Affiliate Links
Curious about the best places to visit in Colombia? Delve into a world where vibrant cities like Bogotá and charming colonial towns like Cartagena await exploration. Immerse yourself in ancient ruins, dance to salsa rhythms, and trek through lush jungles for an unforgettable adventure in Colombia’s diverse landscapes.
Welcome to Colombia, known as the “Gateway to South America,” where the blend of different cultures has shaped its rich history and vibrant culture. With its vastness and diversity, narrowing down the best destinations can be challenging. This article will explore Colombia’s top spots and must-try experiences for travelers.
Divided into six regions, each offering unique charm, Colombia boasts picturesque landscapes, thrilling adventure activities, and vibrant city nightlife. Welcome to Colombia!
Table of Contents
Best Places To Visit in Colombia – Landmarks
1. Monserrate Mountain (Cerro Monserrate)
Monserrate Mountain is located in Colombia’s capital city, Bogotá, and towers 10,341 feet (3,152 meter) above sea level.
The Monserrate Monastery, made in the 17th century as a dedication to El Señor Caído, is the main attraction on Monserrate Mountain, which remains a sacred place in Bogotá.
You can also find many souvenir stores and eating destinations here, such as the San Isidro and Santa Clara House, which serve authentic Colombian dishes.
2. The Coffee Triangle
One of Colombia’s most renowned places is the Coffee Triangle. Located between Armenia, Manizales, and Pereira, this region produces one of the best coffees in the world because of its temperate climate, fertile land, and precipitation.
Colombian coffee growers and processors have mastered their craft, a talent passed down from generation to generation. In addition to enjoying Colombian coffee, you can learn about the entire coffee-making process from bean to cup.
The best place to visit when you want to visit the Coffee Triangle is Salento, a small town that has access to several coffee farms. When you’re in the area, visiting Cocora Valley, famous for its tall palm trees, is recommended.
3. Botero Square
Botero Square, also known as Plaza de las Esculturas, is a well-photographed attraction in Medellín. You can find it in front of the renowned Museum of Antioquia and Uribe Palace.
The square’s name is derived from the 23 statues by Fernando Botero, a celebrated Colombian artist. Some iconic statues he made include “The Hand,” “Eve,” and “Maternity,” which are all freely displayed on the Botero square for everyone to enjoy.
4. Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal
Located in Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, Colombia. It’s near Pereira, which is part of Colombia’s coffee zone. The Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal, or the Santa Rosa Hot Spring, is one of the country’s most famous hot springs because of its breathtaking location.
Both locals and tourists love the springs because it is believed that the waters would aid in treating many different illnesses.
5. Cartagena Clock Tower
The Cartagena Clock Tower, or “La Torre del Reloj” in Spanish, is one of Colombia’s most recognizable landmarks. It formerly housed a chapel that contained a gun room.
The tower is a vivid lemon-yellow with a gateway into Cartegena’s Old City. It’s a beautiful landmark that gets you in the mood for a fantastic day of colonial city exploration.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Best Places To Visit in Colombia – Natural Wonders
6. Tayrona National Park
Located in Santa Marta city, Tayrona National Park is known for its biodiversity. It is home to some of the nation’s most stunning blue sea coves, crystalline lagoons, white sand beaches, and tropical jungles.
Tayrona is also home to more than 60 mammal species, 300 distinct bird species (including the stunning keel-billed toucan and military macaw), more than 100 varieties of coral, and kilometers of beaches and boulders that line the shore.
To get to Tayrona, you can take the bus from Santa Marta, which takes around one hour or hop on a boat from Taganga.
7. Valle del Cocora (Cocora Valley)
Cocora Valley is part of the Los Nevados National Park in Salento, Quindio. Colombia’s national tree, the Quindio wax palm, is abundant across the valley. They are known to be the tallest type of palm trees in the world and can reach up to 200 ft (60 m).
The tall palm trees, long grass, and mist-covered mountains give you the feeling of traveling back in time. You can also find a variety of flora and fauna—some of which are endangered species, all protected by the national park.
If you’re in Medellin, you can take the bus from the Terminal de Transportes del Sur bus station. From there, you will arrive in Cocora Valley in about 6 to 6.5 hours, with one to two stops in between.
8. El Peñón de Guatapé (Guatapé Rock)
Located in Guatapé, Antioquia, El Peñón de Guatapé (Piedra del Peñol) is a famous landmark and a national monument in Colombia. To reach the top of the granitic rock, which is believed to be around 65 million years old, you must climb an internal stairway with 708 steps in a zig-zag direction.
The climb can be exhausting, but the view at the top will take your breath away. As one of the tallest natural wonders in the world, you will be able to magnify Guatapé Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of Colombia’s various islands.
You can find many markets and food stalls near the base of the rock. On top, a convenience store, seating area, and three-story viewpoint tower are found.
To get to Guatapé Rock, you can take a bus from the north terminal in Medellín. Some bus companies, like Sotrapeñol and Sotra San Vicente, take you directly to the entrance of the rock.
9. Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales, or the “Liquid Rainbow,” is another of Colombia’s breathtaking natural wonders. As the name implies, it is a river that becomes vibrantly colored red, yellow, green, blue, and black when the weather conditions are ideal.
The colors are most vibrant in June and November, though they can be seen as early as mid-May and occasionally in December. The aquatic plants in the river, known as Macarenia clavigera, are responsible for the varying colors. This phenomenon occurs nowhere else, so tourists flock to this spectacle all year round.
The simplest way to get to Caño Cristales is to book a flight from Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, to Serranía de la Macarena through Satena—the airline company. There aren’t departures every day, so book a ticket in advance.
You can visit the river without any agency but must have a tour guide with a government license. The National Parks Service accepts applications in advance for park entry permits. There is a daily limit on the number of visitors, and most permits are given to tour companies, so you might want to consider booking through agencies.
10. Tatacoa Desert
Tatacoa Desert, located in Villavieja, Huila, is a surreal destination for those who want to climb, explore, and gaze at the stars. Its two distinct environments make this desert exceptional.
The Red Desert has canyons and valleys of rippling red stone studded with cacti. Here, you can also find an observatory offering guests regular astronomy talks and access to its large telescope. Its atmospheric conditions and geography make it ideal for astronomy.
On the other hand, the Grey Desert is where you can see a moon-like landscape with unique jagged shapes—this is why it’s nicknamed The Valley of Ghosts. Even though it’s called a desert, it’s technically a tropical dry forest with diverse fauna and flora adapted to its climatic conditions.
There are two ways to get to the Tatacoa Desert: by air or by land. You can take a 30-minute plane ride or a five-hour land trip from Bogotá to Neiva. A 45-minute car ride from Neiva takes you to Villavieja and another 15 minutes to get to the desert.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Best Places To Visit in Colombia – Best for Culture
11. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Located in Cartagena, the walled fortress of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 due to its exceptional state of preservation and its contribution to history.
The castle was strategically constructed atop San Lázaro Hill to defend against invaders. As a result, it offers breathtaking views that you can now enjoy.
A maze of tunnels was constructed below the fortress so that soldiers could move weapons, artillery, and more men without being spotted by the enemy. Now, visitors can explore these mazes to imagine life at the castle during that time.
If you’re at the heart of Cartagena city, you can easily visit the castle by walking to the Getsemani district. Afterward, you need to cross the bridge at Calle 30. Another option is taking a bus or cab.
12. Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá
The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá is an underground cathedral at Calle 3 8-36 in Zipaquirá, the capital of the department of Cundinamarca in Colombia. It stands as one of Colombia’s distinctive historical sites, constructed as a haven for solitude and prayer, with a capacity to accommodate up to 8,000 people.
A renowned Easter pilgrimage site, the structure is 656 ft (200 m) below a shaft of the now-defunct mine. Today, the cathedral symbolizes the Colombians’ cultural, natural, and religious heritage.
You can easily take a cab to the cathedral from Zipaquirá. If you’re in Bogotá, take the bus to Zipaquirá, which takes around 45 minutes.
13. Walled City of Cartagena
The Walled City of Cartagena is a must-visit destination in Colombia, known for its enchanting blend of Spanish colonial architecture and breathtaking Caribbean coastline. With a rich history, this UNESCO World Heritage site has strong defenses. Its walls are over 6.8 miles long and up to 40 feet high, showing how it survived a pirate attack in 1614. The iconic Puerta del Reloj, or Clock Tower Gate, is a gateway to this historic marvel.
Traveling to the Walled City from Rafael Núñez International Airport is convenient, taking just 15 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus. Rest assured, Cartagena is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers to explore and enjoy.
14. Las Lajas Sanctuary
One of Colombia’s most stunning locations is the Las Lajas Sanctuary, located near Ipiales, a small settlement in Southwestern Colombia. Built in 1754 and devoted to the Virgin Mary, the sanctuary is believed to be a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to a woman hiding out with her child in the Guáitara River Canyon during a storm.
The sanctuary is loved by many Catholics and is regarded as one of the most exquisite churches worldwide. With its interiors embellished with marble columns and stained glass windows, this is a sight you do not want to miss.
From Ipiales, you can ride a cab to the sanctuary, which takes around 10 minutes. Once dropped off, you must take another 5-10-minute walk down the hill to get to the sanctuary.
15. Cerro Azul
One of Colombia’s most well-known archaeological sites is Cerro Azul, located in a secluded area in San José del Guaviare, on the border of the llanos, plains, and the Amazon rainforest, that should only be visited if you are ready for a long commute.
Home to hundreds of ancient pre-Columbian cave paintings. Cerro Azul dates back over a thousand years. The paintings include those of jaguars, snakes, and humans, as well as a glimpse of the people who formerly inhabited this area 1,000 years ago. The Cerro Azul cave paintings are a significant component of Colombia’s cultural history and are considered one of the earliest discoveries of rock art in South America.
To get to Guaviare, you can travel by air or drive south of San José del Guaviare, which takes around two hours. Then, you’d need to hike 30 minutes up the hill to get to the cave.
Best Places To Visit in Colombia – Best for Outdoor Adventure
16. Gorgona Island
Situated in the Colombian Pacific, Gorgona Island is renowned for its ecotourism opportunities. This pristine island is teeming with diverse wildlife, including birds, insects, marine life, and lush vegetation.
The island’s diverse coral bank is considered the most developed one in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and is the largest in Colombia’s Pacific Region. Gorgona Island is also home to various animals, such as sloths, blue lizards, snakes, and many more.
17. Chicamocha Canyon
An excellent paragliding location is Chicamocha Canyon. Located in the country’s Andean region, this is one of the biggest canyons in the world.
The best thing about paragliding is that you can relax once you’re in the air and let the pilot take it from there. They skillfully maneuver the updrafts, taking you higher in the clouds and farther from your starting point. You’ll be flying with the birds, all while enjoying the magnificent view from above. Make sure to bring your camera for this experience.
You can take any bus from San Gil to Bucaramanga to reach the canyon. The trip takes about an hour.
18. Cascada La Chorrera
Known as La Chorrera Waterfall in English, this famous landmark is a must-include on your bucket list. Standing 1,936 feet (590 meters) tall, this is known as the highest waterfall in Colombia and is located just to the east of Bogotá.
You can enjoy many activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horse riding. Although the weather can be quite unpredictable, the morning mist typically lifts when afternoon hits, revealing breathtaking views of the canyons on the eastern side of the Cordillera Oriental.
To get there, you can take the bus from Bogotá to Choachi at Carrera 14 and Calle 6. Inform the bus driver that you’re heading to La Chorrera and need to be dropped off at the turn-off. From there, you can hitch a ride or wait for a rural car to take you to the park’s entrance. Otherwise, you’ll have an hour-long hike ahead of you.
19. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
If you heard about the Lost City Trek in Colombia, you must try it, especially if you’re into outdoor adventures. This 4-5 day trek traverses northern Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The ancient site was built by the Tayrona people in 800 AD.
The journey is rewarding but not for the faint of heart. The trek is your chance to get in touch with nature, observe the antiquated ruins of pre-Colombian culture, and pass through the Kogi tribes’ territory. You can also meet indigenous people who continue to protect this archaeological site.
Many agencies offer Lost City treks, so choosing who you go with is important. Before booking, make sure they have a trekking guide license and are working with someone from the indigenous community. Stay away from companies that disregard the wishes of the indigenous population.
20. Puracé National Park
Puracé National Park, located in the Andean region of Colombia southeast of the city of Popayán, features a 12-mile (19 km) circling trail where hikers can explore hot springs and waterfalls while being surrounded by one of Colombia’s active volcanoes—the Puracé Volcano.
A stunning mixture of animals, vegetation, and culture may be found in this national park, which is dominated by Paramo—one of the most significant ecosystems in the entire world. If you want to take your adventure to the next level, you can hike to Volcan Puracé. Make sure you have a tour guide because the terrain can be difficult.
To get to Puracé National Park, you can take a bus from Popayán’s bus station, which takes around 3 hours to arrive at the park.
Best Places To Visit in Colombia – Shopping
21. Hacienda Santa Barbára Shopping Center
As the name implies, the Hacienda Santa Barbára shopping center is located in a historic hacienda home. It has seven levels of shops selling clothing and footwear.
They also have various cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect location for a full shopping day.
22. World Fashion Center in Medellín
If you’re seeking quality clothing, consider visiting the World Fashion Center, rated as the third-best shopping center in Medellín and located in the heart of the city. Medellín is renowned for its fashion-forward culture, where residents frequently embrace the latest trends or pioneer new ones. The city proudly hosts the Colombiamoda fashion show each year, showcasing sustainable fashion and underscoring the connection between clothing and environmental, cultural, and social awareness.
23. La Serrezuela in Cartagena
One of the architectural wonders of Cartagena’s walled Old City is La Serrezuela. This structure used to be a bullfighting arena but has been renovated and turned into a unique shopping center.
The original wooden ring, which serves as a performance area today, is surrounded by five stories of premium boutiques. The top floor is home to an upscale food court and several terraces with views of the city.
24. Andino Shopping Center in Bogotá
The most well-known local and international brands can be found in the Andino Shopping Center—one of the biggest shopping centers in South America.
It has become customary for most travelers to travel to this region to experience not only this commercial district but also to experience the vibe of the Chapinero district, where the mall is located.
25. Calle de la Moneda in Cartagena
If you’re looking for affordable shopping alternatives in Colombia, go to Calle de la Moneda in Cartagena, where you can find shops that offer reasonably priced items like shoes, bikinis, and jeans.
The two-story Pasaje La Moneda, a lively retail mall with tons of bargains, is about midway down this busy row. Small businesses line the remaining three blocks of the stretch, which have just about anything you need while traveling.
Best Places To Visit in Colombia – Nightlife
26. Medellín
If you’re a night owl, Medellin is the place to be, known for its vibrant Medellin nightlife scene. You’ll find a variety of clubs, bars, and salsa venues here. The Center and Laureles are renowned neighborhoods in Medellin for their lively parties, with Laureles considered the safest spot to enjoy the Medellin nightlife.
Don’t forget to add El Poblado and Barrio Colombia to your list to explore the nightclub scene in Medellin.
27. Cali
Cali has evolved into a vibrant city over the last decades. It’s a city where locals and tourists can experience the best Cali nightlife experience, next to Medellín.
The city is hard to beat for its culture. It is widely regarded as one of the world’s salsa capitals; dance is a way of life for Caleños. Enroll in a few salsa classes to keep up with the locals.
28. Bogotá
Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is where you’ll find the pulse of the country’s nightlife. It’s a haven for party enthusiasts, offering plenty of options. The bustling Zona Rosa or Zona T and the iconic Armando Records are among the top destinations, with various pubs and nightclubs for everyone to enjoy in Colombia’s lively nightlife scene.
29. Cartagena
Cartagena is home to late-night bars, salsa music, co*cktails, and various parties. Other cities can hardly match Cartegena’s liveliness and excitement when it comes to its nightlife activities.
The two most famous bars in this city are Getsemani and El Centro, but there are many other authentic options like Black Parrot Bar, Hi Cartagena, and Journey & Travel Colombia.
30. Barranquilla
If you want to join its four-day grand Carnival festival, Barranquilla might be the best place to enjoy a night out. Celebrated 40 days before Lent, Carnival is mostly celebrated in February.
Barranquilla has retro music, a DJ night, traditional dancing, and delectable ethnic Colombian food.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Where To Stay In Colombia
Hotel Dann Combeima (Budget)
Hotel Dann Combeima in Ibagué offers accommodations with mountain views. Guests have access to a restaurant and a fitness center. The property also provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, and complimentary WiFi.
Wyndham Bogota (Mid-range)
Every room at Wyndham Bogota boasts modern decor and is equipped with air conditioning. Each room includes a flat-screen cable TV, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Sofitel Barú Calablanca (Luxury)
Sofitel Barú Calablanca, located in Cartagena de Indias, offers luxurious 5-star accommodations with a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center facing the beachfront. The property also features a garden, bar, and a private beach area among its various facilities.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Where NOT to Go in Colombia
Although Colombia is generally a safe place for tourists, you can never go wrong with being a little careful. You can still visit these places, but make sure to take precautions.
Colombian Borders
The Colombian border is another place you should avoid visiting when in Colombia. Due to widespread crime, some specific areas to avoid are Arauca, Cauca, Norte de Santander, and the Colombia-Venezuela border regions.
If you are a U.S. citizen, it is a must not to visit the Colombia and Venezuela borders to avoid any risks of detention. If you plan on going somewhere near the border, take note of the areas to avoid to prevent accidentally crossing the border.
Buenaventura
Buenaventura is another city you’d want to skip because of its high violence and crime rate. Homicide and extortion are the most common crimes in this area.
Additionally, numerous drug cartels execute drug trafficking throughout the city and fight for control over Buenaventura’s unauthorized transactions of illegal drugs and contraband goods. Because of this, the city’s wave of violence continually increases.
The Colombian Army is continuously trying to eradicate the powerful criminal group in Buenaventura, La Local, responsible for most crimes in the city.
How To Stay Safe In Colombia
To travel safely in Colombia, you must always exercise caution by avoiding dangerous places. Because some parts of the country have high crime rates, it is a must to stay updated with the current news and follow the advice of authorities. Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
Moreover, yellow fever and Zika virus are widespread in Colombia, so make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Important Tips To Make The Most of Your Colombian Trip
- Don’t wear expensive clothing; avoid flashing your jewelry.
- Always check and monitor your belongings when you’re in busy areas.
- Securely wear your bags to prevent snatch theft. If you’re wearing a shoulder bag, having them crossed over your chest is better than hanging them loose on your shoulder.
- Learn basic Spanish to communicate with locals and make the most of your holiday.
- Use taxi applications to avoid getting scammed. Popular applications include Easy Tappsi (Cabify) and Uber.
- Exercise caution when withdrawing in ATMs, and always inspect them first. Some of the typical ATM scams involve fake ATM keypads and card cloning.
Frequently Asked Questions — Best Places to Visit in Colombia
Which Part of Colombia Should I Visit?
Cartagena is a must-visit city when traveling in Colombia. It is considered the coastal crown jewel of the country and features the best-preserved architecture of colonial destinations. The city also has luxurious restaurants, hotels, and fine churches and seas.
What’s the Safest Place To Visit in Colombia?
Palomino, located in a coastal region, is considered the safest place in Colombia. The population of Palomino is approximately 4,000. The place has a low crime rate mainly because most people know one another.
Is Colombia Friendly to Tourists?
Colombians are very welcoming and friendly people. They accommodate foreigners like royalty and will gladly walk you to your destination if you ask for directions. They are also festive people that you will always see cheerful.
Is Traveling in Colombia Cheap?
Colombia is a cheap country to travel to. It’s considered the most affordable country in Latin America. However, this also depends on how you manage your expenses—you can either be on a budget or spend luxuriously. Either way, you will have a memorable trip to Colombia.
Conclusion – Best Places to Visit in Colombia
Name your travel goal—verdant rainforests, vibrant nightlife, fascinating historical sites, ideal adventure hub, rich culture, world-class gastronomy, warm climate, hospitable people—and Colombia most probably has it. What more could you ask for?
The only problem is how to squeeze your visits to all these wonderful places into your itinerary. Well, you could opt for a longer stay, or, better still, wait till the next one. Hasta luego!
Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources
Skyscanner is my trusted ally for booking flights, guiding me to the perfect travel options while making the journey planning process a breeze with its user-friendly interface and extensive search capabilities.
12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.
Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.
Get Your Guide is my go-to for personalized travel experiences, enriching my journeys with unique tours and activities curated to my interests, making every adventure unforgettable and tailored to my preferences.
SafetyWing is my peace of mind on the go, offering comprehensive travel medical insurance with affordable plans and hassle-free claims, ensuring I can explore the world worry-free, knowing I’m protected wherever I roam.
LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.
Related Reads:
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Villa de Leyva, Colombia
- 10 Best Rosario Islands Hotels For Your Colombia Getaway
Marjolein Dilven
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
