With landscapes that tumble from snow-dappled Andean peaks to paradisiacal white sand beaches, it should come as no surprise that Colombia packs a whole raft of hiking trails to explore. Trekking can be a hot, humid affair in the lowlands and a lung-busting adventure in the mountainous national parks. However, there’s no better way to explore this remarkable terrain than on a hike.
Moreover, following decades of conflict concentrated in rural areas, the demobilization of some key armed groups has paved the way for access to trails in some of Colombia’s once inaccessible remote outposts. While some trails are signposted, most are not, so hiking in Colombia safely often requires the assistance of a local guide, whose knowledge of the fragile ecosystems and local customs are invaluable.
Getting out onto the trails is a way of seeing Colombia in a new light. This isn’t just a place of vivacious cities and infectious rhythms, but also a country home to enchanting archaeological sites, rare endemic wildlife, and dizzyingly high-altitude scenery.
1. Ciudad Perdida Trek
Best jungle hike
40km (24.8 miles) round trip, 5 days, moderate
Hikers of all stripes gravitate to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek, Colombia’s most mystical trail. This epic route is the country’s answer to the Inca Trail. However, unlike Peru’s legendary mountaintop fortress, this lost city hidden away in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range sees very few visitors.
Accessing the former stronghold of the Tairona people can only be reached by a five-day trek, discouraging fair-weather hikers. Visitor numbers have yet to fully recover from pre-pandemic levels, making now an excellent time to take on the adventure. It’s a steep and sweaty slog through seemingly impenetrable jungle, although crystalline swimming holes and hammocks slung with mosquito nets provide welcome stops en route.
Early on day four, a flight of 1200 stone steps delivers you to the silent grounds of this 32-hectare city, where tendrils of jungle still cling to the remarkably preserved remains of circular stone terraces, plazas, and storehouses once used by a population of more than 4000 people.
To reach Ciudad Perdida, it’s necessary to join an organized trek. All trekking companies and guides are local, ensuring your money flows directly back into the communities you pass through along the way.
2. Nevado del Tolima Summit
Best high-altitude hike
58.5km (36.3 miles) round trip, 4 days, challenging
Snowy peaks might be an unexpected sight in the tropics, but in Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, a cluster of 5000m (16,400ft) volcanic peaks rises from the lush hillsides of Colombia’s main coffee region. The park attracts trekkers and mountaineers worldwide, eager to conquer its challenging high-altitude terrain.
At 5200m (17,060ft), Nevado del Tolima is the second tallest volcano here and the highest peak that visitors are permitted to climb. Following a series of accidents, access to the south face of the mountain is now restricted. The remaining approach to the summit is a challenging and technical ascent, covering 58.3km (36.3 miles), only suitable for experienced mountaineers. Ropes, ice axes, harnesses, and crampons may be needed for higher sections.
Starting in Valle Cocora, the hike climbs steeply through the park’s trademark landscape of Quindío wax palms before the scenery transitions into the uniquely Andean ecosystem known as paramo. This grassy shrubland is dotted with spiky, slow-growing frailejón plants.
Higher still, glassy lakes, glaciers, and views of the perfectly conical crater of Tolima add to the sense of adventure as you struggle towards the summit. Having conquered Tolima, admire the views towards the gently smoking tip of highly active Volcán Ruiz, the park’s tallest peak.
3. Cueva del Esplendor
Best waterfall hike
23km (14 miles) round trip, 7 hours, moderate
The town of Jardín near Medellín draws visitors with its picture-perfect streets painted in vibrant shades. For a more active day out, you’ll want to head out to the town’s most popular hiking destination – the cavern known as Cueva del Esplendor.
This long day hike begins on the western edge of Jardín and climbs into the patchwork of rolling hills and farmland in Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Muddy trails wind past rushing streams and creep through dense forest, necessitating sturdy hiking boots. Keen-eyed hikers may spot rare bird species such as the orange-breasted tanager finch flitting in the canopy above.
Once you arrive at the cavern, it becomes clear why this fissure in the rock is known as the Cave of Splendor. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you’ll be spellbound by the sight of a roaring blast of foaming water bursting from the roof into a pool below. Since the cave sits on private land, an entry fee is required, and a limited number of visitors are permitted daily.
4. Cocora Valley Hike
Best hike for whimsical landscapes
15km (9 miles) round trip, 6 hours, moderate
Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados might be dominated by its volcanic summits, but plenty of less challenging terrain exists to engage hikers in the nature reserves just outside the park boundaries.
Reached by the iconic Willy Jeeps that rumble between Valle Cocora and the town of Salento, the region’s most acclaimed day hike climbs onto hillsides that offer picture-perfect views over the whimsical Quindío wax palms, the national tree of Colombia.
Stop for a breather at the Reserva Natural Acaime La Casa de Los Colibríes (a hummingbird sanctuary) while capturing photos of the palms, which can grow up to 60m (200ft) tall, resembling trees in a Dr Seuss book. Keep your eyes on the skies as the valley is critical for the endangered yellow-eared parrot.
5. El Pulpito del Diablo Trail
Best hike for dramatic views
22.3km (13.8 miles) round trip, 12 hours, moderate
Packing in dozens of spectacular mountain peaks and a plethora of glassy, glacial lagoons, Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy unveils the country’s high-altitude landscapes at their finest. This area presents a remarkable contrast to the verdant rolling hills and tropical jungle that dominate much of the national terrain.
Situated in the far east of the country near the border with Venezuela, this stunning national park is truly remote. Although concerns over tourism’s environmental impact have led to the closure of many hiking trails, one of the finest treks – the hike to El Pulpito del Diablo – remains open, but all visitors must hike with a guide.
This hike, reaching highs of 4765m (15,633ft), requires a few days for acclimatization. Starting on the western side of the national park, the trail will ascend to the edge of a gleaming glacier, with El Pulpito del Diablo (Devil’s Pulpit) monolith rising above you. While touching the glaciers in the park is not permitted, the trek offers glorious views across the park’s barren landscapes of alpine tundra and electric blue moraine lakes.
6. El Camino Real
Best easy hike
9km (5.6 miles) one way, 1 hour, easy
Lofty mountain adventures aren’t the only type of hiking in Colombia. Just a 30-minute drive from the adventure capital, San Gil, and tucked into the heart of Santander department, the charming town of Barichara is home to a stone-paved trail that descends through a scenic valley to the village of Guane.
Originally constructed by the indigenous people of this region, the Camino Real is a historic hiking route that has been traversed for centuries, providing increasingly expansive views over this cactus-filled valley and the mountains beyond.
7. La Chorrera Waterfall
Best day hike from Bogotá
6.4km (4 miles) round trip, 3 hours, easy
One of the best hikes within striking distance of Bogotá, the route to La Chorrera Waterfall follows an additional stretch of the Camino Real, built to link Bogotá and Villavicencio, some 100km (62 miles) south.
This easy-to-follow path is enveloped by a dense cloud forest filled with bromeliads and the melody of birdsong. However, the prize lies at its end – at 590m (1935ft), La Chorrera is Colombia’s highest waterfall, spilling over a limestone escarpment veiled with moss and lichen, crashing into a serene pool below.
8. Caňaveral to El Cabo San Juan de Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Best beachside hike
8km (5 miles) one way, 2 hours, easy
The setting for some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, features unblemished white sands with lush jungle and azure waters. While there are some inland hikes, the best hiking route here is from Caňaveral along the coast.
This path meanders past picturesque tropical coves, travelling over muddy trails and sandy paths to reach El Cabo San Juan de Guía, where two idyllic beaches with hammocks offer a restful place to unwind.
As you wander along the coast, keep an eye out for chattering cotton-top tamarin monkeys and basilisk lizards that can dash across the surface of the water.
9. Tierradentro Mountain Circuit
Best archaeological hike
12km (7.5 miles), 8 hours, moderate
Explore underground tombs and fierce stone statues on this challenging hike through the glorious green mountains of Parque Arqueológico Tierradentro in the southern department of Cauca, which can be done at your own pace.
Before you embark, visit the museum at the park entrance to learn about the mysterious civilization that once populated these lands, leaving behind intriguing glimpses of their culture.
The hike climbs to the most important ruins at Alto de Segovia, where you can descend spiral staircases into tombs to observe mesmerizing geometric wall paintings. The loop follows dirt paths and traffic-free country roads, visiting three more groups of tombs and a statuary on a plateau before winding back down to the park entrance.
It’s wise to bring a flashlight, as some of the more remote tombs lack lighting.
This article was first published on March 14, 2022, and updated on August 16, 2023.
