Summary
Set to the vibrant rhythms of salsa and merengue, interspersed with three prominent chains of Andean peaks, infused with the aroma of mountain coffees and characterized by environments ranging from misty rainforests to expansive pampas, Colombia is undoubtedly one of South America’s foremost bucket-list destinations.
Explore this selection of the premier places to visit in Colombia:
1. Bogota
As one of South America’s elevated capital cities, the expansive and dynamic metropolis of Bogota is situated atop the ridges of the Colombian Eastern Cordillera.
With nearly nine million inhabitants, it serves as an energetic locale for visitors.
The renowned district of La Candelaria offers a deep dive into colonial history.
Trodden by Simon Bolivar and rich with low-rise pueblo dwellings, cobblestone streets, and the stunning La Catedral, this area is essential to experience.
Moreover, Bogota features a thrilling funicular ride up to the summit of Cerro de Monserrate, while the fervor of football fans echoes at El Campin, and an array of museums showcases everything from enigmatic Incan gold artifacts to Spanish portraiture.
2. Cartagena
Colombia’s coastal jewel, Cartagena, is adorned with coral-stone forts and weathered stucco homes, lining the country’s finest stretch of coastline.
The Old Town undoubtedly stands as the highlight, where winding alleys meander past exquisite Baroque mansions and Spanish churches that open up to sunlit plazas populated with fountains reflecting the hues of blooming floral arrangements.
In contrast, Bocagrande showcases a more upscale side of the city. Here, fashion-forward individuals enjoy rollerblading along the shore, indulging in piña coladas under the Caribbean sun, and lounging amidst the swaying palms.
3. Medellin
Once the stronghold of the notorious Medellin Cartel, this city has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its past associated with Pablo Escobar and emerging as a vibrant, artistic university town featuring attractions such as the renowned Museo de Antioquia and beautifully restored homes belonging to numerous Colombian writers and artists.
Public art installations grace many corners, manifesting in metallic canopies above the Botanical Gardens or in the intriguing avant-garde sculptures positioned within public squares (Medellin is aptly called the ‘City of Sculptures’). Furthermore, the rugged ridges of the Aburra Valley are accessible via cable car, providing stunning sunset vistas!
4. San Gil
Bordered by the steep valleys and rugged ridges of the majestic Cordillera Oriental, San Gil has risen to prominence as Colombia’s foremost outdoor hub.
With the palm-lined, misty hills of the Yariguies National Park to the west and the serene Rio Fonce sanctuaries to the east, it is evident how this petite city captivates nature enthusiasts, including hikers, bikers, white-water rafters, rock climbers, and wildlife observers alike. Adventurers can explore breathtaking destinations such as the Chicamocha Canyon, the quaint village of Jordan, and numerous expansive caves!
5. Santa Marta
Positioned along the picturesque coastal expanses of Magdalena Department, Santa Marta is arguably the quintessential destination for beach enthusiasts in Colombia.
The town is beautifully nestled between the snow-covered summits of the Sierra Nevada and the deep azure waves of the Caribbean Sea.
The beaches in the city are truly enchanting, featuring granite boulders scattered along the shore and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze.
Nearby, Taganga serves as a popular spot for backpackers indulging in cervezas while preparing for diving expeditions in the celebrated coral reefs and coves of Tayrona National Park.
Others seek out the tranquil sands of Bahia Concha or venture into the Sierras, where charming villages such as Minca and the jungle-cloaked Paso Del Mango resonate with the sounds of tropical birds and babbling creeks.
6. Manizales
Manizales is beautifully positioned within a stunning valley adorned with jagged Andean hills, located at the edge of the renowned Coffee Valley in the heart of Colombia’s mountainous region.
Founded by pacifists in the 1800s amid civil unrest, this relatively modern town maintains a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that is hard to resist.
Visitors can enjoy numerous charming bakeries and cantinas, where they can savor robust coffees in the company of friendly locals.
Beyond the town’s limits, the snow-capped ridges of Nevado del Ruiz rise majestically, housing fascinating wildlife including spectacled bears and tapirs.
7. Pereira
A gritty yet grounded city at the heart of Colombia’s iconic Coffee Valley, Pereira is synonymous with enterprise and vibrant commerce.
With the Fertile soils and favorable climate of the Risaralda region, the city has flourished, thriving with coffee bean and sugarcane trade.
Despite its growth, Pereira remains less frequented than other towns in the Valle de Cauca, providing an authentic taste of Colombia’s highland culture, robust coffees, and opportunities for tours of the surrounding bean plantations.
The nearby Santa Rosa features roaring waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, perfect for those looking to escape urban life.
8. Barichara
Barichara showcases whitewashed pueblo houses and adobe cottages with rustic terracotta roofs lining its cobbled streets.
Perched over the warm hills and scrubland of Santander, this town reflects the spirit of the cowboy and gaucho culture often depicted in classic Western films.
The town center boasts the impressive Cathedral of Barichara, which gracefully contrasts with the humble, mud-built chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary located along the nearby roads.
Artisanal craft shops featuring woven textiles are tucked away in quiet bungalows, while the wild karst hills and cloud-topped summits of the untraveled Serrania De Los Yariguies call for adventure seekers to the west.
9. Villa de Leyva
No matter the individual, the charm of Villa de Leyva is undeniable.
Regarded by many as the nation’s most beautiful town, this blend of uneven cobblestone streets and whitewashed structures serves as a remarkable testament to Spanish colonial architecture.
This city stands as a well-preserved historical site among the gentle Andean hills of Boyaca.
It attracts numerous day visitors from nearby Bogota, who come to enjoy the sun-kissed plaza at its core, indulge in culinary delights at the burgeoning array of international restaurants lining the 16th-century streets, and discover the intriguing Museum of Paleontology and Museo del Carmen.
10. Popayan
Known as the White City, Popayan is situated nearly 2,000 meters above sea level on the slopes of the grand Cordillera Occidental.
Glowing in the Andean sunlight, the town is filled with visually captivating churches and governmental buildings from the era of Spanish colonization.
Highlighting the exploration, the square-shaped Clock Tower sits at the town’s center, alongside the ornate Santo Domingo church, resembling something straight from Andalusia.
Additionally, the breathtaking Catedral Basilica is a superb example of neoclassical colonial design that has been meticulously restored following a devastating earthquake in the 1980s.
Indeed, Popayan is a truly exquisite town awaiting exploration!
11. Santa Rosa de Cabal
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Cordillera Central, where two imposing chains of the Colombian Andes veer northwards, the captivating town of Santa Rosa de Cabal is an essential destination on any itinerary.
It is particularly renowned for its Termales hot springs, which bubble and froth through the surrounding jungles, offering dramatic views of waterfalls and foothills.
Within the town itself, visitors will find charming plazas and palm-lined walkways, while mineral mines and picturesque villages abound in the Highlands and surrounding valleys.
12. San Agustin
Rich in mythology, legend, and raw pre-Columbian history, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Agustin is unlike any other location in South America.
Visitors flock to this remote locale situated within the verdant rainforests and winding river systems of southern Huila Department to view the famed anthropomorphic monolith carvings discovered within the ancient burial mounds and chieftain tombs.
These remarkable works are believed to have been created after the 8th century and reflect a complex spiritual connection with the afterlife, establishing this as one of the country’s most captivating sacred sites.
Moreover, San Agustin boasts a picturesque setting among the lush valleys lining the Magdalena River!
13. Mompox
Few places radiate elegance and charm quite like Santa Cruz de Mompox (commonly referred to as Mompox).
Set amidst the waterways of the aptly named Bolivar Department (the same region where the revered Venezuelan revolutionary Simon Bolivar gathered troops in 1812), this town shines in shades of white and yellow, punctuated by the maroon-red façades of the beautiful San Francisco Church (do not overlook the stunning frescos!).
Other attractions include the artistic displays at the House of the Apostles and the sun-kissed cobblestones of Plaza Concepcion; a lovely square where locals gather to enjoy coffee, the soothing cadence of Spanish fills the air, and impromptu merengue dances arise in local cantinas.
14. Salento
Emerging from the heart of coffee plantations and swaying palm groves that define the Eje Cafetero (the principal region for Colombian coffee production), Salento manifests as a relaxed provincial town infused with colonial charm and local Quindio character.
The skyline is adorned with mist-topped, snow-covered peaks of the Los Nevados National Park and its towering 5,000-meter-high volcanoes, while the intricate layout of narrow streets and the beautifully painted craft boutiques within the center frequently captivate visitors.
Be sure to taste local trout dishes (the Salento rendition is especially renowned) and embark on a coffee tour that showcases the best the region has to offer!
15. Santiago de Cali
Resonating with the rhythms of salsa (a notable cultural export of this vibrant city, which boasts a population of two million within the Valle del Cauca), Santiago de Cali—simply referred to as Cali—is a splendid place to spend time before heading towards the coffee plantations and scenic landscapes of the Cordillera Occidental.
Begin by exploring the well-preserved Spanish churches in the colonial district, marveling at the Gothic features of La Ermita, or ascend to the heights of Cerro de las Tres Cruces for panoramic views over the city.
Sports and outdoor activities are also prominent, with options for hiking and biking in the adjacent mountains or joining enthusiastic locals for a football match at the magnificent Estadio Olimpico.
