Long weekends in Colombia, also known as holiday weekends , are the perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect with local culture, and enjoy cultural or entertainment activities without having to travel. While many Colombians prefer to leave their city or visit tourist destinations, staying home or within the same region can be just as enriching with good planning.
Below you will find cultural, virtual and recreational ideas and plans to make the most of each long weekend without spending too much and without leaving your region.
Rediscover local culture during long weekends
Each Colombian department boasts countless cultural expressions that we often overlook. During long weekends , you can take the opportunity to reconnect with your local identity and participate in activities that strengthen your sense of belonging.
1. Visit nearby museums and cultural centers
In cities large and small, there are always museums, cultural centers, or libraries with temporary exhibitions. Some notable examples:
Rafael Núñez House Museum in Cartagena
Zenú Gold Museum in Montería
Magdalena River Museum in Honda
Guillermo León Valencia House Museum in Popayán
Many offer free admission or very affordable rates. In addition, the Colombian Ministry of Culture and local municipalities often organize special events during long weekends.
👉 You can check the dates of upcoming long weekends in Colombia at CalendarioDeColombia.com , where you will also find information about national holidays and local celebrations.
Virtual cultural events and festivals
If you prefer to stay home, the virtual cultural offerings in Colombia continue to grow. Platforms such as MinCultura, RTVCPlay, Teatro Colón Virtual , and Biblioteca Nacional Digital offer free programming throughout the year.
Some ideas for enjoying yourself from home:
Attend virtual concerts or festivals such as the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival or the Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá.
Explore online exhibitions from the National Museum or the Gold Museum, with interactive tours.
Enjoy Colombian cinema online through Cineco Plus, Retina Latina or MinCultura TV.
Participate in workshops or cultural talks that are broadcast on social media by the mayoral offices and secretariats of culture.
These spaces allow access to culture no matter where you live, promoting art and learning from home.
Connect with nature without leaving your apartment
If you're looking for something more active without going too far, take advantage of the local natural areas . Every region in Colombia has natural parks, reserves, or ecological trails ideal for short walks or family picnics.
Local getaway ideas:
Walk through urban reserves or wetland areas.
Family picnic in parks or riverbanks.
Birdwatching in nearby rural areas.
Bike routes along greenways or neighboring villages.
These activities promote responsible and sustainable tourism , an increasingly important trend in the country. If you are interested in this topic, you can also read Responsible Ecotourism in Colombia: Ecological and Sustainable Routes .
Plans to stay at home for long weekends
You don't always have to go out to have a good time. Long weekends in Colombia are the perfect excuse to dedicate time to yourself and enjoy activities at home.
Some simple ideas:
Organize a Colombian film night with movies like El olvido que seremos or Pájaros de verano .
Create your own homemade food festival by preparing typical dishes from your region.
Conduct a virtual workshop in art, dance, or writing .
Join virtual book clubs or create one with your friends.
Dedicate time to personal projects, meditation, or digital detox.
Long weekends can be an opportunity to reconnect with emotional well-being, reduce stress, and strengthen family or community ties.
Support local art and businesses
Many Colombian artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs sell their products online. Dedicate part of the long weekend to discovering local brands on social media or platforms like Artesanías de Colombia , Mercado Libre Local , or regional digital fairs.
Supporting local talent is a way to foster the cultural economy and keep the country's artisanal traditions alive.
It combines rest, culture and connection
Long weekends don't have to mean expensive trips. Colombia offers such a wide range of cultural and natural treasures that there's so much to discover, even within your own department.
Taking advantage of long weekends to reconnect with your surroundings, enjoy local activities, and participate in virtual cultural offerings is a way to celebrate Colombian identity and support initiatives in your region.
To find out about upcoming national holidays and plan your activities, visit CalendarioDeColombia.com/blog , where you'll find updated guides on long weekends , national holidays , and Colombian traditions .