Discover Columbia: Top Movies, TV Series and Books Set There

Columbia, known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, has been the setting for many iconic films, TV shows, books, and more. From bustling cityscapes to picturesque countryside, this South American gem provides a vast canvas for storytelling. In this guide, we will explore 10 famous films shot in Columbia, delve into fantastic TV shows and animated films set in this locale, discuss popular books that capture the Columbia essence, and offer tips for your own cinematic journey through Columbia.

10 Famous Films Shot in Columbia

Columbia’s cinematic charm has attracted filmmakers from around the globe. Its stunning locations provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of genres, from action-packed thrillers to heart-warming dramas. Here are 10 noteworthy films shot in Columbia:

1. “Romancing the Stone” (1984): This adventurous rom-com, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, features stunning shots of Columbia’s dense jungles and bustling cities.
2. “Clear and Present Danger” (1994): This action thriller, based on Tom Clancy’s novel, showcases many of Columbia’s urban landscapes and provides a glimpse into its political turmoil.
3. “Collateral Damage” (2002): Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action-packed film utilized Columbia’s diverse landscapes to portray a gripping tale of revenge.
4. “Love in the Time of Cholera” (2007): This romantic drama, based on Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez’s novel, beautifully captures the historic charm of Cartagena.
5. “The 33” (2015): Based on the real-life mining disaster, this film lays bare the stark landscapes of Columbia’s mining region.
6. “Narcos” (2015-2017): Though technically a TV series, this critically-acclaimed Netflix show has put Columbia’s turbulent history and scenic locales in the global spotlight.
7. “The Lost City of Z” (2016): This biographical adventure film, shot in the lush jungles of Columbia, tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett.
8. “American Made” (2017): This biographical crime film, starring Tom Cruise, depicts the infamous Medellí­n Cartel, and was filmed in multiple Columbia locations.
9. “Mile 22” (2018): Though set in Southeast Asia, this Mark Wahlberg-led action thriller was filmed extensively in Bogotá, highlighting the city’s modern architecture.
10. “Running with the Devil” (2019): This crime thriller, featuring Nicolas Cage, showcases the gritty underworld of Columbia’s drug trade.

5 TV Shows Set in Columbia

Columbia’s rich history and vibrant culture have also inspired many TV shows. Here are five must-watch series that capture the essence of this South American country:

1. “Narcos” (2015-2017): This crime drama series, based on real events, delves into the rise and fall of Columbia’s infamous drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar.
2. “Distrito Salvaje” (2018): This action-packed series focuses on a former guerrilla fighter trying to reintegrate into society while being pulled back into the criminal underworld.
3. “Frontera Verde” (2019): This mystery-thriller series explores the dark secrets of the Amazon Rainforest, a significant part of Columbia’s geography.
4. “Bolí­var” (2019): This historical drama chronicles the life of Simón Bolí­var, a military leader who played a key role in Latin America’s struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.
5. “El Robo del Siglo” (2020): This heist drama, based on the 1994 robbery of the Republic Bank in Valledupar, offers a thrilling glimpse into Columbia’s criminal history.

5 Animated Films Set in Columbia

Columbia’s captivating landscapes and rich folklore serve as the perfect setting for animated films. Here are five animated features that bring Columbia’s magic to life:

1. “The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer” (2009): This Peru-Columbia co-production tells a heartwarming tale of a young dolphin’s adventurous journey.
2. “Pequeñas Voces” (2010): This powerful animated documentary portrays the Colombian armed conflict through the eyes of children.
3. “El Páramo” (2012): Set in the Andean moorlands, a unique ecosystem in Columbia, this short film explores environmental themes.
4. “Sabogal” (2015): This animated series, set in Bogotá, follows a private investigator defending human rights.
5. “Encanto” (2021): This Disney film is set in a magical version of Columbia, promising a vibrant celebration of the country’s culture and music.

Famous Books Set in Columbia

Columbia’s rich history and cultural tapestry have inspired many authors. Here are 6 famous books that transport you to this South American nation:

1. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez: This magical realism masterpiece encapsulates the beauty and complexity of Columbia.
2. “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez: Set in Cartagena, this classic novel explores love in all its forms.
3. “The Sound of Things Falling” by Juan Gabriel Vásquez: This contemporary novel delves into the impact of the drug trade on ordinary Columbians.
4. “Out of Captivity” by Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell, and Tom Howes: This memoir recounts the authors’ experiences as hostages of the FARC, a guerrilla group in Columbia.
5. “The Robber of Memories” by Michael Jacobs: This travelogue takes the reader along the Magdalena River, exploring Columbia’s landscapes and history.
6. “Short Walks from Bogotá” by Tom Feiling: This contemporary travel book offers insights into Columbia’s transformation over the past decades.

Exploring Columbia Filming Locations – Where to Go

Embarking on a cinematic journey through Columbia involves visiting a variety of filming locations. Here’s where you should go:

1. Cartagena: This historic city, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, has served as the backdrop for numerous films and novels.
2. Bogotá: Columbia’s capital city offers a mix of modern architecture and colonial charm, making it a popular choice for filmmakers.
3. Medellí­n: Once known for its drug-related violence, this city has undergone a transformation and is now a vibrant location for films and TV shows.
4. The Amazon Rainforest: Covering a large part of southern Columbia, the Amazon’s lush landscapes have been featured in several films and series.
5. The Andean Region: The Andean highlands, with their stunning mountains and unique paramo ecosystems, offer a beautiful setting for storytelling.

Where to Sleep in Columbia

When it comes to accommodation, Columbia offers options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some recommendations:

Budget:

1. Masaya Hostel Bogotá: This budget-friendly hostel offers comfortable dormitory-style rooms in the heart of Bogotá.
2. The Clock Hostel & Suites in Cartagena: Located in the historic city center, this hostel offers affordable private and shared rooms.
3. Black Sheep Hostel in Medellí­n: This popular backpacker hostel has a range of budget-friendly options, from dorms to private rooms.

Luxury:

1. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena: This luxury hotel, housed in a former convent, combines colonial architecture with modern comforts.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá: Located in the Zona Rosa district, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations and top-notch service.
3. The Charlee Medellí­n: This design hotel, located in Medellí­n’s trendy El Poblado district, offers stylish rooms and a rooftop pool.

Where to Eat in Columbia

Columbia’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re looking for local flavors or international cuisine, there’s something for everyone:

Budget:

1. La Puerta Falsa, Bogotá: This historic restaurant is known for its tamales and hot chocolate, offering a taste of traditional Columbian cuisine.
2. Restaurante Vegetariano Govindas, Cartagena: This vegetarian restaurant offers a range of affordable, healthy dishes.
3. Mondongos, Medellí­n: A local favorite, this restaurant serves traditional Columbian dishes like mondongo (tripe soup) and bandeja paisa.

Luxury:

1. Restaurante Don Juan, Cartagena: This upscale restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean and international cuisines, with a focus on seafood.
2. Harry Sasson, Bogotá: One of Latin America’s top 50 restaurants, Harry Sasson offers an eclectic menu in a stunning setting.
3. El Cielo, Medellí­n: This restaurant, headed by a Michelin-starred chef, offers a unique gastronomic experience with its tasting menus.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

To make the most of your cinematic journey through Columbia, we’ve curated a comprehensive itinerary:

Day 1: Start in Bogotá, exploring its historic center, La Candelaria, and visiting locations from “Narcos” and “Distrito Salvaje”. Don’t miss the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum.

Day 2: Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a unique underground church featured in several films. In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife of Zona Rosa.

Day 3: Fly to Medellí­n. Visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood, known for its colorful street art and cable cars, and explore filming locations from “Narcos” and “El Páramo”.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Guatapé, known for the iconic El Peñol rock and its brightly painted buildings.

Day 5: Fly to Cartagena. Explore the historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “Romancing the Stone”.

Day 6: Take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands, known for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

Day 7: Explore more of Cartagena, including the San Felipe Castle and the Getsemaní­ neighborhood.

Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Columbia’s rich folklore and diverse landscapes have given rise to numerous legends and curiosities. The country is said to be home to various “cryptids” (creatures whose existence is disputed), such as the “Mohan” or “El Mohán”, a mischievous creature said to dwell in rivers and lakes. Columbia’s jungles are rumored to hide “El Dorado”, a city of gold sought by explorers for centuries. And let’s not forget the legend of “La Llorona” (The Weeping Woman), a ghostly figure who cries for her lost children, a story often used in films and books.

Hidden Gems in Columbia

Beyond its famous filming locations, Columbia has many lesser-known spots that are worth exploring:

1. Tayrona National Park: This coastal park offers beautiful beaches, rainforests, and ancient ruins. It’s a perfect setting for an adventure film!
2. Salento and the Cocora Valley: Known for its wax palm trees, the Cocora Valley is one of Columbia’s most picturesque landscapes.
3. Popayán: Known as the “White City”, Popayán is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and its Holy Week processions.
4. Mompox: This historic town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seems frozen in time, with its colonial buildings and slow-paced lifestyle.
5. San Agustí­n Archaeological Park: This park, home to hundreds of pre-Columbian statues and tombs, is a fascinating spot that has yet to be featured in a major film.

What to Pack for a Trip to Columbia

When packing for your trip to Columbia, consider the diverse climates: the coast is hot and humid, the highlands are cool, and the Amazon is rainy. Light, breathable clothing is a must for the coast, while warmer clothing is needed for Bogotá and the highlands. Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and insect repellent. For a film-themed trip, consider bringing a notebook to jot down your impressions and a portable charger for your phone or camera.

How to Dress

Columbians tend to dress more formally than North Americans and Europeans, so it’s a good idea to bring some smart-casual clothes. For the hot coastal areas, bring lightweight clothing, but remember to pack a sweater or jacket for air-conditioned places. In the highlands, layering is key. And in the Amazon, long-sleeved shirts and pants will protect you from insects.

Transportation Tips

Columbia has an extensive bus network, and major cities like Bogotá and Medellí­n have modern metro systems. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also widely available. For long distances, consider domestic flights. Always allow extra time for travel, as traffic in cities can be heavy and rural roads can be slow.

Travel Documents Needed

For most tourists, a passport valid for six months is the only document needed to enter Columbia. However, requirements can vary, so it’s best to check with your nearest Columbian embassy or consulate before your trip.

In conclusion, whether you’re a film buff, a book lover, or a traveler in search of new adventures, Columbia has something to offer. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the tranquil beauty of the Rosario Islands, there’s a story waiting to be discovered around every corner. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the cinematic landscapes of Columbia!