The year 2026 promises to be a vibrant one for Colombia, full of opportunities in the cultural and tourism sectors. With an extensive calendar of holidays, new regional festivals, and a growing commitment to sustainable tourism, the country is preparing to solidify its position as a leading destination in Latin America.
Next, we explore the main cultural and tourism predictions for Colombia in 2026 , based on current trends, national projects and the growing international interest in Colombian identity.
Rise of cultural and experiential tourism
In recent years, the modern traveler has shifted their focus: they no longer simply seek to visit a place, but rather to live authentic experiences . By 2026, Colombia will strengthen this type of tourism with initiatives that invite visitors to participate in local customs, learn about regional cuisine, and interact with communities.
Regions like the Coffee Axis, Santander, and the Colombian Caribbean will lead this transformation. Cultural tours will include craft workshops, coffee tastings, and guided walks led by local heritage guardians.
Featured example:
The Coffee Route , which in 2026 will add new municipalities to its offering, connecting experiences of cultivation, roasting and tasting of the best artisanal coffee in the country.
You can learn more about this boom in our article on The new boom of Colombian artisanal coffee in 2026 .
Festivals and fairs that will mark the year
Predictions indicate that 2026 will be a golden year for Colombian cultural festivals and fairs . Traditional events such as the Barranquilla Carnival, the Flower Festival, and the Vallenato Legend Festival will continue to grow in both national and international visitors.
But the most interesting aspect will be the emergence of new festivals , driven by local communities seeking to highlight their cultural identity. Antioquia, Nariño, and La Guajira are preparing fairs dedicated to folk art, folk music, and ancestral cuisine.
If you're interested in learning how celebrations keep the essence of the country alive, we recommend reading The cultural power of the unexpected: Colombian festivals that live in the rhythm of play .
Revaluation of domestic tourism
One of the major changes expected by 2026 will be the consolidation of domestic tourism . Colombians are discovering the richness of their own destinations, especially during holidays and long weekends.
The trend points towards rural and ecological destinations , where relaxation is combined with sustainable activities such as hiking, bird watching and environmental volunteering.
According to industry projections, the municipalities of Boyacá, Huila, Meta and Bolívar will be key players, thanks to their natural diversity and the improvement of secondary roads.
For more information on how holidays boost local tourism, visit How holiday tourism drives off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia .
Technology and sustainability in the tourism experience
Digitalization will be another key factor in the predictions for 2026. Smarter platforms will allow users to plan personalized trips, book sustainable tours, and access cultural data in real time.
Smart destinations —cities that integrate technology with eco-friendly practices—will be a trend. Medellín, Bogotá, and Bucaramanga are already working on interactive tourism experiences, where technology enhances cultural knowledge without harming the environment.
The traveler of 2026 will increasingly value sustainable accommodations , green transport and experiences that reduce the carbon footprint.
Gastronomy as a cultural ambassador
Colombian cuisine will continue to be a key driver of tourism. In 2026, we will see a strong expansion of regional gastronomy , with local chefs reinterpreting traditional dishes without losing their essence.
Flavors like mote de queso, fiambre valluno, or mute santandereano will reach more international events, while market squares will become gastronomic tourist centers.
Furthermore, the rise of Colombian coffee and cocoa will strengthen the country's position on the world culinary scene.
Renaissance of traditions and folklore
One of the most positive cultural predictions for 2026 is the revival of family and community traditions . Increasingly, schools, foundations, and cultural groups are promoting projects to teach traditional dances, games, and local legends to new generations.
Oral culture and ancestral knowledge will take on a new prominence, strengthening the identity of each region.
You can explore more about this topic in Colombian family customs that are being lost and how to revive them .
New routes and destinations to discover
Among the new tourist routes for 2026 , the following stand out:
Magdalena River Route: a river tour that will combine nature, history and river culture.
Route of the Volcanoes (Nariño and Cauca): an adventure tourism proposal with an emphasis on ecotourism.
Routes of Memory: projects that seek to highlight the places that tell the contemporary history of Colombia.
These new destinations aim to diversify the country's tourism offerings, fostering local economic development and the inclusion of rural communities.
Connection between culture and well-being
In 2026, tourism in Colombia will also be marked by the search for emotional and spiritual well-being . An increase is expected in cultural retreats, meditation spaces in natural areas, and experiences that combine culture, nature, and mental health.
Places like the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Tatacoa Desert and the Eastern Plains will become epicenters of reconnection tourism.