Colombia: 10 Things That Will Shock Tourists about Colombia

Colombia is not the land of Pablo Escobar and Narcos anymore, it has so much to offer travelers and here we go through some of the fun culture shocks that tourists have when they visit Colombia.
Filmed in Colombia
Copyright Mark Wolters 2024
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Copyright Mark Wolters 2024
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[@kaybanks6243]

I just returned from a week trip to Colombia. We viststed Bogotá, Medellin and Cartagena. I love this country so much! Colombians are so kind and were patient/helpful as I practiced and learned more Spanish. The food was amazing and every place we visited was so different. I had amazing steak in Bogotá and the best sancocho de pescado of my life in Cartagena. There are a lot of street vendors in Cartagena, but just remember it’s ok to say “no gracias” and be respectful of what they do. I have such respect for Colombia and it’s history and so honored to have visited. I’d recommend anyone to go and hope to visit again ☺️

[@inolvidable.]

Great.

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

Of all of the places I have visited, Colombia has the most beautiful women! Their cuisine is criminally underrated and the people are warm and hospitable.

[@Ben-zg4vg]

Colombia!!!!!!! not columbia AMERICAN detected

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

@@Ben-zg4vgautocorrect!!!!!!!!!!

[@santiagogalvezpulgarin1514]

@@Ben-zg4vgdon't be rude man, be respectful, always, even when you´re trying to correct someone.

[@Ben-zg4vg]

@@santiagogalvezpulgarin1514 My man disrespected the whole country and your trying to call me our phahahahaha

[@santiagogalvezpulgarin1514]

@@Ben-zg4vg I mean he's even saying he saw the prettiest girls in Colombia, and I'm not trying I called you out, but don't take it that seriously.

[@toddjordan84]

I visited Colombia back in 2010 and absolutely fell in love.. shout out to villa de leyva, probably my favorite place I visited… absolutely gorgeous! I am really glad my friends from Colombia aren’t on the soup-for-breakfast train lol. We mainly had arepas and coffee for breakfast and it was always divine. I think the thing that shocked me the most was the amount of people in the streets offering to sell you things or do things for you. I also slammed a taxi cab door when I got in and he kicked us out 😬 I still highly recommend Colombia to people. 10/10.

[@suem.1392]

"The only thing that's the same all over Colombia is how nice the people are!" 👍🏽👍🏽

[@progressivenorman]

Hey, I'm glad you decided to come visit our country. Despite our trouble past we've managed to make our country a tourist wonderland. Thanks for all the helpful videos. I'm traveling to Europe in October and I am taking note of all the tips for travelers that you give. Thanks for such amazing videos.

[@CSA9414]

5:12 "the only thing is the same about all Colombia is how nice the peoplem are"... Wolter you just made my day. Huge hug from Colombia and more than welcome to be your free guide the next time you decide to come ;)

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

thank you!

[@inolvidable.]

*Colombia is the Most Bio-diverse Country in the World by Km², and 2nd. by extension, after Brazil.* *Colombia is called the Country of 1000 Rhythms, because it has 1,025.* Very rich musical culture.

[@BlueHeron654]

How nice Colombians are!

[@727jetjumper]

#1 is spot on. Colombia is safe, and the people are friendly....BUT... just like any other country on the planet, there are places you should stay away from... That said, joking or asking about cartel or drugs is frowned upon, so just don't; they want to distance themselves from the shady past. Cartagena is lovely, I loved it there, but it is a bit hot and touristy. There are so many different climates in Colombia, so try and visit other parts (did you know there are places where they have snow?). If you're in a hurry, Colombia is not the place for you, lots of mountains with curvy/twisty two lane roads, and if you get behind a truck(s)...so be prepared to take your time traveling from place to place. The Department of Santander has lots to see, and they have Chicamocha Canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world behind the Grand Canyon! If you like the outdoors, Colombia has something for you.

[@dreamthedream8929]

Bogota has a nice weather, to me much nicer than in cartagena. Very good temperature. But I think colombia doesn't have seasons, all the places stay the same all year. Bogota like that and cartagena like that, santa marta too the same all year. No changes. Perhaps sometimes more rain sometimes less but that is not a season for people that come from countries with real pronounced seasons. Rain is not enough to be a season as rain can be in winter or summer it doesn't matter

[@BN.ja05]

@@dreamthedream8929 Your suspicion is correct. Colombia and all other equatorial/tropical countries do not have seasons. This is due to the Earth's rotation axis, which only creates seasons on land with very high latitude or very low latitude, that is the lands closer to the poles and far from the equator.

[@kimmontenegro2258]

What blew me away about Cartagena was the guys that were freestyling on the street. Their extensive knowledge and vocabulary was beyond talented! We told them we were from Colorado and they weaved in the Rocky Mountains into their rhymes. And I'm not into rap.

[@atheistweirdo]

I went to Cartagena in January and loooooved it. Now I am a young solo guy and a couple times I was offered to buy cocaine but if you politely say no they respect it. Never felt in danger once.

[@vexicha9143]

I believe cause is something that mostly foreigners look when them get to colombia and as a citizen of the country thay never offer to someone like me, and yes, just like u said, say no respectfuly and end the inconvinient

[@chrishagins3309]

I went to Cartagena and had a great time. Never felt unsafe at all. Not once.

[@Ben-zg4vg]

i think Medellin is way more enjoyable, ive been all around colo but cartagena i hated

[@chrishagins3309]

@@Ben-zg4vg that's nice.

[@bruddahj3323]

I travel a lot and the best way to say no to the street vendors is look at them wave and nod your head ‘no’ and smile. 😊. Works in every country!

[@ingvar1996]

Visites in march and absolutely loved it. We went to Medellin, Palomino, Carthagena.

[@MeMe-ph1wd]

Thank You good video. This is interesting. My only friend on Earth live in Bogota, Colombia, about 10 064 km from me.

[@kessas.489]

9:17 My brother lives with his family in Columbia and he brings me a lot of coffee from there! And it taste much better than that stuff you get in the grocery!

[@gocu54]

I was born in Colombia but left when I was 3 so I never got to experience it. It sounds great though. I love cheese lol. Thanks for being so descriptsive. It really helps me as a blind fan.

[@HijodelGuaviare]

Greetings from Guaviare Colombia 🇸🇱🎖️🇨🇴

[@yvsb0920]

Arepa whit avocado and salty cheese. ❤❤❤❤ 😊😊

[@josephpanzarella1417]

When it comes to aggressive street vendors, that's only in a couple of coastal cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta. You don't see that in the rest of the country. I was recently in lovely Barranquilla which is also on the Caribbean and I didn't see any of that. Barranquilla is a great destination for those who want to visit a large coastal city that's off the beaten path of international tourism. It receives maybe 10% the number of foreign tourists as Cartagena, and I enjoyed it more. And it's the birthplace of Shakira.

[@highwalker339]

Barranquilla is a lot more laid back compared to Cartagena. Though Barranquilla goes all out during Carnival.

[@dreamthedream8929]

​@@highwalker339however my impression is that the old architecture in baranquilla has been destroyed for the most part right? It's not like santa marta or cartagena. I don't know the reasons behind that there was no bombing in colombia during war so I don't know what happened to the old pre war architecture there and actually in many other cities not just in colombia

[@BN.ja05]

@@dreamthedream8929 Santa Marta and Cartagena were both founded during the early 16th century, those 2 are the oldest continuously inhabited cities in all of Colombia and almost all of South America (the Spaniards stablished other even older settlements that were abandoned for various reasons like Santa María antigua del Darién on the Darien Gap near Panama). In contrast, Barranquilla is a relatively new city, it grew tremendously after independence from Spain (early 19th century) but during the Viceroyalty times it wansn't even a backwater town and now its metro area is more populated than the other 2 cities combined. So no Viceroyalty era military architecture was built by the Spaniards in Barranquilla because it didn't even exist, unlike it's neighboring cities. Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga and basically any other major inland city/town other than Bogotá were also little towns or weren't even founded yet after independence from the Spanish Empire (RIP).

[@dreamthedream8929]

@@BN.ja05 medellin for sure was established and so did Barranquilla. Both had plenty of time to build old architecture but something happened. It was not protected, the buildings were destroyed by the local government. Yes even more so than many cities that were actually bombed during war. In fact many of those bombed cities after bombing restored their old architecture. Look at Salento or jardin in colombia. Lovely old towns with well preserved old architecture. Both founded or established in the 19th century. So Barranquilla and medellin surely must have had such nice buildings as well but no more. Perhaps old photos can give an idea of what it was like

[@BN.ja05]

@@dreamthedream8929 As I said previously, besides Bogotá and maybe Popayán, all other current major inland cities/towns in Colombia were tiny settlements or villages or didn't even exist before the mid 1700's. The wooden architecture from the towns you mentioned was built during the late viceroyal period, however in cities like Medellin or Cali they were replaced by brick and cement buildings due to urbanism reforms and agricultural land being developed for urban use, specially after population booms, as well as fires before indoor electrical wiring and lightining became common, not because of bombing or war. The changes on urbanism I just mentioned didn't happen in ranching/mining/agricultural towns that kept small populations and no heavy modern industry until relatively recently. Barranquilla and all the other "new" cities experienced migration waves from rural areas and overseas that the older cities did not. Lots of people from Europe, the Levant and other places on the Middle East moved there (like Shakira's father's side of the family) and needed new buildings to live and work in. The oldest standing buildings on the "newer cities" were built in the neoclassical style, because that architectural style was en vogue after independence not just in Colombia but in all of the Americas, I.e: the USA's White House 2.0 that was built after the Brits burned the original one after the war of 1812. Santa Marta and specially Cartagena and Bogotá are the only major cities with buildings built with a Baroque style and other previous old-timey architectural styles, as seen in Bogotá's and Cartagena's main cathedrals and downtowns. In fact Bogotá is the only city where major buildings and infrastructure were destroyed due to violence and civil unrest in an episode called "El Bogotazo", look it up.

[@JoshuaTanzer]

Soup for breakfast! I've never had that, but on two consecutive days last year (in the US) I ended up having chili for breakfast. And, um, it was delicious! Someday I will try regular soup, but I really want to proselytize for chili for breakfast.

[@kenswindle4860]

SUPER video. I do not disagree with anything, but let me add a few other shocks: 1. Significant weather differences between relatively close cities. Know before you go. 2. No spicy foods. All food south of the Rio Grande is NOT the same. 3. Amazing centrality of family and family celebrations. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to share in one. We simply have no equivalent tradition in the United States. Good luck in your travels to Colombia. 🇨🇴

[@kwest84]

Just stay away from online dating apps unless you want to be drugged and robbed at gun point. From what I've heard locals don't really use dating apps there, they meet in person through friends and family.

[@jhoangarcia6158]

As a Colombian that is totally true.

[@navana789]

I actually use Tinder with no issue and have met people through there. You just have to discern if it's a real person or not before meeting and meet at a coffee shop during daylight. People from the USA usually wanna meet at a bar late at night, and that's a big no for my safety so it's no wonder they end up with sketchy people.

[@DiegoRRL]

Great to see you in my country. ENJOY!!!!

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

we loved it

[@user-qj2lc5rl6j]

I am Sean Thomas Restrepo Leahy of the Clan Restrepo of Medelline Colombia. We are a prideful but proud people. Hard working and easy to get along with . If anyone who travels here its not for the faint of Heart but its for the chosen and the worthy for the pure of Heart and Intentions. I hope to come homd there work in Spanish Restaurants as store manager with using organic ingredients and uphold to my family's and My People's Vast Cebturies of Traditions.

[@georgegil6587]

Love Villa de Leyva!!!

[@williamr7824]

My favorites Minca, Puerto Norina and lemonada de coco

[@jonathankinnear8431]

My favorite thing to get in Cartagena food wise is the Ceviche. 😋

[@esioanniannaho5939]

God haven't been back since the 1980s. Now you have wetted my appetite.

[@rayes7331]

You can also see pink dolphins, love the food, arepa and empanadas YUM 😋🤤 the juice smoothies and yes, we love our cheese 🧀😂 For coffee you need to go to the coffee region instead

[@woltersworld]

So much cheese 😀 and great cheese bread

[@j.c.mgomez2515]

So happy to see you enjoing Colombia, kep it up love your vids!

[@FutileGrief]

Wait, people don't have soup for breakfast?? It's like a warm hug, if you're in cold weather, it's the freaking best. Never realized it's not that common 😅 I loved this video, thank you for sharing the love!

[@421534]

I was wating for this video

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

hope it didn't disappoint

[@glorytalbott5500]

Yes about the coffee, I preferred Guatemala coffee. Guatemala had the best coffee I have ever had!

[@Alejandrocasabranca]

Linda cidade muito amor do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@carovegan94ec60]

I hope you make soon a video about Georgia, the country. 🤩

[@billmiller4972]

A colleague said to me: The only thing you have to fear in Colombia ist that you never want to leave again.

[@ministerioshalom22]

Thanks a lot for sharing this information about Colombia our country is amazing Good video 👌 please don't dude come to Colombia

[@Michaelpalmer4k]

That's what annoys me about number 1 people assume it's still a crime ridden crap hole and there's danger everywhere

[@StamfordBridge]

There were multiple comments along those lines (saying the country is best avoided, etc.) on Mark’s last Colombia-related video, so I’d bet that inspired this one.

[@diegoMRomero]

I want to watch the video of Bogota!

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@orisarijose]

Long time follower, your video made my day, thank you for showing the best of my country. Born and raised in Medellin, left during difficult times in the 80s but now I go back frequently to enjoy the food the fruits, the people, the arepas and yeah it is true, I prefer coffee here in Miami to be honest. Love your videos

[@woltersworld]

Glad i could do a good job for colombia

[@user-qj2lc5rl6j]

Colombia homeland of my ancestors and my people. Vastly Rich in Heritage , Legacy , Culture, And Centuries Of History . Vastly in Natural Beauty, Elegance, Splendor, Amazement, Exploration, Enchantment, Excitement, Adventure, Wonder, Mystery, Superstition, Mysticism, Mythology, And Dangers And More . Its a place i hope to come to to Call HOME to be with my people the Towns, And know my country . But the Governments everwhere hsve gt to stop their prejudice of my people . Every Government is corrupt with connections with organized Crime And Hate Groups . Leave my people alone stop sterotyping us .

[@nomigondal3590]

So nice 🙂

[@aestheticvibes1517]

great job 👏

[@thewb8329]

He forgot to mention to bring your own toilet paper with you since it is not available for free in most places. Many places sell single use packets, but it is essential to carry a roll of TP in your backpack.

[@woltersworld]

Dont worry 😀 i will cover that in my donts of colombia video 😀

[@MizzKittyBichon]

10:09 Jocelyn's reaction OMG! 😆

[@keithclifton392]

Hoping to visit Columbia next summer!!

[@francesgill8621]

I really enjoyed Cartagena when I was there in December on a windstar cruise, but I was disappointed when excursions to Santa Marta and to the National Aviary museum were canceled due to safety concerns. It appears the big cities are the safest places in Colombia

[@nigelstone2565]

just booked for march 2025 cant wait

[@woltersworld]

You will love it! I have a few more colombia videos comjng out this month and some on our wolters world eats channel with food in bogota, cartegena, abd one on general colombia foods. Some are already up there

[@Mr_and_Mrs_Seiler]

🇪🇨🇨🇴 never went to colombia because even in 2000s friends were still getting robbed & 2010s friends were robbed at gunpoint as tourists. Wish I could see my mothers country & Bogota

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

These days Colombia is safer than the USA cities.

[@molinaafo]

Bro, come on 🙄…I’m not Colombian, my wife is, and I’ve been there a dozen times. Like any Latin American country, just have to be careful.

[@EasternDreamer615]

One of my favorite restaurants in Medellin is Lavocaderia, great video!

[@mangodiet801]

Cartagena is a nice place, but it has the worst haggling in the world, constant non-stop, people trying to sell or ask for money, especially on beaches.

[@mikelennox559]

I didn't like Cartagena. Found it overwhelming. Minca Filandia and Salento were my favourites.

[@yvsb0920]

Realmente para el desayuno no la llamamos sopa, sino caldo, porque solo lleva papa y carne, o papa y huevo, o pollo y papa. La sopa lleva diferentes verduras y se come mucho en el almuerzo. Sopa : almuerzo Caldo: desayuno

[@BN.ja05]

Creo que en inglés no existe una palabra exacta para diferenciar un caldo sencillo de una sopa más elaborada o una crema. Lo más cercano sería stock o broth, pero ambos se usan más en el contexto de un caldo liso sin ninguna verdura, harina o proteina incluída, que se usa como ingrediente de otra receta más compleja, y no para consumirse así.

[@user-qj2lc5rl6j]

To my Family Descendance of the Clan Restrepo of Medelline Colombia, i say this : Me and my Family are here in Silver Spring, Maryland. Come and find us , We are here , Weare Waiting.

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤

[@abkeener81]

I've always wanted to try the coffee fruit before it's roasted. But that'll likely leave me buzzed for a few days. which won't do me any favors. Especially since I have bipolar. This is Andrew Keener.

[@richandclaus]

Glad you mentioned the street art scene (you could do a whole episode on it alone), but I wish you'd mentioned the high altitude paramos as a destination. We hiked Chingaza a few years ago, and it was spectacular. Also, I don't ever remember seeing it on a menu during any of our trips there, but my Colombian wife told me that Caldo de Raíz is primarily known as a soup made from a Bull's penis. There's a culture shock for you.

[@miriamspandereta]

More videos about travel in Latin America por favor! 😊

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

We have lots of vids on Latin America!

[@ej1692]

The coffee thing is kind of a myth. There are a ton of good cafes in every city. Sure, you won't find amazing coffee everywhere on every corner, but the high end cafes will definitely have some of the best coffee you have ever tried in your life. Even more so if you go to the coffee growing region. The hole in the wall traditional restaurants and cafes and street vendors use low quality coffee, but it is like 20 cents for a coffee at those places, so what do you expect?

[@alexcerny5881]

5:30 Was We Like to Party by Vengaboys filmed here?

[@jimdellavecchia4594]

What about the ya yo???

[@robbertkoppenol4517]

Safe? That is what my girlfriend's family told me. It only took 5 minutes out on the streets to come across a shooting victim. They swore me they never saw one before😂 I do believe them though. Like... typical

[@gabysama]

Hello. Despite it´s name, root broth is a broth made from bull testicles. (I think its a wrong translation in the sign, too literal)

[@FireRaptor100]

Trying the coffee you buy on the streets is not only a letdown, but it can also be downright disgusting. Just like you said, if you want great coffee, head to a café. Juan Valdez is the most famous one, but it is not the only one. In Eje cafetero you can even buy some great products made of coffee. There are street vendors in nearly every major city in Colombia, and even in some small villages, but in Cartagena is another level of madness. Hot chocolate with cheese is a love or hate it for most foreign visitor we have. I personally don't like it that much.

[@hockey1freak]

Why would anyone be shocked that there is less crime? Wouldn't they have known that before deciding to visit? lol

[@courtenaymckee7491]

I’ve been kidnapped twice while watching this video in Medellin!!! 😛

[@comeconcon569]

Wolters, some of your fellow Americans can't tell the difference between "Colombia" and "Columbia". if you are an American through and through, you should know that "Columbia" is the female personification of the United States, and the name is pretty much found everywhere in the U.S. for example, Washington District of Columbia (DC).

[@JustinCase780]

Not true. 😅

[@dreamthedream8929]

British Columbia is in Canada isn't it?