Colombian Cities and their Specialties! Quiz

Answer: Bogota

Bogota is the capital of Colombia, and of the Colombian Department (similar to Province) of Cundinamarca. With an estimated population of eight million in 2018, it is an amazing place, though traffic is a problem with so many people in one area. There is a system of traffic control in place called "pico y placa" ("rush hour and license plate") which limits the cars that can drive on the road depending on the day of the week and the last number of their license plate.

The Gold Museum, Monserrate, Bolivar's Home, the National Art Gallery, the Parque Simon Bolivar, the Plaza Bolivar, the Candelaria, the bullfighting arena, Usaquen, the Zona Rosa, the Parque 93, the Chico Park, the Botanical Gardens, Ciudad Kennedy, the National University, Chapinero, The Campin Stadium, and so many other areas are great to see in this city. Please come!

Answer: Medellin

Medellin, the capital of the region known as Antioquia, is the home of the best mass transit system in the country, the most hospitable and hardworking people in the land, Botero Plaza and so much more. Known as "Paisas", the estimated 2.5 million inhabitants of Medellin (in 2018) speak Spanish with a characteristic lilt that endears them to all.

They are assets on any work project, making it come to fruition in the best possible way. The Museo de Antioquia is the best place to see the works of Fernando Botero, a renowned artist famous for his full-figured sculptures and paintings. "Eh ave Maria pues", go there and be enchanted!

Answer: Cali

Cali is the party city of Colombia, and the capital of the Valle del Cauca (Cauca Valley)! There were an estimated 2.4 million inhabitants in 2018, and the women are breathtaking, and there is always a party with salsa music, at any time of night or day. "Pan de bono" is a wonderful type of bread made with manioc or yucca flour and cheese (delicious) and "champus" is a fantastic fruit and corn based drink/snack that will leave you asking for more. My favorite food are roasted peach palms called "chontaduros".

The variety of fruit available will take your breath away. The traffic is crazy, and there are many motorcycles and mini-bikes zipping along the roads and sidewalks, making it an adventure to make your way around, but do come visit Cali, you won't regret making the time!

Answer: Cartagena

Cartagena is the capital of the province or Department of Bolivar, and its population was at almost a million in 2018. Its architecture takes you back to colonial times, with the clock tower, the plaza, the beaches, the convention center and so much more.

The city's full name is Cartagena de Indias. San Felipe Castle is the center of the walled Spanish-style part of town, and it will remind you of Old San Juan or Havana. There is important history to relive here, with the Palace of the Inquisition and the Bovedas (a former dungeon).

The walled city is also home to many great restaurants and shops. Cruise ships stop here, and it is one of the easiest places to get to know in Colombia because of that. The Rosario Islands are a short boat ride away, and they will treat you to fresh fish and a paradise of natural beauty. Make time to visit here, you won't regret it.

Answer: Barranquilla

Barranquilla, with an estimated population of 1.3 million in 2018, is the capital of Colombia's Atlantico Department. The best time to visit if you like a celebration is during Carnival, when the parades and revelry are sure to get you in the spirit of celebration. Though it has a reputation for being a poorer city than the other four cities bigger than it in Colombia, Barranquilla has a unique culture that is fun to discover.

It is an industrial center, and almost all life revolves around the sea and river transport. Seafood is great here, and you can always go out and dance cumbia and salsa to work off the extra pounds!

Answer: Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga, the capital of Colombia's Santander Department, had a population of about a half a million in 2018. Known as the city of the parks, Bucaramanga is located in eastern range of the Andes mountains. The weather is balmy and mild, and almost always pleasant.

The botanical gardens here are striking, with the famous Spanish moss creating a sheltered and peaceful atmosphere. The city's nigh life is also a highlight, and you will not be at a loss of things to do while visiting this charming and strategically located city.

Answer: San Andres

San Andres is an island off the coast of Nicaragua that been administered by Colombia since colonial times. The island was originally settled by the British, and the islanders speak English, Spanish and Creole. San Andres is rich in coral reefs; snorkeling and scuba diving are amazing here.

There are only about 80,000 permanent residents on the island, but it is a haven for tourists from all over the world year round. The island of San Andres serves as the capital of the Colombian archipelago of San Andres and Providencia. You can find hotels and amenities on San Andres, and the seven colors of the water are breathtaking. Take the plunge!

Answer: Santa Marta

Santa Marta is the capital of the Colombian Department of Magdalena and its population in 2018 was approximately half a million people. The area in and around Santa Marta is especially privileged. There are pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, archeological treasures, fantastic natural parks (like Parque Tayrona), and a snow-capped mountain always in view, La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You can really recharge your batteries while eating the freshest fish you have ever tasted, a variety of fresh fruit juices, coconut rice, and other delicacies. You can hike through the natural wonders and visit the Ciudad Perdida, an archeological treasure that rivals Macchu Picchu. You won't regret a visit to Santa Marta!

Answer: Leticia

Leticia, with a population of approx. 33,000 in 2018, is the city that is furthest south in Colombia, and it is the capital of the Colombian Department of Amazonas. It is a little harder to get to Leticia than some other cities in Colombia, but it is well worth it. Visit Santander Park, where you can see hundreds of wild parrots and other birds.

The city also celebrates the heritage of the different indigenous groups that have long lived in the region, and there is a wealth of culture and history. Take a ride on a boat down the a tributary of the Amazon. You will marvel at how the view changes so much with every turn.

There are over 100 species of frogs that are native to the region as well. The food in Leticia is a mixture of Colombia, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. Common dishes are river fish (which have more bones than some sea varieties), rice, yucca, plantain, potatoes and other vegetables.

Answer: San Agustin

The town of San Agustin, Huila, has a population of 33,000. Though San Agustin is over 150 miles from Neiva, the capital of Huila, the town does have an amazing claim to fame: the San Agustin Archeological Park. This pre-Columbian site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995.

It boasts the largest collection of religious monuments in South America, dating back to the 1st to 8th centuries A.D. Not much is known about these amazing statues, some of which represent human figures and others animals.

They are suspected to be funereal in nature and they are well worth a visit!