Being such an enormous nation, it’s tough to slim down this record to fifteen of the perfect locations to go to in Colombia. It’s a various nation with a tremendous shoreline, unimaginable countryside, scrumptious meals, and cosmopolitan cities. With regards to issues to see in Colombia, you’re utterly spoiled for selection.
I spent three months exploring Colombia as a digital nomad and liked each minute of it. From the fascinating historical past to the pleasant folks and vibrant, welcoming tradition, to the attractive seashores and surroundings, I positively advocate including Columbia to your record of must-see locations.
I’ve ready this information that will help you plan the place to go in Colombia and offer you a head begin on creating an epic itinerary.
15 Finest Locations to Go to in Colombia
There are some sensible locations to go to in Colombia. I’ve put collectively this record of my favorites, to be sure you don’t miss any.
So, in the event you’re planning to journey to Colombia, take a look at my highlights beneath and have probably the most wonderful time on this unimaginable nation.
1. Cartagena
Cartagena is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in Columbia, and it’s simple to see why with its Caribbean coast location offering stunning, 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In Cartagena, you’ll discover the magical outdated city, which is a walled a part of the town with cobbled streets and tremendous Colonial structure.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 outdoors of the walled city, the hip and stylish neighborhood of Getsemani is filled with hostels, resorts, avenue artwork, and funky bars and eating places to discover.
For these searching for fashionable residences, swimming pools, and gorgeous views of the ocean, you even have Bocogrande as a location to think about.
Whereas the seashores aren’t the perfect Colombia has to supply, its distinctive location on the coast makes it the proper place for exploring the gorgeous islands of Colombia, (which additionally function on this record). It’s simple to see why practically all guests cease in Cartagena when visiting Colombia.
Location: Cartagena is positioned on the northern coast of Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea.
Getting There: Cartagena has its personal airport, so take an inner flight in the event you’re touchdown within the capital, Bogota.
Issues To Do: One in all my favourite issues to do in Cartagena is a strolling tour. Go to the Convento de la Popa, a monastery on the highest of a hill with gorgeous views over the town, and head to Previous City to discover the beautiful boutique outlets.
The place to Keep: For a luxurious keep within the coronary heart of Previous City, take a look at Lodge Casona del Porvenir.
2. The Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are positioned off the coast of Cartagena and comprise 30 completely different islands. This nationwide park is house to a number of the most pristine seashores and unimaginable waters that Colombia has to supply.
The most important island, Isla Grande, is house to resorts and resorts so that you can totally 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 stunning locations in Colombia. It’s accessible by way of many various 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 may catch a ship or be a 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 gorgeous Bendita Seashore.
The place to Keep: For hammocks overlooking the ocean on Isla Grande, head to the attractive El Hamaquero Hostal EcoNativo.
Entrance Payment: $4.25 entry payment 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 unimaginable hike and is without doubt one of the finest, hidden gems in Colombia. The Misplaced Metropolis is an archaeological website constructed round 800AD by the Tayrona and predates Machu Picchu.
La Ciudad Perdida is positioned 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 by way of a 4-day hike.
Consequently, it’s probably the greatest issues to do off the crushed observe in Colombia. You’ll want permits and a information to make the journey, so e-book a tour and a information. If you happen to love exploring, this is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Colombia for certain.
Location: La Ciudad Perdida is positioned within the north of Colombia and is accessible from the close by metropolis of Santa Marta.
Getting There: It may well solely be accessed on foot, so seize a spot on this wonderful 4-day hike, which works with the indigenous neighborhood.
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 offered on the excursions inside native, indigenous communities.
Entrance Payment: None, though permits and licensed guides are required to entry the world.
4. Cali
If you happen to 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 in the event you’re not a fan already, you can be after a number of days within the southern metropolis of Cali.
The colourful metropolis is packed stuffed with salsa dance faculties, the place even these with no rhythm in any respect are welcomed by pleasant and enthusiastic locals. Head to the various bars and golf equipment within the night to look at the professionals in motion. Zaperoco is one in all my favourite spots within the metropolis, whether or not you wish 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 a gorgeous place to discover and probably the greatest cities to discover in Colombia.
Location: Cali is positioned 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 strolling tour to discover 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 Lodge Peñon is very really helpful.
5. San Gil
If you happen to love journey then San Gil, a captivating 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, however it packs a punch in the case of adrenaline hits. The attractive nature discovered right here is a number of the finest in Colombia. It’s house to white water rafting, paragliding, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking, mountaineering, and way more.
Though stuffed 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 Nationwide Park of Chicamocha can be house to one of many longest cable automobiles on the earth at 3.6 miles. So, in the event 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 positioned 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 Nationwide Park and Canyoneering are two of the perfect adrenaline experiences in San Gil. For a extra relaxed time, comply with the attractive trails in Parque el Gallineral.
The place to Keep: Traveler Hostel, positioned within the middle, affords a pool, a roof terrace, and an ideal vibe.
Entrance Payment: There’s an entrance payment of round $5 to enter Chichamocha Nationwide Park, and $10 to incorporate the cable automotive.
6. Jardin
Colombia is world-famous for its espresso, so a visit to its coffee-growing area is one in all my highlights of the nation; positioned within the coronary heart of the espresso area is the stunningly stunning 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 will be amongst wildlife and waterfalls simply outdoors of the city.
Within the city itself, there are many boutique outlets and, in fact, espresso outlets that vary from native choices to super-trendy cafes that roast domestically 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 stunning cities in Colombia and chances are you’ll battle to go away.
Location: Jardin is positioned within the coffee-growing area, in north-west Colombia.
Getting There: The best strategy to get to Jardin is from Medellin. From right here, it’s a 3-hour drive.
Issues To Do: In fact, you have to take a espresso tour. This non-public tour is great. Take a hike to La Escalera waterfall and cease in one of many fashionable espresso outlets on the town on the best way again.
The place to Keep: The attractive Casa Passiflora Lodge 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 wonderful locations to see in Colombia. However I completely liked Bogota and extremely advocate spending a number 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, house to over 11 million folks. Its lofty elevation means it may be chilly and generally wet, however on sunny days, it’s an unimaginable place to discover.
You will have the fashionable neighborhoods of Zona T (or Rosa) and Chapinero which combine native eateries with hipster espresso outlets and classy brunch stops. Then you have got the historic focus on Plaza de Bolivar house to cobbled streets, gorgeous structure, and a few nice museums.
Bogota is large however has loads of bike lanes in addition to a public community of bikes for rent. So, leap 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 number of days.
Location: Bogota is pretty centrally positioned and makes an ideal start line to your Colombian adventures.
Getting There: Likelihood is you’ll fly into Bogota. If not, buses run day by day from Cartagena (20 hours), and Medellin (9 hours) amongst others.
Issues To Do: Take the cable automotive to Montserrat for the perfect views over the town. Discover Previous City round Plaza de Bolivar and absorb the fashionable vibes in Zona T.
The place to Keep: I’d advocate staying within the northern a part of Chapinero. This tremendous fashionable residence is completely positioned between Chapinero and Zona T.
8. Tayrona Nationwide Park
The gorgeous Tayrona Nationwide Park, full with secluded and palm tree-lined seashores, is palms down probably the most stunning locations Colombia has to supply its guests.
This nationwide park is positioned 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 may keep in a single day in one of many many eco-lodges, or in the event you’re on a finances, lease a hammock and benefit from the full jungle expertise. It’s one in all my most must-see locations in Colombia, particularly in the event you’re heading to the Caribbean coast.
Location: Tayrona Nationwide Park is positioned on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, 20 kilometers from Santa Marta.
Getting There: You may take a 30-minute taxi or bus from Santa Marta, or board a yacht in Santa Marta for a really distinctive expertise.
Issues To Do: Snorkel and sunbathe on an wonderful 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 a gorgeous eco-lodge specializing in sustainability. It has an outside pool and is nestled within the jungle. It’s the last word lodging for peace and tranquility.
Entrance Payment: Round $15 for entry to the nationwide park.
9. San Andres Island
San Andres is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to go to in Colombia, despite the fact that it’s nearly 450 miles from the mainland and actually nearer to Nicaragua.
Thought-about a Nationwide Park and positioned proper in the midst of the Caribbean Sea, you may anticipate unimaginable marine life, palm tree-lined and white sand seashores beside vivid blue water.
It’s an effective way to expertise Caribbean life, on a Colombian finances. Albeit it’s a bit of dearer than the mainland, it’s far cheaper than the Caribbean islands.
San Andres is without doubt one of the finest diving spots on the earth, with a number of the finest coral and marine life beneath the waves. It’s additionally a really reasonably priced place to dive, whether or not that be to get licensed or be a part of some unimaginable dives.
Location: San Andres continues to be part of Columbia however is positioned over 700 kilometers away; round 210 off the Nicaraguan Coast. It’s effectively price a go to.
Getting There: You may solely entry San Andres by aircraft. You may fly from most foremost airports on the Colombian mainland to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Worldwide Airport and tickets are affordable.
Issues To Do: Diving is crucial in San Andres. I like to recommend this enjoyable diving expertise which is implausible for rookies. Discover the various seashores, and go to the neighboring islands. My favourite is Johnny Cay.
The place to Keep: To be near the perfect seashores, outlets, and nightlife, I like to recommend staying in St Andrew’s Bay. Lodge Boutique Casa Hendaus is a gorgeous adults-only resort simply 400 meters from the seaside.
Entrance Payment: There’s an entry payment 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 unimaginable 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 outdoors of it, which makes it probably the greatest locations to go to in Colombia.
Dubbed the ‘Homicide Metropolis’ and being rated probably the most harmful metropolis on the earth within the 90s due to the infamous cartels, Medellin has fortunately reinvented itself over the past 30 years. It’s fascinating to be taught concerning the previous, and the way communities have helped rework the Metropolis.
My favourite factor to do in Medellin is to take excursions of the varied neighborhoods. The most effective one is this tour of Moravia the place you’ll be taught the story of the neighborhood constructed on a rubbish dump. It’s wonderful 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 may 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 probably the most harmful neighborhood in Medellin, style a number of the finest espresso on a espresso 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 number of implausible eating places, bars, and procuring malls. Sui Posada Boutique is a implausible choice to be shut sufficient to the motion within the middle, however far-off sufficient for a peaceable keep.
11. The Amazon Jungle
The Amazon makes up nearly a 3rd of the complete nation, and it’s positively probably the greatest locations to go to in Colombia. There are some stunning cities to go to nestled throughout the jungle, and it’s a must-see whereas touring to this a part of the world.
Leticia might be the most well-liked city within the Amazon area of Colombia and is the cutest, little laid-back city I stumbled throughout throughout my keep. It’s an ideal place to discover the river, the place you’ll discover Puerto Narino’s eco-village and meet some unimaginable indigenous folks.
Near Puerto Narino is Lake Tarapoto the place you may have the possibility to identify pink dolphins, go piranha fishing, and go to the Amacayacu nationwide park which is implausible for wildlife lovers.
Location: Situated within the South of Colombia, the Amazonas Area 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 may solely get right here by aircraft, and there are direct flights from Bogota day by day.
Issues To Do: Go to the Amacayacu Nationwide Park, take a ship journey alongside the Amazon River, and hike by means of the jungle to find wildlife and vegetation. Alternatively, take this glorious 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 Pure Tanimboca.
12. Providencia
I couldn’t omit Providencia from this Colombian vacationer information. Like San Andres, it’s truly nearer to Nicaragua than it’s to Colombia, however however, it’s a scenic and distant Caribbean Colombian island.
It’s unquestionably one of many prettiest locations to go to in Colombia, with postcard-standard sandy seashores and an unimaginable underwater world to be found. It’s significantly enticing to divers, who can discover the crystal clear waters and anticipate to see reef sharks, stingrays, and turtles.
Providencia is way more relaxed and is smaller than San Andres, with extra quaint island vibes, and probably the most stunning seashores. It’s extraordinarily picturesque, however the services aren’t as developed as San Andres.
Location: Situated 700 kilometers from the Colombian Mainland, Providencia is a gorgeous Caribbean Island nearer to Nicaragua (however nonetheless a part of Colombia).
Getting There: You have to fly from mainland Colombia (Bogota or Cartagena) to San Andres. From San Andres, you may both take a flight that takes round 20 minutes or take the 90-kilometer ferry which takes round 3.5 hours and will be fairly uneven. You may e-book ferry tickets right 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 probably the most facilities, and even that’s only a few resorts, eating places, and some dive outlets. I like to recommend this beautiful cabana, proper on the seaside.
Entrance Payment: 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 recognition, it nonetheless feels a bit of off the crushed observe. It’s a really conventional and spiritual city and is house to round 17 church buildings. You positively really feel such as you’re experiencing genuine Colombia when stopping right here.
If you happen to’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 attempt one thing new. There are sometimes artwork and pottery workshops held free of charge.
One place you will need to go to in Jerico is the Isabel Artwork and Steakhouse. I used to be instructed the meat is the perfect 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 may 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 pretty residence is simply a brief stroll from the city middle and options an outside pool and probably the most gorgeous environment.
14. Guatape
Guatape is without doubt one of the finest cities to go to in Colombia. It’s truly well-known for its brightly adorned buildings and is so colourful and vibrant, that you just’re certain to return away with 1,000 pictures in your digital camera roll of this beautiful city.
I took a weekend away for a pal’s birthday to Guatape from Medellin. It was completely good, and I didn’t wish to depart. 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 had been kayaking on the lake and climbing El Penol (or the Rock of Guatape) for probably the most unimaginable views over the lake – though the climb isn’t 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 may both take a taxi, which prices round $50 every means, or you may get the bus from Terminal del Norte in Medellin which can 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 journey to Guatape from Medellin.
The place to Keep: I stayed outdoors Guatape in Serendipity Boutique Lodge, which I positively 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 the perfect 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 stunning colonial structure. The town itself wasn’t my favourite, however the historical past, meals, and the truth that it’s a metropolis on the seaside with some wonderful excursions within the neighborhood make this probably the greatest locations to go to in Colombia.
Attempt some native meals within the Santa Marta Public Market (attempt the coconut rice ‘Arroz de coco’ and scrumptious fried fish), take a stroll alongside the promenade (Paseo El Camellon) at sundown for stunning views over the water and go to my favourite seaside, Playa Blanca, for stunning, mushy 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 out there 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 Nationwide Park, trek by means of the jungle to The Misplaced Metropolis, and head to Minca for a espresso and cocoa tour.
The place to Keep: Keep within the stunning historic middle, in this vibrant resort which isn’t solely near the seaside but additionally has a pool to chill off in.
Getting Round Colombia
To discover the perfect locations to go to in Colombia, you’re going to cowl some miles; Colombia is a big nation.
There are two foremost methods of getting between the principle highlights in Colombia, relying in your finances. Inner flights are the quickest and will be comparatively cheap.
There are a number of flights per day between Bogota, Cartagena, Cali, and Medellin. In addition to being the perfect cities in Colombia, they’re additionally wonderful bases for visiting the opposite high points of interest.
Alternatively, as Colombia is a well-liked backpacker vacation spot, the bus community may be very effectively established. Every 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 snug. 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 number of easy itineraries to comply with when visiting Colombia:
3 Days in Colombia
If you happen to solely have a number of days in Colombia, then you definately’ll solely scratch the floor. If you happen to arrive within the capital, then spend an evening in Bogota. Head to Plaza de Bolivar and take the cable automotive as much as Montserrat for breathtaking views through the day. Within the night, head to Zona T (Rosa) for nice meals and nightlife.
Take an inner flight to Cartagena for some solar and the Caribbean Sea. Spend a day exploring the Previous City with its cobbled streets and boutique outlets. Eat within the fashionable neighborhood of Getsemani.
If in case you have time, take a boat journey to the gorgeous Rosario Islands from the port in Cartagena. Absorb the solar on white seashores and clear blue waters earlier than you allow.
One Week in Colombia
One week in Colombia will allow you to construct on the brief itinerary above (a bit of). 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 Meals Tour or take a espresso tour. Get pleasure from meals and drinks in El Poblado within the night and benefit from the cool vibe on this fashionable 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 journey from Medellin however is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Colombia.
10+ Days in Colombia
If in case you have extra time to fill, you’ll be capable to hit extra of the perfect locations in Colombia. Once more, comply with 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 Nationwide 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 unimaginable city of Jardin. Right here, spend a few days chasing waterfalls and sampling locally-grown espresso.
If you happen to favor one thing a bit of extra vigorous, take a flight from Medellin to Cali and switch your hand (or your ft) to Salsa. Take a lesson or watch the professionals in one of many foremost dance bars within the capital of Salsa. From Cali, you may fly again to Bogota or onward to your subsequent vacation spot.
Finest Seashores in Colombia
Among the finest locations in Colombia are its gorgeous seashores and islands. The mixture of cities, mountains, jungle, and seashores is without doubt one of the issues that make the Colombia sightseeing record so lengthy and diversified.
Listed below are a few of my favourite seashores in Colombia, though there are a lot of, many extra.
Playa Blanca, close to Cartagena
Cartagena itself isn’t precisely blessed with stunning seashores, however they’re inside simple attain. Playa Blanca, 30 kilometers from Cartagena, is a massively well-liked, white sand seaside. It has crystal clear waters, mushy sand, and is a picture-perfect Caribbean seaside.
Because it’s accessible from Cartagena, it could actually change into crowded, so head there early within the day to seize your spot. You may lease loungers and tents on the seaside, and there are small outlets promoting refreshments. Drive to Playa Blanca or be a part of a ship 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 seaside with calm, blue waters. It’s good for cooling off after trekking by means of the nationwide park.
It’s one in all many stunning seashores in Tayrona, however as a result of safety from the cove, the waters listed here are a lot calmer. Elsewhere, you could find robust currents, so head to Playa Cristal for a secure and stress-free dip.
Bora Bora Seashore, Rosario Islands
If you happen to’re in Cartagena, and also you’re searching for social gathering vibes, then leap on a tour boat and head out to Bora Bora Seashore Membership the place the gorgeous, white sand seashores and turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands meet the cool seaside membership vibes of Bora Bora Membership.
The seaside is gorgeous and visiting makes for an ideal day journey from Cartagena. The tour contains return speedboat journeys in addition to lunch and a complimentary drink. The seaside is breathtaking, and it really feels such as you’re partying in paradise.
Should-Attempt Meals in Colombia
The meals in Colombia is phenomenal and one of many greatest appeals of this wonderful 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 well-liked 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 several types of arepas, and so they’re offered on avenue corners all around the nation. They are often full of cheese, meat, veggies, and even an egg. There are additionally sweeter variations made with one thing much like sweetcorn.
Attempt arepas from any avenue vendor or, in the event you favor, head to La Pepiada in Cartagena.
Bandeja Paisa
If you happen to’re significantly hungry after a day of exploring, attempt 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 fascinating fusion of Colombia’s historical past with references to the indigenous folks (arepas), African influences (beans and plantain), and Spanish influences (chorizo and floor meat).
In Medellin, do that 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 normal 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 Previous City for scrumptious seafood and ceviche.
Chocolate Santaferaño
Chocolate Santaferaño is sizzling 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 new chocolate.
It might sound completely different however give it a attempt, and chances are you’ll simply be transformed. I actually was. In Medellin, head to The Chocolate Home to provide it a attempt.
Finest Locations to See in Colombia: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting stunning locations in Colombia:
Colombia is probably 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 an ideal start line for a South American journey.
Colombia is certainly price visiting. It’s such a various nation, house to pleased and pleasant folks to welcome you and so many unimaginable experiences available.
Medellin and Cartagena are very talked-about locations to go to in Colombia. Cartagena for the Caribbean Coast and Medellin to expertise the transformation from probably the most harmful metropolis on the earth to a secure, cosmopolitan metropolis.
The most effective occasions to go to Colombia are from December to March or June to September once you’ll see loads of sunshine throughout the nation. September to November are sometimes fairly moist, however every area has completely different climate yr round.
I really like Guatape. The lakes are completely gorgeous. The Rosario Islands have probably the most stunning seashores, and Cartagena Previous City has the prettiest walled metropolis and colonial buildings.
Medellin is a superb base due to its procuring 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 may 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 actually needs to maneuver previous this and is turning into often called 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 immediately, some Colombian cities, together with Bogota, have a decrease violent crime price than some US cities. In fact, some locations are safer than others, and it’s best to at all times use widespread sense everytime you’re touring. The locations featured on this record are secure to go to.
In Conclusion
So there you have 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, full of fairly cities, superb seashores, and wildlife havens able to be found.
I hope this helps you intend your journey to Colombia and that you’ve got the perfect time on this unimaginable nation.
