This South American Country Has Shed Its Troubled Past

When friends heard I was going to visit Colombia, several of them asked, “Isn’t it dangerous?” Some said, “What about the drug trade?” However, those who had recently traveled to Colombia insisted that Bogotá was interesting, and Cartagena was a wonderful resort city with its own unique personality, largely thanks to its ancient walls. I was informed that both cities were well worth seeing and completely safe for travelers.

I had my trepidations but kept them to myself before setting out. After a week-long visit to this South American country, I must agree with travelers who’ve visited Colombia before me. Things have changed, and travel has become much safer. It is a destination that is remarkably different from the one portrayed in the news during the 80s and 90s. For adventurous travelers, it is a worthy destination packed with excitement.

Sitting in an open-air bar atop the wall surrounding the oldest part of Cartagena, which is now a UNESCO Heritage Site, we watched the sun set, igniting the clouds like flames as it dipped into the sea. As we turned our heads, we caught the rosy afterglow illuminating streets lined with Spanish Colonial buildings, making it feel as though we had stepped back in time. I was glad I boarded that plane, and should you choose to visit, you will be grateful too.

Outdoor Adventures Await the Active

Rugged and dramatic terrain for hiking, biking, climbing, and other outdoor adventures await active travelers in Colombia. You can bicycle around coffee country and visit organic coffee fincas, climb the rocky terrain near Suesca, or hike amongst the towering Quindio wax palms in the Valle de Cocora.

For those seeking true adventure, consider heading to El Cocuy National Park, a wild wilderness that offers excellent hiking, camping, and climbing opportunities. There are even snow-capped peaks for mountaineers to explore, including some that exceed 17,000 feet. If you’re looking to experience Colombia’s wild side, this is the ideal place to do it.

Trek to a Lost City

One of the most enticing activities for adventure travelers visiting Colombia is the trek to an ancient lost city hidden in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Santa Marta. The trek takes three days to complete and more than delivers on its promises.

The walk is strenuous yet manageable, requiring the climber to ascend over 1200 steps. The Lost City itself, once home to the Tayrona people, offers a respite from busy tourist spots while presenting a breathtaking view of the rainforest along the way.

If you’re interested in making the trek for yourself, Expotur can help facilitate this adventure.

Cartagena Offers History and Charm

Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its walled city center and rustic Spanish Colonial buildings, has long been a popular vacation spot for South Americans. Recently, it has been drawing visitors from farther afield, enchanting them with its rustic charm and historic roots.

You can walk, bike, or dine along the city walls for spectacular views of the Caribbean. For a central stay, consider hotels like Santa Teresa, which was once a convent, and wander through narrow streets adorned with bougainvillea spilling over second-story balconies above shops and apartments.

One of the most popular historical sites in the city is definitely Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This vast fortress was constructed by the Spanish to safeguard the port city from invaders and remains a powerful symbol of the city today.

Reefs and Wrecks Greet Snorkelers and Divers

Colombia’s Caribbean coast features miles of beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and intriguing shipwrecks to keep divers entertained. On the Pacific coastline, travelers will discover even more reefs bustling with large fish and, during specific months, humpback whales, primarily from July to November.

Adventurous divers and snorkelers should head to Malpelo Island, known for housing one of the largest shark populations globally. At times, these formidable underwater predators congregate in schools of up to 200, including the scalloped hammerhead sharks, which are abundant here but rare elsewhere.

Gold, Gold, Gold

You’ll want to wear sunglasses when gazing at the displays in the Banco de la República Gold Museum, as you might be blinded by the glitter of so much precious metal.

This museum in Bogotá boasts an astounding collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork that unveils the lives and beliefs of the societies that once inhabited the land now known as Colombia. The abundance of gold in Colombia and South America attracted many Spaniards, arriving in search of their fortunes.

Bogota Displays Both Today and Yesterday

The capital city of Colombia, home to approximately eight million people, sits at 8,646 feet above sea level on a high plain in the Andes Mountains. The sprawling city presents a mosaic of communities, including upscale residential areas, modern buildings juxtaposed with colonial churches, and historic quarters that feature everything from bustling open-air markets to trendy eateries.

Navigating the steeper roads between various city sectors allows you to catch glimpses of descendants of the region’s original inhabitants, many of whom still cultivate small plots of land while caring for their livestock.

To stretch your legs while visiting Bogotá, take a stroll to the summit of Monserrate, a nearby mountain that overlooks the city. The trek requires a three to four-hour commitment, but upon reaching the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Historically, this hike carried significant importance for pilgrims who ventured here to visit religious sites at the summit.

It’s on the Caribbean

Imagine waves so gentle that they roll onto the sand without a sound. You can snorkel around coral heads right off the shore, scuba dive in deeper waters, or simply lounge on a beach chair in the sun. Such is the life in the Caribbean, and Colombia is ready to offer this delight to visitors.

Take a boat ride from the docks in Cartagena, and in just two hours, you can escape to an island resort for a day or an overnight getaway. We enjoyed our stay at Punta Faro, a relaxed, environmentally friendly resort on Isla Mucura, which provided a refreshing escape.

For More Information…

The official tourism website for Colombia is an excellent starting point. The site is user-friendly and offers insights into places to explore, whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or seeking thrilling adventures, simply sightseeing, or spending time by the water.

I truly enjoyed my visit to Colombia, and thanks to a strong police and national guard presence in all locations we explored, I felt safe throughout my journey. However, it’s important to note that the U.S. government currently maintains a travel warning for this country.