Places to Visit in Colombia
Squeezed between two mighty oceans, Colombia is a country of eye-filling beauty and invigorating cultures. This charismatic, welcoming, and untranslatable country is a treasure trove of picturesque landscapes and remarkable destinations just waiting to be explored.
Cartagena
An irresistible cultural mix, Cartagena is where historical charm meets coastal relaxation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site brims with colorful colonial architecture, vibrant street arts, and niche markets. With its cobbled streets and massive walls, it’s a place where romance and history prevail. It’s not all about the historic center, though. Getaways like Playa Blanca are a short boat ride away, offering pristine beaches and clear Caribbean waters.
Bogotá
The Colombian capital combines modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and a range of museums, art galleries, and theaters. The energetic city offers skylines speckled with traditional red tiled roofs, historic neighborhoods with winding lanes, exquisite local cuisines, and an active nightlife. A must-see is the Gold Museum, featuring the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects.
Medellín
Embrace the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín. Known for its pleasant weather, Medellin’s rise from the entrenched drug violence to become a vibrant, forward-thinking city is nothing short of remarkable. Don’t miss the Comuna 13 neighborhood, flaunting vibrant graffiti, escalators, and offering a clear view of city transformation. Medellin’s botanical garden, Parque Explora and the Metrocable ride are local gems guaranteed to make your visit unforgettable.
Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park
Santa Marta, home to stunning national parks and beautiful beaches, makes an excellent base for a visit to the coastal area. The treks in the area range from easy to challenging, as you hike through jungles, past waterfalls, and onto elevated lookout points, Tayrona National Park in particular, rewards with picture-perfect beaches, abundant wildlife, and pre-Hispanic archaeological sites.
San Augustin
A true delight for archaeology enthusiasts, San Augustine is home to Latin America’s largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures. The archaeological park contains multiple burial sites, rituals, and stone idols, some dating back as far as 3300 BC. Amidst the ancient statues, you’re bound to get an unequivocal sense of wonder, making it an important leg of your Colombian journey.
Popayán
Often referred to as La Ciudad Blanca, or The White City, for its whitewashed colonial buildings, Popayán is a gorgeous city in southwestern Colombia. The culinary hub of the country, it hosts the annual National Gastronomic Congress. The local environment, steeped in history and traditions, is accentuated by the architectural beauty of its churches, museums, and bridges.
Coffee Region
Sip the renowned Colombian coffee during your visit to the Eje Cafetero, the Coffee Region. It’s not all about the beans; admire the region’s lush landscapes, full of coffee plantations, rolling hills, and palm trees. Torre de El Cielo, a lookout point in Manizales, or Cocora Valley trek near Salento provide stunning panoramas, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Colombia, with its engaging rhythm, from bustling cities to serene coastlines, and verdant mountains to intriguing historical sites. It’s a country that is as complex as it is captivating. An enchanting mix of the pre-Hispanic civilization and colonial history, spectacular landscapes and rich coffee. Colombia is truly an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.