Colombia is a land of diverse wonders with breathtaking landscapes and experiences that reach every kind of traveler. There’s a spot for every tourist to go sightseeing, shop, and enjoy delicious food. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Colombia for your next trip.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
So, six weeks would normally be considered as good enough for a feel of a country. Travel insurance is necessary for traveling in Colombia. Petty theft is common here, and local people constantly advise visitors to keep their wits about them and guard valuables. So, both personal safety and possessions should be covered before arrival.
Places to Visit in Colombia: Full List
Let’s delve into a list of places to visit in Colombia that will surely make your time memorable:
1. Cartagena: Places to Visit in Colombia
Cartagena tops the list of places to visit in Colombia, known by its colonial Old Town- a cobblestone maze, colorful balconies, and magnificent churches- all in commotion. Founded in 1533, this place captivates visitors with its history and colorful architecture. Even though the chief attractions can be seen in one day, the magic of this city must only be felt by slowing down, resting, and savoring its excellent gastronomy.
Where to Stay
There is a budget-priced bed and breakfast in a colonial house outside the walled city called Casa Bustamante Hotel Boutique. They let guests have their pool after hours to relax.
2. Tayrona National Park: Places to Visit in Colombia
Tayrona National Park is long with golden beaches lined with coconut palms and huge rain forests hiked easily with quick access in a day. Camping, hammock rentals, and restaurants serving local foods are available, as well as diving and horseback riding. Santa Marta is an easy park to get to, which you can tour on your own or go with organized groups.
Avoid the Crowds
To make it one of the best places to visit in Colombia, it would be recommended to visit El Zaino and exit through Calabazo, one of the less traveled routes providing a more serene trip. It is generally avoided to visit on public holidays and Saturdays when the park is overloaded with visitors.
Stay Options
Hotel Jasayma, located inside the park, provides budget rooms and thatched bungalows, as well as breakfast, for a full immersion.
3. Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida)
La Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City, is one of the oldest sites, dating to 800 CE, with 169 terraces carved into mountains, connected by paved roads and plazas. Pre-dating Machu Picchu, this site provides one of the most breathtaking treks in Colombia. The treks to the Lost City take 4–6 days and must be led by an operator since trekking independently is prohibited.
Unique Places to Visit in Colombia
This is a highly demanding hike, with river crossings and extra shoes for that, but it repays visitors who make an effort with a journey through fabulous jungles as well as discovering some of the country’s oldest ruins.
Where to Stay
Casa Verde Hotel – Located in the Old Town of Santa Marta, this hotel has facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub on the roof, offering the perfect base for before or after the trek.
4. Salento: Places to Visit in Colombia
Salento is one of the oldest towns in Colombia’s regions, surrounded by green mountains and coffee farms. There is a selection of brightly colored houses and great viewpoints, and its friendly people make it very popular. What is Colombia known for? Great coffee!
Where to Stay
Terrazas de Salento: Awesome views of mountains surrounding, hammock areas outdoors, and a really good breakfast to start the day.
5. Cocora Valley: Places to Visit in Colombia
The national tree of Colombia can be found in the Cocora Valley: the wax palm, which can grow up to 200 feet tall. It offers the most popular day hike in the country: forests cross jungle rivers, visit bird sanctuaries, and reveal fantastic views of the luscious landscape. There is a five-hour route to hike either clockwise or counterclockwise according to your preference, and hiking counterclockwise leaves a few fewer hills.
Where to Stay
Salento is a great base from which to access Cocora Valley.
6. Bogotá: Places to Visit in Colombia
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, and it is all alive with the dynamism of a living city but retains that old-world feel. La Candelaria is the historic downtown area, with great examples of colorful colonial buildings, fascinating museums, and very lively restaurants. The north end of the city boasts far more up-market hotels and entertainment venues, which include Zona Rosa and Zona G.
The food options in Bogotá are incredible, and food tours would also be highly recommended.
Where to Stay
Magdalena Guest House: A budget guesthouse in La Candelaria with comfortable rooms and pleasant garden space.
7. Cali: Things to Do in Columbia
Cali is considered the capital of salsa; this is a rhythm-filled city, an exquisite melting point where guests can either dance to the rhythm or unite with the culture of the town. In addition to all of the dancing, there are parks, museums, and churches, so it’s a great place to visit for those who perhaps need to see a little bit of everything. Most of the hostels in Cali offer free dance classes, but for some, it’s probably heaven on your Colombia vacation.
Stay Options
Magic Garden House–Located in the center, close to one of the main parks in the city, this hotel is an excellent location to reach dance schools and the historic district.
8. Popayán: Things to do in Columbia
Popayán, or La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), boasts impressive colonial architecture. The town is also a university town with three universities and a long past that has gifted it presidents. Its laid-back lifestyle, together with world-class food servings, is one of the best Colombia tourist attractions.
Where to stay
Hotel La Plazuela–Located within a mansion from the 18th century, this small, cozy hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms.
9. Tatacoa Desert: Places to Visit in Colombia
Tatacoa Desert is a desert, literally speaking, not a traditional desert but a tropical dry forest. This contains canyons with red and gray rock colors. In the area, one of South America’s most important observatories is hosted, with stargazing being considered mandatory. The Tatacoa Desert is very remote and quiet, so it affords a lovely landscape to walk or cycle on.
Where to Stay
Hotel Colonial Villavieja is well-rested in an air-conditioned bedroom with a swimming pool and is located in the nearby town of Villavieja.
10. San Agustín Archaeological Park: Places to Visit in Colombia
San Agustín Archaeological Park has thousands of statues of pre-Columbian burial mounds. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows tourists to delve really deep into Colombia’s ancient past and megalithic sculptures. History buffs will want to spend at least a day there to absorb the intrigue of the park’s history.
Where to Stay
Masaya San Agustin: A hotel with individual mountain huts and simply majestic views of the landscape around.
11. San Gil: Adventurous Things to do in Colombia
San Gil is Colombia’s outdoor adventure capital, with white-water rafting, paragliding, caving, and rappelling, among many other activities. This is an exhilarating destination for extreme sports enthusiasts, requiring several days to really explore everything here.
Where to Stay
For an eco-friendly guest house with a full kitchen and common space that makes travelers feel warmly at home, visit Meraki Boutique Hostel.
12. Providencia and San Andrés Islands
Located closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia, Providencia and San Andrés are almost untouched. Miles of untarnished beaches accompany clear blue waters copious with coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Providencia forms part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Providencia and San Andrés allow you the opportunity to discover some of the world’s richest marine biodiversities.
Hotels and Accommodation:
South West Bay Cabañas – A serenely located retreat only 10 minutes from the beach. The stay is fully air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi.
13. Medellín: Best Places to Visit in Colombia
Medellín, the city of flowers, offers a tempting schedule of activities in the lively valley of the Aburrá. Museums, parks, food markets, and nightlife are there to be discovered. Among ex-pats and as a well-loved tourist destination, Medellín presents an ever-livelier cultural scene.
Where to stay
Nomada Hotel Origen: Chabby Hotel in the trendy zone of El Poblado has excellent amenities and a buffet breakfast.
Conclusion
With a rich history, varied landscapes, and pulsating cities, Shakespeare would have fallen in love with Colombia. While national parks may oblige you to walk through emerald forests, it is the cities that will keep you dancing. Ancient ruins, quaint eateries, and beautiful souvenirs; Colombia is rife with beauty and is perfect for a trip!
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Tayrona National Park?
Answer: Avoid weekends and public holidays for fewer crowds.
How long is the trek to the Lost City?
Answer: The trek takes 4–6 days from your Colombia vacation.
Which are the best cities in Colombia to experience coffee culture?
Answer: Salento is the ideal base for coffee tours and Cocora Valley treks.
What is the best activity in San Gil?
Answer: It is one of the best places to visit in Colombia for outdoor adventures like white-water rafting and paragliding.
