In Colombia there were less civilizations than in other parts of Latin America.
Here, they specialized in gold smithing. Some of these civilizations
were: Muiscas, Tairona, Calima, Nariño, and Herrera. The political systems were “cacicazgos” headed by caciques,
which were like kings.
The Muiscas were the culture living in the areas of the acutal capital. El Dorado, the famous legend about the
Golden City was inspired by them, and some believe that it was on Lake Guatavita which is close to Bogota. Why?
Because there was a ceremony in which the chief entered the lake on a boat and threw gold and emeralds to the lake as
an offering to their Gods.
1500´s
After Columbus' discovery, Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada was in command of conquering the New Granda (Colombia).
He accomplished it with less than 1000 men, indigenous tribes in these region where not as aggressive and war
oriented as Mexico or Peru.
If you did not know or have not noticed, Colombia is the only country named after Christopher Columbus which
his actual name in Italian was Cristoforo Colombo; remember he was from Genoa.
1500´s - 1740's
Spanish established an important Fort at Cartagena (city conquered by Pedro de Heredia) not only for
protection, but also to export gold from Colombia and from other parts in South America. There were a
lot of ships brought from Africa with slaves to Cartagena that is why there are a lot of African descent
on the coasts of South America. Quesada named this colony, New Granada in honor
of Granada, Spain where his brothers lived and was occupied by Moors. The head of the government
was a viceroy and as well as
other parts of Latin America, priests tried to convert natives into Christianity.
1740's - 1810's
In the chapter of: We keep repeating the same history...
As any other story of colonies in America,
people were not happy under the Spanish rule and they way the Empire
treated them. They made a plan involving a merchant and a flower vase to provoke a riot on the 20 of July.
They formed a United Nations among the countries in the Colony; this period is called la Patria Boba or Foolish Fatherland.
The first attempt of independence failed. They kept fighting until Simon Bolivar defeated the Spanish at the Battle of
Boyacá.
1810's to
1830's
After independence Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander became the first
president and vice-president of Colombia in 1819. La Gran Colombia was formed
(Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama) which only brought tensions between them.
Eventually Colombia and Panama separated from these government forming one Nation.
Did you know? Miranda was inspired in creating Colombia's flag by a conversation that he had with Goethe, the philosopher.
Colombia's blue in the flag showed Spain the vast ocean that separated them.
1840's -
1890's
Two political parties were created the Conservative and Liberal. The only thing you need to know is that
during this period Colombia was under constant civil war and that the Colombian Peso was established as a currency.
Seriously speaking, Colombia changed President as if they were changing underwear; in this period they changed
more than 29 times in fifty years.
Also Kola Román was invented during this era, a soda that will inspire the famous local soda "La Colombiana."
1890's –
1940's
One of these civil war was called War of the Thousand Days which eventually the department (state) of Panama got
its independence.
Colombia's economy and government began to progress. Colombia was and is famous for its coffee,
so the exports increased until in 1948 when the President Jorge E Gaitán was murdered by the
opposition and then again Civil War.
1950´s -
1960´s
The conservatives, who had the army in command, won and General Rojas became a dictator. Eventually Rojas
left and both parties came to an agreement. Sadly internal armed conflicts were not over: Left Wing Guerrillas
and Drug Lords.
1970´s -
1980´s
During the 70s the cocaine production increased. There were two famous cartels Cali and Medellin.
The Medellin cartel became famous for its leader Pablo Escobar. Colombia was in serious trouble not
only internal armed conflicts, but also recession hit the country. Pablo Escobar became popular for his brutality in
order to control Colombia. Some people watched him as a hero, as he gave jobs to people. He became so powerful and rich
that he had a zoo at his house and controlled parts of the government. He was killed by Police in Medellin while hiding.
2000's - Current Era
Colombia's violence decreased and their economy it's getting better and better everyday. It is attracting
tourists from all over the world to visit this beautiful country. It is not only a mayor exporter of coffee, but
also in flowers. Iván Duque Márquez is the current president of Colombia.
A virus known as Coronavirus or COVID-19 hits the world putting humans under quarantine.
Language: Spanish
Capital: Bogota
Currency - Colombian Peso
Emergency - Call 123
National Holidays:
Jan 01: New Year's Day
Jan 06: Epiphany
Mar 23: St. Joseph's Day
Apr 09: Maundy Thursday
Apr 10: Good Friday
May 01: Labour Day
May 25: Ascension Day Holiday
Jun 15: Corpus Christi Holiday
Jun 22: Sacred Heart
Jun 29: Saints Peter and Paul's Day
Jul 20: Declaration of Independence
Aug 07: Battle of Boyacá
Aug 17: Assumption Day
Oct 12: Day of the Races
Nov 02: All Saints' Day Holiday
Nov 16: Independence of Cartagena
Dec 08: Immaculate Conception Day
Dec 25: Christmas Day
1. Street food is amazing, but ask a local for advice. Do not drink water unless is bottled.
2. Tips are not obligatory in Colombia even thought, we recommend to leave from 5% to 10% tip.
3. There are a lot of places that do not take credit card make sure to have cash.
4. The legal drinking age is 18 years old. If you are going out in Colombia make sure you dress
formal/casual. Colombians drink a lot of Guaro (Aguardiente - Anise liquor), so if you are not used
to drink a lot, take it slow. Guaro will hit you eventually.
5. I would not recommend walking in Colombia unless you are in the nice areas. Ask the hotel.
6. If you are buying something in the street try to bargain.
7. Hotels offer an inexpensive transportation service which can be paid hourly.
8. Colombia is one of the countries with more official holidays in the world.
Food:
Colombian food involves a lot of Protein, in order words, meat. Be prepared that your meals
will be a little heavy. They also like a lot of soups, but then again the soups have a thick consistency.
If you are not vegan or vegetarian, remember to try Chicharron. They are also famous for Arepas.
