If you’re planning your next trip and adventure is your thing, you should consider a top destination like Colombia (South America). This is a country with something for everybody; from high mountains with suffocating heights, to warm beautiful tropical beaches. Without a doubt, this country has endless options of things to do, incredible weather all year round  and some of the nicest people on earth. So, if this is your first time visiting this upcoming destination, here are some spots you should consider on your next trip.

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia soon, you’re probably looking for the top things to do, the best adventures, great places to visit and what being a tourist in Colombia is like. Here, you’ll find the most visited spots in the country and what makes each of them special. Colombia is a hidden paradise ready to be discovered. Begin uncovering its secrets!

Tayrona: Where mountains meet the sea

One of Colombia’s most visited spots in the Caribbean, is the National Natural Park of Tayrona; where the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta meets with the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, creating a diverse and exotic ecosystem which has been preserved for thousands of years. Home to the Tayrona natives, the park contains historical sites and a magical history. Nowadays, the park is still inhabited by native tribes such as the Kogui, which will welcome you with their arms wide open. 

The park is very diverse and full of  life, hundreds of different species may be found within the 15.000 hectares of the park. Given the great extension of Tayrona, there are many spots to visit within the park, but for sure one of  the most popular places to visit is the beach of Cabo San Juan, where you can go horseback riding or hiking. Inside the natural park, you have different types of accommodations, but make sure you check an exotic lodging called “Ecohabs”, which are little cabins embedded in the mountains of Tayrona. Additionally, we recommend visiting Bahia Cinto, the only bay with calm waters and a whole underwater world to discover while snorkeling. 

Getting to the main entrance of Tayrona is easy, if you are coming from Cartagena is a four hour ride, or from Santa Marta it would be a one hour drive. There are several options to choose from, public transportation, private vans, taxis or even boats departing from Santa Marta (to get to most of the beaches). It’s up to you!

Bogotá: 2.000 meters closer to the stars

Big, astonishing, diverse and comprehensive, Colombia’s capital city contains everything from fancy to picturesque streets, gastronomy from all over the world and great views. A cosmopolitan city situated on top of the Andean mountains; Bogotá contrasts the modern world with its historical past, something very obvious when you visit La Candelaria, one of the oldest neighborhood of the city, and a place where you can find historical buildings and modern art. Make sure you tour around the old city center, where  along with the Congress, the Mayor’s Office, the Cathedral and the Palace of Justice located on Plaza Bolivar, you can experience the local charm of the people of Bogota. Being there, spare some time to Visit the Gold Museum, focused on pre-columbian art, or Botero’s art museum close to these historical sites.

If you are more of a foodie, walk through the well-known “Zona G” (named due to the gourmet restaurants around the area) ranging in diverse cuisines please all your wishes trying a new restaurant every night. To finish your visit in the best way, get a glimpse of the amazing Colombian night at Andrés Carne de Res, a very particular restaurante/night club which offers traditional Colombian food and party.

Cartagena: “The city of memories” – Gabriel García Márquez

Photo Credits: Travel Zoo – Christian Alcantara

Visiting Cartagena is like traveling  back in time 500 years into a fairytale; a magical town protected by stone walls and cobbled streets, build in front of the Caribbean sea, with  horse carriages passing and colorful houses with huge wooden doorways, adorned with beautiful flowers tangled up their window. This city was one of the most important fortress of the Spanish crown during colonial times and the cornerstone of the Colombian independence, a place where the astonishing architecture left by Spanish colonizers, blend with the tropical beauty of the Caribbean coastline. 

Cartagena is replete with iconic sites like the clock tower and the San Pedro Claver church, ringing its bells everyday at dawn, the astonishing San Felipe Castle watching over the city. As described by Gabriel García Márquez, it is a city made of memories, with its historical past perfectly preserved. Walk through the city and dine in one of the gourmet restaurants situated around the Santo Domingo’s square, or maybe try something a little bit more bohemian in the are of Getsemani. Cartagena’s magic is not only held within the old city, the Rosario Islands located only 45 minutes away by boat, are an enjoyment for the senses; White beaches islets, surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, where you just have  to enjoy the weather and work on your tan.

Medellín: The city of eternal spring

Due to its weather and blooming flowers, Medellin is known as the city of eternal spring. If you decide to visit  in August you’ll get to experience the lively Feria de las Flores and get a glimpse of the wide variety of flowers we have in Colombia through parades, decorations and celebrations. A great way to experience this city, is by taking a walking tour through Medellin’s old downtown; learn everything about the history of the city by taking a stroll through Plaza Bolivar, passing by the race monument or enjoying a cup of coffee at Plaza Botero. Discover the true meaning of resilience while visiting El Barrio Moravia; a working class neighborhood that has experienced a great transformation from its turbulent past. Medellín has become a global symbol for resilience, transforming itself into a beautiful, modern and developed city.

The Coffee Axis: Charming Salento & Its Coffee Farms

The area between the departments of Risaralda, Quindio and Caldas has historically been the region that produces the smoothest coffee in the world. Colombia’s privileged geographical location, creates some of the best conditions for coffee production; reason why in this country you may find world-renowned growers. Touring through the plantations, learn all the secrets of producing  high quality coffee and experience the kindness of the people that live here.

If you are more of an adventure seeker, perhaps the Parque del Cafe, it’s a better idea for you; this amusement park is the perfect mixture of thrilling attractions and cultural expressions. No matter what type of traveller you are, make sure to visit some of the beautiful towns within the mountains, like the charming town of Salento, where handmade arts and picturesque houses become the protagonists. Keep going up the mountains and visit the Valle del Cocora where you’ll be able to discover the Wax Palm (unique type of palm that grows above 2000 meters over the sea level in the high grounds of the Andes, also one of Colombia’s national symbols), in this wonderful valley you can contemplate the majestic scenery of the high altitude Andean forests. Although there are a variety of options for lodging in this area, glamping is a great way to be completely immersed in nature.

Cali: Heaven on earth

This is the biggest city in the southwest of Colombia, geographically very close to the pacific and with a warm and tropical weather  year round, Cali has become the epicenter of the pacific culture of the country. Being one of the oldest cities in South America, to this town they have arrived a mixture of races along the centuries, situation that has enriched the culture and created a unique identity, vibrant, dynamic and full of flavor.

Take advantage of your visit enjoying a dancing lesson, in a city widely recognized as the world’s capital of salsa, for sure you will find a dancing academy around the corner. With new moves in your repertoire, show off in one of the famous Salsa night clubs of the city (like La Topa Tolondra) where you’ll be able to discover Cali’s vibrant vibe, meet new people and have a great time. Next morning enjoy a cold and sweet exotic fruit juice like lulo or chontaduro, recharge your body with enough energy to walk through the bohemian streets of the traditional San Antonio’s neighborhood; this quarter has become the center of the cultural movement of the city, with charming restaurants and art galleries, this place is great to get immersed in the unique atmosphere of Cali..

Santa Marta: Gateway to nature

Not only for the crystalline Caribbean waters surrounding the city, but for the deep jungle in its nearby mountains, Santa Marta is a gateway for tons of adventures and activities that will allow you to connect with nature. By day submerge yourself in the Caribbean vibe, enjoying some of the amazing beaches around the city and by night, delight yourself with some of the wonderful restaurants in the city.  

Now that you’ve started to uncover Colombia’s hidden gems, we hope you visit this paradise soon!