In a country known for tropical jungles and white-sand beaches, the glacial peaks of Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy stand out. Located north of Bogotá in the beating heart of the Andes, this untamed páramo highland ecoregion holds the best high-altitude trekking in Colombia.
Colombia is a land for dreamers, and those dreaming of outdoor excursions will not be disappointed. If high-endurance, multi-day trekking isn't your thing, don't worry—there are shorter options in every corner of the nation. No matter the environment in which you find yourself, rest assured that lush scenery and stellar viewpoints abound.
Cartagena is one of South America’s most enchanting colonial cities. Enticing boutique hotels are already a feature of the Centro Histórico (walled city), with newer properties starting to appear in hip, artsy Getsemaní. Most hotels feature an elegant colonial Spanish theme (in keeping with the city's history), but with plenty of individual touches and splashes of modern art, and there are even swish, contemporary options to consider.
As Medellín grows in popularity, a number of comfortable and well-designed hotels are beginning to appear. From upscale guesthouses and the latest boutique spaces with rooftop swimming pools, you're certain to find something that suits your tastes. Use this guide to find the perfect place to stay while exploring the city.
Colombia's second-largest city, Medellín is young, dynamic, and on the up. It’s a place where people like to go out, enjoy life, and eat well. During the day, you’ll find plenty of cheap diners where you can fill up on hearty local staples, with lots of stalls on the street selling fresh fruit and juices. But come the evening, you’ll probably want to check out the increasing variety of excellent modern restaurants serving local, international and fusion cuisine.
Colombia is a big country, and extremely diverse. It’s easy to find little-visited places of interest and intrigue tucked in the folds of the Andes or otherwise off the well-trodden path. Some are in areas that have only recently become safe to visit, such as Área Natural Única Los Estoraques. Others, such as Mompox or Capurgana, simply require a bit of planning to get to. The following 7 cool places are well worth seeking out to escape the masses.
Colombia's Department of Santander is a popular destination for thrill-seekers, history buffs and lovers of nature. In one day you can paraglide over canyons, climb through water-filled caverns, visit a traditional coffee farm, and relax in historic towns that time seems to have forgotten. This exciting 12-day itinerary weaves through cities, villages and nature reserves to bring you the best activities that this off-the-beaten-path destination can offer.
Cartagena is one of South America’s most enchanting colonial cities, and one its best places to eat, with seafood featuring prominently on many menus. The culinary scene has blossomed here in the last decade, with plenty of options that cater to all palates and budgets, from no-frills food carts to some of the most lauded restaurants in the country. Use this guide to find your way to the best eateries this city can offer.
The mountains and valleys outside Medellín, in the department of Antioquia, offer a variety of excellent attractions and great day trips. These include the well-preserved colonial town of Santa Fé de Antioquia to the west, fragrant flower farms to the east, and the lush Coffee Triangle of Juan Valdez fame to the south. The following top 5 sites and activities make great add-ons to your city exploration.
Cartagena’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bougainvillea-covered balconies are simply magic. But there is much to Cartagena than just its romantic Old City. This list offers a number of great options, from exploring old forts, to eating great seafood and lazing on white sand beaches.
Bogotá is home to dozens of locally-owned hotels, many with a boutique quality and personal service that makes them great choices compared to some of the larger chain hotels. The following list includes stylish places that emphasize high-end design, theme-hotels and backpackers favorites that have hosted travelers for decades.
Steamy Cali is where salsa clubs boom long after midnight and welcoming locals can be found dancing in parks — this is the salsa capital of the world. Beyond salsa, the city has historic neighborhoods, excellent hiking, delectable street food and more. This guide shows off 9 of the best things to do in Cali.
Coffee tasting tours and visits to coffee farms rank high in any visit to this region. But Colombia's Coffee Region also offers a number of exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking. When it's time to slow down you can relax in thermal baths. This list highlights the best things to do in the caffeine capital of Colombia.
Colombia's Coffee Region is dotted with small pueblos where life has changed little over the past century. Towns like Salento, Pijao, and Filandia still retain the same colonial air of yesteryear, when coffee farmers brought their product to market along old country roads. This list includes the best towns to visit, plus vibrant cities and also backcountry areas where you can experience Colombia's stunning landscapes.
Bogotá is a pulsating South American metropolis where well-preserved colonial-era neighborhoods mix with 21st-century glass and steel. While its impressive museums and architecture rank high on the list of things to see, the best experiences will be your own exploration of historic neighborhoods on bike or foot. Let this guide direct you toward the best Bogotá has to offer.
Wedged into a narrow valley framed by Andean mountains, Colombia’s second-largest city boasts a setting to delight the senses. From a cable car ride into edgy Barrio Santo Domingo to a sensational night of salsa, there’s an astounding array of fantastic things to see and experience. Here are the best things not to be missed.
Colombia is one of the world’s best bird-watching destinations, containing more bird species — roughly 1,950 — than any other country on the planet. On top of that, 79 species are endemic to Colombia. Here is a list of the top 5 places to go birdwatching in Colombia.
Colombia is a land of diversity. From the Andes to the Amazon, from its Afro-Caribbean roots to remote cultures that make their home in the deep Amazon, you’ll discover Colombia has a place for everyone. Best of all, Colombia has emerged onto the travel scene after decades of violence and instability with its authenticity intact and pristine nature yet untouched by mass tourism.
Medellin is not only the city of eternal spring, but also the city of eternal adventure. Despite a short but refreshing rainy season, great weather can be found year-round. The following top 5 adventures are readily accessible from Medellin, and take in some of the most beautiful rivers, mighty cordilleras, and best day adventures in Colombia.
Colombia’s diverse culture and geography attract visitors from across the globe. You’ll discover an incredible range of places and people. Everywhere you go, you’ll enjoy the unmatched hospitality and warmth of Colombia’s people.