Colombia is an amazing country to visit with such as diversity of cultures and landscapes. It has a tragic history and was not always safe to visit. But things have changed and Colombia is among the most popular countries to visit in the region. I visited Colombia many times over the last years and was able to explore different parts of it. I absolutely fell in love and I am so happy to share my experiences with you. In this travel guide you will not only discover the best places to visit in Colombia but I will also give you tips for the best things to do, including national parks, cities, villages, archaeology, tours, cultural experiences, safety, transportation and best time to visit. To make you excited about putting this destination on your bucket list and help you get the most out of your travels.
Colombia has many different geographic regions, cultures and vibes. From the Andes mountain range, a drie desert, the highest wax palms in the world, immense rivers, the Amazon rainforest and beaches to cosmopolitan cities and colonial towns, a great art scene, archaeological places, a lovely coffee culture and so much more. Enjoy this list with 35 travel tips for the best things to do in different regions in Colombia, including off the beaten path destinations. At the bottom of this article you will find a special section with practical information and travel tips for your visit to Colombia.
The map is color coded as follows:
Blue: places to visit & things to do in Colombia
Yellow: hotels
Red: restaurants
Medellín is one of the best cities to visit in Colombia with so many things to do. It used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world because of the Medellín cartel, led by drug lord Pablo Escobar. But after the death of Escobar, the city has gone through a huge transformation. Nowadays it is a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, where you easily can spend days and enjoy the many sights, activities, great restaurants and lovely neighborhoods.
Take the metro cable car and enjoy the views of the city and surroundings. Comuna 13 used to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods, today it is one of the most visited place in the city because of the great street art and many social projects. The Poblado district is bursting with trendy restaurants and lunchrooms. Modern art can be found around the Plaza Botero, the Museo de Antioquia or in the MAM and in the Casa de la Memoria you will learn about the tragic history of the city. But it is also possible to leave the busy city behind and unwind in the mountains of Parque Arvi or in the city’s botanical garden.
Medellín is a city I was able to visit many times. Check out my tips for the best things to do in Medellín Colombia in the next article. Curious about tours? You can find many tours in and around Medellin here.
Bogotá is the cosmopolitan capital of Colombia and for most travelers a first introduction to the country. Like many South American capitals, Bogotá is a crowded city with up to 10 million inhabitants. The city has different sides: A nice colonial center, rich and hip neighborhoods in the north, poor slums in the south, a large business center, many universities and a vibrant art and cultural scene. Bogota in Colombia has a so many places to visit and things to do, it is absolutely recommended to spend a couple of days here.
You can take the cable car to the 3000 meter high Monseratte mountain. From here you have a view of entire Bogotá and you realize how big this city actually is. Stroll through the historic center and the nice neighborhood of La Candelaria, with cute shops, restaurants and street artists. If you like art: In the center there is fantastic street art to admire, which often hides interesting stories. Make sure you get to know the art of Fernando Botero, observe modern art in the MAMBO or visit the hip artgalleries in the Teusaquillo district. Also the gold museum is worth a visit. This museum has one of the largest gold collections and takes you on a journey through pre-Columbian Colombia.
In the next article I’m sharing the best places to visit and things to do in Bogota in Colombia. Curious about tours in Bogota? Have a look here.
One of the best things to do in Bogota Colombia, if you want to see a different side of the city is to visit Ciudad Bolivar. For years, Ciudad Bolivar had a negative image. But a few years ago, several artists, including Michael Rojas of Bogota Colors changed that. Together with the community he created cool murals. Nowadays you can visit the community through a street art tour. Michael takes you through the neighborhood and tells you more about the history through street art. You also meet many locals who like to chat with you about life in their neighborhood. One of the highlights is the spectacular view of Bogota. Ciudad Bolivar is not yet discovered by mass tourism and therefore one of the best places to visit when you are in Bogota Colombia.
Cartagena is probably one of the most visited and beautiful places in Colombia and offers many things to do. It is the capital of the Bolivar department and located on the Caribbean coast, As a traveler you can visit the colonial center, the artistic neighborhood Getsemaní, the beaches and the famous islands called Las Islas Rosarios.
As in many beautiful places, you’re unfortunately not the only visitor. The amount of tourists can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have visited other parts of Colombia. Nevertheless, a visit to Cartagena should not be missed. In the colonial center you walk past squares, old forts, monasteries, churches, colorful streets and every corner is just beautiful. Cartagena is a true picture heaven.
Also, when it comes to amazing restaurants and trendy bars, this is going to be your city. From simple eateries to hip roof-top bars and culinary experiences. Try to make a reservation at Mar y Zielo, Cuzco or Townhouse. Curious about more things to do in Cartagena in Colombia? This is an overview with tours and activities.
Calí is Colombia’s third city, after Bogotá and Medellín. The city has a tragic past, because of the Cali cartel that dominated the city for years. Nowadays you can easily visit Calí. It is the capital of Valle del Cauca, a province with a lot of sugar cane, citrus, avocado and banana plantations. Calí is the city of the Colombian salsa and music, but there are not many other things to do. I recommend visiting Calí especially if you are a music and dance lover and plan to take dance classes or enjoy the bustling nightlife.
If you are planning to visit Calí, make sure to hike the Cerro de las tres Cruces viewpoint, for an amazing view of the city. Looking for things to do in Cali Colombia? Check out tours ans activities here.
Popayan is called the white city of Colombia, because of the white center and its colonial buildings. It is said to be one of the best preserved colonial cities in America. However, opinions and feelings about Popayan are mixed. But even if you use Popayan only as a starting point for the Puracé national park and the local market in Silvia, it is a nice place where you can spend some great time. Make sure to stroll through the colonial center along churches, visit viewpoints and museums to learn more about the history.
In this travel guide you will find the best things to do in Popayan, including tips for tours, restaurants, hotels and the best way to visit the Ciudad Blanca in Colombia.
Did you know Colombia has a desert? El Desierto de Tatacoa. It is officially a large tropical dry forest, because of the annual rainfall. However, it is called the Tatacoa desert in Colombia. Tatacoa consists of two parts: a beautiful red rocky area, El Cuzco and a bizarre grey part, Los Hoyos. The colors, shapes, and cacti make this one of the most surrealistic places in Colombia. Different layers and the fossils in the rocks, proof a million-years old history. The best way to discover the area is by going on a walk in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler than during the day. Try to also spend the night in the desert in one of the posadas to enjoy amazing starry skies and visit one of the observatories.
In the next travel guide, I’m telling you everything you want to know, including tips for the best things to do in the Tatacoa desert in Colombia.
Valle de Cocora is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Colombia for hiking. The valley is known for the Palma de Cera de Quindío, the highest wax palm in the world, with an average height of 50 to 60 meters. It is also Colombia’s national tree. The valley can be reached by jeeps from the nice coffee village of Salento. There are several trails you can walk, from easy to difficult, passing breathtaking viewpoints. It is also possible to explore the area by horse.
Want to explore beautiful Cocora Valley and surroundings? You can find a tour here. Do you want to learn more about Valle de Cocora? Check out my tips for the best things to do in Cocora Valley in Colombia here.
Do you want to go on a lovely day hike? Then make sure to visit the Tayrona national park. This park is located on the coast in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and is the former home of the Tayrona Indians. Especially the combination of beaches, viewpoints and rainforest make this one of the best things to do in Colombia. Along the way you will encounter small indigenous settlements, with remains of huts, burial mounds and ceremonial places. A good day hike is the route to Cabo San Juan and back (2 hours one way). Playa La Piscinita and Cabo San Juan are great beaches for swimming and relaxing. The walks are doable, but the heat and high humidity can make it difficult at times! If you don’t feel like walking, you can also take a horseback ride.
The Tayrona national park is closed annually in February. In this period the park is spiritually cleaned by the local population. Do you want to visit Tayrona national park? You can book your tour here.
Do you want to know more about Tayrona National Park? Santa Marta is a good starting point for your trip to Tayrona. In the next article you read more about things to do in Santa Marta and surroundings in Colombia.
Ever heard of the rainbow river? Located in the Serrania de La Macarena mountain range in the province of Meta, El Caño Cristales is probably one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. The river is called the liquid rainbow river because of the bright color red and other bright colors like yellow, green, blue and black that you will find here. The red color comes from the water plant Macarenia Clavigera, which blooms for a few months a year. These river plants are unique in the world and only occur in this National Park, between July and November. It is therefore one of the most beautiful natural places in Colombia.
Caño Cristales can be visited by air, flying from Bogotá, Medellín or Calí to La Macarena. From here you can book a tour to the river. The river is in a remote area and can only be reached by foot or on horseback. The best time to visit Caño Cristales is between June and the end of November, because only then the river plants are in bloom and the National Park is open.
Keep in mind: Caño Cristales is located in an area that is not always considered safe by embassies and governments. Make sure you are well informed before you visit this area. Also, it is recommended to always visit this area with a guide and reliable tour company.
Puracé is a national park, located southeast of the city Popayan, consisting of 86,000 hectares. It is dominated by the 4600 meters high and active Puracé volcano, which is visible on clear days. In this park you can go for walks, float in hot springs, view waterfalls and if you are lukcy even spot condors. It is a beautiful area that reminds many people of Iceland. Make sure to bring solid hiking shoes (it can be slippery) and be prepared for different climatic conditions. The weather changes quickly.
The best way to visit Puracé national park is with a day tour from Popayan. If you travel by bus from San Agustín to Popayan, you will cross part of the National Park. However, this is not the most spectacular part.
Do you want to learn more about Popayan, the white city of Colombia? In this travel guide you will find the best things to do in Popayan Colombia, including tips for tours, restaurants, hotels and the best way to visit.
In the national park Puracé you will find yourself at altitudes around 3000 meters, the tree line. Between the tree line and the snow line (4000 meters) lies the páramo, a special plain consisting of moss, peat, grass and shrubs. The water from the surrounding glaciers creates streams and lakes, and makes it one of the main freshwater supplies of the nearby villages and towns. In this area, you will come across one of my favorite plants, the frailejones, aka the big monk because of its shape. They absorb moisture from the air, which they filter and introduce into the soil through their roots! A fascinating area!
One of the famous places in Colombia is Peñol de Guatape. This is a 200m high rock and you can hike to the top, by taking more than 700 steps on a climbable staircase. And yes, it is a pretty tough hike up. But the view is more than rewarding! Once you’ve made it to the top, you have a 360degree view of the lake and lush environment. The rock is located near the town of Guatapé, famous for its steep streets, coffee bars, art shops and many colorful houses. Every house is a true piece of art, as residents paint their houses in bright colors, and decorate the bottom with fresco like panels called zocalos. It’s incredibly photogenic and one of the best things to do in when you are in Medellin Colombia.
You can visit Guatapé with a day tour from Medellín. If you have more time, you can travel to Guatapé by yourself and spend the night in one of the lovely hotels. It gives you the chance to leave early morning to the Guatapé rock and enjoy the rock with less people.
One of the most beautiful places in Colombia to see flamingos is the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos. Because the water is low and full of tasty fish, it is a birds heaven. From the village of Camarones you board a small local sailing boat, made of wood and sail into the lagoon. Along the way you will come across fishing boats and enjoy the many species of birds around you. And it is incredible to observe these elegant birds that step very slowly through the water and then suddenly fly all together a few hundred meters further.
Do you want to visit flamingo reserve? You can find more information here. Have a look in my article about Awatawaa Ecolodge in La Guajira Colombia, a good starting point for your visit.
Colombia is known for its fantastic Arabica coffee beans that are exported to all parts of the world. And even though you can find coffee plantations all over Colombia, a visit to the Zona Cafetero or Eje cafetero should not be missed. This Colombian coffee region forms a triangle between the cities of Manizales, Pereira and Armenia. You can walk through the coffee plantations, pick beans and learn more about the process. It is remarkable that the coffee in Colombia is less tasty than you would expect, since the best beans are intended for export. But no worries, you can still find high quality coffee on the plantations or in coffee villages such as Filandia and Salento.
Looking for an itinerary through the coffee triangle in Colombia? A few days on the road with a car, visiting villages, cocoa and coffee plantations, enjoying good food and drinks and staying overnight in three high-end boutique hotels. In the next travel guide you will find the best itinerary through the coffee region in Colombia, including things to do, hotels, excursions + useful tips. The coffee region is easily accessible from Medellin (4 to 5 hours) and Cali (3 hours). The area is one of the best places to visit in Colombia if you like coffee.
One of the best things to do around Villa de Leyva in Colombia is to visit Reserva Natural y Cascada Los Tucanes. This protected natural reserve is worth visiting because of its incredible waterfall. And the special thing is that there are almost no tourists. You can walk towards the rivir and observe the watefall from up close. Do bring good shoes, some parts can be slippery.
One of the best things to do in Colombia when you are interested in archaeology is to visit San Agustín. Thousands of years ago, the southern part of Colombia was home to a mysterious civilization, known as the San Agustín culture. This civilization built burial mounds in which they placed beautiful statues. Today you can visit the archaeological site. A winding jungle path runs along 35 amazing sculptures, where you can marvel at for minutes. It’s an absolute highlight for me!
This site is one of the least visited places in Colombia and really off the beaten path. In the next travel guide, I’m telling you everything you want to know, including useful tips about visiting San Agustín.
In Tierradentro you can visit underground tombs. The tombs date from 600 and 900 AD and are said to belong to priests and important chiefs. The location on mountain slopes and painted decorations make it one of the best places to visit in Colombia, if you are interested in archaeology. Entire spaces and pillars are painted and decorated with images.
The burial chambers consist of several rooms and are located 3 to 6 meters underground. You can enter the tombs via steps and marvel at the murals and architecture. There are 64 graves in Segovia, 25 of which are open to the public. Keep in mind that the distances between the tombs are at least 15 to 20 minutes walk. It is therefore recommended to bring solid shoes.
Colombia has many indigenous inhanitatants who live in different parts of the country. One of the best things to do when you are in the province La Guajira is to visit a Wayuu family. The Wayuu are indigenous people who live in La Guajira, on the border with Venezuela. Around 48% of the residents are Wayuu. Wayuu settlements consist of 4 to 6 houses with large herds of goats. They live closely with nature and music and dance play a major role during their ceremonies. Most Wayuu live in isolation and far from each other to avoid mixing of their goat herds.
Curious about Trekker Glamping in Colombia? In the next travel guide you’ll read everything you want to know about Trekker Glamping, including tips for things to do in Minca Colombia.
During a visit you will learn about traditions such as the Majayura, a ritual mating dance of the young virgin, where the girl is dressed up beautifully in red. If you are even slightly interested in indigenous peoples and their traditions, this visit is an absolute must.
Do you want to read more about the Wayuu? Have a look in my article about Awatawaa Ecolodge in La Guajira Colombia, from where I visited a Wayuu community.
Art is a great way to understand more about a country and its culture. Colombia has a lot of great artists, including writes and painters such as Gabriel García Marquez and Fernando Botero. In this article I’m listing some of the most remarkable and famous artists, coming from Colombia. Including where you can find their work throughout the country.
The hike to La Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, is a once in a lifetime experience. La Ciudad Perdida, the lost city of the Tayrona, a pre-Columbian culture, is located in the middle of the jungle of the Sierra Nevada. The only way to reach this place, is by foot, through the jungle, for four days. Two full days to reach the city and afterwards the exact same way back. You will spend the night in hammocks or bunkbeds, with local communities, along the way.
You will be amazed by the colors, mystery and peace of the old city. But not only the destination is worth it, the landscape, lush vegetation and isolated indigenous communities during your hike, will make every day of this trip unforgettable.
Do you also want to hike the Lost City? You can book your tour here. In the next article you can read everything you want to know about the Lost City trek and hike in Colombia, including a packing list + many useful tips.
This hike is not for everyone. You need to have a good physical condition, as the walks are 7 to 8 hour every day, and the humidity is intense. Besides that, a lot of adventure is involved, you will be crossing rivers and climb steep mountains. I won’t lie if I say that there are moments, that you just want to quit and go home. But if you like hiking, adventure and history, this hike is one of the best things to do in Colombia.
Curious to learn more about the Lost City trek and hike? In the next article you can read everything you want to know about the Lost City trek and hike in Colombia, including a packing list + many useful tips.
Leticia is located in the Colombian Amazon on the border of Peru, Colombia and Brazil. For a long time it was an important narco transit route, until the Colombian army intervened. Nowadays this small town is one of the best places to visit if you want to go on a jungle adventure in Colombia. One of the best things to do is to go on a multi-day tour, where you spend the night in a jungle lodge in the Amazon of Colombia. During the day, you go on boat trips and walk through the jungle to discover medicinal plants, orchids, caimans, snakes, monkeys, freshwater dolphins, pirañas and birds. It is also recommended to visit the indigenous communities of the Ticuna, Yaguas and Cocomas, who live here very protected and remote. You will learn more about their way of living, traditions and culture.
Do you want to go on an amazing jungle adventure in Leticia? You can go on a 2, 3, 4 of 5-day trip through the Colombian Amazon and its borders with Brazil and Perú and get to know local indigenous communities.
One of the most beautiful eco-lodges is Calanoa Amazonas, located on the Amazon River, in the heart of the rainforest, 60 kilometers from Leticia. From this beautiful and sustaianble eco-lodge, you can go on different expeditions and experience ths Amazon at its best. Besides that, this ecolodge has a foundation, working on the conservation of the biological and cultural diversity of the Amazonian region, supporting educational and conservation processes, and the preservation of ancestral knowledge and cultural practices.
Want to know more about Calanoa Amazonas? In the next article I’ll tell you more about my experiences at Calanoa Amazonas jungle lodge and I’ll give you tips for the best things to do in the Amazon of Colombia
Looking for a unique adventure during your trip to Colombia? Then make sure you visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, located in the La Guajira Peninsula, the northernmost place in South America. Cabo de la Vela is known for its unique landscape and the Taroa Dunes, where you can enjoy incredible views of the desert meeting the sea. Continuing to Punta Gallinas, the journey takes you even further into the desert, where you’ll find more stunning landscapes, including cliffs and hidden coves, as well as opportunities to experience the local Wayuu culture. The desert region around the Cabo de la Vela is inhabited by these indigenous people. It is still one of the less visited ares and things to do in Colombia, something that makes your visit even more special.
The best way to explore the La Guajira peninsula is by going on a tour, where transportation and places to stay are included. You can visit Cabo de la Vela during a two day/one night tour and Punta Gallinas during a two nights/three day tour.
If you’re looking for a nice weekend away from the busy capital of Bogotá, you should follow the Bogotanos and visit Villa de Leyva. This mountain village is located in the province of Boyacá, at an altitude of 2100 meters. The center consists of cobbled streets, white colonial houses with terracotta roof tiles, balconies with countless flowers and churches. Besides that there is a view of the mountains in every part of the city. In 1954 Villa de Leyva was declared a National Monument. It is a town where you just want to walk around, discover and take pictures. It is a wonderful trip to escape the busy capital.
What to do in this town? In the next article I’m sharing the best places to visit, including travel tips for the best things to do in Villa de Leyva in Colombia. Want to visit Villa de Leyva from Bogota? You can book your transportation here.
One of the most pretty places in Colombia is the town of Barichara. This colonial town is located in the mountains of the province of Santander. It means the place of tranquility, in native languages. Barichara is often used as a setting for Colombian soap series because of its romantic white buildings and streets. You can stroll through the lovely town for hours, take pictures and visit the local church. In the surroundings you can take walks and enjoy views from the viewpoint Salto del Mico.
Barichara has boutique hotels in beautiful natural environments, such as Casa Mahanaim, Hotel Boutique Venturi and Serranía del Viento. Are you looking for a unique location to spend the night? An unforgettable experience is a night in one of the panoramic domes of the Natural-Glamping, where you sleep under the stars. Private jacuzzi and terrace with a view of el Gran Cañón de Chicamocha, is included.
Minca is a small village in the hills of the Sierra Nevada and one of the most beautiful places in Colombia. It is also an ideal destination to cool down, from hot and sweaty Santa Marta. In Minca you can watch birds, walk through coffee and cocoa plantations, visit waterfalls, go for hikes and enjoy the sunsets from your hammock.
Minca can be easily reached from Santa Marta. You can book your day tour here. Do you want to learn more about the best things to do in Minca Colomboa? Check out my Minca Colombia travel guide with many tips and things to do.
One of the best places to stay in Minca is Trekker Glamping. You will be sleeping in a luxuriously furnished dome, located in a natural environment. From your private terrace, you enjoy amazing views of the jungle, Santa Marta and the Caribbean coast.
Curious about Trekker Glamping in Colombia? In the next travel guide you’ll read everything you want to know about Trekker Glamping, including tips for things to do in Minca Colombia.
Salento is a bohemian town in the heart of the coffee triangle. It is located at an altitude of 1900 meters in the province of Quindio. The town is famous for its colored houses and amazing coffee. This photogenic town is also the perfect starting point for a trip through Valle de Cocora and a visit to the coffee plantation El Ocaso. A less busy alternative to Salento is the nice town of Filandia. Filandia is located in a beautiful area and is full of colorful houses and coffee shops as well. Want to learn more about Salento. Check out my tips for the best things to do in Salento Colombia in the next travel guide.
Did you ever read a book by Gabriel García Márquez? Then you might recognize the lovely atmosphere and stories of the locals in the fictional Colombian town of Macondo. Santa Cruz de Mompox Colombia, often called Mompos by the locals, could be one of these towns. You will find the tranquility of everyday Colombia here. Locals hang in their chairs in front of their houses and are willing to have a chat or drink with you. The center consists of picturesque squares, colored churches, pastel-colored houses and inner gardens with endless flowers. Mompox, is located on the Rio Magdalena in the province of Bolivar and is still visited by few people.
One of the best things to do in Mompox Colombia, is to go on a boat trip on the Rio Magdalena. You pass small villages, local fishermen and fruit plantations and along the way you will be able observe many monkeys, water birds and iguanas. Mompox is a true hidden gem and one of the off the beaten path places in Colombia.
Looking for travel tips to visit Mompox, Colombia? Discover the best things to do in Mompox Colombia here.
El Jardín is one of the most beautiful places in Antioquia Colombia and less visited than the town of Guatapé. The amount of painted houses and balconies, with flowers, will make you speechless. You can also explore the surroundings and spot pretty birds, visit a coffee plantation or use the cable cars, offering views of the surroundings. It is also possible to go on a hike to the waterfall “La Cascada La Escalera” or horseback riding.
El Jardín is 130 km away from Medellin. You can visit El Jardín with a tour or travel by yourself and spend the night in a lovely hotel, such as Hotel Plantación. Looking for more hotels in El Jardín? This is an overview with hotels.
Are you around Popayan or Cali on a Tuesday? Then try to include a visit to the market of Silvia in your itinerary. Every week many locals, including the Guambiano indigenous people, from the surrounding villages, gather here to sell their fruit, vegetables, meat and other goods. It is so colorful and wonderful to walk around. The church is also worth a visit. Moreover, you will find beautiful traditional jewelry at the market.
Do you want to visit the local market of Silvia? You can find an interesting tour here.
The most beautiful beaches around Santa Marta Colombia can be found around Palomino. And it is more quiet here than on beaches around Cartagena. You can enjoy the beach, but also go on trips to the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos or visit the waterfalls in la Quebrada de Valencia.
Do you love unique places in nature and are you looking for a true paradise? Then you should stay at One Santuario Natural, also known as One Love hotel, located along the Palomino River. The beautiful jungle surroundings, the flowers, the sound of the river, the delicious food and the sounds of the birds will make you relax and completely disconnect from the outside world. In this article you will read all about my stay at One Santuario Natural and I will give you tips about what to do in the surrounding The Sierra Nevada Colombia.
Cartagena is a perfect starting point to visit one of the surrounding beaches. Bocagrande is the city beach and often compared to Miami. But in my opinion, you want to avoid the bustle of the city and therefore travel a bit further. One of the most beautiful places and beaches can be found at Islas del Rosario, an archipelago off the coast of Cartagena in Colombia. The archipelago consists of 27 small islands, with idyllic sandy beaches, a turquoise sea and coral reefs. The whole area has been declared a national park because of its beauty; the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo.
Rosario islands can be reached by boat from Cartagena. You can book a day trip from Cartagena, where you sail past the islands, stopping along the way for snorkeling, swimming, and lunch. You can also choose to spend a day at one of the beach clubs on the islands. My favorite places are IslaBela, a quiet place with a nice sandy beach and bohemian Fenix Beach , an Ibiza-like beach club with a beach and music among others. Another option is to drive to Playa Blanca by car, wich will take you about 1 hour.
Do you want to spend the night on the Rosario islands? On IslaBela, you will find simple but nice bungalows on the beach. Are you looking for a luxurious beach experience? Then have a look at Hotel Las Islas, located on a private beach, with your own swimming pool and Isla del Encanto. Looking for more options? In the following links you will find hotel options for Isla Baru, Isla Grande and Tierra Bomba.
One of the things to do in Colombia in February is to visit Barranquila. During four days, this Caribbean city is completely turned upside down with dance, music, fire breathers and colorful floats because of the annual Carnival de Barranquila. The festivities start on Saturday before Ash Wednesday with the six-hour La Batalla de Flores (The Battle of the Flowers), followed by masquerade parades the next day with dance groups, music and visitors.
Barranquilla’s Carnival slogan is: Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza, (Those who live it are those who enjoy it). Attending this festival is a once in a lifetime experience and one of the best things to do in Colombia. Unesco even declared it one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.
Are you near Barranquila in Colombia and looking for an off the beaten track destination? Ankua Eco Hotel is one of the first sustainable hotels in the province of Atlantico Colombia. Here you will find yourself in a different Caribbean world than the coast, with small villages, fertile valleys and farms.
Looking for more tips for tours and things to do in Colombia? Viator is a great platform where you can easily search, compare, and book tours.
Where to stay in Colombia? Like any other country, Colombia has so many beautiful hotels. For both work and personal trips, I visited Colombia dozens of times. When I travel by myself, I always look out smaller scale hotels with beautiful interiors, a nice atmosphere and a convenient location. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. I always spend a lot of time researching, before I book my stay. In the next article I will give you my tips and favorite places to stay in Colombia: The best boutique hotels, sorted by city and region in Colombia.
When is the best time to visit Colombia? Colombia has a constant climate with high temperatures, due to its location near the equator. However, there can be regular tropical rain showers. But Colombia has different regions and due to height differences, each region has its own climatic conditions. In the lower located areas, the average temperature is 23 ° C to 28 ° C. Areas between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level, have an average temperature of between 16 ° C and 19 ° C. Above 4,000 meters, it can be freezing and there is snow. Colombia has a dry and rainy season. In the north the dry season runs from December to March and in the south from June to August, also high season. The time to visit Colombia is from December to March and July to September.
The ideal duration of a trip to Colombia obviously depends on what things you want to see and do, but in general two weeks is a good guideline. During this time you can explore cities in Colombia such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena and its many things to do and attractions, and also visit highlights such as Tayrona National Park and the Cocora Valley. If you have more time, you can also include beautiful places like the Tatacoa Desert, the San Agustín archaeological site and the different sides of the coffee triangle in your trip. For an adventurous trip with hikes and a visit to the jungle or a longer stay on the coast, it is best to plan 3 weeks. The more time you have, the more you can really experience Colombia without being rushed.
Colombia is a large country with different regions and many things to do. If you want to see a lot, you will have to make domestic flights. You can book hotels at different destinations in Colombia and go on tours from here. It is also easy to rent a car at certain places, so that you are independent and free to stop wherever you want, such as in Medellin, the coffee triangle and the Caribbean coast between Cartagena and La Guajira.
Looking for a way to get around in Colombia and experience its things to do by bus or minivan? Use Bookaway, to find and book the best connection for you.
Looking for a rental car for your trip to Colombia? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Looking for flights to travel in Colombia? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Ecuador. An easy way to compare and book your flight ticket, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
A question I get many times is: How safe is Colombia? Let me start by saying that you always have to look for official travel advice in your own country. Especially because I noticed that many countries give different recommendations about what areas are safe to visit and what not, meaning you will look at maps and see different parts being yellow, orange and red. It is important to always follow the recommendations of your country and make sure your insurance covers your travels.
Colombia has made tremendous progress in security in recent years. However, the country is still facing a lot of challenges and it is important to always be careful, especially in big cities and remote or less touristy areas. Before your trip, but also upon arrival, always be well informed about local safety before you set off. Take as few valuables as possible with you when you go out, do not walk through suburbs alone and travel as little as possible in the evening or take a taxi. Overall, Colombia is safe for visitors as long as you take precautions and travel consciously
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Did you enjoy reading this travel guide with travel tips and things to do in Colombia? Check out my other Colombia travel guides.
This Colombia travel guide with tips for destinations, places to visit and things to do may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.
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As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
