Where to Go in Colombia?

Located in the northern part of South America, Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in the region. With its mountainous landscapes, the Amazon rainforest, desert expanses, and colorful cities, Colombia presents visitors with a diverse face. Forget the cartels and the tumultuous past of the region to discover the ancestral traditions marked by the colonial era. In this article, you will see the best destinations to visit in Colombia for an unforgettable vacation!

Colombia is a country with a tumultuous past that has seen centuries of history: from the Inca civilization to the colonial period up to today. You will find remnants of these eras in major places to visit in Colombia like Bogotá, Mompox, Cartagena, and San Agustín ⛰️

Paradisiacal beaches, tropical forests, rocky mountains, and even sandy deserts... this country has much to offer its visitors, and you will not run out of destinations where to go in Colombia!

Visiting Bogotá is a must during your stay in Colombia. Located at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, it is a city with significant cultural heritage. You will find numerous museums such as the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, and the National Museum. You can also wander through markets and explore the city neighborhoods... in short, you will definitely find things to do in Bogotá!

For a better view of the city, I recommend taking the cable car to Monserrate, located east of Bogotá. This hill, over 3,000 meters high, overlooks the city with its Basilica of the Lord of Monserrate. You will also find many hiking trails to enjoy the view.

Located north of Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an unusual and unique site. Built inside salt mines, this underground place of worship is one of a kind in the world!

You will first walk along the Way of the Cross lined with 12 altars carved in stone. You will then arrive in the Chamber and on the balconies, where you can admire a cross sculpted in bas-relief. To learn more about this building, I recommend joining this guided tour of the Salt Cathedral for €56 per person.

Among the lesser-known gems in Colombia, Mompox is a small colonial city whose charm will not leave you indifferent. Located in the northern part of the country, it was a crucial city in the economy and development of trade by Spanish colonizers. It has quickly been abandoned, leaving today the remnants of that era intact.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its historic center and colorful alleys are ideal for strolling under the tropical heat. And if the sun becomes too overwhelming, you can take refuge in the many churches in the city. I also recommend taking a tour of the white cemetery of Mompox, which is notably inhabited by numerous cats To experience this village fully, you can join this guided tour of Mompox for €24 per person.

To experience the local culture, I recommend visiting Palomino, a typically Colombian village located on the northern coast of the country. This town also enjoys beautiful natural landscapes, as it is where the Palomino River meets the Caribbean Sea. You can admire this spectacle from the beach and even reach the river for a crossing by boat or swimming for the more adventurous.

You will find numerous activities to do in the region such as hiking along the river or tubing. Palomino is also a good observation point for the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, provided that the weather conditions are favorable.

Protected by its ramparts dating from the colonial era, Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Colombia. Discover some of the best-preserved vestiges of colonial times in the country.

You can explore the must-see sites in the city such as the Centennial Park, which is home to sloths and iguanas, Plaza del Ecuador, or the San Ignacio bastion. To learn more about these historic places, I recommend participating in a guided tour of the historic center for about €10 per person.

Located in the western part of Colombia, Cali is a colorful city pulsating with party nights and salsa. It is the perfect city to tour bars and dance the night away But there are also other sites to visit in the city, like the Alameda Market, many colorful churches, or the Cats Avenue ‍*.

Colombia is one of the countries covered by the Amazon rainforest It is the perfect place to visit in Colombia for nature and hiking lovers. You can access it through organized excursions from cities like Leticia.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can even explore the Amazon rainforest with an expert guide! In this case, you can participate in this 5-day guided trek. You will have the opportunity to see monkeys, pink dolphins, and majestic trees for about €970.

An emblematic city in Colombia, Medellín is a must-visit during your stay. Marked by war and drug trafficking in the 70s, Medellín is now one of the most important cultural hubs in the country that can be visited safely. You can discover numerous museums, churches like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, as well as green spaces like the Botanical Garden.

Dubbed the white city in Colombia, Popayán was one of the most important cities during the colonial era after Cartagena. This is why its typical architecture is so special. The picturesque alleys and its whitewashed buildings make Popayán a city worth visiting during a stay in Colombia.

For lovers of paradisiacal beaches and scuba diving, head to the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago Although they are located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, these islands make up one of Colombia's departments. The archipelago offers abundant marine biodiversity protected by UNESCO. It is the ideal place for a scuba diving excursion. For €40 per person, you will even be picked up from your hotel

Where to go in Colombia? Visit the village of Guatapé! You can discover its colorful streets and, of course, the lake that borders the village. The village also enjoys a superb panoramic view accessible from the Piedra del Peñol, a 200-meter high rock accessible after climbing 700 steps ‍

Many islands are also accessible by boat from the town. To enjoy a view of the entire lake and city, I recommend participating in this day trip to Guatapé, which includes a boat ride with water activities.

Among the must-see sites in Colombia, the city of San Agustín is a unique gem. You will find the Magdalena Lagoon, but above all the San Agustín Archaeological Park, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site

This archaeological park bears witness to the remnants of an ancient civilization. You will find numerous statues that reach up to 7 meters in height! A large part of the site has yet to be explored, and the origin of the 500 discovered statues is still unknown

If you're looking for another paradisiacal place to visit in Colombia, I recommend going to Tayrona National Natural Park. Located just over 30 km from the city of Santa Marta, this park is home to a hundred species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and abundant flora.

The park is also bordered by beautiful beaches, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Many hiking trails are also accessible. To facilitate your visit to the park, I recommend participating in a day sailing excursion for €51 per person from Santa Marta.

Located in the heart of Colombia, the Cocora Valley is home to abundant fauna and flora, as well as typical villages like Salento. It is the ideal place for a long hike through the wax palms, Colombia's national tree!

The Cocora Valley is also a central place in coffee culture in Colombia. To learn more about coffee farms, I recommend participating in this excursion to the valley with a coffee plantation visit. For €113 per person, you will be accompanied by a guide who will explain all the steps of the coffee cultivation process before taking a hike in the valley's mountains ☕️

Among the unusual places to visit in Colombia, Caño Cristales is a natural site with an exceptional setting. Located in the La Macarena National Park, this river has the particularity of donning beautiful colors thanks to the Macarenia Clavigera algae that carpets its bed.

The river is accessible from June to November to protect the site from the impacts of tourism for the rest of the year. You can also stroll through the natural park on hiking trails. Many species of birds and mammals, like howler monkeys or tamarins, inhabit the forest!

And there you have it, you now know the best destinations to visit in Colombia. I hope this article helps you in planning your trip