Preparing for your international internship in Colombia? Alongside your travel essentials, download or pack a few novels set in your destination or grab a few books about Colombia. While guidebooks are great for practical tips, novels offer a deeper cultural understanding—introducing you to the country’s history, social dynamics, and hidden gems.
Here are five must-read Colombian novels that will transport you into the heart of the country’s landscapes, traditions, and stories.
1. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel García Márquez
Location: Fictional town inspired by Aracataca, Colombia
Why Read It? - This masterpiece of magical realism follows the lives of the Buendía family across generations, set against the backdrop of Colombia’s transformation. The novel blends myth, history, and family drama, offering an immersive way to explore Colombian culture and identity.
Bonus Fact: The fictional village of Macondo is based on Márquez’s hometown, Aracataca.
2. The Sound of Things Falling – Juan Gabriel Vásquez
Location: Bogotá
Why Read It? - This gripping novel delves into the personal and political consequences of Colombia’s drug trade during the 1990s. Vásquez’s writing highlights how the country’s turbulent history impacted ordinary lives, making it a powerful read for understanding Colombia’s recent transformation.
Bonus Fact: The English translation won the prestigious Dublin Literary Award, one of the world’s richest literary prizes.
3. The Vortex – José Eustasio Rivera Salas
Location: Amazon Basin
Why Read It? - Set deep in the Colombian rainforest, this novel explores the harsh realities of life on rubber plantations. Through vivid descriptions of the Amazon’s natural beauty and dangers, the book sheds light on the exploitation of workers and environmental challenges in the region.
Bonus Fact: Rivera’s hometown was renamed Rivera in his honor.
4. The Fruit Palace – Charles Nicholl
Location: Santa Marta
Why Read It? - Originally marketed as travel writing, this semi-fictional account blends fact and fiction in a journey through Colombia’s counterculture and drug trade. Nicholl’s colorful storytelling offers a unique, off-the-beaten-track perspective of the country’s coastal towns.
Bonus Fact: The book began as an article rejected by Rolling Stone magazine.
5. Love in the Time of Cholera – Gabriel García Márquez
Location: Coastal town inspired by Cartagena
Why Read It? - Another Márquez masterpiece, this novel explores love, aging, and destiny against the backdrop of Caribbean Colombia in the late 19th century. Its rich characters and poetic prose offer a timeless exploration of human relationships and Colombian society.
Bonus Fact: The book was adapted into a Hollywood film in 2007, the first of Márquez’s novels to receive such treatment.
Why Read Colombian Novels During Your Internship?
- Gain a deeper understanding of Colombia’s history, culture, and social issues.
- Discover lesser-known locations and local customs through the eyes of the characters.
- Improve your Spanish language skills if you choose to read the books in their original language.
- Connect more meaningfully with the local communities and landscapes around you.
As you prepare for your internship in Medellin, these novels will help you immerse yourself in Colombian culture—turning your internship into a truly enriching experience.
