Colombia is a country where vibrant cities, lush coffee plantations, and stunning Caribbean coastlines come together to create one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. After years of leaving its troubled past behind, Colombia is now safer than ever and welcoming travelers to discover its incredible beauty and rich culture.
Planning a trip to Colombia can be a big task because there is so much to see and do. This guide is here to help. We’ll show you the best places to visit in Colombia, from famous cities to hidden natural wonders. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, you will find it here.
Before You Go: Essential Colombia Travel Tips
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are some essential tips to make your Colombia travel smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Is Colombia Safe to Visit? This is often the first question travelers ask. For tourists, Colombia is generally safe, especially in the main tourist areas. Like in any new country, you should be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for petty theft in big cities, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Millions of people visit Colombia safely every year, and by using common sense, you can have a wonderful and secure trip.
Best Time to Visit Colombia Colombia is a great year-round destination thanks to its tropical climate. However, the country has two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
- Dry Season (December to March & July to September): This is the most popular time to visit, with sunnier days perfect for hiking and beach trips. Expect more crowds and slightly higher prices.
- Rainy Season (April to May & October to November): You’ll find fewer tourists and lower prices. The rain often comes in short, heavy downpours in the afternoon, so it won’t ruin your whole day.
How to Get Around Colombia Colombia is a large country.
- By Air: For long distances, flying is the best option. Budget airlines like Wingo and Avianca offer affordable flights between major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
- By Bus: For shorter trips, buses are a cheap and reliable way to see the country. Long-distance overnight buses are also a good option for travelers on a budget.
The 20 Best and Most Beautiful Places in Colombia
Here are the must-see destinations for your Colombian adventure.
1. Cartagena – The Jewel of the Caribbean
Cartagena is the city that captures everyone’s heart. Its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and flower-draped balconies. It’s a perfect introduction to the magic of Colombia.
- Activities & Experiences: Get lost in the streets of the Old Town, visit the lively Getsemaní neighborhood to see vibrant street art, and take a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands.
- Tourist Spots: Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Palace of the Inquisition, and the city walls themselves.
- Hotels: Find everything from luxury boutique hotels to friendly backpacker hostels.
- Restaurants: Enjoy fresh seafood and coconut rice at restaurants like La Cevicheria or find tasty arepas on the street.
2. Medellín – The City of Eternal Spring
Once known for its dangerous past, Medellín is now one of the most innovative and exciting cities in South America. Thanks to its pleasant weather year-round, it’s called the “City of Eternal Spring.”
- Activities & Experiences: Ride the Metrocable up to Comuna 13 for an inspiring tour of the neighborhood’s transformation through street art and music. Explore the bustling El Poblado district.
- Tourist Spots: Plaza Botero (home to oversized sculptures by Fernando Botero), Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden), and Parque Arví.
- Hotels: El Poblado has a wide range of modern hotels and hostels.
- Restaurants: From trendy cafes to traditional Colombian eateries, Medellín is a top food destination.
3. Salento & The Cocora Valley – Colombia’s Coffee Paradise
Located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region (Eje Cafetero), Salento is a charming town with colorful streets. It’s the gateway to the breathtaking Cocora Valley.
- Activities & Experiences: Hike through the Cocora Valley to see the Quindío wax palms, the tallest palm trees in the world. Take a coffee farm tour to learn how the world’s best coffee is made.
- Tourist Spots: The main plaza of Salento, the Cocora Valley, and the “Mirador de Salento” viewpoint.
- Hotels: Stay in a cozy guesthouse in town or at a traditional coffee finca (farm).
- Restaurants: Try the local specialty, trucha (trout), served with a large patacón (fried plantain).
4. Bogotá – The Cultural Heart of Colombia
As Colombia’s high-altitude capital, Bogotá is a massive city with a rich cultural scene. It’s a city of contrasts, with historic neighborhoods and modern districts.
- Activities & Experiences: Explore the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, hike up Monserrate for stunning city views, and experience the city’s fantastic nightlife.
- Tourist Spots: The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), the Botero Museum, and Plaza de Bolívar.
- Hotels: La Candelaria offers historic hotels, while Chapinero has more modern options.
- Restaurants: Bogotá is a culinary hotspot. Don’t miss trying Ajiaco, a traditional chicken and potato soup.
5. Tayrona National Park – A Tropical Paradise
Where the jungle meets the sea, Tayrona National Park offers some of Colombia’s most stunning landscapes. Hike through lush rainforest to reach beautiful, secluded beaches with giant boulders.
- Activities & Experiences: Hike to the famous Cabo San Juan beach, go swimming at La Piscina (a natural swimming pool), and look for monkeys and exotic birds in the jungle.
- Tourist Spots: Cabo San Juan del Guía, Arrecifes beach, and the ancient ruins of El Pueblito.
- Hotels: Accommodation is rustic. You can sleep in a hammock, a tent, or a simple eco-hab. Book in advance.
- Restaurants: Simple restaurants on the beaches offer fresh fish and Colombian basics.
6. Guatapé – The World’s Most Colorful Town
Just a two-hour bus ride from Medellín, Guatapé is famous for two things: its brightly colored buildings decorated with beautiful murals (zócalos) and the giant rock, El Peñón de Guatapé.
- Activities & Experiences: Climb the 740 steps to the top of El Peñón for an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding lakes and islands. Wander the colorful streets and take a boat tour on the reservoir.
- Tourist Spots: El Peñón de Guatapé, Plazoleta de Los Zócalos, and the waterfront promenade.
7. Minca – The Mountain Escape
A small village in the Sierra Nevada mountains above Santa Marta, Minca is a paradise for nature lovers. It offers cool mountain air, waterfalls, coffee farms, and spectacular sunsets.
- Activities & Experiences: Hike to the Marinka or Pozo Azul waterfalls, tour an organic coffee or chocolate farm, and relax in one of the giant hammocks at a mountain hostel.
- Tourist Spots: La Victoria coffee farm, the waterfalls, and the many viewpoints overlooking the mountains.
8. Jardín – A Hidden Gem in Antioquia
Often called the most beautiful town in Colombia, Jardín is like Salento but with fewer tourists. Its main square is stunning, surrounded by brightly painted buildings and tables from local cafes.
- Activities & Experiences: Ride the rustic cable car (La Garrucha) for great views, go horseback riding to a waterfall, and drink coffee with the locals in the main plaza.
- Tourist Spots: Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Cueva del Esplendor (a cave with a waterfall), and several walking trails.
9. Cali – The Salsa Capital of the World
If you love to dance, Cali is the place to be. This vibrant city is famous for its salsa scene, with dance schools and salsa clubs on every corner.
- Activities & Experiences: Take a salsa class, go out to a salsa club in the Juanchito neighborhood, and explore the historic San Antonio district.
- Tourist Spots: Cristo Rey viewpoint, Gato de Tejada Park, and the Ermita Church.
10. The Tatacoa Desert – A Stargazer’s Dream
This unique landscape isn’t actually a desert but a dry tropical forest. It has two distinct areas: the stunning red desert of Cuzco and the gray desert of Los Hoyos.
- Activities & Experiences: Hike through the surreal desert landscapes and visit the astronomical observatory at night for some of the best stargazing in South America.
- Tourist Spots: The observatory, the red desert labyrinth, and the swimming pool in the gray desert.
11. Popayán – The White City
Known for its beautiful whitewashed colonial architecture, Popayán is a calm and historic city in southern Colombia. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.
- Activities & Experiences: Walk through the historic center, climb the Morro de Tulcán for city views, and take a day trip to the indigenous market in Silvia.
- Tourist Spots: Parque Caldas (the main square), Iglesia de San Francisco, and the Puente del Humilladero bridge.
12. San Agustín Archaeological Park – Ancient Mysteries
This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. These mysterious stone statues were carved by an ancient civilization between the 1st and 8th centuries.
- Activities & Experiences: Explore the main archaeological park and other nearby sites like Alto de los Ídolos.
- Tourist Spots: The main park with its hundreds of statues and the Fuente de Lavapatas ceremonial site.
13. San Andrés & Providencia – Caribbean Islands
Located closer to Nicaragua than Colombia, these islands offer a classic Caribbean escape with white-sand beaches and turquoise water known as the “Sea of Seven Colors.”
- Activities & Experiences: Go snorkeling or diving in the pristine coral reefs, rent a golf cart to explore the island, and relax on the beach.
- Tourist Spots: Johnny Cay, El Acuario, and the unspoiled island of Providencia for a more remote experience.
14. Manizales & Los Nevados National Park
Manizales is another key city in the coffee region and the main access point for Los Nevados National Natural Park, a stunning area of high-altitude volcanoes and glaciers.
- Activities & Experiences: Visit a coffee farm, tour the impressive Manizales Cathedral, and take a guided tour into Los Nevados to see the Nevado del Ruiz volcano.
- Tourist Spots: The Cathedral Basilica of Manizales, Monumento a los Colonizadores, and the national park itself.
15. The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
For the true adventurer, the trek to the Lost City is one of South America’s greatest challenges and rewards. This ancient city, older than Machu Picchu, is hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Activities & Experiences: A demanding but rewarding 4-day, 44-kilometer trek through the jungle, crossing rivers and staying in indigenous villages.
- Tourist Spots: The series of 1,200 stone steps leading up to the ancient city’s terraces.
16. Punta Gallinas – The Northernmost Tip of South America
For an incredible off-the-grid adventure, travel to Punta Gallinas in the La Guajira desert. This is a surreal landscape where vast orange sand dunes meet the deep blue Caribbean Sea.
- Activities & Experiences: Go sandboarding down the Taroa Dunes, visit the iconic lighthouse, and stay with the local Wayuu indigenous people.
- Tourist Spots: The Taroa Dunes, the lighthouse (Faro de Punta Gallinas), and the stunning beaches.
17. Barranquilla – Home of the Carnival
While it can be overlooked by tourists, Barranquilla is home to the second-largest carnival in the world after Rio. If you visit in February or March, you’ll find a city bursting with color, music, and parades.
- Activities & Experiences: Experience the Carnival’s Battle of the Flowers parade, explore the city’s museums, and walk along the Malecón del Río.
- Tourist Spots: The Caribbean Museum and the modern boardwalk along the Magdalena River.
18. Tierradentro – The Underground Tombs
Another important archaeological site, Tierradentro is famous for its elaborate underground tombs (hypogea). These large burial chambers were painted with intricate geometric patterns.
- Activities & Experiences: Hike between the different archaeological sites to descend into the ancient tombs.
- Tourist Spots: The main tomb sites of Segovia and El Duende, and the small archaeological museum.
19. The Amazon Rainforest (Leticia) – The Lungs of the World
For a truly unforgettable adventure, travel to Leticia, Colombia’s gateway to the mighty Amazon Rainforest. This is a world of immense biodiversity, where you can immerse yourself in the planet’s largest tropical jungle, navigate the legendary Amazon River, and encounter wildlife you won’t see anywhere else.
- Activities & Experiences: Venture on a multi-day jungle trek with a local guide, go on a night safari to spot caimans, spot the famous pink river dolphins, and visit an indigenous Yagua community to learn about their ancient traditions.
- Tourist Spots: Amacayacu National Park, Monkey Island (Isla de los Micos) where you can feed squirrel monkeys, and the Tanimboca Natural Reserve for canopy walking and zip-lining.
20. Chingaza National Park – The Páramo near Bogotá
Just a few hours from Bogotá, Chingaza National Park offers a completely different landscape: the páramo. This high-altitude ecosystem of grasslands and unique frailejones plants is a vital water source and a beautiful, mystical place to hike.
- Activities & Experiences: Take a guided hike to see the unique flora and fauna, including the spectacled bear (if you are very lucky).
- Tourist Spots: Laguna de Siecha, one of the park’s stunning glacial lakes.
Colombia is a country that truly has it all. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean and the vibrant energy of its reborn cities to the serene beauty of the coffee-covered hills and the mysterious whispers of ancient civilizations, there is an adventure waiting for every type of traveler. The warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the sheer diversity of its landscapes make it a destination that will not only meet your expectations but exceed them in every way imaginable. A trip to Colombia is more than a vacation; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Ready to turn your dream trip to Colombia into a reality? Let Hourglass Expeditions craft a personalized itinerary that takes you to the heart of this incredible country.
