Colombia Tour

Before the arrival of the Spanish, Colombia was home to a rich mosaic of pre-Columbian civilizations, each with distinct cultures, technologies, and social structures. Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in the region as early as 18,000 BCE, with early societies transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural communities by 5000 BCE. Over time, complex societies emerged, including the Muisca, Tairona, Quimbaya, Calima, San Agustín, and Zenú cultures. These groups developed sophisticated systems of agriculture, metallurgy—especially goldwork—and trade. The Muisca, for instance, formed a confederation in the Andean highlands and were known for their salt production, emerald trade, and the legendary El Dorado ritual, which involved offerings of gold into Lake Guatavita.

The Tairona, based in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, built terraced cities like Ciudad Perdida and excelled in stone architecture and goldsmithing. The Quimbaya, located in the Cauca River Valley, were renowned for their exquisite gold artifacts, including the iconic poporos. Meanwhile, the San Agustín and Tierradentro cultures left behind monumental stone sculptures and elaborate tombs, reflecting complex spiritual beliefs. Despite their achievements, none of these civilizations developed writing systems or large empires like the Aztecs or Incas, and their societies remained relatively decentralized and diverse.

Spanish colonization began in earnest in the early 16th century, with the founding of Santa Marta in 1525 and Cartagena in 1533. Driven by the lure of gold and the myth of El Dorado, conquistadors like Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada pushed inland, eventually founding Bogotá in 1538. The Spanish imposed the encomienda system, exploiting Indigenous labor and resources while introducing Catholicism and European governance. Indigenous populations were decimated by disease, warfare, and forced labor. By the mid-18th century, Colombia was part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, a key administrative region of the Spanish Empire. The colonial legacy left deep cultural, linguistic, and social imprints that continue to shape Colombia today.

Capital District - Bogota