Another absolute highlight of the Andean Region is the variety of cultures. Going from south to north, not only you pass through different cultures of modern Colombia, but also through different cultures of the pre-Hispanic era. This can be experienced by visiting different archaeological sites, most of them in the south of Colombia, or in the many small, traditional villages in each department of the Andes. On the other hand, there is also a huge variety of gastronomic offerings to be found everywhere. Another cultural highlight is the different cultures and indigenous communities of the Andes. But perhaps the best way to express the cultural richness are the festivals. Each city, town or region has its own traditional celebration.
The archaeological parks of San Agustin and Tierradentro, in southern Colombia, in the departments of Huila and Cauca, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is a privilege to visit them and learn about their interesting history.
Colombia is known for its numerous festivals, and in the Andean region many options can be found. Medellin's Flower Fair is well known, as is the Blancos y Negros Carnival in southern Colombia, in the city of Pasto. Another interesting festival to visit is the Fiestas del Diablo in the city of Riosucio, an event that only takes place every two years.
If you like to combine your adventure in Colombia with some gastronomic experiences, you find many options in the Andean region. Although the ingredients are mostly the same, flavors and preparations vary a lot going from region to region. The bigger cities offer both local and international food. Bogota has some of the best restaurants in South America, and at many locations we can offer cooking classes, workshops, or fruit tasting.
The Andean region is full of small villages and traditional towns. Some of them have been declared Cultural Heritage. Strolling through towns like Salamina, Jardín, Villa de Leyva or La Playa de Belén, is like going back hundreds of years in time, and feeling the true traditional culture of the local people and community.
The history of the Andean region is linked to many indigenous cultures, some of them as a memory, but others still very much alive. A visit to the Gold Museum in Bogota will be an eye-opener and will undoubtedly add an extra dimension to your trip when you visit native regions of indigenous communities.
