Colombia is a treasured gem of Latin America with vibrant coloured towns, rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and delicious food. The country provides you with exceptional natural beauty surrounded by snow-covered Andean mountains, evergreen tropical Amazon forests, glistening golden beaches and deep blue Caribbean waters. Apart from nature, the cities in Colombia are bustling with energy and have numerous tourist attractions. We have thoroughly researched and curated a perfect guide for Colombia. Let us start exploring.
Places To Visit
Cartagena
Cartagena is one of the most famous cities in Colombia. The city surrounds itself with historical structures and stunning architecture. You can enjoy a stroll around the narrow alleys and experience the beauty of Cartagena. With charming cafes, exotic beaches and mesmerizing natural marvels, you cannot help but fall in love with the city. Here is a list of some things to do in Cartagena during your visit.
1) Old City
It is one of the most visited tourist places in Cartagena and has vibrant coloured houses, artistic marvels and great food. La Ciudad Amurallada is a walled city with picturesque views. It is a part of UNESCO’s world heritage list. Do not forget to check out the famous Plaza Bolivar, renowned for its stellar theatre and musical performances.
2) Playa Blanca
It is one of the most scenic beaches in Colombia and receives tourists from all around the world. Playa Blanca has pristine waters, golden sand beaches and some delicious seafood. You can relax and watch the sun immerse you in the ocean or enjoy a fun picnic by the beach.
3) Mercado de Bazurto
Your trip to Cartagena is not complete if you haven’t visited the bustling and chaotic Mercado de Bazurto. It is one of the most visited places in the city, lined with local shops selling fresh produce, numerous traditional and authentic food outlets. A visit to the market will introduce you to the fun vibe of Colombia that will make a special place in your heart.
Medellin
Medellin is a charming town in Colombia surrounded by natural marvels and breathtaking views. You can experience the rich art and architecture of Colombia at Botero Plaza. The city has many gorgeous parks, filled with locals and tourists who come to relax and enjoy. In the parks you can enjoy activities like cycling, walking or gobbling up tempting food. Here are a few fun places that you can visit in Medellin:
1) Jardin Botanico
If you are looking for some time away from the bustle of the city surrounded by nature, then these botanical gardens are perfect for you. Jardin Botanico covers a vast area and spreads far and wide. It has a collection of several unique and exotic flowers and is a paradise for bird lovers.
2) Guatape
Guatape is perfect for a weekend getaway with lush green landscapes and a pristine river. The charming village offers you numerous fun activities like boating, sightseeing, mountain biking and touching the sky with paragliding. You can also hike your way to the majestic El Cristalino waterfalls. The falls take you closer to nature, where you can serenade and unwind with the calming sound of the waterfall.
3) Visit The Museums
Medellin has many fascinating museums displaying Colombian artefacts, exquisite paintings and memorabilia from the bygone era. If you are an admirer of art, then you can surely visit the Museo de Antioquia, Casa de la Memoria and Cementerio Museo de San Pedro, to name a few.
Coffee Zones
Colombia is world-renowned for its coffee. Your trip is not complete if you haven’t visited the famous Coffee Zones. The zones comprise Caldas, Risaradala, Quinido and a piece of Valle del Cauca.
1) Take A Tour
You can enjoy a guided coffee tour and learn about the process of making the perfect cup of coffee. The Coffee zones tour will help you learn about the steps of coffee making, starting from procuring the coffee beans to roasting and grinding them for that enchanting aroma. Visiting the coffee zones will surely be a refreshing and unique experience.
2) Hot Air Balloon Ride
The only way to admire the stunning landscapes of the coffee zones is by taking a hot air balloon ride. This unique experience is both scenic and mesmerizing. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the lush plantations, snow-covered peaks of the Andean mountains and houses painted with vibrant colours.
3) Bird Watching
Colombia is a land surrounded by nature in every nook and corner. It is a heaven for bird lovers. Colombia boasts of having different varieties of birds as compared to other Latin American cities. You can find these colourful feathered wonders soaring high throughout the National Parks and around the mountain ranges.
Tayrona National Park
Situated along the pristine Caribbean coast, the wide stretched Tayrona National Park. It is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Colombia to feel rejuvenated in the lap of nature. The park offers you stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes and deep blue lagoons. Here are a few things that you can do on your trip to Tayrona National Park.
1) Hike Up The Jungle
It is one of the most popular activities in the park. You can enjoy a good hike up to the jungle for about an hour. The breathtaking hiking along the jungle welcomes you with scenic views. There are two major hiking trails in the park- El Puebilto and El Cabo. At the end of the hike, you reach a charming small village known as Arrecifes.
2) Enjoy Fun Activities
Tayrona National Park is a must-visit for all adventure lovers. You can enjoy snorkelling, discover vibrant coral reefs and hiking. The pristine lake is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a picnic on a clear day.
3) Interact With Wildlife
The park covers approximately 12000 acres of land, having rich flora and fauna, exotic wildlife and dense green rainforests. You can encounter more than 300 different birds and animals like jaguars, howler monkeys, and varieties of reptiles. Guided tours are also available in the park, where you can interact and learn interesting trivia about the wildlife.
Bogota
This bustling capital city of Colombia is full of zeal and energy. Bogota has a casual and comfortable vibe. You can easily traverse through the streets of Bogota, visit restaurants and enjoy the fun nightlife. Bogota is a perfect blend of culture and modernity. Here is a list of things that you can enjoy in Bogota:
1) La Candelaria
La Candelaria is one of the most famous spots in the city and is a perfect depiction of the rich history of Colombia. The streets have vibrant coloured houses influenced by exquisite Spanish architecture. You cannot miss out to have a chilled beer in one of the cafes across the street. The cafes and bars are perfect to have fun interactions with the locals.
2) The Gold Museum
The Gold Museum is one of the most visited places in Bogota and consists of more than 30,000 gold pieces. The museum displays artefacts from a pre- Hispanic culture and has three massive floors. The museum displays several steps in which gold was discovered, mined and utilized in designing jewellery.
3) Cerro Monserrate
This spectacular viewpoint provides you with a breathtaking view of Bogota. Cerro Monserrate is perfect for getting away from the bustling city into solace and tranquillity. The top of the hill has a small church along with some exceptional cafes and restaurants. You can hike up and enjoy Colombian cuisine with a stunning view.
Providencia Island
This gorgeous island is one of the most amazing places to visit in Colombia. It has the pristine waters of the Caribbean and is a perfect weekend getaway. You can see the influences of Creole culture on the island. It is a rejuvenating spot for tourists as well as locals. Here are some fun things that you can enjoy on the island
1) Relax On The Beach
The island has numerous spectacular beaches that are nothing less than paradise on Earth. Playa Manzanillo and Maracaibo Bay are some of the renowned beaches. The beaches have swaying palm trees, glistening sand and turquoise blue waters.
2) Crab Caye
This charming island is quite popular among tourists and is heaven in every true sense. You can reach Crab Caye easily by renting a boat and indulge in delectable Colombian cuisine. You can also witness a breathtaking sunset, enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving.
3) McBean Lagoon National Park
McBean Lagoon National Park and has dense mangrove forests, seagrass and vibrant coral reefs. Every year you can find more than 70 species of migratory birds flocking to the national park. The pristine waters of the island are perfect for snorkelling and swimming amidst exotic marine life.
Places To Stay
Colombia has many great options for accommodations that can make your trip even more comfortable and memorable. Whether you are looking for charming hotels, luxurious suites or villas, you can easily find every option in the city. Here is a list of some of the best places to stay in Colombia:
1) Selina La Candelaria
This beautiful property is perfect for those who are looking for budget-friendly options without compromising on comfort. The hotel has spacious rooms with the finest amenities. It is a place where you can interact with fellow travellers and backpackers. The hotel provides you with exceptional service and delicious food. The price per night is approximately 54$.
2) Saint Simon
This hotel is ideal for relaxing and unwinding after a long and tiring trip. The rooms have high-end amenities and are spacious. The hotel provides you with great food and hospitality. It is aptly located in the city centre and is nearby all the local shops and tourist spots. The price per night of the room is around 48$.
3) Luxe By The Charlee
If you are looking for luxurious accommodation, then Luxe is a perfect option for you. This place has eight spacious rooms with a cosy fireplace and lush green landscapes. The cabins are great options for groups when you want to find some solace away from the chaos of the city. The food and services are a class apart. The price per night for a single room is around 122$.
Places To Eat
Colombian cuisine is renowned for its flavors, spices and fresh seafood. Here are a few great restaurants that you can visit during your trip to Colombia.
1) Fulanito
It is one of the most popular restaurants in the city and serves authentic Colombian food. The most famous dishes in the restaurant are tropical fruit slushies, heart hen stew and decadent desserts. The interiors of the restaurant are rustic, chic and displays traditional Colombian art.
2) Andrés Carne de Res
This restaurant serves classic Colombian cuisine along with barbeque prepared in an Argentinian style. The restaurant has a calm and chic ambience with stunning architecture. You can enjoy a delectable blend of Colombian and international cuisine.
3) La Puerta Falsa
If you are craving some delicious desserts, then La Puerta Falsa is perfect for you. This charming boutique restaurant serves you indulging chocolate con queso. Your visit to this place is not complete if you haven’t tried the famous ajiaco.
Best Time To Visit
Colombia has natural marvels, stretched out Caribbean Coast and majestic mountains. The best time to explore the beauty of Colombia is in between December to March. During this time, Colombia welcomes tourists from all around the world. If you are looking for a budget-friendly time to visit Colombia, July to August is perfect for your travel. There is no rush near the top attractions also the accommodation rates are also within the normal range. You should avoid visiting Colombia during the monsoon season.
Colombia is one of a kind destination and should be on the bucket list of every traveller. We hope that this guide provides you with great options to explore in the city and helps you in planning the perfect itinerary for your trip to Colombia.
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References:
1) Hand Luggage Only; “10 Best Things To Do In Colombia”; accessed on 20th July 2021; https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2017/11/12/10-amazing-places-need-visit-colombia/
2) Planetware; “12 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colombia”; accessed on 20th July 2021; https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/colombia-col.htm
3) Lonely Planet; “Colombia”; accessed on 20th July 2021; https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia
