Barranquilla's Carnival

Festival of the Flowers

Festival Internacional de Tango

Alumbrados Navideños

Festival de las Aves

Colombian coffee

Arabica coffee is a must in these parts. If you want to experience delicious coffee and service with a smile, you should check out Cafe Velvet, a Colombian/Belgian start-up that offers authentic Colombian Arabica coffee alongside delicious Belgian chocolate.

_{Best eaten at
Cafe Velvet Medellin, Cra. 37 ##8A 46, Medellín}

Chicharrón

Chicharron is a local specialty consisting of fried pork rinds and pork belly. Spicy, crispy and packed with flavour, you can enjoy this dish with fries in the aptly named Chicharrón City.

_{Best eaten at
Chicharrón City, Cq. 2 ##68, Medellín}

Tamales

A tamale is a traditional dish Mesoamerican dish formed from masa, a starchy, corn-based dough, steamed in a banana leaf. The leaf can be discarded, eaten, or used as a plate, but either way you’ll find delicious fillings inside - either meats, cheese, fruit or chilli and vegetables. Try it at Mercado del Rio.

_{Best eaten at
Mercado del Rio, Cl. 24 #48-28, Medellín}

Ajiaco

A hugely popular dish throughout Colombia, this rich and hearty soup is usually made with chicken, 3 different types of potatoes and a fragrant herb called guascas. A peerless comfort food, it’s often served with corn and heavy cream. Try it at Tipicos.

_{Best eaten at
3 Tipicos, Cra. 34 #7-05, Medellín}

Bandeja Paisa

Colombia’s national dish, Bandeja Paisa has numerous variations, but is often served in a large, oval tray, due to the sheer amount of food served. It’s a platter of meats, carbs and veg, with red beans, pork, white rice, chicharron, fried egg and chorizo some of its most common ingredients. Try it at La Casa de Beto - it’s an excellent hangover cure.

_{Best eaten at
La Casa de Beto, Cra. 37 #8a-28, Envigado, Medellín}