Here is a non-exhaustive list of the cultural sites and traditions you are likely to discover during your trip to Colombia. Other Colombian sites, not mentioned on this page, are also part of the Unesco listed heritage, but remain in regions that are still off the beaten track and therefore difficult to access during a discovery trip to Colombia (Quibdo, Valpes, Pasto…).
Barranquilla Carnival (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
The Barranquilla carnival offers a repertoire of dances (such as the mico y micas from the Americas, the African congo and the paloteo of Spanish origin) and musical expressions from different Colombian cultures (mainly cumbia and variants such as puya and porro).
Malpelo sanctuary (World Heritage List)
It is located 506 km off the Colombian coast and includes Malpelo Island (350 ha) and the surrounding marine area (857,150 ha). This vast marine park, which is also the largest no-fishing zone in the eastern tropical Pacific, is a critically important habitat for a number of globally threatened marine species.
San Augustin Archaeological Park (World Heritage List)
This is the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. Divinities and mythical animals are masterfully depicted in styles ranging from abstract to realistic. These works of art bear witness to the creativity and imagination of a northern Andean culture that flourished from the 1st to the 8th century.
Cartagena de Indias (World Heritage List)
Cartagena boasts the most complete fortifications in South America. A system of zones divides the city into three distinct districts: San Pedro, with the cathedral and numerous Andalusian-style palaces; San Diego, home to merchants and the lower middle classes; and Gethsemani, the « popular quarter »
Palenque San Basilio (Intangible Heritage)
The village of San Basilo de Palenque, south of Cartagena, is renowned for the cultural, linguistic, musical and social practices of the descendants of Cimarrones slaves. The uniqueness of this tradition has been proclaimed a « Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity » by UNESCO.
The coffee region (World Heritage List)
An outstanding example of a productive and sustainable cultural landscape that is unique and representative of a tradition that has become a strong symbol not only in Colombia but also in other coffee-growing regions of the world. It reflects a centuries-old tradition of growing coffee on small plots taken from the high forest, and the way farmers have adapted cultivation to the difficult mountain environment.
Holy Week processions in Popayan (Intangible Heritage)
The Spanish-influenced processions take place every year according to traditions handed down from generation to generation since colonial times. These festivities, which attract visitors from all over the world, are listed as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage
The seabed of Providencia (Marine Biosphere Reserve)
This hilly island, simply held back by the coral reef, is an absolute dream in the heart of the ocean. The richness and beauty of its seabed have earned it the title of World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
La Guajira (Intangible cultural heritage)
The Wayuu community is based on the Guajira peninsula, which stretches from Colombia to Venezuela. Its legislative system (enforced by the Pütchipü’üi) forms a set of principles, procedures and rituals that regulate the community’s social and spiritual conduct.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Biosphere Reserve)
This majestic mountain range, with its snow-capped peaks, is the highest coastal range in the world and boasts two of the highest mountains in Colombia. In 1979, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site
The Pacific marimba (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Marimba music and traditional songs from Colombia’s southern Pacific region are part of the heritage of Afro-Colombian groups from the departments of Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño. The singing of men and women (cantadoras and chureadores) blends with the sound of acoustic instruments handcrafted from local materials.
Tierradentro Archaeological Park (World Heritage List)
The park features monumental statues of human figures and numerous hypogeums built between the 6th and 10th centuries. These vast underground tombs are adorned with motifs reproducing the interior decorations of the dwellings of the period. They bear witness to the social complexity and cultural richness of a pre-Hispanic society in the northern Andes.
Popayan (City of Gastronomy)
Since 2005, Popayan has also been a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Thanks to a climate favorable to agriculture (vegetables, corn, potatoes, etc.), Popayan has given rise to a gastronomic tradition (chicha, corn omelettes and pancakes, soups…) whose recipes have been passed down orally for centuries.
Historic center of Mompox (World Heritage List)
Founded in 1540 on the banks of the Magdalena River, Mompox played a key role in the Spanish takeover of northern South America. The historic center has preserved the harmony and integrity of its urban landscape. The majority of buildings today retain their original function, offering an exceptional image of what was once a Spanish colonial town.
Cienaga Grande and Salamanca (Biosphere Reserve)
Between Barranquilla and Santa Marta, this expanse features mangrove forests, swamps and beaches. Thanks to the confluence of fresh and salt water, the area boasts an extremely rich ecosystem.
