This amazing country will take you by surprise if you leave preconceptions at home. The second-most biodiverse nation in the world harbors vast swaths of wildlife-rich Amazon jungle in its interior, while coral-white beaches, dizzying mountains and leafy highland coffee plantations make it a place of extraordinary natural contrasts.
The natural parts of the country are not the whole of it. This country has well and truly shed its history of conflict and its cities buzz with an energy that sets it apart.
Picking the best places to visit in the country can be a challenge. Even on a short trip, you can expect to cover a lot of ground thanks to the abundance of domestic and long-distance flights.
There are 13 places to visit in the country.
The city of Cartagena is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the country. The stately old town is a magical walled complex of bougainvillea-slung cobblestone streets and shady squares where local performers shake, stamp and twirl in a lively embodiment of the city.
You canAbsorbing the atmosphere of Cartagena can be an act as spirited as you want. The day can be spent on Playa de Bocagrande or at a family run restaurant. It is possible to enjoy a sundowner on a rooftop bar in the city at night.
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You can plan a tour into the jungle from the remote outpost of Leticia and spend a couple of nights exploring one of the world's wildest places. Boat trips along the Ro Amazonas and walking remote trails that slice through the forest floor promise encounters with inquisitive pink river dolphins and sloths.
Coffee is one of the things that keeps the country going. You can find out what's going on by visiting the Zona Cafetera. In the departments of Risaralda, Caldas and Quindo, arabica is being grown. There are day tours and overnight stays available at these family-run operations.
You can organize your transport from the regional hub of Manizales.
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is one of the jewels of the country. The national park is located along the Caribbean coastline and is set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
Water currents at most beaches are too dangerous for swimmers to Relaxing on sun-soaked beaches or ambling along the jungle trails that edge the coastline are the flavors of the day here. Playa Cristal is an isolated island with beautiful beaches and pristine waters.
It's a good idea to visit the park outside of January or February when the park is usually closed. As part of an ambitious four-day itinerary, consider a visit to Parque Natural Los Nevados.
The city of Medelln used to be home to the most notorious drug lord in the world. Backpackers will find solace in the city's plethora of hip music venues, while other travelers can enjoy a surplus of well-heeled neighborhoods. It is one of the best cities to visit if you are short on time because of its appealing climate. The Zona Cafetera is a gateway to it.
The statues of Fernando Botero add humor to rowdy market squares. Go to Comuna 13 and Moravia to see how street art and innovative forms of transportation have injected life into down-at-the-heel neighborhoods. Parque Arv, a nature reserve with pre-Hispanic trails through forests studded with orchids, is located up and out of the valley.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a mountain range that spans across the northeastern part of the country. The best archeological site in the country is La Ciudad Perdida. The stone terraces of this once-crowded city were only reclaimed from the jungle in the 70s. La Ciudad Perdida is accessible only with a tour group.
One of the most desolate and unique places to visit in the country is the desert next to the Caribbean sea. Despite being conquered by invaders throughout history, the La Guajira Peninsula is still home to the Wayuu people.
You will need to organize a tour from Riohacha if you want to appreciate the dazzling wildness. You can spend at least one night on the peninsula and then head out to Playa Taroa, which is the most beautiful beach in the country.
Cali is the capital of salsa in South America and it loves to party. Cali is addicted to rhythm and will keep you dancing until dawn. Before you go to the salsa club in Zaperoco, you need to polish your moves at a dance school.
Delirio is a salsa and cabaret showcase of epic proportions that takes place on the final Friday of every month.
The idyllic island of Providencia is located in the Caribbean Sea and is one of the most beautiful places to visit. A laid-back atmosphere and picture perfect golden-sand beaches are part of the appeal of this remote and sun-kissed patch of paradise.
The barrier reef is the third largest in the world and can be explored by divers. If you want to keep your head above water, the 25oC (77oF) water temperatures and beaches will more than suffice.
Bogot has a lofty perch in the Andes Mountains, which makes it a good jumping-off point for more chilled destinations in the country. The capital city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is home to many museums.
Gourmet dining and rowdy nightlife can be found in the ZonaRosa and Chapinero neighborhoods. The Museo de Oro is one of the best collections of pre-Hispanic metallurgy in the world. The Museo Botero has a large collection of modern and impressionist art, including 123 pieces by Botero.
San Gil is the capital of adventure in South America. White-water rafting or hydrospeed tours can take you through scenic canyons along Class I to Class V rapids. If you want to get off the ground, you can do abseiling, paragliding, and bungee jumping. Mountain biking and canyoning can be done.
Parque Natural Serrana de La Macarena is located south of Bogot. Cao Cristales is a river that runs pink just a short distance from La Macarena. This stretch of water is known as the "liquid rainbow" due to the growth of riverweed that occurs between July and October. You can swim in certain areas of the river if you pack a bathing suit.
Cao Cristales only became accessible to visitors in 2010 because it was located in the territory of the Revolutionary Armed Forced. You will need to book your ticket with a local tour operator before you can visit.
Parque Arqueolgico is located in the far southwestern department of Huila. Stone statues with semi-human faces smile through fanged mouths and wide eyes are found at the site. Archeologists don't know what the area's purpose is, but many believe it to have been a place of pilgrimage and ancestral worship. You can get a local guide at the entrance.
The article was first published in February of 2022.
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