Colombia

Colombia is a beautiful and diverse country with many attractions for visitors. Home to stunning natural landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and the Caribbean coast, a rich cultural heritage that includes indigenous, African, and European influences, a long and fascinating history, from the pre-Columbian civilizations to the Spanish colonial period and the modern era, and a wide range of adventure activities, from hiking and trekking, to kayaking, rafting, surfing, diving, snorkeling, parasailing and bungee jumping, Colombia offers unforgettable experiences for everyone!

Some of the top places to visit in Colombia include:
1. Cartagena – A colonial city on the Caribbean coast, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cartagena is known for its colorful buildings, lively streets, historic forts, and its proximity to several amazing islands
2. Medellín – Once known as the world’s most dangerous city, and the nerve center of the notorious Pablo Escobar’s drug operations, Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a safe and thriving metropolis, with a great food scene and plenty of cultural attractions
3. Bogotá – The capital city of Colombia, Bogotá is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination, with a rich cultural heritage, excellent museums, and plenty of nightlife
4. Cali – Located on the Pacific side of Colombia, Cali is known as the Salsa Capital of the world, and is famous for music, street parties, and dance as well as great food that combines the Spanish, Indigenous, and African roots that built the city and created its culture
5. Villa de Leyva – A beautifully preserved colonial town, located just a few hours from Bogotá, that is famous for its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and charming central square
6. Tayrona National Park – This stunning natural reserve on the Caribbean coast is home to pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and an abundance of wildlife
7. Eje Cafetero (The Coffee Axis) – This region of Colombia is known for its picturesque coffee farms, lush landscapes, and charming colonial towns
8. La Ciudad Perdida – This ancient city, hidden deep in the Colombian jungle, is one of the country’s most fascinating archaeological sites.
9. Caño Cristales – A river in Columbia also known as the “River of Five Colors” or “the Rainbow River”
10. The Rosario Islands – Located off the Caribbean Coast of Columbia, this group of islands is a paradise for the beach lover, and a part of a national park, protecting some of the most beautiful reefs in Colombia

Destinations

Key sights to see

Cartagena

Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena offers lush landscapes and beautiful beaches, several historic monuments, excellent nightlife, some of Columbia’s best restaurants, and an exciting blend of old and new to explore. There have been settlements in the area since around 4000 BC, but the current city was founded in 1533 during the Spanish colonization. The colonial fortress and walled city still remain and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Medellín

Once known as the “most dangerous city in the world," Medellin has come a long way since the 1990s and is now one of Columbia’s most popular tourist locations. Located in the Andes Mountains, Medellin is known for its comfortable year-round climate, multiple parks and museums, unique Fernando Botero sculptures, and several sights related to the drug lord Pablo Escobar, including the place he was held prisoner, the place he was killed, and his gravesite.

Bogotá

Bogota is the beautiful and bustling capital city of Colombia, and one of the world’s biggest cities. A mix of both modern and colonial influences, the city is known for its museums, architecture, nature, and thriving food scene. Explore Colombia's history and culture at the Museo de Oro or Museo Botero, enjoy the ambiance of the Plaza Bolivar, or head out to the Botanical Garden or go hiking in the nearby Andes to get lost in nature.

Cali

Located on the Pacific side of Colombia, Cali is known as the Salsa Capital of the world. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene with many salsa clubs, dance schools, and events throughout the year. In addition to being famous for music, street parties, and dance – the city is also famous for its rich culinary tradition, mix of colonial, neoclassical and modern architecture, many outdoor activities, and a few sights related to the Cali cartel, the arch nemesis of Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel.

Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva is a Colombian Heritage Town that is located a three hour drive from the capital Bogotá. Founded in 1572 during the Spanish colonization, visitors today flock here to see the original architecture, which is still intact. The main square of the town, Plaza Mayor, is one of the largest colonial squares in South America, measuring 14,000 square meters. It is surrounded by colonial buildings. Villa de Leyva is also known for its gastronomy and the famous wineries in the surrounding region.

Tayrona National Forest

Voted the world’s most beautiful destination by Condé Nast Traveler and The Guardian, Tayrona National Park is home to an out-of-this-world coastline, as well as the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The park is famous for sunsets, barefoot walks on the golden sands, 16th-century ruins, and abundant wildlife. There are 108 species of mammal, 300 species of birds, over 70 species of bat on land, as well as 110 species of coral and over 400 different types of fish in the sea.

Eje Cafetero (The Coffee Axis)

Known in English as the coffee region of Colombia, Eje Cafetero literally translates to “Coffee Axis". The rural area is mostly known for growing the majority of Colombian coffee, and 18 settlements in the area have UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to traditional coffee farming. If you’re a coffee lover, you can visit coffee farms, the museum of coffee, or even the Colombian National Coffee Park. There are plenty of traditional small towns to visit in the region, the most famous of which is Santuario.

La Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)

La Ciudad Perdida (the “Lost City”) is an archaeological site and ancient city in the middle of the jungle that predates Machu Picchu. First rediscovered in 1972 by a group of treasure looters on a mission to catch a wild turkey, they followed a set of steps in the middle of the jungle and stumbled across the long-forgotten settlement. Now, the preserved site is home to a network of ancient roads, several plazas, and – perhaps most impressive – 169 terraces carved into the mountainside.

Caño Cristales (The Rainbow River)

Caño Cristales is a river in Colombia also known as the “River of Five Colors” or “the Rainbow River”. Located in the Meta Province of Colombia, the color of the river changes throughout the year, displaying yellows, greens, blues, blacks, and most famously, reds, thanks to the variety of plants on the river bed. To make the most of your time in Caño Cristales, don’t miss the savannahs, endless jungles, or incredible rock formations.

Rosario Islands

Located off the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, this group of islands is a paradise for the beach lover, and a part of a national park, protecting some of the most beautiful reefs in Colombia. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, sipping on cocktails at the beach bar, exploring the crystal waters of the reefs, or admiring the local sea life at the aquarium and oceanarium.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Private Tour of Cartagena Walled City, San Felipe Castle & Convent of La Popa

Experience the best of Cartagena on this private tour. See Santo Domingo Square, the church, and the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, and walk around the streets filled with colorful colonial era houses in the old walled city. Then visit San Felipe Castle, the city’s old fortress built by Spanish colonialists, and the Convent of La Popa, located on the top of a hill, with spectacular views of the city, the sea and some of the nearby islands.

Private Tour of Cartagena & Getsemani

Explore the Walled City of Cartagena and the neighborhood of Getsemani on a private tour. Begin your tour in Plaza de Bolívar, also known as Peace Square, by the clock tower, then travel back in time as you visit the Walled City of Cartegena’s historic spots and attractions including San Pedro Claver Square and Church and the many colorful colonial houses. Then, visit the enchanting, colorful, vibrant, Getsemani barrio to experience Colombian culture and cuisine.

Private tour of Comuna 13, Medellín

Explore Comuna 13, once known for its high level of violence and poverty and a stronghold of the Medellín cartel, but one of the city’s most vibrant and interesting areas today. Travel on the escalators that connect the lower and upper parts of the neighborhood and explore the vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals and graffiti. Finally, take the San Javier cable car, which connects Comuna 13 and marvel at the stunning views.

Private Guatapé Tour with Lunch & Cruise from Medellín

Drive for an hour and a half to the eastern Antioquia municipality of Guatapé. Enjoy a guided tour through the colorful village and its unique streets adorned with tile facades. Then, take a 1-hour boat tour through the reservoir to the picturesque town of Zócalos. Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch before climbing the 740 steps to reach the top of the Rock of Guatapé or Piedra del Peñol, a monolith which reaches 220 meters high, for spectacular views of the region.

Private Zipaquirá and Salt Cathedral Tour from Bogotá

Visit the colonial town of Zipaquirá and tour the Salt Cathedral, located inside the depths of the world’s biggest salt rock reserve. The Cathedral was first built in the 1950s by miners who carved a small chapel into the salt walls of the mine. Over the years, the cathedral was expanded and redeveloped. Marvel at the icons, ornaments and architectural details hand-carved in the halite rock. Enjoy a typical Colombian lunch in one of Zipaquirá’s best restaurants after visiting the cathedral.

Colombia

Destinations

Activities

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