If you've reached July and have still to decide on that perfect summer adventure, give Colombia a shot. Sure, it will be busy with other peak-season travelers, but its diversity of topography and climate means you'll be able to find a place of your own. The Amazon region is particularly nice this month, when low river waters make more of the region accessible to explore.

Weather

The great thing about Colombia is that the weather in most locales is steady and reliable. This is because Colombia's proximity to the equator means the weather is often determined, not by seasons but by topography and altitude. The capital of Bogotá, due to its location at a high altitude in the Andes, experiences chillier weather with highs in the 60s (Fahrenheit) and lows in the low 40s. In general, Cartagena and the Caribbean coast see averages in the mid-80s with high humidity. Cali, located in the southern Cauca River Valley, has a tropical savanna climate with average highs reaching the mid-60s. 

One exception to all this steady weather is the Amazon region of Colombia. June kicks off the Amazon's "low water" season when more of the area is available to tour and there are better wildlife spotting opportunities. 

Crowds & Costs

Though less costly and crowded than other peak season months (hello December and January), as the start of a mini dry season, July sees an influx of foreign visitors. Expect a city like Cartagena, whose UNESCO-listed Old Town is a model of well-preserved Spanish-colonial architecture, to be brimming with other vacationers. If you come here during this time, hotel prices will be higher, and some may require minimum-night stays. We recommend visiting Cartagena during your stay, but if you want to leave many of the crowds behind, push farther east along the coast to Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park, and the less-visited beach town of Palomino.

On a side note, while you can expect many fellow tourists and travelers in other cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, these metropolitan areas are so big that you shouldn't feel overwhelmed.

Where to Go

If you're looking to escape the heat back home, perhaps a visit to Bogotá and the central Andean highlands will satisfy your needs. There's culture to spare in the colonial La Candelaria neighborhood, plus this is the location of the famed Gold Museum, home to the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. It's a must-visit.

If you really want to escape the summer crowds, you could also make a trip to Colombia's lesser-visited Chocó region on the Pacific coast. Due to the small number of major roadways, it's less accessible than many parts of Colombia, but you can still fly there. There are many charming surf villages along this coast, but the main reason to go is for the humpback whale spotting. The migratory season for these marine animals falls between July and November, so if you come during July, you'll have a front-row seat.

Consider visiting the south of the country, too. You can start in Cali, in the Valle de Cauca, a metropolis known for being the global capital of salsa dancing. After shaking your hips on the dance floor, head to the far south and visit the colonial city of Popayán, with its wide plazas, whitewashed buildings, and old bridges. You're also near the ancient archaeological site of Tierradentro, which contains underground pre-Columbian burial chambers decorated with motifs dating from the sixth to the 10th centuries. There are also a number of stone idols here.

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What to Do

July kicks off whale watching season (July-November) on Colombia's Pacific coast. This region is less populated and less accessible than many other parts of Colombia, so it's a great place to relax away from the crowds and commune with nature. Many coastal villages and national parks abound with marine life. If you want to participate in the whale watching, come to the village of Nuiqui. Here you can spot humpbacks on their migratory journey from Antarctica north to the warmer waters of the equator.

If you're an active traveler, you can also venture out to Bogota's surrounding countryside for hiking and/or horseback riding. Perhaps embark on a trek to Los Nevados National Park. This high-altitude páramo ecosystem is unique in the country. It's home to volcanoes, lakes, and one of the last tropical glaciers in the world—come see it sooner rather than later, as climatologists predict it doesn't have much time left. 

Events in July

Independence Day, Nationwide (July 20). There's a dearth of holidays and festivals in the country during July; however, one big one does stand out. July 20 is the anniversary of Colombia's independence from Spain. There are parades and parties throughout the country, with many locals celebrating by listening to traditional folk music. So hit the streets and join the crowds for the big party.

Traveling to Colombia in July? Check out these great itineraries

Medellín & the Pacific Coast - 7 Days. This weeklong trip begins in a dense rainforest where you'll spend three days exploring tiny villages and partaking in a variety of activities like canoe rides, hiking, cooking with locals, whale watching, and soaking in hot springs. End with an exploration of Colombia's cities.

Colombian Highlands & the Los Nevados Trek - 9 Days. A good portion of this journey will take place in the rugged outdoors before you head toward the charming colonial town of Villa de Leyva in the Colombian Highlands. Start and finish the trip with time to explore the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá for colorful street art, museums, dining, and nightlife.

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