Short answer: Colombians are known for their warmth, politeness and hospitality. A friendly greeting, a few words of Spanish and an open mind go a long way. The country is also incredibly diverse: Andean, Caribbean, Pacific, Amazonian and indigenous cultures each have their own music, food and traditions. This guide gives you the essentials – how to greet people, what to eat and drink, and how to travel respectfully, especially when visiting indigenous communities.
Greetings and everyday politeness
- Always greet first. Before asking a question in a shop, taxi or office, say “buenos días”, “buenas tardes” or simply “buenas”. Going straight to your question is considered rude.
- Handshake or cheek kiss: a handshake is normal when meeting someone; between women, and between men and women who know each other, a single light kiss on the right cheek is common in the cities.
- “Usted” and “tú”: in much of Colombia, people use the polite “usted” even with friends and family. When in doubt, use “usted”.
- Typical friendly phrases: you will often hear “con gusto” (with pleasure) instead of “de nada”, and “¿a la orden?” (at your service) from shop assistants.
- Time: social life is relaxed about punctuality – but tours, flights and our guides run on schedule. “Ahorita” can mean “right now” or “later”, depending on the context.
A few useful Spanish words
English is spoken in hotels and by our guides, but outside the tourist centres few people speak it. A few words make a big difference:
- Hola, buenos días / buenas tardes / buenas noches – hello, good morning / afternoon / evening
- Por favor, gracias, con gusto – please, thank you, you’re welcome
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – how much is it?
- La cuenta, por favor – the bill, please
- Disculpe – excuse me
- ¡Qué chévere! – how great! (you will hear this a lot)
Colombia’s regional cultures
Colombians often identify strongly with their region:
- Paisas (Antioquia and the Coffee Region): known for their entrepreneurial spirit, hospitality and strong regional pride – think coffee farms, colourful villages and the flower traditions of the silleteros.
- Costeños (Caribbean coast): relaxed, outgoing and musical – the home of cumbia and vallenato and of the Barranquilla Carnival.
- Rolos (Bogotá): more reserved and formal, in a cosmopolitan capital with a rich cultural life.
- The Pacific coast: mainly Afro-Colombian communities with their own music, marimba traditions and cuisine.
- Indigenous peoples: Colombia is home to many indigenous peoples, among them the Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and the Embera Chamí in the western mountains of Antioquia. From the coffee village of Támesis, you can add a half-day visit (about 4 hours) to an Embera Chamí family in the Marcelino Tascón reserve above Valparaíso, a 45-minute drive away. The family welcomes you with a traditional ritual and shares their history, way of life and traditions, their dances, face painting and handicrafts, and a typical indigenous snack. See the Embera Chamí family visit.
Food: what to try
- Arepas: corn cakes eaten with almost everything, in many regional versions.
- Bandeja paisa: the hearty classic of Antioquia, with beans, rice, meat, chicharrón, egg, plantain and avocado.
- Ajiaco: Bogotá’s chicken and potato soup with guascas herbs, corn and capers.
- Sancocho: a rich soup made with chicken, beef or fish depending on the region.
- On the coast: fried fish with coconut rice and patacones (fried green plantain).
- Snacks: empanadas, pandebono and buñuelos (cheese breads), and tamales wrapped in banana leaves.
- Fruit: Colombia has an amazing variety – try lulo, maracuyá, guanábana, granadilla and mangosteen, as fresh juice or on their own.
Lunch is the main meal of the day, and a set lunch (menú del día) with soup, a main course and a drink is the best-value way to eat local food. Vegetarians will find more options in the big cities than in the countryside – let us know your dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.
Coffee and drinks
- Tinto: a small black coffee, offered everywhere and often as a sign of hospitality.
- Specialty coffee: Medellín, Bogotá and the Coffee Region have excellent cafés – and nothing beats tasting coffee on the farm where it grows, as on our Medellín city tour with coffee experience.
- Aguapanela: a sugarcane drink served hot or cold, sometimes with lime or cheese.
- Aguardiente: the anise-flavoured spirit of the Andes, shared in small glasses at celebrations. Drink in moderation – and never accept drinks from strangers (see our guide Is Colombia safe?).
Travelling respectfully
- Ask before taking photos of people, especially children and in indigenous communities. Some communities do not allow photos at all, or only in certain places.
- Avoid the “Narcos” clichés. Many Colombians suffered directly from the violence of the drug era. Jokes about Pablo Escobar or “narco tours” are hurtful – you will learn far more on a tour about the city’s transformation, such as Comuna 13 with a local guide.
- Drugs: stay away from them. Buying drugs fuels the violence that harms local communities, and penalties are severe.
- Dress: neat casual clothes in the cities; beachwear only on the beach; cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
- Bargaining: it is fine at markets and with street vendors, done with a smile – but prices in shops and restaurants are fixed.
Visiting indigenous communities
Meeting indigenous communities can be one of the highlights of a trip to Colombia – if it happens with respect and on their terms. On our visits:
- We work with the communities and pay them fairly for every visit.
- Follow the guide’s instructions, and ask before entering homes or sacred places.
- Ask before taking photos, and accept a “no”.
- Don’t hand out sweets, money or gifts on your own – if you would like to contribute, ask your guide how best to do it.
- Respect sacred sites such as the Lost City (Teyuna), which is closed every September for ceremonies.
Plan your trip with us
Our guides are locals who love sharing their culture – from coffee farmers and silleteros to Embera Chamí families. Tell us what interests you, and we will build a trip full of real encounters. Read also our guides to the best time to visit and money in Colombia, ask for your itinerary or write to us on WhatsApp.
Last updated: November 2026.
