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Colombia is a country for all interests, that is why it’s perfect harmony between the urban and the rural has made it one of the most visited destinations in South America. So if you are one of the very lucky ones who are going to travel here, keep reading! In this post we talk to you the best places to visit in Colombia for not missing anything:
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a small city considered as the most ancient in Colombia with an old town full of history and a spectacular bay.
Although the reality is that it is often used as a base (dormitory town) for other visits around it, especially to the Tayrona National Park. Its surroundings are undoubted to be envied!
Around the city of Santa Marta you can visit:
Lost city
From Santa Marta begin the excursions to the Lost City which is also known as Teyuna. It is the main archaeological site and one of the most beautiful and inaccessible places in Colombia.
There you can make treks of several days and get to know in a deeper way the indigenous communities that the Colombian jungle hides. An adventure in the mythical El Dorado that you cannot miss.
Punta Gallinas
Although if you prefer the seaside, you can also make the excursion to Punta Gallinas a unique natural spot and the northernmost point of the South American continental plate.
There you will visit the Sugar Pylon, the Auyama Desert and the Taroa Dunes, paradisiacal places far from the society, and where their landscapes, culture and nature will leave you trapped.
Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia. Its pleasant climate, its many tourist sites and its gastronomic and cultural variety make it the most visited city in the country.
Highlights include the Candelaria neighborhood, the Gold or the Botero Museum, and the views from the Monserrate hill which is at an altitude of 3152 meters and from which you can see the whole city.
In the surroundings of Bogota, you can also visit:
Laguna de Guatavita
The Guatavita Lagoon is one of the most famous and sacred places of the pre-Columbian culture, its history is full of myths and legends! To reach it you must walk 3 km and its highest point is at 3100 meters so you must take into account that the journey can be a bit tiring.
Cathedral de la Sal de Zipaquirá
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is one of the places you should visit in Bogota despite being outside the city. It is a cathedral built in a salt mine 180 meters below ground almost unique in the world, with no doubt a different and original place to visit in your trip to Colombia!
Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena de Indias is a city located in the north of Colombia, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. A good idea is to walk around its walled old town which is a place full of charming streets and history, you will feel like you are going back 400 years in time!
Although Cartagena de Indias is really known for the beaches and archipelagos that it has around and that invite you to do tourism and above all to rest.
Among them:
Islas del Rosario
The Rosario Coral Islands stand out for their crystalline waters and paradisiacal beaches. They are only one hour away from the city of Cartagena and the way to access them is by boats or ships that leave from the city of Cartagena.
Among these, La Isla del Pirata stands out as the most exclusive of all. It is located 50 minutes from the city and has an area of 7500m2. Ideal to spend a day of leisure and disconnection on its beaches! Or even more!
BarĂş Peninsula
The Baru Peninsula is a coastal area located 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena de Indias, famous for its white beaches and turquoise water. There you can visit Playa Blanca, one of the only public beaches of the peninsula, or visit the National Aviary of Colombia that promotes the knowledge of the Colombian diversity of birds.
MedellĂn
The city of Medellin is full of contrasts and history. Today it is a world reference at a cultural level and that is why you can’t stop visiting places like Plaza Botero or the Museum of Antioquia.
Medellin is surrounded by green so its natural environment is so wild that it is perfect for many adventure sports and excursions.
Two must-do excursions in Medellin:
Guatapé
The town of GuatapĂ© is located 79 kilometers from the city of MedellĂn. If you are there you must ascend to the top of the Peñón de GuatapĂ© to contemplate the incredible views that can be seen from this point. But, be prepared! The climb is 702 steps.
Eje Cafetero
The Eje Cafetero is an environment full of nature and unique landscapes declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you can live and learn about the process of elaboration and taste one of the best coffees in the world, Colombian coffee.
Some places you should not miss are Salento, the Cocora Valley where you can go on trekking excursions, the Barbas Bremen Reserve or the Los Nevados National Nature Park.
As you can see, this is a country that will not leave you indifferent and we hope our list of best places to visit in Colombia will help you in your trip! 🙂
Which one would you like to see more? ¡¡¡¡We all!!!!