Colombia is a fantastic travel destination for several reasons. From the charming cities to the outstanding cuisine, jaw-dropping landscapes, stunning coastal scenery and much more, you’ll discover an array of things to see and do here.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful country, you’re likely pursuing some of the best places to visit in Colombia. We have a ton of recommendations for your trip, helping you make the most out of your time in this lovely part of South America.
Keep reading to learn more about where to go in Colombia, alongside the best time to visit and some top tips for what to do while scouring the many attractions here.
Before looking for the best places to go in Colombia we recommend learning more about the varying climate. The weather can affect several parts of your break so it is important to plan your trip with the different seasons in mind.
Typically, the ideal time to visit Colombia falls between December and March, which marks the driest period in the Andes region. This makes for an excellent time to get out and active whilst seeing all that this gorgeous country has to offer. It is also worth noting that December, January and Easter are some of the busiest times to visit Colombia, so won’t be ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds.
If you’d prefer to visit Colombia at a quieter time, another option is the shorter dry season from July to early September. Along the Caribbean coast, the wettest months are September to October, although temperatures remain high.
No matter when you decide to explore Colombia, you’re sure to find something here for an array of travellers. The fascinating culture, impressive wilderness and beautiful terrain make for an excellent choice for even the most avid of adventurers.
From the historical sites in Colombia to the astounding street art, incredible diversity, vibrant cities and pristine beaches, there are more than enough amazing areas to explore. Below you will find some of the places worth checking out, ensuring you don’t miss a thing during your getaway.
There’s no better way to spend your time visiting Colombia than by partaking in some of the coffee-tasting tours around the country. Eje Cafetero is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural wonders all while exploring some of the coffee plantations.
A trip to Eje Cafetero is great for those looking for a voyage to Colombia brimming with tasting, tours and luxury stays at some of the farms in the area. During your time here, you can learn more about the coffee-making process, all while taking in some of the exquisite surrounding landscapes.
After you have seen all that Eje Cafetero has to offer, be sure to check out some of the nearby attractions such as Salento and the Cocora Valley. Visitors will encounter a ton of excellent sightseeing opportunities here and more fantastic sceneries, culture and cuisine.
When looking for some of the most interesting places in Colombia, Cali, the home of the Salsa dance is the place to be. This beautiful city has everything you could need for a cultural break in the country with its vibrant atmosphere, colourful festivals and more happening throughout the streets.
Cali is also an excellent choice for those seeking some of the best foodie spots around Colombia. Boasting a fantastic selection of restaurants, anyone in pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine is sure to be impressed by this bustling metropolis.
With authentic Salsa dancing, excellent gastronomy and a pleasant climate, Cali has it all. Be sure to spend some time scouring the historical streets here, the perfect place to marvel over some of Colombia’s intriguing architecture.
One of the best cities to visit in Colombia is undoubtedly the lively capital of Bogota. This is the country’s largest city, providing visitors with a ton of things to see and do. The blend of colonial charm and fantastic sightseeing throughout the city makes it a favoured destination for many tourists exploring this beautiful part of South America.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway in Colombia, couples will also love a ride in the cable car to the Sanctuary of Monserrate in Bogota. Upon reaching the summit, you will discover an excellent selection of restaurants, alongside fantastic panoramic views of the city below.
Spend some time scouring the best tourist attractions on an outstanding day tour throughout Bogota including La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolivar, the Museum of Gold and much more. Be sure to pack a camera for your time here as the colourful houses scattered around La Candelaria provide some amazing photo opportunities.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Bogota, there are more than enough places to see throughout the bustling metropolis.
Cartagena is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colombia, brimming with fantastic architecture and a lively atmosphere. This lovely city combines its historic old town with romantic cobblestone streets, picturesque squares and a vibrant setting, providing an unmatched experience for those visiting here.
We recommend checking out places such as Playa de Bocagrande, the perfect spot to sit back and unwind whilst indulging in mouthwatering cuisine in Cartagena. Or head to the historic neighbourhoods of El Centro and San Diego, great for avid explorers and history buffs alike.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some of the best cultural attractions in Colombia or would prefer to simply sit back and watch the world go by, there are more than enough places to uncover in the pretty city of Cartagena.
When searching for some of the best tourist places in Colombia, Tayrona National Park should certainly be on your list. This is one of the most beautiful places to explore in the country with its attractive beaches, lush jungles, exquisite flora and fauna and much more. For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this is the place to be.
There are also some fantastic sailing opportunities from Tayrona National Park, a wonderful excuse to scout the pretty bays in the area. Check out places like Bahia Concha and Cabo San Juan during your boating adventure. From here, visitors can enjoy a great selection of activities including snorkelling and swimming.
If you’d prefer to simply lounge on the sandy shores in Tayrona National Park, there are more than enough tropical spots to choose from. Sit back and relax whilst taking in the pretty surroundings consisting of towering palm trees, turquoise waters, rugged rock formations and more.
Another highlight of a trip to Colombia is the natural wonders located in the Amazon Rainforest. Those looking to spend some time here should certainly check out Leticia, known as the gateway to this magical part of the country.
Leticia offers a chance to take a glimpse of the rugged side of Colombia with its bustling streets and busy local life. However, after seeing all that the city has in store, you can hop on a boat to the beautiful Amazon Rainforest, providing a huge contrast in landscapes to the busy atmosphere of Leticia.
When taking one of the boat trips from Leticia, there are plenty of sightseeing options along the way, many of which provide unmatched views of the pretty wildlife here. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, the Amazon River, dense jungle surroundings and more. You can also partake in some wonderful activities during your visit including hiking, kayaking and the chance to meet the indigenous tribes that call this place home.
Meddlin is one of the top places to visit in Colombia as its breathtaking architecture, fantastic public transport and manageable size make it a fantastic tourist destination. The city comprises pretty surrounding valleys and lush parks, adding a little greenery to the lovely metropolis.
There are also some amazing sightseeing options in Medellin, perfect for those looking to uncover more of Colombia’s favoured attractions. Check out the pretty Old Quarter for ancient sculptures and intriguing history. Head to the Museum of Antioquia where you can explore the stunning Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture, one of the city’s prettiest sights.
Those looking to sit back and unwind in Medellin will also find a great selection of bars, shops and restaurants throughout the city. However, many of them can be located in El Poblado, offering a trendy setting and lots of things to do.
Adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies will love a trip to San Gil. With water sports including white water rafting and hydrospeed tours alongside abseiling, paragliding and bungee jumping, there are more than enough exciting excursions to enjoy here.
A visit to San Gil also provides an excellent opportunity to marvel over the impressive landscapes in Colombia. Take in the mighty mountains, cascading waterfalls, dense caves and more during your activities.
The La Guajira Peninsula is one of the most unique places to visit in Colombia, unlike anywhere else in the country. With its remote setting, sweeping sandy shores and impressive wildlife, this is one spot not to miss on your travels here.
This untouched part of Colombia allows visitors to experience a wilder side of the country. With this, you will encounter vast stretches of empty land and plenty of natural wonders to explore. There are also some great activities to enjoy in the Cabo de la Vela area, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. However, it is worth noting that tourism here hasn’t yet developed so we recommend packing a bag with any essentials you might need.
Colombia’s tourist attractions are neverending with many visitors heading to Popayan during their visit. This is one of the smaller cities in the country, however, there are still a ton of things to see and do here. From its pretty white buildings to its fantastic historic centre, a trip to this little metropolis is sure to impress.
Spend some time immersing yourself in the relaxing atmosphere surrounding Popayan or enjoy a stroll around the pretty streets here. Tourists can also take advantage of the great connections to some of the other frequented destinations in Colombia including Eje Cafetero and Cali.
Visiting Colombia’s tourist attractions simply isn’t complete without experiencing all that the Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City, has to offer. Nestled away in the lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range are some of the most impressive ancient ruins on the continent. This makes for a fantastic excursion for history buffs and adventure lovers alike.
When embarking on a voyage to Ciudad Perdida, you’ll have to put in some leg work. We recommend allowing around 4 days to hike to the mountain range, meaning a good level of fitness is needed. However, when reaching your destination, you will encounter incredible natural beauty and jaw-dropping jungle surroundings.
We recommend booking an experienced guide when exploring Ciudad Perdida. This way, you can partake in this unique adventure in safety, all while learning more about the unique ruins here.
Now you know a little more about some of the best places to travel in Colombia, we hope that you can book a trip here with all of these fantastic destinations in mind. Whether you’re looking for somewhere brimming with vibrant culture, excellent eateries, unique adventures or impressive natural landscapes, this beautiful country won’t disappoint. For families, friends and couples, planning a getaway here allows for an unmatched experience and unforgettable memories.
If you’re a keen adventurer looking for your next trip, you’ve come to the right place. Backpacker Boy has a fantastic selection of travel guides across the world. These resources are packed with tips and recommendations, helping you plan your next excursion with ease. Browse the collection and get ready to embark on your next memorable voyage.
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