Being such an enormous nation, it’s tough to slender down this listing to fifteen of one of the best locations to go to in Colombia. It’s a various nation with an incredible shoreline, unbelievable countryside, scrumptious meals, and cosmopolitan cities. Relating to issues to see in Colombia, you’re fully spoiled for selection.
I spent three months exploring Colombia as a digital nomad and cherished each minute of it. From the fascinating historical past to the pleasant individuals and vibrant, welcoming tradition, to the attractive seashores and surroundings, I undoubtedly advocate including Columbia to your listing of must-see locations.
I’ve ready this information that will help you plan the place to go in Colombia and provide you with a head begin on creating an epic itinerary.
15 Greatest Locations to Go to in Colombia
There are some good locations to go to in Colombia. I’ve put collectively this listing of my favorites, to be sure you don’t miss any.
So, when you’re planning to journey to Colombia, take a look at my highlights under and have essentially the most superb time on this unbelievable nation.
1. Cartagena
Cartagena is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer sights in Columbia, and it’s simple to see why with its Caribbean coast location offering lovely, sunny climate.
In Cartagena, you’ll discover the magical outdated city, which is a walled a part of the town with cobbled streets and tremendous Colonial structure.
Simply exterior of the walled city, the hip and stylish neighborhood of Getsemani is filled with hostels, accommodations, road artwork, and funky bars and eating places to discover.
For these searching for fashionable flats, swimming pools, and beautiful views of the ocean, you even have Bocogrande as a location to think about.
Whereas the seashores aren’t one of the best Colombia has to supply, its distinctive location on the coast makes it the proper place for exploring the beautiful islands of Colombia, (which additionally characteristic on this listing). It’s simple to see why almost all guests cease in Cartagena when visiting Colombia.
Location: Cartagena is situated on the northern coast of Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea.
Getting There: Cartagena has its personal airport, so take an inner flight when you’re touchdown within the capital, Bogota.
Issues To Do: Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Cartagena is a walking tour. Go to the Convento de la Popa, a monastery on the highest of a hill with beautiful views over the town, and head to Outdated City to discover the beautiful boutique outlets.
The place to Keep: For a luxurious keep within the coronary heart of Outdated City, take a look at Hotel Casona del Porvenir.
2. The Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are situated off the coast of Cartagena and comprise 30 totally different islands. This nationwide park is residence to a number of the most pristine seashores and unbelievable waters that Colombia has to supply.
The most important island, Isla Grande, is residence to resorts and accommodations so that you can absolutely expertise island life. The waters across the islands are unbelievably blue and coral reefs and colourful fish are plentiful. It’s a diver’s paradise.
The Rosario Islands is without doubt one of the most lovely locations in Colombia. It’s accessible through many alternative excursions from Cartagena and I extremely advocate you are taking a day journey or e-book an evening or two right here in absolute paradise.
Location: The Rosario Islands are off the Caribbean coast of Colombia, near Cartagena.
Getting There: You’ll be able to catch a ship or be part of a tour from Cartagena. Attempt this full-day tour from Cartagena.
Issues To Do: Rent a snorkel to discover beneath the waters and head to the beautiful Bendita Beach.
The place to Keep: For hammocks overlooking the ocean on Isla Grande, head to the attractive El Hamaquero Hostal EcoNativo.
Entrance Charge: $4.25 entry price to the park applies, and is usually charged along with any ferry or tour costs.
3. La Ciudad Perdida
La Ciudad Perdida, or the Misplaced Metropolis, is an unbelievable hike and is without doubt one of the finest, hidden gems in Colombia. The Misplaced Metropolis is an archaeological web site constructed round 800AD by the Tayrona and predates Machu Picchu.
La Ciudad Perdida is situated close to the town of Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It consists of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, along with a collection of plazas and a community of roads linking it collectively. It was found in 1972 by treasure looters.
Due to archaeologists, and with the permission of native indigenous tribes, part of it’s now open to the general public. That stated, it’s solely accessible on foot through a 4-day hike.
Because of this, it’s the most effective issues to do off the crushed monitor in Colombia. You’ll want permits and a information to make the journey, so book a tour and a information. In case you love exploring, this is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Colombia for positive.
Location: La Ciudad Perdida is situated within the north of Colombia and is accessible from the close by metropolis of Santa Marta.
Getting There: It will probably solely be accessed on foot, so seize a spot on this amazing 4-day hike, which works with the indigenous group.
Issues To Do: You’ll discover loads of natural world alongside the route, in addition to waterfalls, rivers, and pure swimming pools to chill off in.
The place to Keep: Lodging is supplied on the excursions inside native, indigenous communities.
Entrance Charge: None, though permits and licensed guides are required to entry the realm.
4. Cali
In case you love salsa, and the infectious rhythm that comes with it, then Cali is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Colombia. And when you’re not a fan already, you can be after a couple of days within the southern metropolis of Cali.
The colourful metropolis is packed filled with salsa dance colleges, the place even these with no rhythm in any respect are welcomed by pleasant and enthusiastic locals. Head to the numerous bars and golf equipment within the night to look at the professionals in motion. Zaperoco is certainly one of my favourite spots within the metropolis, whether or not you need to dance or just soak within the ambiance.
The charming metropolis additionally has loads of church buildings, museums, squares, and a vibrant cafe tradition. It’s an attractive place to discover and the most effective cities to discover in Colombia.
Location: Cali is situated within the south of Colombia, round 500 kilometers from Bogota.
Getting There: Buses run from Bogota (9–11 hours) and Medellin (8 hours). Cali additionally has its personal airport.
Issues To Do: Take a walking tour to explore this magical place by day or take a salsa tour. Head to Zaperoco within the night for an actual style of Cali’s salsa scene.
The place to Keep: El Peñon is an upscale and secure space of city and Hotel Peñon is very really useful.
5. San Gil
In case you love journey then San Gil, an enthralling city of red-roofed buildings, is without doubt one of the finest locations to go in Colombia. It’s famously known as the journey capital of Colombia.
It’s solely a small city, nevertheless it packs a punch with regards to adrenaline hits. The gorgeous nature discovered right here is a number of the finest in Colombia. It’s residence to white water rafting, paragliding, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and rather more.
Though filled with potential actions, if you wish to gradual it down a contact, Parque el Gallineral, has over 10 acres of strolling trails. The close by National Park of Chicamocha can also be residence to one of many longest cable vehicles on the planet at 3.6 miles. So, when you’re a lover of the outside, San Gil is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Colombia.
Location: San Gil is a small city situated 300 kilometers north of Bogota within the Colombian division of Santander.
Getting There: There are common buses from Bogota (8 hours), Medellin (11 hours), and Cartagena (17 hours). The closest airport, Bucaramanga (Palonegro) is 2 hours away.
Issues To Do: Paragliding in Chichamocha National Park and Canyoneering are two of one of the best adrenaline experiences in San Gil. For a extra relaxed time, observe the attractive trails in Parque el Gallineral.
The place to Keep: Traveler Hostel, situated within the middle, presents a pool, a roof terrace, and a terrific vibe.
Entrance Charge: There’s an entrance price of round $5 to enter Chichamocha Nationwide Park, and $10 to incorporate the cable automobile.
6. Jardin
Colombia is world-famous for its espresso, so a visit to its coffee-growing area is certainly one of my highlights of the nation; situated within the coronary heart of the espresso area is the stunningly lovely city of Jardin.
This little city is a picture-perfect model of a colonial city in Colombia. The homes are brightly painted and adorned with flowers. Nature surrounds this city and in a brief stroll, you could be amongst wildlife and waterfalls simply exterior of the city.
Within the city itself, there are many boutique outlets and, after all, espresso outlets that vary from native choices to super-trendy cafes that roast regionally grown beans in-house.
This little city is a superb jumping-off level for a number of the finest espresso excursions, however Jardin alone is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Colombia and chances are you’ll battle to go away.
Location: Jardin is situated within the coffee-growing area, in north-west Colombia.
Getting There: The simplest method to get to Jardin is from Medellin. From right here, it’s a 3-hour drive.
Issues To Do: After all, you have to take a espresso tour. This private tour is great. Take a hike to La Escalera waterfall and cease in one of many stylish espresso outlets on the town on the way in which again.
The place to Keep: The gorgeous Casa Passiflora Hotel Boutique within the coronary heart of Jardin is an excellent tranquil place to remain and is nice for {couples}.
7. Bogota
Colombia’s capital metropolis is often a setting-off level for the opposite superb locations to see in Colombia. However I completely cherished Bogota and extremely advocate spending a couple of days right here earlier than heading elsewhere.
Bogota is perched within the Andean Mountains at an altitude of over 2,600 meters. It’s a sprawling metropolis, residence to over 11 million individuals. Its lofty elevation means it may be chilly and typically wet, however on sunny days, it’s an unbelievable place to discover.
You have got the fashionable neighborhoods of Zona T (or Rosa) and Chapinero which combine native eateries with hipster espresso outlets and classy brunch stops. Then you’ve got the historic focus on Plaza de Bolivar residence to cobbled streets, beautiful structure, and a few nice museums.
Bogota is big however has loads of bike lanes in addition to a public community of bikes for rent. So, soar on a motorbike and discover. For me, Bogota is without doubt one of the coolest cities to go to in Colombia. I’d extremely advocate stopping for a couple of days.
Location: Bogota is pretty centrally situated and makes an ideal start line in your Colombian adventures.
Getting There: Chances are high you’ll fly into Bogota. If not, buses run every day from Cartagena (20 hours), and Medellin (9 hours) amongst others.
Issues To Do: Take the cable car to Montserrat for one of the best views over the town. Discover Outdated City round Plaza de Bolivar and take in the fashionable vibes in Zona T.
The place to Keep: I’d advocate staying within the northern a part of Chapinero. This super stylish apartment is completely situated between Chapinero and Zona T.
8. Tayrona Nationwide Park
The beautiful Tayrona Nationwide Park, full with secluded and palm tree-lined seashores, is fingers down one of the lovely locations Colombia has to supply its guests.
This nationwide park is situated on the northern, Caribbean coast close to the town of Santa Marta. It’s the place the jungle meets the ocean with the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains behind you, virgin seashores in entrance, and wilderness in between.
You’ll be able to keep in a single day in one of many many eco-lodges, or when you’re on a price range, lease a hammock and benefit from the full jungle expertise. It’s certainly one of my most must-see locations in Colombia, particularly when you’re heading to the Caribbean coast.
Location: Tayrona National Park is situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, 20 kilometers from Santa Marta.
Getting There: You’ll be able to take a 30-minute taxi or bus from Santa Marta, or board a yacht in Santa Marta for a very distinctive expertise.
Issues To Do: Snorkel and sunbathe on an amazing yacht tour of the Park. Alternatively, discover on foot on one of many many marked trails within the jungle, and spend the evening in an eco-lodge for an unforgettable jungle expertise.
The place to Keep: Yay Sustainable is an attractive eco-lodge specializing in sustainability. It has an outside pool and is nestled within the jungle. It’s the final word lodging for peace and tranquility.
Entrance Charge: Round $15 for entry to the nationwide park.
9. San Andres Island
San Andres is certainly the most effective locations to go to in Colombia, regardless that it’s nearly 450 miles from the mainland and in reality nearer to Nicaragua.
Thought-about a Nationwide Park and situated proper in the midst of the Caribbean Sea, you possibly can count on unbelievable marine life, palm tree-lined and white sand seashores beside shiny blue water.
It’s a good way to expertise Caribbean life, on a Colombian price range. Albeit it’s somewhat costlier than the mainland, it’s far cheaper than the Caribbean islands.
San Andres is without doubt one of the finest diving spots on the planet, with a number of the finest coral and marine life under the waves. It’s additionally a really reasonably priced place to dive, whether or not that be to get licensed or be part of some unbelievable dives.
Location: San Andres continues to be part of Columbia however is situated over 700 kilometers away; round 210 off the Nicaraguan Coast. It’s properly price a go to.
Getting There: You’ll be able to solely entry San Andres by aircraft. You’ll be able to fly from most primary airports on the Colombian mainland to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Worldwide Airport and tickets are cheap.
Issues To Do: Diving is important in San Andres. I like to recommend this fun diving experience which is unbelievable for newcomers. Discover the numerous seashores, and go to the neighboring islands. My favourite is Johnny Cay.
The place to Keep: To be near one of the best seashores, outlets, and nightlife, I like to recommend staying in St Andrew’s Bay. Hotel Boutique Casa Hendaus is an attractive adults-only lodge simply 400 meters from the seashore.
Entrance Charge: There’s an entry price of round $30 which is charged on departure from the mainland on the airport to entry San Andres.
10. Medellin
Medellin is a big and unbelievable metropolis. I spent a month right here and primarily based myself in El Poblado, a very cosmopolitan district within the Metropolis. There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Medellin, and locations to discover simply exterior of it, which makes it the most effective locations to go to in Colombia.
Dubbed the ‘Homicide Metropolis’ and being rated essentially the most harmful metropolis on the planet within the 90s because of the infamous cartels, Medellin has fortunately reinvented itself during the last 30 years. It’s fascinating to be taught in regards to the previous, and the way communities have helped rework the Metropolis.
My favourite factor to do in Medellin is to take excursions of the assorted neighborhoods. The perfect one is this tour of Moravia the place you’ll be taught the story of the group constructed on a rubbish dump. It’s superb and I wholeheartedly advocate it.
Location: Medellin is called the capital of the mountainous Antioquia province, which is within the northwest of the nation.
Getting There: You’ll be able to fly into Medellin Airport from each Bogota and Cartagena, and it’s additionally linked by bus.
Issues To Do: Take a tour of Comuna 13, as soon as essentially the most harmful neighborhood in Medellin, style a number of the best coffee on a coffee tour, and see the attractive surroundings of the Colombian Andes by paragliding.
The place to Keep: I like to recommend staying in El Poblado, a really secure neighborhood with a lot of unbelievable eating places, bars, and purchasing malls. Sui Posada Boutique is a unbelievable choice to be shut sufficient to the motion within the middle, however distant sufficient for a peaceable keep.
11. The Amazon Jungle
The Amazon makes up nearly a 3rd of all the nation, and it’s undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to in Colombia. There are some lovely cities to go to nestled inside the jungle, and it’s a must-see whereas touring to this a part of the world.
Leticia might be the preferred city within the Amazon area of Colombia and is the cutest, little laid-back city I stumbled throughout throughout my keep. It’s a terrific place to discover the river, the place you’ll discover Puerto Narino’s eco-village and meet some unbelievable indigenous individuals.
Near Puerto Narino is Lake Tarapoto the place you possibly can have the possibility to identify pink dolphins, go piranha fishing, and go to the Amacayacu nationwide park which is unbelievable for wildlife lovers.
Location: Positioned within the South of Colombia, the Amazonas Region borders, Peru and Brazil.
Getting There: It’s finest to journey to Leticia as this little city is seen because the gateway to the Amazon. You’ll be able to solely get right here by aircraft, and there are direct flights from Bogota every day.
Issues To Do: Go to the Amacayacu Nationwide Park, take a ship journey alongside the Amazon River, and hike via the jungle to find wildlife and vegetation. Alternatively, take this wonderful 5-day tour to see every thing the Colombian Amazon has to supply.
The place to Keep: Leticia is a superb place to remain in Colombia’s Amazonas Area. For an actual jungle expertise, I like to recommend staying in a treetop cabana in Reserva Natural Tanimboca.
12. Providencia
I couldn’t pass over Providencia from this Colombian vacationer information. Like San Andres, it’s really nearer to Nicaragua than it’s to Colombia, however nonetheless, it’s a scenic and distant Caribbean Colombian island.
It’s certainly one of many prettiest locations to go to in Colombia, with postcard-standard sandy seashores and an unbelievable underwater world to be found. It’s significantly engaging to divers, who can discover the crystal clear waters and count on to see reef sharks, stingrays, and turtles.
Providencia is rather more relaxed and is smaller than San Andres, with extra quaint island vibes, and essentially the most lovely seashores. It’s extraordinarily picturesque, however the amenities aren’t as developed as San Andres.
Location: Positioned 700 kilometers from the Colombian Mainland, Providencia is an attractive Caribbean Island nearer to Nicaragua (however nonetheless a part of Colombia).
Getting There: It’s essential to fly from mainland Colombia (Bogota or Cartagena) to San Andres. From San Andres, you possibly can both take a flight that takes round 20 minutes or take the 90-kilometer ferry which takes round 3.5 hours and could be fairly uneven. You’ll be able to e-book ferry tickets here.
Issues To Do: Go diving, spot wildlife and discover the barrier reef, and go to Santa Catalina Island.
The place to Keep: Freshwater Bay is the place you’ll discover essentially the most facilities, and even that’s only a few accommodations, eating places, and some dive outlets. I like to recommend this gorgeous cabana, proper on the seashore.
Entrance Charge: You’ll should pay the $30 charged on departure from mainland Colombia on the airport to entry San Andres.
13. Jerico
Jerico is certainly one of many prettiest cities in Colombia, and regardless of its reputation, it nonetheless feels somewhat off the crushed monitor. It’s a really conventional and spiritual city and is residence to round 17 church buildings. You undoubtedly really feel such as you’re experiencing genuine Colombia when stopping right here.
In case you’re into the humanities, you’re going to be in heaven in Jerico. It’s tremendous vibrant and inventive, and there’s at all times one thing to become involved in and loads of alternatives to strive one thing new. There are sometimes artwork and pottery workshops held without spending a dime.
One place you have to go to in Jerico is the Isabel Art and Steakhouse. I used to be informed the meat is one of the best within the nation, and I can guarantee you, you gained’t be disillusioned. It’s slow-cooked and completely mouthwatering.
Location: Jerico is a city within the Antioquia area, round 100 kilometers southwest of Medellin.
Getting There: From Medellin, you will get the bus from Terminal del Sur and take the Trans Jerico service. It takes round 3 hours and can value round $10.
Issues To Do: Go to Parque Cerro Las Nubes, hike to the highest of Morro El Salvador for panoramic views over Jerico, and go to the waterfalls of Chorros de Quebradona.
The place to Keep: Jerico is a small city and this lovely apartment is barely a brief stroll from the city middle and options an outside pool and essentially the most beautiful environment.
14. Guatape
Guatape is without doubt one of the finest cities to go to in Colombia. It’s really well-known for its brightly adorned buildings and is so colourful and vibrant, that you simply’re positive to return away with 1,000 photographs in your digital camera roll of this gorgeous city.
I took a weekend away for a buddy’s birthday to Guatape from Medellin. It was completely good, and I didn’t need to go away. The water is gorgeous and when in comparison with Medellin, it’s so relaxed and makes for the proper getaway from metropolis life.
The highlights for me have been kayaking on the lake and climbing El Penol (or the Rock of Guatape) for essentially the most unbelievable views over the lake – though the climb is not any imply feat!
Location: Guatape is within the northwest of Colombia round a 2-hour drive east of Medellin.
Getting There: It’s very easy to get to Guatape from Medellin. You’ll be able to both take a taxi, which prices round $50 every approach, or you will get the bus from Terminal del Norte in Medellin which is able to value round $5.
Issues To Do: Climb the 745 steps of The Rock of Guatape, take a tour of the colourful city of Guatape, and discover the lake by boat. Or, take a look at this epic day trip to Guatape from Medellin.
The place to Keep: I stayed exterior Guatape in Serendipity Boutique Hotel, which I undoubtedly advocate for actually benefiting from the lake. The grounds are beautiful and there are kayaks free for company to make use of.
15. Santa Marta
Santa Marta might be one of the best place in Colombia to base your self if you wish to spend a while within the Tayrona Nationwide Park whereas being by the ocean.
It’s one of many oldest cities within the Americas, based by the Spanish in 1525, and it has some lovely colonial structure. Town itself wasn’t my favourite, however the historical past, meals, and the truth that it’s a metropolis on the seashore with some wonderful excursions within the neighborhood make this the most effective locations to go to in Colombia.
Attempt some native meals within the Santa Marta Public Market (strive the coconut rice ‘Arroz de coco’ and scrumptious fried fish), take a stroll alongside the promenade (Paseo El Camellon) at sundown for lovely views over the water and go to my favourite seashore, Playa Blanca, for lovely, gentle sand and water.
Location: Santa Marta is a metropolis on the Caribbean Sea within the north of Colombia.
Getting There: It’s tremendous simple to get to Santa Marta, with comparatively low cost inner flights accessible from the principle cities in Colombia together with Medellin, Bogota, and Cali. It’s round 5 hours by bus to and from Cartagena.
Issues To Do: Go to Tayrona National Park, trek via the jungle to The Lost City, and head to Minca for a coffee and cocoa tour.
The place to Keep: Keep within the lovely historic middle, in this vibrant hotel which isn’t solely near the seashore but additionally has a pool to chill off in.
Getting Round Colombia
To discover one of the best locations to go to in Colombia, you’re going to cowl some miles; Colombia is a big nation.
There are two primary methods of getting between the principle highlights in Colombia, relying in your price range. Inside flights are the quickest and could be comparatively cheap.
There are a number of flights per day between Bogota, Cartagena, Cali, and Medellin. In addition to being one of the best cities in Colombia, they’re additionally wonderful bases for visiting the opposite high sights.
Alternatively, as Colombia is a well-liked backpacker vacation spot, the bus community may be very properly established. Day by day buses run between the principle cities talked about above and are easy to navigate.
The bus journeys are low cost, and the buses are usually comfy. They’re lengthy, although. Bogota to Medellin is 9 hours, Bogota to Cartagena is shut to twenty hours, and Cartagena to Medellin takes round 13 hours.
Fast Itineraries for Colombia
Listed below are a couple of easy itineraries to observe when visiting Colombia:
3 Days in Colombia
In case you solely have a couple of days in Colombia, you then’ll solely scratch the floor. In case you arrive within the capital, then spend an evening in Bogota. Head to Plaza de Bolivar and take the cable automobile as much as Montserrat for breathtaking views in the course of the day. Within the night, head to Zona T (Rosa) for excellent meals and nightlife.
Take an inner flight to Cartagena for some solar and the Caribbean Sea. Spend a day exploring the Outdated City with its cobbled streets and boutique outlets. Eat within the stylish neighborhood of Getsemani.
When you’ve got time, take a boat trip to the stunning Rosario Islands from the port in Cartagena. Absorb the solar on white seashores and clear blue waters earlier than you permit.
One Week in Colombia
One week in Colombia will allow you to construct on the brief itinerary above (somewhat). Take an additional day in Bogota to discover the museums and cycle across the metropolis.
After a few days in Cartagena, take an inner flight to Medellin to discover this hip metropolis. Be a part of both the Comuna 13 Graffiti and Food Tour or take a coffee tour. Take pleasure in meals and drinks in El Poblado within the night and benefit from the cool vibe on this stylish neighborhood.
On the second day, both take whichever tour you missed the day earlier than or head out to Guatape and climb El Peñol. It’s a full-day trip from Medellin however is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Colombia.
10+ Days in Colombia
When you’ve got extra time to fill, you’ll be capable to hit extra of one of the best locations in Colombia. Once more, observe the itinerary above from Bogota to Cartagena. From Cartagena, I’d recommend going alongside the coast to Santa Marta. Benefit from the close by seashores and use Santa Marta to discover Tayrona National Park.
Subsequent, fly from Santa Marta to Medellin and decide up the itinerary above for Medellin. If you wish to discover the espresso area, head from Medellin to the unbelievable city of Jardin. Right here, spend a few days chasing waterfalls and sampling locally-grown espresso.
In case you want one thing somewhat extra energetic, take a flight from Medellin to Cali and switch your hand (or your toes) to Salsa. Take a lesson or watch the professionals in one of many primary dance bars within the capital of Salsa. From Cali, you possibly can fly again to Bogota or onward to your subsequent vacation spot.
Greatest Seashores in Colombia
A number of the finest locations in Colombia are its beautiful seashores and islands. The mixture of cities, mountains, jungle, and seashores is without doubt one of the issues that make the Colombia sightseeing listing so lengthy and diverse.
Listed below are a few of my favourite seashores in Colombia, though there are numerous, many extra.
Playa Blanca, close to Cartagena
Cartagena itself isn’t precisely blessed with lovely seashores, however they’re inside simple attain. Playa Blanca, 30 kilometers from Cartagena, is a massively widespread, white sand seashore. It has crystal clear waters, gentle sand, and is a picture-perfect Caribbean seashore.
Because it’s accessible from Cartagena, it might turn into crowded, so head there early within the day to seize your spot. You’ll be able to lease loungers and tents on the seashore, and there are small outlets promoting refreshments. Drive to Playa Blanca or join a boat tour from Cartagena.
Playa Cristal, Tayrona Nationwide Park
Playa Cristal is nestled in a cove inside Tayrona Nationwide Park. It’s a pristine, horseshoe-shaped seashore with calm, blue waters. It’s good for cooling off after trekking via the nationwide park.
It’s certainly one of many lovely seashores in Tayrona, however because of the safety from the cove, the waters listed here are a lot calmer. Elsewhere, you will discover sturdy currents, so head to Playa Cristal for a secure and stress-free dip.
Bora Bora Seashore, Rosario Islands
In case you’re in Cartagena, and also you’re searching for social gathering vibes, then jump on a tour boat and head out to Bora Bora Beach Club the place the beautiful, white sand seashores and turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands meet the cool seashore membership vibes of Bora Bora Membership.
The seashore is gorgeous and visiting makes for a terrific day journey from Cartagena. The tour consists of return speedboat journeys in addition to lunch and a complimentary drink. The seashore is breathtaking, and it actually feels such as you’re partying in paradise.
Should-Attempt Meals in Colombia
The food in Colombia is outstanding and one of many largest appeals of this superb nation. Listed below are a few of my favorites so that you can look out for throughout your travels:
Ajiaco
This hen and potato soup is widespread within the Andean Mountains, the place the climate is cooler. It’s a very filling dish that features capers, cream, and corn and is seasoned with the Colombian herb, guasca and served with rice and avocado. Attempt it in Bogota at La Puerta de la Catedral.
Arepas
There are over 30 various kinds of arepas, they usually’re bought on road corners all around the nation. They are often stuffed with cheese, meat, veggies, and even an egg. There are additionally sweeter variations made with one thing much like sweetcorn.
Attempt arepas from any road vendor or, when you want, head to La Pepiada in Cartagena.
Bandeja Paisa
In case you’re significantly hungry after a day of exploring, strive the epic countryman’s platter. It’s a packed dish containing chicharon (fried pork stomach), fried eggs, floor meat, chorizo, plantain, rice, avocado, and a plain arepa.
It’s an attention-grabbing fusion of Colombia’s historical past with references to the indigenous individuals (arepas), African influences (beans and plantain), and Spanish influences (chorizo and floor meat).
In Medellin, do this dish at Restaurante Mondongo’s.
Ceviche
Whereas initially Peruvian, Colombia has taken this seafood delicacy and given it its personal twist. Historically, ceviche includes white seafood that’s been cured in citrus juice after which combined with different substances.
In Colombia, you’ll discover two varieties. One with fish marinated in tiger’s milk, which creates a creamy and deliciously wealthy broth that’s much like the standard model. Nevertheless, on the seashores, you’ll discover cocteles de camarones which is extra like a tangy prawn cocktail served in a styrofoam cup.
In Cartagena, head to La Cevicheria in Outdated City for scrumptious seafood and ceviche.
Chocolate Santaferaño
Chocolate Santaferaño is scorching chocolate with cheese. Sure, you learn that proper! Historically that is drunk between lunch and dinner with a lump of cheese grated or damaged down into smaller items dropped into the recent chocolate.
It might sound totally different however give it a strive, and chances are you’ll simply be transformed. I actually was. In Medellin, head to The Chocolate House to present it a strive.
Greatest Locations to See in Colombia: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting lovely locations in Colombia:
Colombia is essentially the most northern nation in South America and is bordered by Panama, the Pacific and Caribbean Sea, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru which make it a terrific start line for a South American journey.
Colombia is certainly price visiting. It’s such a various nation, residence to completely satisfied and pleasant individuals to welcome you and so many unbelievable experiences available.
Medellin and Cartagena are very fashionable locations to go to in Colombia. Cartagena for the Caribbean Coast and Medellin to expertise the transformation from essentially the most harmful metropolis on the planet to a secure, cosmopolitan metropolis.
The perfect occasions to go to Colombia are from December to March or June to September whenever you’ll see a variety of sunshine throughout the nation. September to November are usually fairly moist, however every area has totally different climate 12 months round.
I like Guatape. The lakes are completely beautiful. The Rosario Islands have essentially the most lovely seashores, and Cartagena Outdated City has the prettiest walled metropolis and colonial buildings.
Medellin is a superb base because of its purchasing malls, wonderful bars and eating places, and coworking areas (for these working remotely). It additionally has an enormous airport which makes it simple to go to different cities, and you’ll take some nice journeys to the Andes and cities like Guatape to benefit from the countryside too.
Colombia is notorious for its tumultuous historical past with civil battle and violent cartels. Nevertheless, it’s a rustic that basically desires to maneuver previous this and is turning into generally known as a digital nomad hub, and as an upcoming and thrilling nation with infinite alternatives to expertise various landscapes.
There’s nonetheless a stigma in Colombia that it’s unsafe. However right this moment, some Colombian cities, together with Bogota, have a decrease violent crime fee than some US cities. After all, some locations are safer than others, and you need to at all times use widespread sense everytime you’re touring. The locations featured on this listing are safe to visit.
In Conclusion
So there you’ve got it. My 15 finest locations to go to in Colombia, and the highest areas I used to be lucky sufficient to get to know throughout my three months in Colombia. It’s an enormous nation, stuffed with fairly cities, superb seashores, and wildlife havens able to be found.
I hope this helps you propose your journey to Colombia and that you’ve got one of the best time on this unbelievable nation.
