• Colombia!

    Colombia: Caribbean Sea coast. Go Now!

    Colombia
    Although most of the people live inland, Colombia also has its share of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (pictured). Go Now!

  • Ecuador!

    Ecuador: Sally Lightfoot Crab. Go Now!

    Ecuador
    The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Chile!

    Chile: Torres del Paine National Park. Go Now!

    Chile
    The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

  • Venezuela!

    Venezuela: Los Roques. Go Now!

    Venezuela
    Rooted in Europe, Venezuela boasts an impressive history, culture, and beauty, including the Caribbean Coast (pictured). Explore Venezuela!

  • Bolivia!

    Bolivia: Salt flats. Go Now!

    Bolivia
    This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured) to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

Culture & Identity of Colombia

WARNING: Drug trafficking violence is a risk in Colombia, please read this travel warning before going!

Introduction

About three quarters of Colombia's population lives in cities, but the rural landscapes, including the mountains and eastern jungles are home to another quarter. This diversity in landscape also dictates the way of life, culture, and even occupations for the people depending on where they are located.

For those with a regular job, such as one in the services industry, in an office, or a factory, the day's schedule is fairly regulated, but for those living in the jungles or mountains, life may revolve more heavily on the land and the weather so every day varies. For those with regular jobs, many wake up as early as 5:30 am to get breakfast then head off to work or school. In most of the cities people tend to take public transportation to get to these places, but in more rural areas bikes are more common as is walking. Work and school generally take a break at about noon for lunch and perhaps a nap. Work picks back up in mid-afternoon and goes until the early evening when most families again unite.

Evenings and weekends are often spent with family as most families gather together for an evening meal. Weekends experience much of the same, although going out with friends (especially for the younger generation) and taking in a meal at a restaurant, going to a bar, or watching a movie are also options, although few people partake in these activities on a regular basis. More common is relaxing and socializing or playing a sport like soccer (football).

Identity

How the people identify in Colombia is somewhat disjointed as there are a number of identities, however most people identify as being "Colombian." Despite this single unifying identity, many Colombians also identify with the region or city they are from in addition to identifying as being Colombian. How this national identity is defined is debatable as the only true unifying trait of being Colombian is that a person is a citizen of Colombia.

Due to differences among the regions in Colombia, including differences in accent, food, dress, culture, and lifestyle, there are differences in opinion as to what it means to be "Colombian." Each group seems to want to more narrowly define being Colombian to include their regional fashion, food, or culture, but this excludes other Colombians, many of whom try to define the same term in a vastly different way. Many of the differences in how "Colombian" is defined is due to pride in the people's local regions and their willingness to take what they are proud of and attach it to being Colombian. No matter how an individual seems to define what is Colombian, the people are proud of this identity and strongly identify with it.

This page was last updated: November, 2013