Colombia: 15 Beautiful & Intriguing Places To Visit
Colombia is located in the northwest of South America. The country is known for its warm hospitality, diverse cultures, vibrant atmosphere, and breathtaking landscapes. In fact, it’s one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to both lush rainforests and large arid regions. Besides that, Colombia will take your breath away with vibrant cities, serene coffee plantations, and pristine beaches. And despite its reputation for violence in the past, it’s undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a safer and more welcoming destination for travelers. We'll also share a map with great places to stay, eat, and drink.
Check out our video about Colombia to see these fascinating places to visit through our camera!
Best Places To Visit In Colombia
15. Bogotá
Situated high in the Andes mountains in the center of Colombia, Bogotá is the vibrant capital city. As the largest city in the country, you’ll be surprised that most attractions are concentrated around the historic center, also known as “La Candelaria”. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with colonial architecture, colorful street art, interesting museums, and a wide range of restaurants. As a bicycle-friendly city, biking is a fun way to explore La Candelaria and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Where to stay: Masaya ($$)
14. Popayán
Popayán is a hidden gem nestled in southwestern Colombia. Also nicknamed the "White City", it’s renowned for whitewashed colonial architecture that you can find all over the historic center. It’s also a true college city, which brings a youthful energy and contributes to its reputation as a center for arts, music, and literature. And while Popayán remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists, it offers a unique and authentic experience for those looking to explore Colombia's cultural heartland.
In terms of things to do here, we recommend watching the sunset from the El Morro del Tulcán pyramid and going on a free walking tour.
Where to stay: Hotel Boutique Confort Suites ($$)
13. La Chorrera Falls
About an hour’s drive to the east of Bogotá, you can find Colombia’s tallest waterfall, cascading 590 meters or 1,935 feet down a lush valley. This is a moderately-challenging loop trail with a total distance of about five point eight kilometers or three point six miles. Throughout the trek, you’ll have breathtaking views of the valley, the cascading El Chiflón waterfall, and the awe-inspiring La Chorrera itself. The trailhead can be found at La Chorrera Park. As public transportation is unavailable, guided tours from Bogotá are the best way to experience this natural beauty.
12. Minca
Minca is a bohemian mountain village located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range in northern Colombia. Once a secret hideaway for travelers that wanted a break from the bustling coastal towns and excessive heat, Minca has now become a popular travel destination. Most come to explore its lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views. One of the things we enjoyed most was a farm-to-table cooking workshop at Plan B Farm, during which we dove into permaculture, sustainable farming, and preserving food through fermentation. At the end, we indulged in various tasty dishes that were created with fresh ingredients from the garden.
Where to stay: Mundo Nuevo ($$)
11. Zipaquirá
Zipaquirá is located about 40 kilometers or 25 miles to the north of Bogotá, in the Andes mountains. It’s especially known for the impressive Salt Cathedral nearby, built within the tunnels of a salt mine about a 180 meters or 590 feet under a mountain. The cathedral features stunning salt sculptures and crosses. There’s also a short light and sound show in the main nave and a three-dee movie that explains the history of the salt mines. Beyond the cathedral, Zipaquirá is home to a beautiful colonial old town.
10. Ciudad Perdida
Ciudad Perdida, translated as “the Lost City” in English, is nestled deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Reaching this ancient city requires a challenging, but rewarding trek. This 4 to 5 day adventure is about 50 kilometers or 31 miles long and takes you through lush rainforests and over rushing rivers. You’ll also go ascend and descend steep hills throughout the hike. Along the way, you'll also encounter many indigenous villages. The highlight is exploring the Lost City itself, which was built by the Tayrona civilization between the 8th and 16th centuries, and then was abandoned later on. It was only rediscovered in 1972 by a group of local treasure hunters. It’s only possible to do this hike as a guided experience.
Tip: Be prepared for hot, humid conditions and the constant threat of rain.
9. Medellín
Medellín is a vibrant metropolis located in the central region of the Andes. Once notorious for association with drug cartels, it has now transformed into a thriving city with a rich cultural scene. Explore the colorful streets of Comuna 13, a neighborhood that was once plagued by violence but now has a vibrant street art scene and community spirit. You can also indulge in the modern luxuries of El Poblado, a trendy district with great accommodation options, fine dining, and lively nightlife. If you want to immerse yourself in history, then join a city center free walking tour. On this journey, you’ll get a feel for the local life as well as see Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures in the center at Plaza Botero.
Where we stayed: Landmark Hotel ($$)
8. Guatapé
Guatapé is a colorful town located two hours to the east of Medellín, in the Colombian countryside. It’s known for vibrant colorful houses, quaint shops, and delicious local cuisine. But the town's most iconic landmark is the Piedra del Peñol, a massive rock formation with breathtaking panoramic views of the reservoir below. Reaching the top requires climbing 740 steps, but the reward is well worth the effort. It’s also possible to enjoy the reservoir as it offers opportunities for relaxing on the waters edge as well as boating and jet skiing. You can do this as a day trip from Medellín, but if you have more time we recommend spending a few days here.
7. Palomino
Palomino is a laid-back coastal town situated in northern Colombia. The town's relaxed vibe, delicious seafood, and affordable accommodations make it an ideal destination for backpackers. One of the most popular things to do here is tubing down the Palomino River, which winds through a lush jungle until it reaches the sea. The river's gentle current and stunning surroundings make it a perfect way to relax and enjoy nature. If you have a clear day, you might even catch views of the Pico Cristóbal Colón in the background. Other than that, Palomino is all about relaxing, with a sandy coastline dotted, cozy beach bars, and small restaurants serving delicious food.
Where we stayed: Prima Luna ($$)
6. Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are a stunning archipelago off the coast of Cartagena. Composed of 27 islands and reefs, this protected area is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine palm-fringed beaches. It’s therefore a tropical paradise for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. The most common way to reach the Rosario Islands is by boat from Cartagena, which takes between 45 minutes to an hour. You can either book a day trip or an overnight stay at one of the island resorts. Several boat companies offer regular departures from the main port in Cartagena.
5. San Augustín
San Agustín is nestled in the southern Colombian Andes. It’s home to the enigmatic San Agustín Archeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a vast collection of ancient burial mounds and stone sculptures. Each of these sculptures has unique, and often bizarre features. These monolithic figures were carved by the indigenous cultures of the region between 500 B.C. and 1,000 A.D. San Agustín Archaeological Park is made up of three separate sites, each driving distance away from one another (San Agustín, Alto de los Ídolos, Alto de Las Piedras). Beyond the archaeological wonders, San Agustín also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding landscapes and waterfalls.
Where we stayed: Masaya ($$)
4. Cartagena
Cartagena is a vibrant city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It’s renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is a must-visit, with its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming plazas. The adjacent Getsemaní is another trendy area, offering a mix of art, culture, and nightlife. But Cartagena also boasts many sandy beaches, an exquisite culinary scene, and some amazing viewpoints. Don’t miss the Convento de la Popa, which arguably has the best views of the city, especially at sunset.
Where we stayed: Mood Matuna Hotel ($$)
Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert is a unique and otherworldly landscape in southwestern Colombia. This arid region is divided into two distinct zones. The gray desert has a moon-like terrain and feels almost haunted at times due to its color and strange shapes. The red desert, on the other hand, is characterized by striking red and orange hues. The soft walls here also have cactuses growing out of the top of them, which is unusual to say the least. Most travelers base themselves in the nearby town of Villavieja, from where you can explore the desert's dramatic canyons and rock formations, hike through its surreal terrain, and observe diverse plants and wildlife. We opted for a private day tour of the area in a tuk tuk.
Where we stayed: Hospederia Sol del Desierto ($$ - Villavieja)
2. Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park sits at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, on the Caribbean coast. This diverse ecosystem boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a diverse flora and fauna. A popular activity is the challenging, but rewarding day hike from Canaveral to Cabo San Juan. From the main entrance of the park at El Zaino, you first take a shuttle to the trailhead. From there, you’ll hike a 14 kilometer or 8.6 mile out-and-back trail, which offers breathtaking coastal views, hidden coves, and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, titi monkeys, capuchin monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, diverse birds and insects. And while it’s possible to do this as a day trip, we recommend spending a night or two inside the park. Book well in advance as accommodations fill up quickly.
Where we stayed: Hostal Zirumake ($$)
Tip: At the time of our visit, the entrance fee for foreigners was 73,500COP/$14USD p.p. (high season) or 62,000COP/$12USD p.p. (low season). Additionally, insurance for 5,000 COP per day was mandatory.
1. Salento
Salento is a charming town nestled in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Triangle. The town's beautiful colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere make for a picturesque setting. But Salento mostly serves as a gateway to the region's stunning natural beauty and rich coffee culture. A must-visit in the area is the iconic Cocora Valley, renowned for having the world’s tallest palm trees. This valley is best explored by hiking one of its many trails. A hidden gem nearby is La Carbonera Valley, which is home to even more wax palm trees. We explored this area by horseback, which was one of our favorite experiences during our trip to Colombia. Finally, you can’t leave the area without diving into coffee production at one of the nearby plantations.
Where we stayed: Hotel Salento Plaza ($$)
Map Colombia
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Colombia on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Colombia will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Colombia
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Colombia? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Colombia:
Colombia is definitely a destination that offers so much to see and do. From the great culture of Bogotá to the stunning beaches of San Andrés, the variety of places to visit is impressive. I’ve heard great things about Colombia from MyHolidays reviews, with many travelers raving about the local experiences and natural beauty. The country’s diverse landscapes make it an exciting place to travel, with something for everyone. Definitely adding some of these spots to my travel list!