Mystifying Colombia features an unmatched diversity of landscapes, right from the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean to the verdant, jade coffee-filled hills of the central provinces. With a capital city that’s the third-highest in the world, Colombia is heaven for adventure junkies, trekking enthusiasts, and nature lovers. History, myth, and legend make for a heady mixture in Colombia which was also the cradle of fascinating ancient civilizations, the remnants of which can still be seen in the country today. Rounding up the Colombian experience are the wonderfully picturesque cobblestone villages and towns that make up the very heart of the country. So, here are some of the best places to visit in Colombia.
1. Bogotá (from USD 141.0)
Capital city Bogotá, the world’s third-highest capital, is where contemporary meets colonial. Explore the history of this vibrant, interesting city beginning from the La Candelaria, the city’s historic, cultural epicenter. Explore works of contemporary art at the Botero Museum before heading to Plaza de Bolívar and the Prime Cathedral, which stands for everything that Bogotá was and is. Cross the La Candelaria border by the stunning Eje Ambiental before being mystified by the indigenous gold collection at the Gold Museum. After shopping at the handicrafts market of Parque Santander, wrap up the visit at Monserrate Sanctuary, located at the top of the Eastern Hills of Bogotá.
Bogota City Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
2. Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy
Red Spanish-tiled roofs sit on chalk-white homes with sea-green trim - the town of El Cocuy is as visually stunning as the mountains surrounding it. The town is one of the entries to the now-limited Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy, a stunning Andean wonderland and one of the country’s greatest unexplored natural wonders. While the park closed and reopened with limited access due to security reasons, the scenery is breathtaking - think crystalline mountain lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Trekking lovers can enjoy the following three public trails - Laguna de La Sierra, El Pulpito, and Ritacuba Trail.
Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy
Address: Calle 4 #41, Guican, Güicán, Boyacá, Colombia
Website: Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy
3. San Agustín
With a pleasant, spring-like climate, San Agustín in the heart of Puracé National Natural Park is best known to be the site of 5000-year-old San Agustín Archaeological Park, home to hundreds of burial mounds and statues dating back to the mysterious pre-Colombian era. Those interested in ancient South American cultures can also visit the towns of Alto de Los Idolos and Alto de Las Piedras, as well as the archaeological sites of El Purutal, La Pelota, La Chaquira, and the Obando Archaeological Park. Adventure lovers, meanwhile, will love rafting on the gushing waters of the mighty Magdalena River just south of San Agustín and trekking to the Bordones Waterfall, Colombia’s highest waterfall.
San Agustín Archaeological Park
Address: Cra. 11 #307, San Agustín, Huila, Colombia
Website: San Agustín Archaeological Park
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 8am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
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4. Cartagena
Cartagena, formally Cartagena de Indias, is your ultimate go-to destination on the Caribbean. Aptly monikered “La Ciudad de Amurallada” (Walled City), this colonial UNESCO World Heritage site of a town is right out of a postcard - think leafy, shaded light-yellow cobblestone alleys and fort-like walls sitting against the brilliant blue of the Caribbean. Explore the historic castle of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the Museo de Oro, and the vibrant, bustling market of Mercado de Bazurto. Spend the night partying on a chiva (party bus)! When you’re done exploring Cartagena’s history, head to the gorgeous Playa Blanca, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the white sand act as the ultimate therapy.
5. Amazonas
One of the world’s most bio-diverse and revered regions, the Colombian Amazon in the Department of Amazonas is a place of magic, myth, and majesty. Visit and stay at the eco-community of Puerto Nariño, a two-hour upriver journey from capital Leticia, which is also popular for viewing wildlife. Go on a three-day jaunt to the Zacambú Lagoon on the River Javary, where you can camp in the jungle, go caiman-spotting during twilight, fish for piranhas, and spy the famous pink dolphins of the Amazon. Admire the more than 400 bird species at Amacayacu National Park near Puerto Nariño. Don’t miss feasting on the exotic local food and fruits special to the region.
6. Medellin
The hilly metropolitan city, Medellin is one of Colombia’s hippest cities today, as well as its most international and “it” ones. Enjoying a fabulous round-the-year climate, Medellin has rightly earned the moniker of “City of Eternal Spring”. Explore the city’s many plazas and parks, trek, and hike in the spectacular Parque Arvi, and go bird-watching at the quiet, verdant Jardín Botánico (botanical gardens). Feast your eyes on the wonderful street art in Communa 13 and treat your palate to a food tour of Medellin. Explore the works of national and international artists at Museo de Antioquia and dig into Colombia’s history at the Cementerio Museo de San Pedro and Casa de la Memoria.
7. Santa Marta (from USD 784.0)
If you’re an adventure lover and thrillseeker staying in Santa Maria on the gorgeous Caribbean Sea coast, then you will love trekking through the Colombian jungles to Ciudad Perdida, Colombia’s Lost City in the heart of the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Hike for four days across the amazing Sierra Nevada scenery and its jade, thick terrain to this stunning ninth-century indigenous archaeological site, even as your knowledgable guide gives you a deeper insight into the culture and history of this wonderful region.
4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta
Duration: 4 days
8. San Gil
Is your idea of a holiday all about trekking, rappelling, caving, paragliding, white-water rafting and what-not? San Gil, Colombia’s adventure capital awaits you, with a motto that could not be apter - “La Tierra de Aventura”, or “The Land of Adventure”. Para-glide across the Chicamoca Canyon, have adrenaline gush through you while white water rafting on the Rio Suares and Rio Fonce, go caving at La Cueva de la Vaca, rappel down the powerful Juan Curi Waterfall, hike up the Cerro De La Cruz for stunning views of San Gil. Relax your sore body and muscles by taking a walk at the verdant Parque El Gallineral, or indulge in a therapeutic massage at the Natural Spa, or swim in the natural pools at Pescaderito and Pozo Azul.
9. San Andres (from USD 54.0)
Get off the beaten path and head to the magical San Andres island in the heart of the Caribbean, around 800 km (497 miles, 432 nautical miles) off the northwestern coast of Colombia. Part of the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, San Andres is all about sun, sand, and sea - and rocks! Visit an interesting blowhole, just like in the movies, and gear up to see some amazingly impressive pirate’s sea caves. Wrap up your Caribbean island adventure with a swim in an actual natural rock pool in the magnificent and magical Sea of Seven Colours, where the color of the water ranges from translucent aqua blue to a stunningly deep green.
San Andres Island Private Sightseeing Tour with Admission
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
10. Guatapé (from USD 30.0)
Break free of metropolitan monotony and head to the picturesque Andean resort town of Guatapé by the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The star attraction in Guatapé is the magnificent 200-meter-high (656 feet) La Piedra del Peñol or the Peñol Rock. Ascending the zigzag, whopping 742-step staircase to the summit is made worth by the stunning, sweeping views of the town, with the blue fingers of the lake cutting into the green of the countryside. Wrap up your day tour from Medellin by visiting traditional Antioquioian Colombian villages, including Marinilla and Guarne.
Tip from Content Creator
Guatapé is one of the most colourful places in Colombia, located about a 2-hour drive from Medellin. You can explore the town and also climb El Peñol, a huge monolith that towers above the surrounding area. Your efforts will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the many lakes and waterways around Guatapé.
You can easily visit on a day trip from Medellin, but you can stay overnight as well. Although it’s touristy, it’s still very much worth a visit to wander along its cobblestone streets and admire its colourful homes and murals.
Day Trip To Guatape: Boat Ride and Lunch Included
Duration: 10 to 11 hours
11. Palomino
Nestled between the lush green mountains of the Sierra Nevada and what is one of Colombia’s best beaches is the country’s hippest towns, Palomino, which has quickly transformed from a sleepy seaside town to one of the must-visit hotspots in Colombia. Go tubing right from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada all the way to the Caribbean on the gorgeous Palomino River. Spot stunning wildlife such as toucans and monkeys, and dig into the incredibly fresh seafood as you lounge on the jaw-dropping white sand beach - and experience bliss.
12. Los Nevados
Origin of 37 rivers, the spectacular Los Nevados National Natural Park in the heart of the Colombian coffee-growing region is home to the spectacular Colombian Andes, featuring everything from snow-capped volcanoes, and high mountain páramo plains to humid cloud forests and mountain lakes. Los Nevados is heaven for intrepid travelers, who can have the pick of the activities here, right from hiking the Nevado Santa Isabel and the Nevado del Tolima, one of Colombia’s most difficult climbs, to exploring the stunning blue waters of the Laguna del Otún and seeing the gorgeous alpine flora and fauna of the region.
Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados
Address: Carretera Bogota - Manizal Km. 45, Murillo, Tolima
Website: Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados
13. Barranquilla
Barranquilla’s claim to fame is being the hometown of Colombian pop sensation Shakira, but the industrial city, monikered Colombia’s Golden Gate, is so much more. Sitting on the banks of the mighty Magdalena River and the shores of the Caribbean, Barranquilla is also home to the Carnaval, Colombia’s most flamboyant street soiree, and Latin America’s second-largest after Rio de Janeiro’s. Culture enthusiasts will love the Museo del Caribe and Castillo de Salgar, while the party and dance enthusiasts should head to La Troja, the ultimate Barranquillan experience.
14. Salento
In the heart of the Cocora Valley in Quindío at the apex of the descending Coffee Triangle of Colombia sits the pretty little town of Salento, one of the oldest towns in the department. Culture lovers will love the gorgeous paisa architecture, the local craft stalls, artesanías, on Calle Real, and the quaint streets. Nature lovers can hike the stunning, verdant Cocora Valley while Javaphiles can get their fix at the numerous coffee plantations. Food lovers will also find that the food at Salento satiates just about every hankering they have, serving everything right from hamburgers to Venezuelan arepas!
15. Jericó
Chock full of waterfalls and family-owned coffee farms, Jericó is also the birthplace of Madre Laura, the country’s first and only canonized saint. Art plays a huge role in Jericó, whether it is local artisans and their work, music, leather crafts, or woodwork, painting and more. Tour one of the prettiest of the 17 Colombian “Pueblo Patrimonios” (heritage towns) by visiting the Cristo Salvador viewpoint, the Templo Inmaculado Corazon de Maria church, the artisans’ center of Bomarzo, going horseriding and sipping some delectable, fresh Colombian coffee.
16. Barichara
Winding, sloping cobblestone streets, chalk-white homes with archetypal Spanish red roofs, and lush green countryside all around - the national monument that is Barichara in the Santander Department is unarguably one of Colombia’s prettiest towns. Pray at the gorgeous Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción and the pretty Capilla de Santa Bárbara, and wander the beautiful streets of the town. Hike the postcard-esque Camino Real to Guane and take in the sweeping views at El Mirador. Wrap up your visit by taking a ceramics class and sampling some delectable Santander cuisines.
17. Leticia
The gateway to the Colombian Amazon, Leticia sits on the triple border of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia on the banks of the Great Amazon River. Flying into Leticia is the only way to access this buzzing, verdant Amazonian city, which is the perfect base for exploring the great vastness that is the Colombian Amazon. See more than 700 species of flora at the Mundo Amazonico reserve, visit Monkey Island, visit the lovely indigenous village of Puerto Narino and the wetland region of the Tarapoto Lake to see the famous wild pink dolphins of the Amazon, and admire giant water lilies at the Victoria Amazonica. Don’t forget to do the unique experience of breakfasting in Leticia, lunching in Peru, and having dinner in Brazil - three meals in three countries in one day!
18. Mocoa
Mocoa is the base for exploring the accessible Colombian Amazon without having to visit Leticia in the very heart of the rain forest. The popular backpacking destination sits right on the doorstep of the verdant, lush Amazon with swimming holes, hundreds of clear rivers, gorgeous, blinding-white waterfalls, and what-not. Nature lovers have tons to choose from, right from hiking Fin del Mundo and Hornoyaco waterfalls and birding to exploring the fauna at the Paway Natural Reserve to snapping pictures at the scenic Mandiyaco Canyon. Are you the kind who’d enjoy sleeping in a jungle treehouse? It’s right here at Paway Natural Reserve in Mocoa!
19. Mompox
Santa Cruz de Mompox, a.k.a. Mompós is a town frozen in time. Sitting on the banks of the Rio Magdalena deep inland in Colombia’s Bolivar Department, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of a 16th-century town is a perfectly preserved Spanish colonial settlement, which will remind bibliophiles of the fictional Macondo, Gabriel García Márquez’ magical setting of One Hundred Years of Solitude. See Mompox’ beautiful colonial churches, wander its winding bylanes and streets, explore the wildlife at Ciénaga de Pijiño, and wrap up your day by strolling or biking along the beautiful Albarrada as you take in the sun setting over the Magdalena River.
20. Cali (from USD 53.0)
Known as the world’s salsa capital, Cali brims with electrifying energy that is seen in few Colombian cities. Allow your local caleño guide to guide you to the incredible statues of Cristo Rey and Sebastian de Belalcazar, from where you can spy sweeping views of the city of Cali. Try sweets, fruits, and drinks typical of the region before heading to the La Tertulia Museum of Modern Art, the historic Hotel Obelisco, and the iconic El Gato del Rio. Take a walk on the Boulevard del Rio before wrapping up the day with a thrilling salsa class!
Cali: City Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
21. Caño Cristales
Imagine a river which is red, yellow, green, and blue in color, with thousands of shades in between making appearances as well. At the southern end of Parque Nacional Natural Tinigua, lies this gorgeous biological area. Visit this wonder of a river, Caño Cristales, known as the “river of five colors”. Visit the stunning region around this river in a thrilling three-day tour from Bogotá, where you can relax in lush, untouched environs, spy exotic flora and fauna on a Caño Cristales cruise, enjoy riverside picnics, and even enjoy a dip and a swim in the clear, stunning water of the Caño Cristales.
3-Day Caño Cristales (Rainbow River) from Bogotá
Duration: 3 days
22. Villa de Leyva (from USD 492.0)
Step into the 16th century in Villa de Leyva, a charming architectural beauty of a historical town high up in the Andes, complete with whitewashed structures and terracotta roofs. On the way from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva, explore the fascinating, ancient pre-Columbian, archaeoastronomical site of El Infiernito or Little Hell, which sits right next to a picturesque reservoir. Spend the next day strolling the cobblestone streets of Villa de Leyva before heading to the traditional village of Raquirá, Colombia’s “Pottery Capital” to admire artisan crafts, 24 km (15 miles) from Villa de Leyva.
Villa de Leyva Overnight trip
Duration: 2 days
23. Providencia Island (from USD 326.0)
Fly to the untouched Caribbean jewel that is the mountainous Providencia Island, a 20-minute flight from San Andres Island. Rent a scooter and drive on the one road that circles the island, exploring the Caribbean villages and golden-sand beaches along the way. Indulge in snorkeling and diving in the shallow waters of the Caribbean and what is home to the world’s third-largest coral reef. Swim with diverse marine life, including turtles, stingrays, sharks, and what-not even as you explore the underwater caves in the region. Last but not least, hike the lush mountains to the island’s peak for stunning, 360-degree views of the island and the great blue Caribbean beyond.
2 Days 1 Night in Providencia Island
Duration: 2 days
24. Popayán (from USD 133.0)
Colombia’s “La Ciudad Blanca” or White City" Popayán is one of Colombia’s most impressive colonial settlements. Explore this chalk-white university town and its architectural wonders, beginning with the Colonial Religious Art Museum. The small-scale Popayán of Pueblo Patojo allows you to see where the colonial spots like Caldas Park and Clock Tower are located, allowing you to check out which attractions to go to next on this wonderful day tour from Cali.
Day Trip Popayán History and Culture from Cali
Captivating Colombia
The vast, blue expanse of the Caribbean, the lush, jade vastness of the Colombian Amazon, and the rugged, raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range make for a gorgeous and captivating scenery in Colombia. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, a history buff and culture aficionado, or someone simply looking to enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean, Colombia makes for a great destination for an unforgettable holiday.
Minca
Contributed by Content Creator, Sam MacLean
A 45-minute drive inland of Colombia’s Caribbean coast is a nature wonderland called Minca. Here, you will feel worlds away from the bustling coastal cities and can even visit some stunning waterfalls. These amazing falls are a few kilometers outside of Minca and best reached by mototaxi (10,000 COP or 2.57 USD each way).
History
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