The best places to visit in Colombia
Bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Colombia is one of the most striking destinations in Latin America for its rich culture, history and contrasts.
This country receives more than 4 million tourists every year, attracted by the paradisiacal beaches of the Colombian Caribbean, the architectural richness of its ancient colonial cities, the unmistakable joy of its people and its rich biodiversity.
Here are some of the essential stops on a trip to Colombia, places that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Surrounded by impressive mountains, Medellín is also known as "the city of eternal spring". Located in the northwest of the country, it has managed to rise from the ashes of its violent past, and is now a constantly evolving destination full of cultural spaces.
A good way to start a route through the city is to head to the metro station Parque Berrío and from there walk through the heart of the cradle of the paisa.
Next to the Museum of Antioquia and the Palace of Culture is the famous Plaza Botero or Sculpture Park where you can enjoy and be in direct contact with 23 characteristic sculptures of voluptuous figures, donated by local artist and national pride Fernando Botero.
At the top of Cerro Nutibara, on the outskirts of the city, is El Pueblito Paisa, a replica of the traditional villages of Antioquia.
There are many artisan stores and restaurants where you can't leave without tasting the succulent bandeja paisa. You should also take the opportunity to admire from the viewpoint the impressive panoramic views of the city and its contrasts.
Another of the most striking places in the city is La Comuna 13. In the past, this was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Colombia, but now it has become a clear example of progress and social insertion thanks to art and the hard work of its warm inhabitants. The streets of this large community are full of murals and graffiti made by urban artists, and you will also see young people and artisans who brighten up the streets with the most characteristic Latin dances and rhythms of the region.
To learn about the history of La Comuna 13 and the most curious anecdotes it is essential to sign up for a street art tour in La Comuna 13 with a local guide with a local guide, who will accompany you on a tour of the most interesting and famous corners of the neighborhood, in addition to answering all your questions about the past and the evolution of the place.
The stone of El Peñol is a monolith of more than 200 meters high located in the department of Antioquia, in the outskirts of Medellin.
To get to the top you will have to climb some 740 steps built in one of its crevices. The 360-degree view of the Guatapé reservoir, one of the most important in Colombia, makes the effort worthwhile. There you can also practice water sports and stroll among hotels and villages. The best thing to do is to book in advance an excursion to Guatapé from excursion to Guatapé from Medellín in advance.
Not far from El Peñol is Guatapé, also known as the town of the Zócalos. This small town invites you to disconnect and enter a prism full of colors, since all the houses are decorated with different traditional figures that represent daily moments in the life of the inhabitants of the place. Some of its most representative places are the Calle del Recuerdo, the Malecón and the Zócalo square.
"The Pearl of the Caribbean" or "La Heroica" are two of the names by which Cartagena de Indias is known Cartagena cartagena, an emblematic city located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
To get to know Cartagena you have to go to the Walled City and relive its colonial past, a time when it was one of the most important commercial ports in America. Surrounded by stone walls, the city has witnessed numerous attacks, battles and historical moments. It is best to explore it on foot and discover places such as the Plaza de los Coches, the Plaza de la Aduana and the Zenú Gold Museum.
Near the clock tower is the picturesque neighborhood of Getsemaní: its lively streets and lively nightlife invite passersby to enjoy the authentic Caribbean rumba, an Afro-descendant musical genre that has special roots in this area of the country.
In Cartagena there are magnificent beaches such as Bocagrande, but there is also the option of exploring others by boat from the pier of La Bodeguita. The most popular is Barú Island, but those who prefer a quieter atmosphere will find it in the Rosario Islands or Múcura Island.
This park is located about 34Km from the coastal city of Santa Marta located in the Colombian Caribbean, and has an area of 15,000 hectares. Nature and biodiversity are its main protagonists.
You can access from different points, although the main route goes from the entrance of Zaino to Cabo San Juan del Guía. A journey through jungle landscapes, fauna and paradisiacal beaches in its purest and wildest state.
For the more adventurous, one of the best experiences is to camp in some of the areas, such as the Cañaveral sector, Arrecifes, or at Cape San Juan, the latter being the preferred by tourists due to its privileged location in front of the sea.
Another highly recommended route is to take the Palangana entrance that takes you to Playa Cristal, an ideal place to snorkel and swim among its fascinating coral reefs and great variety of fish.
Salento is a town in the department of Quindío, known for belonging to the so-called coffee axis, a geographic and economic region of Colombia that stands out for its coffee production. Salento has only 7,000 inhabitants, who have been able to preserve the essence of the Antioquian colonization captured as a canvas in its streets.
The Cocora Valley, located about 10 km from Salento, will undoubtedly mark a before and after in your trip. To get there you must go to the Simón Bolívar square and take one of the mythical Willys jeeps. This valley offers a unique trail, which can be traveled on foot or on horseback. With incredible mountain scenery, waterfalls, hanging wooden bridges and huge wax palms that seem to touch the sky, a visit to the valley leaves no one indifferent.
In the town of Salento, along the colorful Calle Real, you will find different craft workshops, cafes and restaurants where you can taste the traditional fresh trout. At the end of the street are the stairs leading to the viewpoint Alto de la Cruz, from where you get a breathtaking view.
Finally, you cannot leave the coffee region without first visiting one of its farms and taking the famous coffee route. There you will learn the entire cultivation process, and you will see how the climatic conditions and the work of generation after generation make Colombian coffee one of the richest in the world.
The Tatacoa Desert is not really a desert, but a tropical dry forest that surprises for its natural richness and shows the diversity of ecosystems in the country. This emblematic area is located in the department of Huila. To get there, you have to go to the city of Neiva, continue to the municipality of Villavieja and then go to the entrance by motorcycle or tuk tuk.
The desert is divided into two very different areas: one characterized by its reddish ocher color, called Cuzco, and the area of Los Hoyos, of gray color. The tour is truly fascinating, but it is at nightfall when the real spectacle arrives: the sky is full of stars that can be admired thanks to the absence of artificial light. The most curious can go to the Tatacoa Astronomical Observatory, where they offer explanatory talks and the possibility of using telescopes, which make this experience an unforgettable moment.
Recognized as "the salsa capital of the world", in this city the joy and friendliness of the Cali people and the great festive atmosphere will welcome you. If you are a salsa aficionado or want to learn the basic steps, this is the ideal place to party.
Also, walking around downtown Cali you will discover places like the Parque de los Poetas, the Ermita and the Bulevar del Rio. One of the oldest neighborhoods of the city is San Antonio, with narrow streets and bohemian atmosphere that give it a special touch, and where street artists liven up the day by telling stories and tales.
In addition, in the Cerro de los Cristales is located the monument of Cristo Rey, an icon of the city of Cali (similar to Rio de Janeiro) which is 26 meters high and where you can enjoy the best views of the city.
And don't miss the opportunity to taste Cali's delicacies such as sancocho valluno (meat soup), pandebono and lulada.
The Colombian capital concentrates the artistic and cultural life of the country, offering a wide range of things to do and places to visit.
La Candelaria is the historic center of this city. Its roots are in the Plaza de Bolivar, surrounded by the Primada Cathedral, the seat of Congress, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall. Among its streets you can breathe culture and art, especially highlighting the Colon Theater, the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum.
Another essential visit in the city is the Funnel Alley, located next to the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo. Decorated with numerous graffiti, it is one of the most colorful spots in Bogota.
Finally, some of the favorite plans for both locals and tourists are to climb the hill of Monserrate and admire the views or visit Usaquén, a neighborhood with an elegant touch, markets and craft breweries. If you have more time, on the outskirts of the city you can visit places like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the wonderful Tequendama waterfall.
So much for our list of the best places to visit in Colombia. This country offers things to do for all tastes: you can visit its beautiful beaches, immerse yourself in the world of its renowned artists and writers, get lost in the green landscapes of its mountain ranges, or explore its past and traditions among the lively streets of its neighborhoods.
If you want to get to know the true essence of Colombia, book now free tours and activities with local Colombian guides at Freetour.com!
By Georgina Blasco and Estefany Da Silva.
This country receives more than 4 million tourists every year, attracted by the paradisiacal beaches of the Colombian Caribbean, the architectural richness of its ancient colonial cities, the unmistakable joy of its people and its rich biodiversity.
Here are some of the essential stops on a trip to Colombia, places that will not leave anyone indifferent.
1. Medellín
Surrounded by impressive mountains, Medellín is also known as "the city of eternal spring". Located in the northwest of the country, it has managed to rise from the ashes of its violent past, and is now a constantly evolving destination full of cultural spaces.
Berrío Park, Medellín. Photo: Flickr - J Daoss ( CC BY-SA 2.0)
A good way to start a route through the city is to head to the metro station Parque Berrío and from there walk through the heart of the cradle of the paisa.
Next to the Museum of Antioquia and the Palace of Culture is the famous Plaza Botero or Sculpture Park where you can enjoy and be in direct contact with 23 characteristic sculptures of voluptuous figures, donated by local artist and national pride Fernando Botero.
At the top of Cerro Nutibara, on the outskirts of the city, is El Pueblito Paisa, a replica of the traditional villages of Antioquia.
El Pueblito Paisa in Medellin. Photo: Flickr - Nigel Burgher ( CC BY 2.0)
There are many artisan stores and restaurants where you can't leave without tasting the succulent bandeja paisa. You should also take the opportunity to admire from the viewpoint the impressive panoramic views of the city and its contrasts.
Another of the most striking places in the city is La Comuna 13. In the past, this was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Colombia, but now it has become a clear example of progress and social insertion thanks to art and the hard work of its warm inhabitants. The streets of this large community are full of murals and graffiti made by urban artists, and you will also see young people and artisans who brighten up the streets with the most characteristic Latin dances and rhythms of the region.
Photo: Flickr - Young Shanahan ( CC BY 2.0)
To learn about the history of La Comuna 13 and the most curious anecdotes it is essential to sign up for a street art tour in La Comuna 13 with a local guide with a local guide, who will accompany you on a tour of the most interesting and famous corners of the neighborhood, in addition to answering all your questions about the past and the evolution of the place.
2. The Peñol of Guatapé
The stone of El Peñol is a monolith of more than 200 meters high located in the department of Antioquia, in the outskirts of Medellin.
To get to the top you will have to climb some 740 steps built in one of its crevices. The 360-degree view of the Guatapé reservoir, one of the most important in Colombia, makes the effort worthwhile. There you can also practice water sports and stroll among hotels and villages. The best thing to do is to book in advance an excursion to Guatapé from excursion to Guatapé from Medellín in advance.
Not far from El Peñol is Guatapé, also known as the town of the Zócalos. This small town invites you to disconnect and enter a prism full of colors, since all the houses are decorated with different traditional figures that represent daily moments in the life of the inhabitants of the place. Some of its most representative places are the Calle del Recuerdo, the Malecón and the Zócalo square.
3. Cartagena de Indias
"The Pearl of the Caribbean" or "La Heroica" are two of the names by which Cartagena de Indias is known Cartagena cartagena, an emblematic city located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
To get to know Cartagena you have to go to the Walled City and relive its colonial past, a time when it was one of the most important commercial ports in America. Surrounded by stone walls, the city has witnessed numerous attacks, battles and historical moments. It is best to explore it on foot and discover places such as the Plaza de los Coches, the Plaza de la Aduana and the Zenú Gold Museum.
Plaza de los Coches, Cartagena.
Near the clock tower is the picturesque neighborhood of Getsemaní: its lively streets and lively nightlife invite passersby to enjoy the authentic Caribbean rumba, an Afro-descendant musical genre that has special roots in this area of the country.
Lighthouse of Cartagena.
In Cartagena there are magnificent beaches such as Bocagrande, but there is also the option of exploring others by boat from the pier of La Bodeguita. The most popular is Barú Island, but those who prefer a quieter atmosphere will find it in the Rosario Islands or Múcura Island.
4. Tayrona National Natural Park
Photo: Wikimedia - David Shankbone ( CC BY-SA)
This park is located about 34Km from the coastal city of Santa Marta located in the Colombian Caribbean, and has an area of 15,000 hectares. Nature and biodiversity are its main protagonists.
You can access from different points, although the main route goes from the entrance of Zaino to Cabo San Juan del Guía. A journey through jungle landscapes, fauna and paradisiacal beaches in its purest and wildest state.
For the more adventurous, one of the best experiences is to camp in some of the areas, such as the Cañaveral sector, Arrecifes, or at Cape San Juan, the latter being the preferred by tourists due to its privileged location in front of the sea.
Another highly recommended route is to take the Palangana entrance that takes you to Playa Cristal, an ideal place to snorkel and swim among its fascinating coral reefs and great variety of fish.
5. Salento and Cocora Valley
Salento is a town in the department of Quindío, known for belonging to the so-called coffee axis, a geographic and economic region of Colombia that stands out for its coffee production. Salento has only 7,000 inhabitants, who have been able to preserve the essence of the Antioquian colonization captured as a canvas in its streets.
The Cocora Valley, located about 10 km from Salento, will undoubtedly mark a before and after in your trip. To get there you must go to the Simón Bolívar square and take one of the mythical Willys jeeps. This valley offers a unique trail, which can be traveled on foot or on horseback. With incredible mountain scenery, waterfalls, hanging wooden bridges and huge wax palms that seem to touch the sky, a visit to the valley leaves no one indifferent.
Cocora Valley, Salento.
In the town of Salento, along the colorful Calle Real, you will find different craft workshops, cafes and restaurants where you can taste the traditional fresh trout. At the end of the street are the stairs leading to the viewpoint Alto de la Cruz, from where you get a breathtaking view.
Finally, you cannot leave the coffee region without first visiting one of its farms and taking the famous coffee route. There you will learn the entire cultivation process, and you will see how the climatic conditions and the work of generation after generation make Colombian coffee one of the richest in the world.
6. Tatacoa Desert
Photo: Wikimedia - Marco A Barboza Garces ( CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tatacoa Desert is not really a desert, but a tropical dry forest that surprises for its natural richness and shows the diversity of ecosystems in the country. This emblematic area is located in the department of Huila. To get there, you have to go to the city of Neiva, continue to the municipality of Villavieja and then go to the entrance by motorcycle or tuk tuk.
The desert is divided into two very different areas: one characterized by its reddish ocher color, called Cuzco, and the area of Los Hoyos, of gray color. The tour is truly fascinating, but it is at nightfall when the real spectacle arrives: the sky is full of stars that can be admired thanks to the absence of artificial light. The most curious can go to the Tatacoa Astronomical Observatory, where they offer explanatory talks and the possibility of using telescopes, which make this experience an unforgettable moment.
7. Santiago de Cali
Recognized as "the salsa capital of the world", in this city the joy and friendliness of the Cali people and the great festive atmosphere will welcome you. If you are a salsa aficionado or want to learn the basic steps, this is the ideal place to party.
Also, walking around downtown Cali you will discover places like the Parque de los Poetas, the Ermita and the Bulevar del Rio. One of the oldest neighborhoods of the city is San Antonio, with narrow streets and bohemian atmosphere that give it a special touch, and where street artists liven up the day by telling stories and tales.
In addition, in the Cerro de los Cristales is located the monument of Cristo Rey, an icon of the city of Cali (similar to Rio de Janeiro) which is 26 meters high and where you can enjoy the best views of the city.
Photo: Flickr - Reg Natarajan ( CC BY 2.0)
And don't miss the opportunity to taste Cali's delicacies such as sancocho valluno (meat soup), pandebono and lulada.
Sancocho valluno, typical Colombian food. Photo: Wikimedia - Wikiraíces ( CC BY-SA 4.0)
8. Bogota
Photo: Fotur Colombia - Mario Carvajal ( CC BY 4.0 License)
The Colombian capital concentrates the artistic and cultural life of the country, offering a wide range of things to do and places to visit.
La Candelaria is the historic center of this city. Its roots are in the Plaza de Bolivar, surrounded by the Primada Cathedral, the seat of Congress, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall. Among its streets you can breathe culture and art, especially highlighting the Colon Theater, the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum.
Another essential visit in the city is the Funnel Alley, located next to the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo. Decorated with numerous graffiti, it is one of the most colorful spots in Bogota.
Finally, some of the favorite plans for both locals and tourists are to climb the hill of Monserrate and admire the views or visit Usaquén, a neighborhood with an elegant touch, markets and craft breweries. If you have more time, on the outskirts of the city you can visit places like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the wonderful Tequendama waterfall.
So much for our list of the best places to visit in Colombia. This country offers things to do for all tastes: you can visit its beautiful beaches, immerse yourself in the world of its renowned artists and writers, get lost in the green landscapes of its mountain ranges, or explore its past and traditions among the lively streets of its neighborhoods.
If you want to get to know the true essence of Colombia, book now free tours and activities with local Colombian guides at Freetour.com!
By Georgina Blasco and Estefany Da Silva.
27
January,
2020
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