Colombia: Experiencing Rich Culture and History

Colorful hillside favela housing with tiled roofs and graffiti art in Medellin, Colombia.

When I arrived to Colombia, I had no idea what to expect to my experience of this country to be. I'd heard some good things, and some worrisome things about Colombia before my travels, but I still knew very little about this country. Thankfully, as I traveled with my friends, did walking tours, met lots of backpackers, and tried lots of food. I came to see how rich and developed the culture of Colombia is and grew a deep appreciation for that. People are proud to be Colombian and take ownership of their culture, it's not something they hide. From the various dialects, to the dancing, the rapping, the architecture, food, graffiti art, and craftspeople, everything adds insight into the people and history of Colombia. Their country has gone through a lot in the last 30 years and they've worked hard to grow into something beautiful.


These pictures were taken to reflect the vibrancy and creativity of the people of Colombia. As well as the vibrancy of the wildlife you can find out there. There are SO many colorful and unique animals you can come across in Colombia, it's amazing. Enjoy the photos and reach out to me if you have any questions/comments about them!


Beautiful purple iris flowers bloom against a soft blurred natural background in gentle lighting.
A vibrant blue and gold macaw parrot preens its feathers while perched on a surface against a green background.
A brown monkey perched on a tree branch among green leaves against a bright sky.
Aerial view of Guatape Lake and Rock in Colombia showing winding waterways and parking area.
A vibrant blue peacock stands among green foliage and tree branches in a natural garden setting.
A chestnut horse stands at a fence with tall palm trees and green hills in the tropical background.
Palm trees stand against dramatic sunset clouds on a lush green hillside in a tropical landscape.
A small orange and brown bird perches on a rocky surface in soft focus with a blurred background.
Bronze Botero sculpture of a nude figure with exaggerated proportions stands on stone pedestal in outdoor plaza.
White colonial Spanish church facade with twin towers and crosses against blue sky with fluffy clouds in Costa Rica.
An illuminated church steeple with ornate white trim and clock faces photographed against a dark night sky.
Long-tailed bird with bright blue plumage perched among branches in a woodland setting.
Aerial view of densely packed hillside favelas with brick buildings in Medellin, Colombia against mountainous backdrop.
Colorful street art mural featuring vibrant floral designs and a blue lizard on a peach-colored high-rise building facade.
Ornate gold decorative face medallion mounted on black wrought iron gate with spiral designs and pointed finial.
Looking up at towering metallic sculptures reaching towards a blue sky with white clouds in Vancouver.
Colorful umbrella canopy hanging over a crowded shopping street in a charming European alleyway with pedestrians walking.
Two vibrant pink flamingos standing in water against a dark background with their graceful necks extended upward.
A bustling street in Bogota's historic La Candelaria district with colonial architecture and church tower visible in background.
A colorful figure stands beneath an ornate covered walkway with columns and vintage lampposts in a city street.
A small yellow bird perches on a tattered banana leaf against a blue cloudy sky background.
Dancers performing in vibrant red and blue traditional Caribbean dance costumes during an energetic performance.
A vibrant green and blue hummingbird perches on a delicate brown branch against a soft green blurred background.
Modern apartment building facade with diagonal window pattern in orange brick against bright blue sky with white clouds.
A large brown great horned owl perches in a forest, displaying its feathers and distinctive ear tufts against a blurred background.
Bustling indoor market with colorful bunting flags and food stalls under an industrial ceiling while patrons browse and dine.
A vibrant rainbow arches over a hillside street in Bogota, Colombia with colorful buildings and modern architecture visible.
Bronze statue of San Pantaleon stands on a red granite pedestal next to a palm tree against a modern building facade.
Modern office building with diagonal glass and metal facade featuring vertical lines and pedestrian entrance at ground level.
Modern glass skyscraper tower rises above surrounding buildings in urban setting with blue sky and construction nearby.
El Peñol rock formation towers over a Colombian town with boats and buildings nestled at its base.
A detailed close-up of a green iguana basking in sunlight, showing textured scales and spines against blurred foliage.