Colourful Colombian street

Colombia

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Colombia

Colombia, a country of vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, captivates with its lively cities, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. From the colourful streets of Cartagena to the lush coffee plantations of the Coffee Triangle, Colombia offers a blend of tradition and adventure. Explore historic colonial towns, savour delicious arepas and coffee, and experience lively festivals. The country’s pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and welcoming people make it a top destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and exploration. Colombia’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

Dec – Mar
Jul – Aug

15 – 25°C
59 – 77°F

Colombian Peso (COP)

$25-35/day

  1. Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Colombia
    1. Top Attractions
    2. Map
    3. Transport
    4. Budget
    5. Seasonality and Weather
    6. Must Try Dishes
    7. Language
    8. Top Cities in Colombia
    9. Nearby Destinations
    10. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in Colombia, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park, situated along Colombia’s picturesque Caribbean coast, is a haven of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and ancient Tayrona ruins offer visitors an immersive experience in nature and history. Hiking trails meander through diverse ecosystems, leading to secluded shores where travellers can unwind amidst serene coastal landscapes.

Access from – Santa Marta

Cartagena’s Walled City

Cartagena’s Walled City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating blend of colonial charm and Caribbean vibrancy. Enclosed within historic fortifications, it features labyrinthine alleys, colourful plazas, and centuries-old churches. This cultural hub pulsates with lively markets, street performers, and culinary delights, inviting visitors to delve into Colombia’s rich maritime history and architectural heritage.

Access from – Cartagena

Cocora Valley and Wax Palm Trees

Cocora Valley, nestled in the Andean foothills near Salento, is renowned for its landscapes dominated by towering wax palm trees. Hiking trails wind through misty cloud forests, offering panoramic views of verdant valleys and rugged mountains. This natural sanctuary captivates with its ecological diversity and tranquil ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Access from – Salento

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, near Bogotá, is a stunning underground church carved within a salt mine. This architectural marvel features illuminated tunnels and chambers adorned with religious sculptures, creating a mystical atmosphere that blends geological wonder with spiritual reflection, making it a unique cultural and religious landmark in Colombia.

Access from – Zipaquirá

Caño Cristales, the “River of Five Colours”

Caño Cristales, often called the “River of Five Colours,” dazzles with its vibrant aquatic plants that turn the riverbed into a mesmerizing display of reds, greens, blues, and yellows. Located in Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena, this natural wonder attracts visitors with its unique beauty and ecological diversity.

Access from – La Macarena

San Agustín Archaeological Park

San Agustín Archaeological Park, in southern Colombia, is renowned for its collection of pre-Columbian statues and burial mounds. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers insights into the ancient culture of the San Agustín civilization through its intricate stone carvings and ceremonial structures, making it a significant archaeological destination in South America.

Access from – San Agustín

Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands, off Colombia’s Caribbean coast near Cartagena, offer an idyllic retreat with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. These islands provide a peaceful escape where visitors can unwind on sandy shores or explore underwater marvels amid rich marine biodiversity.

Access from – Cartagena

Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

The Lost City Trek in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains is a challenging yet exhilarating journey through dense rainforests and indigenous communities. This multi-day hike culminates at Ciudad Perdida, an ancient Tayrona archaeological site dating back centuries. It offers adventurers a profound cultural and historical experience amidst breath-taking natural scenery.

Access from – Santa Marta

Monserrate Hill

Monserrate Hill, towering over Bogotá, is a cherished symbol offering sweeping views of the sprawling cityscape below. Accessible by cable car or hiking trails, its summit features a sanctuary, church, and restaurants. Monserrate is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike seeking both panoramic vistas and moments of spiritual contemplation.

Access from – Bogotá

Tatacoa Desert

Tatacoa Desert in Colombia captivates with its otherworldly landscapes of eroded red and grey clay formations. This semi-arid region, popular for stargazing, offers surreal vistas of desert flora and fauna amid labyrinthine gorges and fossil remnants. It’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking solitude amidst unique geological wonders.

Access from – Villavieja

Guatapé and El Peñol Rock

Guatapé enchants with its vibrant streets adorned with colourful zócalos (decorative tiles). Nearby, El Peñol Rock offers stunning views from its towering summit, accessible via 740 steps. This picturesque town and natural wonder in Colombia’s Antioquia region combine scenic beauty with cultural charm, making them must-visit destinations.

Access from – Guatapé

Amazon Rainforest

Leticia, nestled in Colombia’s Amazon rainforest near the borders of Brazil and Peru, is a gateway to unparalleled biodiversity. Visitors can explore pristine jungle trails, encounter diverse wildlife, and engage with indigenous communities. This remote jungle town offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the Amazon first-hand.

Access from – Leticia

Providencia Island and Crab Cay

Providencia Island, part of Colombia’s Caribbean archipelago, boasts turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. Nearby, Crab Cay offers stunning views and excellent diving spots. These pristine natural wonders provide a serene escape with rich marine life and picturesque landscapes.

Access from – Providencia

Coffee Cultural Landscape

Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses lush valleys where coffee plantations thrive amid traditional villages. Visitors can tour coffee farms, learn about the region’s coffee-making process, and enjoy scenic hikes through verdant hills dotted with colourful coffee bushes, offering a glimpse into Colombia’s coffee culture and agricultural heritage.

Access from – Armenia or Manizales

La Guajira Peninsula

La Guajira Peninsula, in northern Colombia, is a remote desert region where arid landscapes meet the Caribbean Sea. Home to the indigenous Wayuu people, it offers unique cultural experiences and stunning natural scenery. Travelers can explore expansive sand dunes, pristine beaches, and vibrant Wayuu communities, providing a glimpse into traditional desert life and indigenous traditions.

Access from – Riohacha

Santuario de Las Lajas

Santuario de Las Lajas, located in Colombia near the border with Ecuador, is a breath-taking Gothic-style church built inside a canyon. Its striking architecture spans a gorge over the Guáitara River, adorned with intricate details and vibrant colours. This religious sanctuary attracts visitors with its stunning setting and spiritual significance, making it a must-see cultural landmark.

Access from – Ipiales

Map

See map of Colombia to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

In Colombia, there is an extensive network of intercity buses, which are affordable and connect major cities and tourist destinations. Within cities, public buses and trams (like Medellín’s tram system) provide effective local transportation. Domestic flights are popular for quicker travel between distant regions due to the country’s diverse terrain. Trains are limited and not a primary mode of travel. For short distances, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Didi and Uber are widely used, offering convenient and reliable services. These options make it easy to navigate both urban and rural areas while traveling on a budget.

Budget

Traveling in Colombia varies; budget travellers spend $25-$35 per day on hostels and local food; mid-range travellers budget $50-$70 per day for comfortable hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $120+ daily on upscale accommodations and fine dining. Costs are generally lower compared to many Western countries.

Seasonality and Weather

Colombia’s weather varies by region due to its diverse geography. Coastal areas like Cartagena are hot and humid year-round, with temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). The Andean region, including Bogotá, is cooler, averaging 14–20°C (57–68°F), while Medellín enjoys a mild climate with temperatures between 18–28°C (64–82°F). The Amazon region is hot and humid, with temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from December to March and July to August, to avoid heavy rains and enjoy pleasant weather across most regions. Each area offers unique experiences, so plan according to your preferred activities and climate preferences.

Must Try Dishes

Bandeja Paisa
Arepas
Ajiaco

Language

The main language spoken is Spanish. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!

Top Cities in Colombia

Nearby Destinations

Useful Pages

Image Attributions
ImageAuthor, License
Tayrona National Natural ParkBen BowesCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Caño CristalesMario CarvajalCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
San Agustín Archaeological ParkMario CarvajalCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)McKay SavageCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Amazon Rainforest, Leticiaruperto48CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Coffee Cultural LandscapeTriángulo del Café TravelCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
La Guajira Peninsula
KobaorCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
AjiacoJdvillalobosCC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thank you to the authors for allowing their works to be used
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