produce as much as 95% of the world’s supply of emeralds. One of the country’s best places to buy emeralds is in the Emerald District in the center of Bogota.

21. Colombia Is a Very Popular Place To Visit

Colombia thrives in tourism. They are one of the most popular countries to visit in Latin America for their unique culture, delicious foods, and rich history. The country welcomes over 5 million people every year. Some of the most popular cities include Bogota, Medellin, Santa Marta, Cali, Cartagena, and Barranquilla.

22. Colombia Is Home to Many Old Buildings

Walking through the major cities of Colombia is a fun way to pass the time and see stunning buildings. Some buildings in Colombia have been standing since the 1600s. One of the oldest buildings in Bogotá is the San Agustin Church, which dates back to 1642.

23. Colombia Is the Second-Most Bio-Diverse Country in the World

Colombia is the second-most bio-diverse country in the world. More than 1,821 recorded species of birds and 467 species of mammals exist. Animals that live in Colombia include cotton-top tamarins, Amazon parrots, jaguars, giant anteaters, and glass frogs.

24. You Can Find the World’s Tallest Palm Trees in Colombia

Within the country, you can find wax palms, the tallest palm trees in the world. The scientific name for this incredible tree is Ceroxylon quindiuense. They are found in the Cocora Valley and reach impressive heights of up to 190 feet. However, historical records indicate they may have grown taller!

25. Colombia Hosts Many Exciting and Unique Festivals

There is always something to do in Colombia. This vibrant country hosts famous festivals like the Carnival of Barranquilla and the Feria de las Flores (the Flower Festival).

26. When in Colombia, You Are Never Far From Coffee

Do you like drinking coffee? You’ll love our following exciting and fun Colombia facts. Colombia is the third largest producer of coffee in the world. The country has the best climate and soil for growing coffee beans.

27. There Are Many Internationally Well-Known Colombian Celebrities

One of the most fun and exciting Colombia facts surrounds celebrities. Colombia has a lot of very famous entertainers. Well-known Colombian artists and actors include Sofía Vergara, Shakira, Maluma, and Juan Pablo Raba.

28. Colombia Has Two Coastlines and Many Beaches To Visit

Colombia has over 1,800 miles of coastline on the Pacific and Caribbean oceans. The beaches in the country are stunning. The water is clear, sparkling, and picturesque. Some of the best beaches in the country are Playa Cabo de la Vela, El Pilon de Azucar Beach, Bocagrande Beach, and Playa Castillo Grande.

29. Colombia Might Be the Location of El Dorado, the Lost City of Gold

Have you ever heard of the Lost City of El Dorado? This gorgeous legend has yet to be found, but it may be in Colombia. The lost city of gold led many conquistadors to the thick rainforests in South America.

30. Colombia Is Home To Many Endangered Species

Sadly, there are around 100 endangered animals in Colombia. One of these endangered animals is the gorgeous great green macaw. It is critically endangered but can still be found (although rarely) in Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica.

31. Colombia is a Great Country to View Humpback Whales

When most people think of Colombia, they imagine animals like vibrant parrots and giant jaguars. However, Colombia is very diverse and is even home to whales! Colombia provides some of the best chances to see humpback whales. Each year, these massive animals travel to warm waters off the coast of Colombia. One of the best places to go to see these gentle giants is the town of Bahia Solano.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bruno M Photographie/Shutterstock.com