Colombia

Colombia is a place where the wild, open beaches of the Caribbean meet the Amazon, where the snow-covered mountains of the Andes contrast with the surreal arid terrain of the Tatacoa Desert. It’s the second most biodiverse country in the world, after Brazil, supporting over 1,900 bird species and 24,000 groups of plants. It is also the top country for orchid diversity, showcasing more than 1,500 species.

Colombia is the land of celebrations with traditional events and festivals deeply rooted in the diverse cultural heritage and marked by religious ceremonies associated with Catholicism including Semana Santa, Festival of Saint Francis of Assisi, and Carnival. Other events practiced by the indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities honor the sun and moon and are revealed in the Blacks and Whites Carnival. Celebrations feature music and dance including storytelling, drumming, elaborate costumes, and Creole cuisine.  With a festival happening every month, Colombians celebrate everything from their unique heritage to flowers and coffee.