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
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



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
| Image | Author, License |
| Tayrona National Natural Park | Ben Bowes, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| Caño Cristales | Mario Carvajal, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| San Agustín Archaeological Park | Mario Carvajal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) | McKay Savage, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| Amazon Rainforest, Leticia | ruperto48, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| Coffee Cultural Landscape | Triángulo del Café Travel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| La Guajira Peninsula | Kobaor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
| Ajiaco | Jdvillalobos, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons |

