Explore the Best Places to Visit in Colombia

If you have any preconceptions about Colombia, leave them at home. This remarkable country will take you by surprise.

As the second-most biodiverse nation in the world, Colombia boasts vast swaths of wildlife-rich Amazon jungle, while its coral-white beaches, dizzying mountains, and leafy highland coffee plantations present a remarkable array of natural contrasts.

However, this thrilling corner of South America offers much more than just its breathtaking landscapes. Its lively cities exude an energy that sets Colombia apart from much of the continent, showcasing how this once troubled nation has moved past its history of conflict.

With adventures and infectious beats around every corner, determining the best places to visit can be a challenge. Fortunately, thanks to plentiful domestic flights and long-distance buses, covering plenty of ground in Colombia, even on a short trip, is a breeze.

To aid in your planning, here are the best places to visit in Colombia.

1. Cartagena

Best for architecture and atmosphere

At the top of many travelers’ bucket lists for Colombia is the sultry city of Cartagena, and it’s easy to see why. The historic old town is a mesmerizing walled complex of cobblestone streets adorned with bougainvillea, where local performers embody the city’s vibrant energy.

Experiencing the atmosphere of Cartagena can be either spirited or leisurely. You can relax on Playa de Bocagrande or indulge in long lunches featuring sharp coconut ceviche at family-run eateries. When night falls, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar and soak in the lively vibe of the city’s bars and clubs.

Planning tip: Explore the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego on foot to fully soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

2. The Amazon Jungle

Best for wildlife encounters

Colombia is home to an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, making it essential for wildlife enthusiasts. While the Amazon jungle occupies a third of Colombia’s territory, its remote nature can make access challenging. Nonetheless, it is the premier location for experiencing tropical wildlife in lush, untouched rainforests.

Consider booking a tour into the rainforest from Leticia, where you can spend nights exploring one of the world’s wildest areas. Embark on boat trips along the Río Amazonas and traverse remote trails that promise encounters with friendly pink river dolphins, sleepy sloths, and chattering howler monkeys.

3. Zona Cafetera

Best for coffee lovers

If there’s one thing that keeps Colombia running, it’s coffee. Discover the allure of Colombia’s coffee heartland, the Zona Cafetera. Here, green plantations flourish in the lush hills of Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío, cultivating the country’s renowned arabica beans. Many family-run fincas (farms) welcome tourists for daytime tours and overnight stays that delve into coffee culture.

Planning tip: Organize travel to coffee country from regional hubs like Manizales and Pereira.

4. Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Best for combining nature and beaches

Tayrona National Natural Park, home to palm-lined beaches and secluded coves, is one of Colombia’s natural treasures. Located along the Caribbean coast east of Santa Marta, it offers a paradise for relaxation against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.

Sun-soaked beach lounging or leisurely walks along jungle trails are popular here, although many beaches have strong currents unsuitable for swimming. To escape the crowds, consider a speedboat ride to Playa Cristal, an idyllic island with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.

Planning tip: Avoid visiting Tayrona during January or February when the park often closes for maintenance. Don’t miss the chance to visit Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados in the Zona Cafetera as part of your travels.

5. Medellín

Best for street art

Once the stronghold of Colombia’s notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar, modern Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation. Here, travelers can find hip music venues, sophisticated neighborhoods with shady restaurant terraces, and stylish bars. The city’s agreeable climate makes it a popular destination, and a convenient gateway to the Zona Cafetera.

For art enthusiasts, the works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero are prominent throughout the city, with his iconic, inflated sculptures bringing a whimsical touch to bustling market squares. To immerse yourself in Medellín’s cultural renaissance, visit urban regeneration projects in Comuna 13 and Moravia, where street art and innovative transport solutions rejuvenate once-declining neighborhoods.

Planning tip: Take a ride on the modern cable car for a refreshing change of pace, offering access to Parque Arví, a nature reserve adorned with trails lined with orchids.

6. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Best for archaeological adventures

For a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s past, journey to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. After a challenging three-day hike through lush jungle, you’ll arrive at La Ciudad Perdida, the country’s most significant archaeological site.

This ancient city, constructed around 850 CE along a steep ridge, was rediscovered in the 1970s after being reclaimed from the jungle. Accessible only through guided tours, La Ciudad Perdida remains remote, pristine, and blissfully free from the noise of mass tourism.

7. La Guajira Peninsula

Best for learning about Indigenous culture

Wild desert expanses meet the serene blue of the Caribbean Sea in one of Colombia’s most secluded corners. The Indigenous Wayuu tribe has withstood the test of time, living in secluded villages that reflect their unique traditions and rhythms.

Planning tip: To truly appreciate the captivating wilderness at Colombia’s northernmost point, organize a tour from Riohacha. Allocate at least one night on the peninsula and make sure to visit Playa Taroa, often called Colombia’s most stunning beach, where glistening sea meets unspoiled sand dunes.

8. Cali

Best for party people

Few places in South America rival Cali’s vibrant nightlife, known as Colombia’s salsa capital. The city pulses with rhythm, and a visit will leave you dancing until dawn. Polish your moves at one of the many dance schools before hitting the floor at the lively Zaperoco salsa club.

Planning tip: Consider attending Delirio, an incredible salsa and cabaret showcase happening on the final Friday of every month for an energetic introduction to Cali’s salsa obsession.

9. Bogotá

Best for museums and culture

Rainy and cold due to its elevation in the Andes, Bogotá may initially seem like merely a launchpad to Colombia’s warmer destinations. However, those who explore will discover a capital city with a vibrant atmosphere and an impressive range of museums.

In the increasingly trendy neighborhoods of Zona Rosa and Chapinero, gourmet dining and excited nightlife mix freely. To enrich your experience, dedicate a day to marveling at the impressive artifacts displayed in the Museo de Oro, one of the continent’s premier collections of pre-Hispanic metalwork, or the Museo Botero, known for its extensive collection of modern and Impressionist art, including numerous pieces by the renowned artist himself.

10. Providencia

Best for an island escape

Approximately 1240 km (770 miles) north of Colombia lies Providencia, a stunning island paradise encapsulated in the Caribbean Sea. With its picturesque golden beaches and relaxed atmosphere, this enchanting island offers an idyllic getaway.

Divers can explore the crystal-clear waters alongside colorful marine life, such as stingrays, turtles, and reef sharks, along the world’s third-largest barrier reef. For those preferring to keep their feet on land, sandy shores, beachside dining, and warm water temperatures await.

11. Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de La Macarena

Best for natural spectacles

Located south of Bogotá, Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de La Macarena is one of Colombia’s most remarkable attractions. Just a short drive from La Macarena town, you’ll find Caño Cristales, a river known as the “liquid rainbow,” displaying vivid pink hues caused by unique riverweed growing between July and October. Visitors can swim in designated areas along the river.

Planning tip: After having remained largely inaccessible to visitors until 2010 due to former FARC presence, Caño Cristales now limits its daily visitors to 200. It’s advisable to book your ticket with a local tour operator ahead of time.

12. San Gil

Best for thrill-seekers

For adrenaline enthusiasts, San Gil is Colombia’s adventure capital. Water sports are a major attraction here, offering white-water rafting and hydrospeed tours through scenic canyons featuring rapids ranging from Class I to Class V.

If you’re ready for aerial thrills, experience abseiling down rushing waterfalls, paragliding above majestic mountain vistas, or bungee jumping. Additional activities widely enjoyed include caving, mountain biking, and canyoning.

13. Parque Arqueológico Nacional de San Agustín

Best for lost kingdom vibes

Located in the southwestern department of Huila, Parque Arqueológico Nacional de San Agustín features a network of ceremonial sites and burial grounds adorned with mesmerizing stone statues. These semi-human figures, often depicted with wide eyes and large mouths, present a captivating glimpse into a culture that flourished over 2000 years ago.

Planning tip: The archaeological park lies 2.5 km (1.6 miles) from San Agustín town. Shared vans, known as colectivos, conveniently transport visitors to the park entrance. Hiring a local guide at the entrance will enrich your exploration of the site.