Colombia Food Culture
Traditional dishes, dining customs, and culinary experiences
Culinary Culture
Colombian cuisine is defined by regional diversity, with each area offering distinct flavors shaped by geography and local ingredients. The food culture emphasizes abundance, communal dining, and comfort over complexity, with fresh tropical fruits, corn-based arepas, and hearty platters forming the backbone of the national diet. Colombians take particular pride in their coffee culture and the tradition of gathering for leisurely meals that strengthen family and social bonds.
Traditional Dishes
Must-try local specialties that define Colombia's culinary heritage
Bandeja Paisa
The ultimate Colombian platter originating from Antioquia, featuring red beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón (fried pork belly), chorizo, fried egg, arepa, avocado, and sweet plantain. This massive feast represents the hearty meals traditionally eaten by paisa farmers and laborers. It's Colombia's most iconic dish and a true test of appetite.
Created in Antioquia's coffee-growing region to fuel agricultural workers through long days in the fields, the bandeja paisa has evolved from peasant food to national symbol, representing Colombian abundance and the paisa work ethic.
Ajiaco Santafereño
Bogotá's signature chicken and potato soup made with three types of potatoes (criolla, sabanera, and pastusa), corn, guascas herb, and served with capers, cream, and avocado. The different potato varieties create a unique texture where some dissolve into the broth while others remain intact. This hearty soup is perfect for Bogotá's cool mountain climate.
Dating back to pre-Columbian times, ajiaco combines indigenous ingredients with Spanish influences. The guascas herb is native to the Andean highlands and gives the soup its distinctive flavor, making it impossible to replicate authentically elsewhere.
Sancocho
Colombia's beloved comfort stew that varies by region but typically includes chicken or fish, yuca, plantain, corn, and potatoes in a flavorful broth. Served with rice, avocado, and ají sauce on the side. Each region claims the best version—coastal sancocho uses fish and coconut milk, while inland versions feature chicken or beef.
A dish with African and indigenous roots, sancocho represents the mixing of cultures in Colombian kitchens. Traditionally prepared for Sunday family gatherings and special occasions, it's considered a cure-all, especially for hangovers.
Arepa de Huevo
A Caribbean coast specialty featuring a corn arepa that's partially fried, split open, filled with a whole egg, then sealed and fried until golden and crispy. The result is a perfectly cooked egg encased in a crunchy, savory shell. Often enjoyed for breakfast or as a street food snack.
Originating in Colombia's Caribbean coast, particularly around Cartagena and Barranquilla, this ingenious creation showcases the coastal tradition of transforming simple ingredients into satisfying street food.
Lechona Tolimense
A whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, onions, and spices, then slow-cooked until the skin becomes incredibly crispy. The meat is served with pieces of the crackling skin, creating a combination of textures. This festive dish from Tolima is reserved for special occasions and Sunday gatherings.
A specialty of the Tolima region, particularly Ibagué, lechona requires hours of preparation and cooking, making it a communal effort. Traditionally prepared for celebrations, it's now commonly found on Sundays when families gather.
Empanadas
Deep-fried corn or wheat pastries filled with seasoned meat, potatoes, and sometimes rice or egg. Colombian empanadas are typically made with yellow corn dough and have a distinctive golden color. Served with ají sauce for dipping, they're smaller and crispier than their Argentine or Mexican counterparts.
While empanadas exist throughout Latin America, Colombian versions reflect regional preferences—coastal areas add rice to the filling, while Andean regions focus on potato and meat combinations with hogao (tomato-onion sauce).
Arroz con Coco y Pescado Frito
Coconut rice paired with fried whole fish, a Caribbean coastal staple that showcases African culinary influence. The rice is cooked in coconut milk and sometimes includes raisins for sweetness, creating a rich, slightly sweet base for the crispy, perfectly seasoned fish. Usually accompanied by patacones (fried plantains) and salad.
This dish represents the African heritage of Colombia's Caribbean coast, where coconut palms are abundant. The technique of cooking rice in coconut milk was brought by enslaved Africans and has become integral to coastal cuisine.
Tamales
Corn dough mixed with meat, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed. Colombian tamales are larger and more elaborate than Mexican versions, with regional variations—Tolima tamales include rice and eggs, while Bogotá versions feature chicken and pork. Traditionally eaten for Sunday breakfast with hot chocolate.
Pre-Columbian in origin, tamales were adapted during colonial times to include Spanish ingredients like pork and rice. Making tamales is a family affair, often done in large batches for special occasions.
Changua
A traditional Bogotá breakfast soup made with milk, water, scallions, and poached eggs, served with pieces of stale bread. This simple, warming dish divides opinion—locals love it for its comforting qualities on cold mornings, while visitors often find it unusual. It's considered a hangover cure.
A dish born from necessity in rural Cundinamarca, changua made use of simple, available ingredients. Its humble origins haven't diminished its status as a beloved Bogotá breakfast tradition.
Obleas
Two thin, crispy wafers sandwiched with arequipe (dulce de leche), then topped with cheese, jam, condensed milk, or chocolate. This customizable street dessert allows for endless combinations. The contrast between the crispy wafer and creamy filling makes it addictively satisfying.
Originally a simple wafer-and-arequipe combination, obleas have evolved into elaborate creations with multiple toppings. They're particularly popular in Bogotá's historic center and tourist areas.
Hormiga Culona (Big-Bottomed Ants)
Toasted leaf-cutter ants from Santander, considered a delicacy with a nutty, crispy texture similar to popcorn. These large ants are harvested during mating season, toasted with salt, and eaten as a crunchy snack. Rich in protein and surprisingly addictive once you overcome the initial hesitation.
An indigenous Guane tradition from Santander dating back centuries, hormigas culonas were considered aphrodisiacs and are still given as wedding gifts. The ants are only available during March-April harvest season.
Buñuelos
Golden, crispy cheese fritters made from corn flour and fresh cheese, deep-fried until they develop a crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. These addictive balls are especially popular during Christmas season but available year-round. Best eaten hot and fresh.
Spanish in origin but thoroughly Colombianized, buñuelos are inseparable from Colombian Christmas traditions, often paired with natilla (custard) and hot chocolate for holiday celebrations.
Taste Colombia's Best Flavors
A food tour is the fastest way to find good spots. Sample traditional dishes and learn from guides who know the neighborhood.
Browse Food ToursDining Etiquette
Colombian dining culture is relaxed and welcoming, with an emphasis on hospitality and taking time to enjoy meals. Lunch is the main meal of the day and often a leisurely affair, while dinner tends to be lighter. Colombians are generally forgiving of cultural differences, but understanding local customs will enhance your dining experience and show respect for the culture.
Greetings and Service
Colombians value politeness and warm greetings. It's customary to greet servers and other diners with 'buen provecho' (enjoy your meal) when entering or leaving a restaurant. Service tends to be friendly but may seem slower than in North America—this isn't poor service, but rather a cultural difference where meals are meant to be enjoyed without rushing.
Do
- Greet servers with 'buenos días/tardes' when they approach
- Say 'buen provecho' to nearby diners
- Be patient and friendly with service staff
- Make eye contact and smile when ordering
Don't
- Don't snap your fingers or whistle to get attention
- Don't rush servers or show impatience
- Don't skip basic pleasantries like 'por favor' and 'gracias'
- Don't expect servers to bring the check without asking
Table Manners
Colombian table manners are relatively formal. Hands should remain visible on the table (not in your lap), and utensils are used for most foods. It's considered polite to finish what's on your plate, though portions can be large. Colombians typically don't eat while walking on the street, preferring to sit and enjoy food.
Do
- Keep your hands visible on the table while eating
- Use utensils for most foods, including fruit and empanadas in formal settings
- Wait for everyone to be served before eating
- Compliment the food to your host or server
Don't
- Don't start eating before others at the table
- Don't put your elbows on the table while eating
- Don't eat street food while walking in formal areas
- Don't leave immediately after finishing—linger for conversation
Paying the Bill
In Colombia, the bill (la cuenta) won't be brought until you request it—leaving it on the table is considered rushing diners. Splitting the bill is becoming more common in cities, but traditionally one person pays. When dining as a guest, your host will typically insist on paying. Service charge (propina sugerida) is sometimes included, but additional tips are appreciated.
Do
- Ask for the check by saying 'la cuenta, por favor'
- Check if service is included before tipping
- Offer to pay if dining with Colombian friends, but accept gracefully if they insist
- Have cash available as some smaller places don't accept cards
Don't
- Don't expect the check to arrive automatically
- Don't insist too strongly on paying if you're a guest
- Don't assume cards are accepted everywhere
- Don't leave without saying goodbye to staff
Dress Code
Colombians tend to dress more formally than North Americans or Europeans, even for casual dining. Neat, presentable clothing is appreciated, and you'll rarely see Colombians in athletic wear outside the gym. In upscale restaurants, smart casual is the minimum, with some requiring business casual or formal attire.
Do
- Dress neatly even for casual dining
- Wear closed-toe shoes for nicer restaurants
- Check dress codes for upscale establishments
- Err on the side of slightly overdressed rather than underdressed
Don't
- Don't wear flip-flops, tank tops, or athletic wear to restaurants
- Don't show up in beachwear outside coastal areas
- Don't wear shorts to upscale restaurants
- Don't assume 'casual' means the same as in other countries
Breakfast
Breakfast (desayuno) is typically served from 7:00-9:00 AM and can be substantial, featuring eggs, arepa, cheese, hot chocolate, and sometimes soup. Weekend breakfasts are more elaborate and leisurely, often including tamales or changua.
Lunch
Lunch (almuerzo) is served from 12:00-2:00 PM and is the main meal of the day. Most restaurants offer 'menú del día' or 'corrientazo'—an affordable set menu with soup, main course, juice, and sometimes dessert. Businesses often close for extended lunch breaks, and it's a time for family gathering.
Dinner
Dinner (cena) is typically lighter than lunch and served from 7:00-9:00 PM, though restaurants stay open later in major cities. Many Colombians have a snack called 'onces' around 4:00-5:00 PM (coffee and bread or pastries), which reduces the need for a heavy dinner.
Tipping Guide
Restaurants: Tipping 10% is standard and often included as 'servicio sugerido' on the bill. If service is included, an additional 5% for excellent service is appreciated but not required. If not included, leave 10% in cash.
Cafes: Tipping in cafes is not expected for counter service, but leaving small change (500-1,000 COP) is appreciated. For table service in cafes, 5-10% is appropriate.
Bars: Tipping in bars is not mandatory, but leaving 1,000-2,000 COP per drink or 10% of the tab for table service is appreciated, especially in upscale establishments.
Always check if 'propina sugerida' or 'servicio incluido' is on your bill—this is a suggested service charge that you can decline if service was poor, though it's rarely done. Cash tips are preferred as they go directly to servers. In small, family-run establishments, tipping is less common but always appreciated.
Street Food
Colombia's street food scene is vibrant, diverse, and deeply embedded in daily life. From early morning arepas to late-night empanadas, street vendors are integral to Colombian food culture, offering authentic, affordable meals that locals rely on daily. Each region has its specialties, and street food quality is generally high, with vendors taking pride in their offerings. The street food experience ranges from simple carts selling single items to elaborate setups with seating areas. Safety and hygiene standards have improved significantly in recent years, especially in major cities where vendors must be licensed. Look for busy stalls with high turnover—this ensures freshness and indicates local approval. Street food is where you'll find the most authentic Colombian flavors at the best prices, typically ranging from 2,000-15,000 COP ($0.50-$4 USD) per item. The communal atmosphere around popular street food vendors, where locals gather to eat and socialize, offers genuine cultural immersion.
Arepa de Huevo
Crispy corn arepa stuffed with a whole egg and deep-fried to golden perfection. The egg cooks inside the arepa, creating a satisfying combination of crunchy exterior and soft, savory filling.
Caribbean coast street vendors, especially in Cartagena's Getsemaní neighborhood, morning markets, and beach areas
3,000-5,000 COP ($0.75-$1.25 USD)Empanadas
Deep-fried corn pastries filled with meat, potatoes, and spices, served with ají sauce. Crispy, golden, and addictive, with regional variations throughout Colombia.
Virtually everywhere—street corners, markets, bus stations, parks, and mobile vendors throughout all Colombian cities
1,500-3,000 COP ($0.40-$0.75 USD)Mazorca Desgranada
Sweet corn kernels topped with butter, grated cheese, and sometimes crushed chips, creating a sweet-savory combination. A popular evening snack sold from carts.
Evening street vendors in parks, plazas, and busy pedestrian areas in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali
4,000-7,000 COP ($1-$1.75 USD)Cholado
A refreshing dessert from Cali featuring shaved ice topped with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and fruit syrup. Each vendor has their own combination, making every cholado unique.
Cali street vendors and parks, also found in other cities but Cali is the spiritual home of cholado
5,000-8,000 COP ($1.25-$2 USD)Patacones con Hogao
Twice-fried green plantain slices (patacones) topped with hogao (Colombian tomato-onion sauce), and sometimes cheese or meat. Crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying.
Street vendors throughout Colombia, especially on the Caribbean coast and in Antioquia, evening food stalls
3,000-6,000 COP ($0.75-$1.50 USD)Obleas
Thin, crispy wafers filled with arequipe (dulce de leche) and customizable toppings like cheese, jam, condensed milk, or chocolate. A beloved street dessert.
Tourist areas, parks, and city centers throughout Colombia, especially Bogotá's historic center and Cartagena's old town
3,000-8,000 COP ($0.75-$2 USD) depending on toppingsChuzos
Grilled meat skewers (beef, chicken, or pork) seasoned with chimichurri-style sauce and often served with arepa and potatoes. A popular late-night street food.
Evening and late-night street vendors near bars and nightlife areas, parks, and plazas in all major cities
5,000-10,000 COP ($1.25-$2.50 USD)Jugos Naturales (Fresh Fruit Juices)
Fresh fruit juices made from exotic Colombian fruits like lulo, guanábana, maracuyá, or mora, blended with water or milk. Refreshing and showcasing Colombia's incredible fruit diversity.
Juice stands throughout markets, street corners, and mobile vendors in every Colombian city and town
2,000-5,000 COP ($0.50-$1.25 USD)Best Areas for Street Food
Cartagena - Getsemaní
Known for: Arepa de huevo, carimañolas (yuca fritters), and Caribbean coastal street food specialties
Best time: Early morning for breakfast items (6-9 AM) and evening for variety (6-10 PM)
Bogotá - La Candelaria
Known for: Obleas, empanadas, tamales on Sunday mornings, and traditional Bogotá street snacks
Best time: Sunday mornings for tamales, evenings for obleas and people-watching
Medellín - Parque Lleras and Envigado
Known for: Chuzos, empanadas, buñuelos, and late-night street food around nightlife areas
Best time: Late evening and night (8 PM-2 AM) when bars and restaurants close
Cali - Parque del Perro
Known for: Cholado, empanadas caleñas, and marranitas (fried plantain with chicharrón)
Best time: Afternoon and evening (4-10 PM) for the full cholado experience
Paloquemao Market - Bogotá
Known for: Fresh fruit juices, traditional breakfast foods, and authentic market food stalls
Best time: Early morning (6-10 AM) for breakfast and the freshest produce and juices
Santa Marta - Mercado Público
Known for: Coastal specialties, fresh seafood, arepas, and Caribbean fruit juices
Best time: Morning through afternoon (7 AM-3 PM) for the best selection
Dining by Budget
Colombia offers exceptional value for food, with delicious meals available at every price point. The country's affordability means even budget travelers can eat well, while those willing to splurge will find world-class dining experiences at prices far below comparable restaurants in North America or Europe. The corrientazo (set menu) culture ensures that nutritious, home-style meals are accessible to everyone, while upscale dining showcases innovative Colombian cuisine.
Budget-Friendly
Typical meal: Corrientazo: 12,000-18,000 COP ($3-$4.50 USD), Street food: 2,000-8,000 COP ($0.50-$2 USD)
- Eat your main meal at lunch when menú del día is available—same food as dinner but 30-40% cheaper
- Look for restaurants with 'corrientazo' signs for the best value set menus
- Buy fresh fruit and juice from markets rather than restaurants
- Avoid tourist areas where prices can be 2-3 times higher for the same food
- Ask locals where they eat—'¿Dónde comen los locales?' will point you to the best value
- Drink tap water in major cities (it's safe) or buy large bottles to refill rather than buying individual bottles
Mid-Range
Typical meal: 25,000-50,000 COP ($6-$12 USD) per meal
Splurge
Dietary Considerations
Colombia's food culture is heavily meat-centric, which can present challenges for vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific dietary requirements. However, the situation is improving rapidly in major cities where health-conscious eating and international influences have created more options. Communication is key—restaurants are generally accommodating when they understand your needs, though smaller establishments may have limited flexibility.
Vegetarian & Vegan
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, with dedicated vegetarian restaurants and health food stores. Vegan options are more limited but growing. Traditional Colombian cuisine relies heavily on meat, so outside cities, options narrow significantly. Many 'vegetarian' dishes may contain chicken broth or lard.
Local options: Arepas (plain or with cheese)—verify they're not fried in animal fat, Patacones (fried plantains), Arroz con coco (coconut rice) without meat, Fresh fruit and jugos naturales (fruit juices), Mazorca (corn on the cob or desgranada), Empanadas de queso (cheese empanadas), Buñuelos (cheese fritters), Obleas with sweet toppings, Ajiaco without chicken (special request), Ensalada de frutas (fruit salad)
- Learn key phrases: 'Soy vegetariano/a' (I'm vegetarian), 'Sin carne, por favor' (without meat, please), 'Tiene opciones vegetarianas?' (do you have vegetarian options?)
- Specify 'sin carne, sin pollo, sin pescado' (no meat, no chicken, no fish) as 'vegetariano' is sometimes interpreted as just 'no red meat'
- Ask if beans are cooked with meat or lard—'¿Los frijoles tienen carne o manteca?'
- Seek out health food stores (tiendas naturistas) and vegetarian restaurants in cities
- Markets offer abundant fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts for self-catering
- Happy Cow app is useful for finding vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Colombian cities
- Be prepared to eat lots of rice, beans, plantains, and arepas in smaller towns
Food Allergies
Common allergens: Peanuts and tree nuts (used in some sauces and desserts), Shellfish and seafood (especially on the coast), Dairy (cheese and milk are common in many dishes), Eggs (used extensively in breakfast and baked goods), Corn (the base of arepas and many traditional foods)
Write down your allergies in Spanish and show it to servers and cooks. Be very specific and emphasize severity. Many servers may not fully understand cross-contamination, so communicate clearly if your allergy is severe. In smaller establishments, speaking directly with the cook is advisable.
Useful phrase: Soy alérgico/a a _____. Es muy grave. ¿Este plato contiene _____? (I'm allergic to _____. It's very serious. Does this dish contain _____?) Key words: maní (peanuts), nueces (nuts), mariscos (shellfish), lácteos (dairy), huevos (eggs), gluten (gluten)
Halal & Kosher
Halal and kosher options are very limited in Colombia. Bogotá has a small Muslim community with a few halal restaurants and butchers, primarily in the Chapinero area. Kosher options are extremely rare, with only one or two kosher restaurants in Bogotá serving the small Jewish community.
In Bogotá, search for Middle Eastern restaurants which may offer halal options. Vegetarian and seafood dishes are safe alternatives. Major hotel chains may accommodate requests with advance notice. Self-catering from markets with fresh produce, fish, and eggs is the most reliable option outside Bogotá.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free awareness is growing in major cities, with some restaurants offering gluten-free options and health food stores stocking gluten-free products. However, many traditional Colombian dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be adapted, making Colombia more manageable for celiac travelers than might be expected.
Naturally gluten-free: Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), Sancocho (ensure no wheat-based thickeners), Ajiaco (potato soup—verify no wheat), Patacones (fried plantains), Arroz con coco (coconut rice), Fresh grilled meats and fish, Arepas (made from corn, not wheat—always verify), Bandeja paisa (most components are gluten-free—skip the chorizo which may contain wheat), Fresh tropical fruits and jugos naturales, Mazorca and corn-based dishes
Food Markets
Experience local food culture at markets and food halls
Paloquemao Market (Bogotá)
Bogotá's largest and most authentic market, offering an overwhelming array of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, and prepared foods. The market is divided into sections—flowers, fruits, vegetables, and a food court area with traditional breakfast stalls serving changua, tamales, and fresh juices.
Best for: Experiencing Colombia's incredible fruit diversity, trying exotic fruits like lulo, guanábana, and zapote, eating authentic market breakfast, buying fresh produce, and photographing the colorful flower section
Tuesday-Sunday 4:30 AM-4:30 PM, best visited early morning (6-9 AM) for breakfast and the liveliest atmosphere
Bazurto Market (Cartagena)
A chaotic, authentic local market offering fresh seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables, and Caribbean coast specialties. This is not a tourist market—it's where locals shop, providing a genuine glimpse into coastal Colombian life. The energy is intense and the sensory experience overwhelming.
Best for: Fresh Caribbean seafood, coastal fruits, understanding local food culture, and adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences away from tourist areas
Daily 5 AM-5 PM, best in early morning (6-9 AM); go with a local guide for safety and navigation
Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao (Medellín)
Medellín's central market offering Antioquian specialties, fresh produce from nearby farms, and traditional food stalls. Cleaner and more organized than Bogotá's Paloquemao, with excellent prepared food options showcasing paisa cuisine.
Best for: Antioquian specialties, bandeja paisa at market prices, fresh coffee, tropical fruits from the coffee region, and people-watching
Monday-Saturday 6 AM-6 PM, Sunday 6 AM-2 PM; mornings are busiest and best for food stalls
Mercado de Bazurto (Cali)
Cali's main market featuring Valle del Cauca produce, sugarcane products, and Pacific coast influences. Known for incredible tropical fruit variety and authentic caleño food culture.
Best for: Tropical fruits, fresh sugarcane juice, Pacific coast specialties, and experiencing authentic Cali food culture
Daily 5 AM-5 PM, best visited with a local guide in early morning
Usaquén Flea Market (Bogotá)
A more tourist-friendly Sunday market in Bogotá's upscale Usaquén neighborhood, combining artisan crafts with food vendors selling traditional Colombian snacks, empanadas, arepas, and international foods. The atmosphere is festive with live music.
Best for: A safer, more accessible market experience, combining shopping with eating, trying various street foods in one location, and Sunday people-watching
Sundays 9 AM-5 PM, busiest 11 AM-3 PM
Mercado de Pulgas de San Alejo (Bogotá)
A Sunday flea market in Bogotá's Zona G neighborhood featuring antiques, crafts, and food vendors selling traditional Colombian street food, fresh juices, and snacks. More compact than Usaquén but equally atmospheric.
Best for: Combining antique browsing with street food sampling, empanadas, obleas, and fresh fruit juices
Sundays 9 AM-5 PM
Villa de Leyva Market
A charming Saturday market in this colonial town's main plaza, featuring regional produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and traditional Boyacá foods. The setting in one of Colombia's most beautiful plazas makes this market special.
Best for: Boyacá specialties, artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and experiencing small-town Colombian market culture
Saturdays 7 AM-2 PM, busiest in morning
La Perseverancia Market (Bogotá)
A working-class neighborhood market known for its authentic food stalls serving traditional Bogotá dishes. Less touristy than Paloquemao but equally authentic, with excellent chicha (fermented corn drink) and traditional soups.
Best for: Authentic Bogotá street food, trying chicha, traditional soups, and experiencing a real neighborhood market
Daily 6 AM-6 PM, best for lunch (12-2 PM)
Seasonal Eating
Colombia's proximity to the equator means it doesn't experience dramatic seasonal changes like temperate regions, but rather dry and rainy seasons that vary by region. The country's diverse geography creates multiple microclimates, so different fruits and vegetables are available year-round from different regions. However, certain foods are associated with specific times of year, particularly around holidays and festivals, and some ingredients peak during particular seasons.
December-January (Dry Season & Christmas)
- Buñuelos and natilla (custard) are ubiquitous during Christmas season
- Lechona is prepared for Christmas and New Year celebrations
- Tamales are made in large batches for holiday gatherings
- Hojaldres (fried pastries) appear in bakeries
- Aguardiente consumption peaks during holiday celebrations
- Novena gatherings feature traditional Colombian sweets
March-April (Harvest Season & Easter)
- Hormigas culonas (big-bottomed ants) are harvested in Santander
- Easter week features fish dishes and meat-free meals
- Mango season peaks with abundant, affordable mangos everywhere
- Coffee harvest in some regions brings fresh crop celebrations
- Lulo and other tropical fruits are at their peak
June-August (Mid-Year & Festival Season)
- Fruit diversity peaks with guanábana, lulo, and maracuyá in abundance
- Festival season brings regional specialties to the forefront
- Corn harvest means fresh mazorca and corn-based dishes
- Ferias (fairs) in various cities showcase regional foods
- Cacao harvest in some regions brings fresh chocolate products
September-November (Rainy Season)
- Soup season—ajiaco, sancocho, and changua are especially popular
- Root vegetables (yuca, potatoes, arracacha) are abundant
- Mushrooms appear in markets and restaurants
- Hot chocolate consumption increases with cooler weather in highlands
- Aguapanela (sugarcane drink) is consumed hot for warmth