The Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil of Colombia (RNEC), the entity responsible for organizing elections in the country, reported that a total of 14 candidates have officially registered to run in the country’s presidential elections, scheduled for May 31, 2026. In this vote, citizens will elect the President and Vice President of the Republic for the 2026–2030 term.

According to the electoral authority, the candidates represent a wide range of political perspectives, from left to right, including independent candidacies running through political movements. Here the list and brief profile of the candidates:

1. Clara Eugenia López Obregón, currently a senator for the Esperanza Democrática She has served as Minister of Labor (2016–2017), acting mayor of Bogotá (2011–2012), and Bogotá’s secretary of government (2008–2010). She has been affiliated with left-wing parties and was Gustavo Petro’s vice presidential running mate in the 2010 election.
2. Óscar Mauricio Lizcano, from the FAMILIA coalition. He served as Minister of Information Technologies (2023–2025), was a senator (2010–2018), and a member of the House of Representatives (2006–2010).
3. Raúl Santiago Botero, candidate of the “Romper el Sistema” movement (Break the Establishment). An agronomist engineer and businessman from Medellín, he presents himself as an independent candidate with no prior political experience.
4. Miguel Uribe Londoño, father of the slain presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. He is running under the Colombian Democratic Party and previously served as president of the Centro Democrático party founded by Álvaro Uribe Vélez.
5. Sondra Macollins Garvin, from the movement “La Abogada de Hierro” (The Iron Lawyer) A criminal lawyer and psychologist, she presents herself as an independent candidate without political affiliations. She ran for the House of Representatives in 2022 and is known for her work in narcotrafficking and corruption cases.
6. Iván Cepeda Castro, a senator since 2014 and the official candidate of the Pacto Histórico, the same party as President Gustavo Petro. Polls project he will receive the highest vote share in the first election round. He is aligned with left-wing political ideas.
7. Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer with far-right positions, running for the first time under the Defensores de la Patria movement. Recent polls place him as a likely second or third contender in voter preference.
8. Claudia López Hernández, former mayor of Bogotá (2020–2023) and former senator (2014–2018), running under the centrist movement “Imparables con Claudia.” She is known for her anti-corruption agenda and secured her candidacy with more than 570,000 votes (about 9%) in recent interparty primaries.
9. Paloma Valencia Laserna, current senator and candidate of the Centro Democrático party led by Álvaro Uribe Vélez. She won the right-wing interparty primary on March 8 with more than 3 million votes. Polls place her among the top three contenders, and if she reaches a runoff, she would become the first woman in Colombia’s history to do so.

• Sergio Fajardo Valderrama, an academic and mathematician running for the Dignidad y Compromiso He served as mayor of Medellín and governor of Antioquia and is running for president for the third time.
• Roy Barreras, from the political party La Fuerza (The Force). He won the left-wing coalition primary on March 8 with the lowest vote total (257,000 votes, about 3.6%). Although currently aligned with left-wing movements and part of the Petro administration, he has previously been affiliated with right- and center-leaning parties.
• Gustavo Matamoros Camacho, of the Colombian Ecologist Party. He served in the Colombian Army for 43 years. With no prior political experience, his campaign focuses on public security.
• Luis Gilberto Murillo, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2024–2025) and Colombia’s ambassador to the United States (2022–2024). A human rights advocate and Afro-Colombian leader from Chocó, he presents himself as an independent, moderate, centrist candidate.
• Carlos Eduardo Caicedo, running under the independent movement “Con Caicedo.” He was mayor of Santa Marta (2012–2015) and governor of Magdalena (2020–2023), where he built a strong base as a left-wing political leader.

The RNEC also reported that “the draw to determine the position of presidential candidates on the ballot will take place on March 25 at the Ágora Bogotá Convention Center.”

This process marks the formal start of the final phase of the presidential campaign, during which candidates will seek to consolidate support ahead of the first round on May 31. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, a runoff between the two leading candidates will be held on June 21.

List of registered candidates for Colombia’s presidency. Photo courtesy of the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil.

Headline photo: Polling station in Colombia during last Congress elections in March 8, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil.

With modern infrastructure, warm hospitality, and diverse cities, Colombia offers plenty of options for hosting conferences, meetings, and conventions. From its interesting capital to its Caribbean coast, Colombia blends business with cultural richness and unique local experiences. You cannot go wrong scheduling your next event in Colombia. 

Here’s a closer look at the top four cities to consider when planning a conference in Colombia. 

Bogotá: Big City, Big Capability

Located at 8,660 feet above mean sea level, Colombia’s capital city is its main business and transportation hub. As the city with the best international flight connections, it’s the easiest entry point for most foreign visitors. Bogotá has the country’s largest and most advanced conference infrastructure, making it the go-to choice for large-scale international events. 

The Ágora Bogotá Convention Center has a capacity of 4000 people in its main hall and a total capacity of over 10,000 attendees spread across multiple spaces. Corferias offers space for 13,000 attendees across 23 halls. The location is equipped with high-tech facilities and flexible layouts. Hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and Hotel Tequendama also provide excellent options for mid-sized events and breakout sessions. 

The city’s strengths go beyond its infrastructure. Bogotá offers a wide range of hotels, dining, and cultural attractions, from world-class museums to lively nightlife.  

Above – principal entrance to Bogotá’s Corferias Convention Center (photo: Mano Chandra Dhas)

The high altitude can be a challenge for some visitors, and the capital city’s traffic congestion is a well-known issue. The weather tends to be cool and often rainy, so participants need to pack accordingly. 

Cartagena: Where Business Meets the Beach 

Cartagena is perhaps Colombia’s most picturesque destination. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, blends colonial charm with Caribbean flair. With its ocean views and cobblestone streets, Cartagena is perfect for conferences that aim to mix business with pleasure. 

Conference organizers will find good infrastructure in the city. The Cartagena Convention Center is the largest venue and can accommodate over 6,000 people. Several beachfront hotels, including the Hilton, Las Américas, and Hyatt Regency, also offer high-quality meeting spaces. 

The tropical climate, historic ambiance, and beachfront setting make Cartagena a favorite for incentive trips, leadership retreats, and mid-sized international events. That said, costs tend to be higher than in other Colombian cities, and the climate, hot and humid year-round, may not suit everyone. Even though direct international flights link the City to some parts of the world, access is more limited than in Bogotá. 

Medellín: The Eternal Spring and Innovation 

Once known for its troubled past, Medellín has transformed into a symbol of innovation and urban renewal. Located in a mountain valley, the city enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year, which is ideal for hosting events any time. 

Medellín’s main venue, the Plaza Mayor Convention Center, can host up to 18,000 people across multiple halls. Other options include the Palacio de Exposiciones and several upscale hotels such as the Intercontinental and Dann Carlton. 

What sets Medellín apart is its emphasis on creativity and technology. The city has a growing reputation as a tech and innovation hub, making it especially appealing to industries focused on entrepreneurship, digital services, and design. Public transportation is efficient and well-organized, but Medellín has fewer luxury hotels and direct international flights than Bogotá or Cartagena. 

Cali: Colombia’s Cultural Beat 

Cali is Colombia’s salsa capital—a lively city where music, dance, and joy are part of daily life. While it may not be as internationally known for conferences as Bogotá or Cartagena, its event facilities are growing rapidly. 

The main venue, the Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, can host large-scale gatherings of up to 12,000 people. Hotels like Spiwak and the Intercontinental offer smaller, high-quality meeting spaces. 

Cali’s weather is warm and pleasant throughout the year, and the city’s cultural scene makes for memorable off-agenda experiences. It’s more affordable than many of Colombia’s larger cities. However, international connectivity is more limited, and while safety has improved significantly, some areas still require extra caution and planning. Incidentally, Cali is also known for its birding offerings. 

Planning the Event in Colombia 

While Colombia offers a wide range of choices, a few key factors will help you pick the right location. 

First, consider the time of year. Colombia is the rainiest country in the world. While the rainy seasons usually fall in April–May and October–November, in some cities like Bogotá, it can rain right around the year. If your event includes outdoor activities, scheduling the event will be important. Travel logistics also matter. While Bogotá offers the best connectivity, moving between cities often involves short internal flights. 

Ensure your chosen venue can provide needed services like translation, A/V support, and planning assistance. Many also offer optional cultural programming: from traditional dance performances to local cuisine tastings that can elevate the event experience. For security and logistics, it’s always smart to work with a local destination management company familiar with the area. 

MICE in Colombia 

When it comes to MICE, Colombia offers something for everyone. Bogotá provides scale and connectivity. Cartagena delivers beauty and history. Medellín brings innovation and ideal weather. Cali adds rhythm and culture. Each city offers its unique flavor. What they all share is a warm welcome and the chance to turn a business trip into an unforgettable experience. 

Corferias. Photo credit: Mano Chandra Dhas.