21 Best Places to Visit in Colombia

Colombia is the northern most country of the continent of South America. With its colorful towns, green mountains, world’s tallest wax palm trees, ruins of long lost cities, the Pacific and the Caribbean coastlines, Colombia offers everything from history, nature, culture and food. Here is a compilation of the best places to visit in Colombia.

Traveling in Colombia has started to gain popularity in the recent years. But the country still has a lot of hidden gems, yet to be featured on the most popular Colombia itineraries. To help you build your Colombia itinerary, we collaborated with our fellow travel bloggers to create this list of places to visit in the country. Ranging from big cities like Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota to smaller towns tucked deep inside the country, from coasts to jungles, this is a collection of bucket list as well as lesser known places of Colombia.

Cartagena

The town by the Caribbean sea is a leaf out of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel with a mix of colonial architecture, museums, art, colorful buildings, graffiti and local food. All this makes Cartagena, a popular destination in Colombia with so much to discover about the country’s history and culture.

You can start with the free walking tour to get a sneak peak of the walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO world heritage site, listening to its stories from your guide. The tours start near the clock tower, a popular landmark of the town and includes other important places like San Pedro Claver Square, the Palace of Inquisition, the Simon Bolivar Park and more.

Art comes in different forms in Cartagena. You can pose beside Botero’s masterpiece La Gorda Gertudis or the Fat Lady. Find the exquisite door knobs that comes in different shapes – lizards, lions, seahorse, fish, which once upon a time were indicators of the home owners social position. Also, the neighborhood of Getsamani is known for the street art and amazing restaurants. There are several forts in Cartagena, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas being the most popular among all.

If you wish to venture out of the walled city, try the hop-in hop-off bus tour or get to the modern urban part of Cartagena filled with pubs, restaurants, malls and high-rises. You can find some beach time at the Boca Grande beach at the other corner of the city.

Further reading: Best things to do in Cartagena

A man standing in front of a graffiti of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Indranil, next to a graffiti of Marquez.

Medellin

From carrying a notorious reputation for crime to becoming one of the most sought after destinations for visitors in Colombia, the city of Medellín has come a long way. Surrounded by green mountains, Medellín has pleasant weather all year round, no wonder why it is a popular destination for the digital nomads.

Start your exploration with a free walking tour of downtown Medellín. The guide narrates the history of the city from the colonial era and does not shy away from traversing through dark modern history, finally ending on a sweet note. The tour includes several landmarks in the downtown including plazas and parks, notably Plaza Cisneros. Check out Botero’s statues at Rafael Uribe Palace of culture and explore the 19th century Antioquia Museum before finding Botero’s Birds of Peace in Plaza San Antonio.

Another way to know Medellín is to take a tour of the Comuna 13 neighborhood. It is a fantastic tale of transformation through technology, art and music. The exquisite wall arts by local artists and a series of escalators that gave the people of the neighborhood a chance to get connected to the city’s infrastructure, are the highlights of the tour.

Medellín has a lot to offer and whether you stay for a few days or many, you will still find many things to do in the city. Take a tour of the Parque Arvi National Park using the metro cable car ride, explore the restaurants and pubs of Poblado or try the local delicacies like Bandeja Paisa and Mondongo or choose from several options of day trips from Medellín, Guatape being the most popular.

Further reading: Best things to do in Medellin | Comuna 13 Photo Story

View of Medellin city from a cable car.
Medellin city view from cable car.

Bogota

Contributed by: Venaugh of Venaugh. You can also find her on Pinterest.

Within Colombia, there are so many amazing places to visit but my favourite is Bogotá with so many things to do. This is the capital of Colombia that rests on the Andes mountains at a height of 8,675 feet (2,644 meters) above sea level. The temperature remains the same throughout the year except with a higher chance of rain in April and October. The best time to visit is in July or August when the weather is usually sunny and there is less chance of rain. But with Bogotá, you never know when rain is coming.

I love that it is so easy to walk around the city. Also, it is a budget friendly destination when you are converting from other currencies like those in the US or UK. A great viewpoint of the city is Montserrate and it only costs about 6 USD per person. Another site is Parque Simon Bolivar which is a gorgeous lake surrounded by park area, entrance is free. A quick walk from this park is the Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino Mutis which is the biggest Botanical Garden in Colombia. There are also many museums to visit, coffee tasting tour, and parque Jaime Duque.

Park in Bogota, Colombia.
Bogota. Photo Credit: Venaugh.

Guatape

Contributed by: Sam of My Flying Leap. You can also find her on Facebook.

The beautiful small town of Guatapé is a must-see on any Colombian adventure. Known as the “most colorful town in Colombia,” the small Spanish Colonial town center has vibrant colors and a festive attitude. 

Spend some time wandering the streets of Guatapé. You will notice zocalos on the side of many of the homes, motifs of village life customized for the people living there. It is a charming and unique aspect of this town. 

Head over to the stunning Guatapé Lake, a man-made reservoir that powers nearly a third of Colombia’s electricity needs. This lake hides a secret—the valley with the old town of Peñol was flooded to create it. You can ride a boat to take in this beautiful scenic area, and you will notice a large white cross in the center in remembrance of the town church.

Perhaps the most incredible views are from the top of La Piedra del Peñol, a large granite bounder that is 7,000 feet high. You can climb to the top by a concrete staircase and look out over this stunningly beautiful area.

Visiting the Guatapé area is a popular day trip from Medellín. You can go any time of the year, but the dry season running from December to January and July to August are the best times to go. You can go by bus or car, but a better option is to take a day tour to Guatapé. It is a great way to learn the fascinating history of this stunning area.

Further reading: Guatape Day Tour – The DIY Way

Guatape Lake, one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Guatape Lake. Photo Credit: My Flying Leap.

Coffee Region

Contributed by: Leyla of Women On The Road. You can also find her on Facebook.

You do not HAVE to love coffee to visit Colombia’s coffee region, called the Eje Cafetero. Because the colorful villages, fascinating coffee farms and striking natural sights of the region are attractive by themselves.

Coffee lover or not, a visit to a coffee farm or finca is a must if you are to understand the region’s culture. You will take a stroll along the fields where the backbreaking work of picking the coffee beans takes place. You will listen to the farmers themselves tell you just how you should be drinking your coffee (and sugar is not involved).

Reaching the region can easily be done through three nearby cities, each of which has an airport: Pereira, Armenia and Manizales. But as a base, Salento is a popular town with brightly painted houses, a colonial feel and plenty of good food.

A wonderful day trip from Salento takes place down a winding road through fields and plantations until you reach the most unexpected sight: clumps of wax palms, immensely tall (up to 70m). Welcome to the mystical Cocora Valley, where you can hike deep into the mountains to view even more palms.

A visit to the Eje Cafetero provides an unusual entry into Colombian coffee culture, well beyond the stylish cafés of the big cities.

Further reading: Top things to do in Salento | How to reach Medellin from Salento

Colorful Building in Salento, one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Salento. Photo: Women On The Road.

Jardin

Contributed by: Sarah of A Social Nomad. You can also find her on Instagram.

Jardin is the type of Colombian pueblo that you turn up in expecting to spend a day in but spend much longer. Jardin is a quiet town, almost, but not quite on the tourist trail, and it’s all the more beautiful for it.  There are great hotels and hostels here, super places to eat (both Colombian and international fare) and the central plaza is a stunning place to while away the afternoon and evening.

In Jardin, you can take horseback rides through coffee plantations, hike to viewpoints – or even take a cable car that looks like a garden shed to them. There is a nature reserve here, where you can see the stunning Andean Cock of the Rock. You can walk to it easily from the central plaza in just 10 minutes.  For more wildlife, there is a bat colony to visit (with guided tours in Spanish and English) and the surrounding area is a birders’ paradise. There are fantastic coffee shops here and plantations to take tours of.

Jardin is just 5 hours from Medellin and quite close to Salento too, but the peace and tranquillity that you will find here are sublime and well worth the trip.  There is nothing like sitting outside the bars that line the central plaza, having a cold beer watching the Paso Fino horses and locals parading on an evening. Bliss.

Street in Jardin, Colombia.
Jardin. Photo Credit: A Social Nomad.

Jerico

Contributed by: Michelle C of Intentional Travelers. You can also find her on Instagram.

Jericó, located among the coffee farms of Antioquia, a few hours outside of Medellin, is a low-key little pueblo patrimonio well worth a visit. Here, one can find many of the traditional products like the Carriel – a men’s handbag made from local leather, along with plenty of farms and plantations of oranges, avocados, coffee, and cardamom spice.

Domestic tourism started in Jericó for religious reasons. It is home to 17 churches, and the birthplace of Colombia’s first saint and sister, Saint Laura Montoya. Consequently, the town is busiest on weekends and holy days, but great deals on accommodations can be found on weekdays. In recent years, some foreign tourists have just begun to discover this colorful town and its other draws: beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and agritourism.

Jericó is also a great place to walk with its colorful streets. Local law requires homes be painted with at least 4 colors. Relaxed hiking trails take you through hilltop coffee farms, great views of waterfalls, and relaxing river spots. Since Jericó remains somewhat off-the-beaten path, a decent grasp of the Spanish language and go-with-the-flow attitude will be helpful for visitors.

Colorful buildings in Jerico town.
Jerico. Photo Credit: Intentional Travelers.

Minca

Contributed by: Alexander and Cynthia from Travel your Memories. You can also find them on Instagram.

Minca is a small village in the north of Colombia that is located in the middle of the tropical rainforest at the foot of Sierra Nevada. It is a typical small mountain village that is very charming and quiet. Minca is a perfect place to go for hikes in the area, climb Mount San Lorenzo, visit waterfalls, gain knowledge at a coffee plantation and enjoy the mountain scenery. In this travel guide for Minca, you can read all the information about the activities in detail.

Because more and more travelers are discovering Minca, the village nowadays is focused on tourism, fortunately still small-scale. You can find many cozy restaurants and shops that add to the ambiance. The big advantage of Minca is that the temperatures are more pleasant than other places in the north of Colombia because of its higher altitude.

Minca is easy to reach, you need to take a bus or taxi via Santa Marta to Minca. You can take the bus between Calle 11 & 12 in Santa Marta. This costs about 8,000 COP ($2) per person and takes +/- 45 minutes. A taxi costs +/- 50,000 COP ($13) per person and takes about +/- 15 minutes.

Finally, Minca is also known for its unique accommodations to stay. There are various accommodations that are located in the middle of the mountains where you are completely isolated from the ‘normal’ world and can enjoy all the peace and views around you.

Minca sunrise. Photo Credit: Travel your Memories.

Tayrona National Park

Contributed by: Alexander and Cynthia from Travel your Memories. You can also find them on Instagram.

Tayrona National Park is located in the north of Colombia and is an amazing park to visit. What makes it so unique is the fact that the Sierra Nevada jungle and the Caribbean coast come together. In this park, you can start beautiful hikes, enjoy the romantic beaches, and admire breathtaking views.

The hikes which you can do in Tayrona park are the reason why it is so popular. The most beautiful hike starts at El Zaino and ends at Cabo San Juan de Guia. In total this hike takes 8 to 10 hours (back and forth). During this hike, you pass the most beautiful beaches, jungles, and viewpoints. There are other hiking trails, however these are not recommended for the common visitors because the trails are tough due to the differences in height and distance.

You can visit Tayrona National Park in two ways: (I) you stay the night in the park or (II) you stay close to the park. If you want to know what the advantages are of the two options and more, you can read everything in this travel guide for Tayrona National Park.

An entrance ticket costs 16 USD per person. Important to know that you can only pay in cash and there is no ATM nearby, so carry enough cash with you. You get to this park by taking a bus at the bus station of Santa Marta. If you prepare yourself well, you can have a great time in the most beautiful park in Colombia!

Tayrona National Park. Photo Credit: Travel your Memories.

Rosario Islands

If you are in the mood of a romantic getaway or just want to relax in a beach with the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea touching your feet, take a trip to the Rosario Islands. The islands can be reached by an easy boat ride from Cartagena, but expect a bumpy and adventurous ride for your return trip in the afternoon hours.

You can choose a day trip or stay overnight in one of the island resorts. We preferred staying overnight to make the most of our trip with activities like snorkeling, island exploration or just watching the sunset. Also, most visitors are day trippers from Cartagena, and as they leave the islands in the afternoon, you can have a quiet piece of beach all to yourself.

The Rosario Islands are part of the protected marine area of Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. It is home to coral reefs and several marine species which makes scuba diving another popular activity.

Further reading: Rosario Islands Romantic Getaway

Seaside Resort in Rosario Islands, one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Rosario Islands.

Nuqui Choco

Contributed by: Nicole Hunter of Go Far Grow Close. You can also find her on Facebook.

If you are looking for an authentic experience in Colombia, then visiting Nuqui Choco would be an excellent choice. It is a remote town on the Pacific Ocean that is surrounded by jungle, pristine beaches, and a local culture that is focused on fishing.

It is not an easy destination to get to. You should not drive – it would take days and could be tricky. Instead from Medellin, you fly one hour on a twin prop plane, an amazing experience because you fly quite low when you are able to see how beautiful the surroundings are.

Two of the best things to do in Nuqui is to whale watch and visit isolated villages along the coast. From June – November, thousands of humpback whales arrive off the shores of Nuqui Choco. You can easily spot whales from the shore. But it is much more exciting to take a boat with a local to get as close as you safely can to these majestic animals without bothering them.

Thermales is a tiny isolated village where you can swim in natural thermal springs. One of the only ways to get there is to put on comfortable walking shoes and walk for 2-3 hours along empty beaches next to the jungle, a beautiful and memorable experience.

Further reading: Whale watching in Uvita, Costa Rica

Beach in Nuqui Choco.
Nuqui Choco. Photo Credit: Go Far Grow Close.

Capurgana

Contributed by: Daniel of Layer Culture. You can also find him on Instagram.

When looking for the best places to visit in Colombia, it can be tricky to decide which ones to visit. With Colombia being such a diverse country with many types of adventures, terrains, and climates to experience, you are literally spoiled for choice. However, after some further research, I found a place to visit called Capurgana that is located in the Choco department, a region that can be difficult to reach for most travelers.

If you are willing to get off the beaten track, you can expect to find mountains, rainforests, virgin beaches, and lush green palm trees all in one small paradise location. Capurgana is disconnected from the mainland and is classed as an eco-travel location. So you will not find any cars or vehicles here. Aside from enjoying the beaches, some of the things to do in Capurgana include snorkeling, diving, and visiting a giant manmade whirlpool called the Coquerita that allows you to overlook the pristine beaches and clear blue waters without moving a muscle.

To get here you can arrive via plane or take a bus from Medellin which will take you to the town of Necocli. From there you then take an exhilarating speed boat ride across the Gulf of Urabá to Capurgana. Traveling by land and sea is the most adventurous way to get to Capurgana. Here, you can expect sun, sea, and sand all year round.

Man sitting on a rock beside the sea in Capurgana.
Capurgana. Photo Credit: Layer Culture.

Villa de Levya

Contributed by: Julien Casanova of Cultures Traveled. You can also find her on Instagram.

Travelers to Villa de Leyva feel as though they have been transported in time. White colonial buildings line the cobblestone streets that lead out from Colombia’s largest central square. While the town initially feels as though not much has changed since the 1500s, Villa de Leyva has a level of modernity that blends with its history to create one of the best places to visit in Colombia.

Boasting fabulous restaurants and bakeries among its charming streets, you could easily spend your entire visit in the town. But you would be missing out on so many great things to do in the areas surrounding Villa de Leyva. The most popular of which is to visit Casa Terracota – a house made entirely of clay. Octavio Mendoza Morales built the house from a desire to live in a structure more in tune with nature, similar to the adobe home his grandmother inhabited.

In addition, science enthusiasts will revel in the exploration of prehistoric Villa de Leyva. The highlight is El Fosil Museum which was built entirely around a nearly intact Kronosaurus fossil estimated to be over 100 million years old. A little further down the road, visitors can discover the prehispanic Muisca, an indigenous community known for their expertise in astronomy.

Surrounded by the mountains, Villa de Leyva is an amazing place to visit any time of year. But it is better to avoid the weekend when residents from Bogota descend on the town and the prices of the accommodations increase.

Cobblestone streets in Villa de Levya.
Villa de Levya. Photo Credit: Cultures Traveled.

Mongui

Contributed by: Megs of Packing up the Pieces. You can also find her on Instagram.

Nestled in the untouched Boyacá region of Colombia, lies the lovely village of Mongui (Monguí). In the center of the village is a large church. Wander through the cobblestone streets to be surrounded by adorable white homes with green and red shutters and doors. Lining the streets appreciate the simple vessels that are blossoming red flowers. This picturesque town feels almost like Christmas.

Besides the cute village itself, take the staircase out of town to visit the incredible Páramo de Ocetá. This unique ecosystem is found only in the Andes above 3,000 meters and boasts the hearty plants of Frailejones, which can grow in this high altitude alpine terrain. This sacred land was also home to the Indigenous tribe of the Musica, so there are a few points of interest to see while hiking the páramo.

Adventurous hikers can plan for a multi-day trek that passes by alpine lakes surrounded by stunning mountains. Due to land disputes, it’s best to hire a guide.

Mongui can be reached as a day trip from the city of Sogamoso, but with the hiking trails and quaintness of this village, you may want to slow down and stay longer.

Páramo de Ocetá, one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Páramo de Ocetá. Photo Credit: Packing up the Pieces.

San Gil

Contributed by: Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World. You can also find her on Instagram.

San Gil is the ultimate adventure destination in Colombia. This town of no more than 50,000 people in the Santander Department is located about 7 hours’ drive away from the country’s capital, Bogota. San Gil is a great place to visit if you like the idea of being immersed in nature, engaging in adventure sports and getting a bit more of a local atmosphere.

The city itself is pretty, though hardly anything to write home about. It is the surroundings that are impressive!

A short driving distance from San Gil will take you to the Chicamocha Canyon, which has an impressive selection of mountain biking and hiking trails. This is also where the Rio Suarez, a popular whitewater rafting river, is located. You will also find the lovely small colonial town of Barichara here.

Several companies in town organize guided mountain biking or rafting expeditions in the area. For rafting, your best bet is Colombia Rafting Expeditions. They organize everything for you, including a picnic at the end of the challenging raft. The best local company to run mountain biking tours is by far Colombian Bike Junkies. Their mountain biking trips are well organized, planned to every detail!

San Gil town.
San Gil. Photo Credit: My Adventures Across The World.

Barichara

Contributed by: Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack. You can also find her on Pinterest.

Barichara is one of the most charming towns in Colombia and one of the best places to visit when traveling around the country. The charming village with its white streets is an amazing place to relax and unwind while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

The colonial town of Barichara is located in the Santander area north of capital Bogota, close to the better known adventure destination San Gil. Bucaramanga has the nearest airport. Barichara is only a short bus drive from San Gil, so it is easy to combine your stay in Barichara with one in San Gil.

The highlight of Barichara is its charming look with cobblestoned streets and white plastered one-story buildings and orange roofs. Make sure to wander around this historic town and take some photos of this picturesque village. It is quite a workout to walk the Barichara streets though, as this hillside village has pretty steep inclines.

One of the best places to make a stop is the viewpoint at the edge of town, at the end of Calle 1. You will have a stunning view of the surrounding nature. If you want to see more of that nature, consider the small hike from Barichara to the nearby village of Gaune.

This hike on the old Camino Real trail takes about two hours and leads you past the best views of Colombia. Gaune is just as picturesque as Barichara and it is a treat to wander around the beautiful streets. You can hike back, but know that the return trip is more uphill, Alternatively, take the bus.

Guane in the Colonial town of Barichara.
Guane. Photo Credit: The Orange Backpack.

Tatacoa Desert

Contributed by: Deborah of Passport the World. You can also find her on Instagram.

Many people do not know that Colombia has its own desert: El desierto de Tatacoa! Well, it is officially a large tropical dry forest, because of the annual rainfall. But it looks like a desert and Colombia is proud of it.

The Tatacoa desert in Colombia covers an area of 300 square km and is located near the city of Neiva. Tatacoa consists of two parts, a beautiful red rocky area, called El Cuzco and a grey desert called Los Hoyos. Both are surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Central mountain range, which makes for beautiful views. You can go for hikes and enjoy the surrealistic shapes, colors and cacti around you. The different layers and the fossils in the rocks are proof of a million year old history.

It is best to go early morning or late afternoon because it can get extremely hot during the day. It is also recommended to head out with guide, as it is easy to get lost.

Also, the Tatacoa desert is famous for its starry skies. Make sure you spend the night in one of the small posadas, so you have the possibility to gaze at the sky from your terrace. And if you have the time, visit one of the nearby observatories and learn more about the stars. It will be an unforgettable trip.

Barren landscape in Tatacoa Desert, one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Tatacoa Desert. Photo Credit: Passport the World.

Zipaquira

Contributed by: Agnes Simigh of Voice of Guides. You can also find her on Pinterest.

You can reach the Zipaquira city by train or bus in only 1 to 1.5 hours, making it a popular day trip from the capital, Bogota. The underground cathedral from the 1950s is arguably the biggest attraction of Zipaquira with its numerous tunnels, passages, and chapels, illuminated in different colors. The entire cathedral is located some hundred meters underneath the ground in a former salt mine. The sanctuaries and corridors are the passages of the salt mine. Although not officially recognized as a Catholic church, thousands still attend the Sunday masses. Besides, it is a unique scene for weddings. It is truly one of the architectural and spiritual wonders of Colombia.

A little boy accidentally discovered the salt-rich area. As he was playing with his friends, he stumbled and fell and hit his mouth into a piece of stone. He realized that this particular piece of stone was tasty and took it to his parents, who found that the powder obtained from it made the food more delicious and could be used to cure certain diseases. The salt mines of Zipaquira still provide 40% of Colombia’s salt resources.

Apart from the salt cathedral, the Plazas surrounded by colonial buildings (Plaza de los Comuneros, Plaza de la Independencia) are the city’s main attractions. Do not miss walking up to the small Our Lady of Sorrows Church to enjoy a great view of Zipaquira. 

The temperature is always cooler in this part of Colombia. The best time to visit Zipaquira is from late May to late September and from mid-December to mid-February. During the rest of the year, there is more precipitation.

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. Photo Credit: Voice of Guides.

Santa Marta

Contributed by: Marco Sison at Nomadic FIRE. You can also find him on Instagram.

Low cost of living, a vibrant culture, Caribbean weather, and warm people, living in Colombia has numerous advantages. On its own, the city of Santa Marta is a bit gritty. While colorful Cartagena in the west and cosmopolitan Medellin in the south get all the accolades, Santa Marta sits underrated as Colombia’s adventure gateway. 

The advantage of Santa Marta is the proximity to Colombia’s best attractions. From Santa Marta, you are within easy reach of world-class diving in the Caribbean Sea and at the starting point for an ancient ruins trek.

Taganga is a small town on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, just north of Santa Marta. It has a bit of a reputation for having a hippy party vibe, but more importantly, it is also considered one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive. There are over 20 dive sites within a few hours’ boat ride from Taganga, including some wrecks and caves to explore. From new student to experienced diver, you will find the warm 77 F degree water and near 100-foot visibility easy to enjoy.

There are plenty of things to do in Santa Marta, but there is one not to be missed activity- the Lost City Trek.

These adventures are best experienced during Santa Marta’s dry season, roughly December to April.

Lost City Trek

Contributed by: Isabella Biava from Boundless Roads. You can also find her on Instagram.

The “Camino a la Ciudad Perdida” (the lost city trek) is an amazing 4-day trek in the jungle in Colombia up to the ancient city built by the Tyrona civilization, about 600 years before Machu Picchu.

It is an incredible hike in the lush vegetation with breathtaking views every now and then. It is your daily goal to reach the next camp where you will spend the night either in a bunk bed or a hammock both wrapped up in a mosquito net. They are very basic but comfortable. The best part is that every site is located in the proximity of a river or waterfall where you can cool off from the long walk while bonding with the other hikers.

You must know, though, that you cannot hike on your own. The only way to get to the site is exclusively by joining an organized tour purchased by one of the 5 authorized agencies in Colombia (Expotur, Magic Tour, Guías y Baquianos Tour, Wiwa Tour). It is convenient for solo travelers to join this group tour. In fact, the travel agent will take care of adding you to an existing group on your requested dates.

It is a relatively mild hike suitable for anyone in a decent physical condition. You will be walking 6 to 7 hours per day carrying your backpack. Consider an elevation gain of approximately 600 meters while the maximum height is around is 1200 meters.

The trip starts in Santa Marta where you can leave the rest of your luggage in storage in your hostel or hotel.

Outdoor lovers and adventure seekers must include this trip in their Colombia bucket list.

Lost City or Ciudad Perdida, one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Lost City. Photo Credit: Boundless Roads.

Leticia – Colombia’s Amazon

Contributed by: Adam McConnaughhay of Cartagena Explorer. You can also find him on Facebook.

No list of the best places to visit in Colombia is complete without including its corner of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest actually covers a large part of Colombia’s southwestern territory, but the only city is Leticia, located right on the borders with Brazil and Peru and easily reached by air from Bogotá.

In fact, you can cross into Brazil overland and visit neighboring Tabatinga. Or cross the river to the town of Santa Rosa, Peru, for lunch at the Brisas de Amazonas restaurant.

Besides being able to visit 3 countries all by lunchtime, Leticia is also a great place to do a day tour on the Amazon River. Standard day tours take you up the river to the pretty town of Puerto Nariño. Stops along the way include the Isla de los Micos, where you can get up close to lots of little monkeys, an indigenous village where you learn about the culture, and the Reserva Victoria Regia, where you can see the Flor de Loto, the largest flower lilies. The river day tour is one of the must-do things to do in Leticia. You can also see the swarm of birds come in to feed around sunset time in the main plaza.

Near town, you can go canopying and zip lining in the forest and even sleep in a tree house. Leticia also makes for a great starting point for multi-day jungle treks where you can stay with indigenous communities.

You may be able to see more wildlife when the river is higher from February to June. But even during the rest of the year when the river is lower, you are sure to still enjoy Leticia.

A man riding a boat in the Colombian Amazon.
Colmbian Amazon. Photo Credit: Cartagena Explorer.

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Paradise Catchers

We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

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