Colombia - Assembly IAJU 2025 - Portal Universitario

COLOMBIA

The country is located in South America and is characterized by its geographical diversity, variety in climates and landscapes, and the friendliness of its people, making Colombia one of the most attractive places on the continent to visit. It is a land full of rhythms and joy that welcomes visitors with open arms.

Culture and Heritage

The country's music, art and traditions reflect the cultural richness of its indigenous, European and African ancestors’ influences. Spanish colonization has left a deep mark on the architecture and in many of the traditions.

Geography and Climate

Colombia has coasts on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and is traversed from south to north by the Andes mountains. It also has varied geography, including coastal areas, mountains and jungles.

The country is divided into six regions:

Caribbean
Pacific
Orinoquia
Amazon
Andean
Insular

Each of these regions offers unique landscapes and has distinctive characteristics.

Colombia is in the equatorial zone, so the sunrise and sunset times do not change, there are no seasons, and the whole country is in the same time zone. Its geography provides a variety of thermal floors, from the warm sea level to the cold Andean Moorland.

Biodiversity

Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest variety of flora and fauna in the world, ranking second globally. Colombian biodiversity reflects its varied ecosystems and diverse geography.

This natural wealth hosts many unique animal and plant species, some of which are found nowhere else on the planet.

What do you need to visit Colombia?

Visa

Local Currency

Electrical outlet

Language

Cities to Visit

Colombia has wonderful places to visit, among which you can find:

Cartagena de Indias
Cali
Medellín
Coffee Region
Boyacá

Cartagena de Indias

Known as La Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City) as its historic center is surrounded by kilometers of walls that protected it from attacks during the colonial era. This coastal city is located on the Caribbean Sea and its Historic Center preserves colonial architecture, with facades painted in colors that reflect the joy of its inhabitants.

It has an excellent gastronomic offer and significant hotel and tourist infrastructure.

The temperature remains between 27°C and 30°C (80°F – 86°F) year-round.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

Places of Interest:

Church of San Pedro Claver

The complex was built in honor of the Spanish Jesuit known as the "apostle of the slaves." Construction began in 1580 and was completed in the mid-17th century. Its style is baroque with stone-carved details; the church houses a side chapel where the remains of Saint Pedro Claver S.J. are found.

The Walls

One of the city's most important tourist attractions, the walls are open to the public and can be toured, offering tourists an incredible view of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

The Clock Tower

The entrance to the walled city, a meeting point for tourists and locals.

San Felipe de Barajas Castle

A military fortress built in 1657, considered the greatest military work built by the Spanish in America.

Getsemaní (Gethsemane) Neighborhood

Known for its artistic atmosphere, with colorful facades on its streets, as well as its gastronomy and nightlife. It is a perfect place to explore on foot.

Playa Blanca (White Beach) and the Rosario Islands

Cartagena is surrounded by small islands with crystal-clear waters and white sands. It’s easy to get there: they are a short distance away and you can take a boat from the marina port.

Cali

The city is known as the "world capital of salsa"; this contagious rhythm can be felt as you walk its streets. Its warm climate, friendly people and festive atmosphere make it an ideal destination to visit during your trip to Colombia.

The temperature remains between 24°C and 34°C (75°F - 93°F) year-round.

It is the third largest city in the country.

Places of Interest:

Javeriana Cali branch campus

The Javeriana Cali branch campus, located in the Valle del Cauca department in the southwest of the country, was founded on October 6th, 1970. In 1983, the construction of its campus began in a privileged area surrounded by flora, fauna, and water sources.

To learn more about this location, click here.

Cristo Rey (Christ King) Monument

The Jesuit priest José María Arteaga S.J. commissioned the construction of this statue on Cerro de los Cristales. The 26-meter-high work was inaugurated in 1953 and today is a lookout point visited by tourists to appreciate the city.

San Antonio Neighborhood

It retains its colonial appearance with white and colorful facades, as well as its iron windows and wooden balconies. The neighborhood is traversed by Calle Quinta, approximately 9 kilometers long, where you will find various places to enjoy the gastronomy.

To learn more about the route, click here.

La Ermita Church

The original structure was destroyed by an earthquake in 1925 and rebuilt between 1930 and 1942 in a neo-Gothic style inspired by the Ulm Cathedral in Germany. It is in the city center on the banks of the Cali River.

Medellín

Known as the "city of eternal spring" due to its warm climate all year round. It is known for the friendliness of its people, delicious food, and the charm of its tourist attractions.

The temperature remains between 18°C and 30°C (64°F - 86°F) year-round.

It is the second-largest city in the country.

Places of Interest:

Museum of Antioquia

The largest exhibition of works by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

Botero Plaza

Located in the city center, it is a plaza with 23 sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, displayed outdoors.

Comuna 13 - Graffiti Tour

This area was marked by violence at one stage in the city's history; now, the streets are filled with graffiti that demonstrate the community's resilience.

One of its main attractions is the outdoor escalators installed in 2011, connecting various points of the area.

It is advisable to visit the place with a guided tour.

Arví Park

Located 30 km from downtown Medellín in the Santa Elena district and the municipality of Guarne (Antioquia - Colombia). It is an open park developed on public land, offering visitors contact with nature with extensive forest areas, ecological trails and a variety of outdoor activities.

Coffee Region

A mountainous region located in the center of the country known for producing high-quality coffee. It is a very popular destination due to its pleasant climate, landscapes, and tourist attractions.

The temperature throughout the year ranges between 8°C and 24°C

It is the heart of coffee production in the country.

Places of Interest:

Cocora Valley

Famous for the wax palms that reach heights of 60 meters (196 feet).

Coffee Park

A theme park dedicated to coffee, featuring mechanical attractions, shows, and tours of the coffee production process.

Salento

Known for its colorful colonial houses and beautiful mountainous landscapes. These houses reflect the Spanish colonial architecture that has endured over the years.

Filandia

A town in the coffee region recognized for its colonial architecture. Nearby is the Mirador Colina, which stands 27 meters (88 feet) tall, offering a panoramic 360° view of almost all the towns in the region.

Los Nevados (Snowy-Mountains) National Park

The protected area was created in 1974 to preserve the ecosystem, featuring snow-capped peaks, lagoons, and biodiversity such as moorlands and alpine ecosystems. The park has five snow-capped mountains: Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Cisne, Nevado de Santa Isabel, Nevado del Quindío, and Nevado del Tolima.

Boyacá

It has significant historical interest, as battles that led to the country's independence were fought on its lands. Boyacá is known for its extensive rural areas, supporting its economy through agricultural and livestock production. Additionally, the region is known for its crafts in ceramics, wool and fique textiles, as well as the creation of tapestries and other traditional products.

The temperature throughout the year ranges between 15°C and 32°C.

The region is known for its artisanal work.

Places of Interest:

Tunja

Near the city is the Boyacá Bridge, where the famous Battle of Boyacá, led by Simón Bolívar, took place, marking the path to Colombia's independence. The Metropolitan Basilica of Santiago de Tunja, built in the 16th century, reflects the Spanish architecture in the region.

Villa de Leyva

One of the most beautiful municipalities in Colombia, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and its Plaza Mayor, one of the largest in Latin America. It is also an important paleontological site due to the numerous discoveries of fossil of reptiles and dinosaurs. The local Paleontological Museum exhibits a sample of these findings.

Chiquinquirá

In the main square is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, one of Colombia's main Marian sanctuaries. The temple houses the image of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, the patroness of Colombia.

Raquira

Known for its crafts in ceramics and pottery, it features colorful streets that showcase Colombian culture through art. It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs.

*For more information about tourism in Colombia, visit https://colombia.travel/