Colombia school recess tourism and activities

Colombia has entered a school recess period in October 2026, marked by varied tourism projections and extensive cultural programming.

The Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association (Cotelco) projects a national average hotel occupancy rate of 61.7% for the recess week. While destinations such as Tolima, San Andrés, and Atlántico expect high demand, Norte de Santander and Huila are projected to see rates below 50%, specifically 42.7% and 44.6% respectively. Cotelco is encouraging domestic travel to the Coffee Axis, Valle del Cauca, Santa Marta, and Boyacá, noting that infrastructure in the Coffee Axis has undergone technical inspections to ensure visitor safety.

Cultural activities are widespread across the country. Bogotá is hosting the Salón del Ocio y la Fantasía (SOFA) and the 30th anniversary of the Rock al Parque festival. In Medellín, the break coincides with Mental Health Month, with the Secretary of Education maintaining services through the ‘Escuela Entorno Protector’ program.

Regional agendas include the 30th anniversary of the Mar de Acordeones Vallenato Festival in Santa Marta to bolster tourism following public order disruptions. Antioquia has organized 37 activities, including theater, kite festivals, and sports such as marathons in La Ceja and Urrao, alongside the 43rd Theater Festival in El Santuario. In Bucaramanga, circus and theater performances continue despite the postponement of a Carlos Vives concert following a recent earthquake.