Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Colombia

On the Nutibara hill (80 m), a replica of a traditional Antioquia village, with its church, plaza, foundation and flowered houses. Restaurants and handicrafts. Next door, the Museo de la Ciudad, with a model of the city and temporary exhibitions, and the Parque de las Esculturas, with ten modernist and abstract sculptures in the open air. Nice view from the mirador, but visitors are often disappointed by what the locals tell them.

Panguí is about 6 km from Nuqui. It can be reached in around twenty minutes by lancha (boat). It's a typical Pacific village, with a welcoming Afro-Colombian population and magnificent rivers - the ríos Sampichí, Panguí and Chicuí. It also boasts a number of waterfalls, a rocky coastline and splendid black sand beaches. The village is not very touristy, and you can expect a quiet atmosphere. But it's well worth the detour. What's more, an initiative was launched a few years ago by a woman with an endearing personality, Ruth Nibeth Marinez Caizamo, aka "Chachita". A former schoolteacher, she aims to help her village through responsible, community-based tourism projects. In particular, she offers a posada nativa (guest house) in the village, in the form of a wooden house on the beach. It's a long way from the comforts of a hotel, so you shouldn't expect luxury. But that's not why we go here. It's the omnipresent nature, between jungle and ocean, with dreamy sunsets. You can go up the ríos, watch whales and turtles, and of course discover the Afro-Colombian culture. The experience is truly unique. To top it all off, you can enjoy the warm company of Chachita, who will make you feel right at home. And her fresh, tasty Pacific cuisine is sure to win you over.

Planetarium. It would be the largest dome in Latin America. 482 seats. It will enter into the fascinating world of the celestial vault.

Pueblo Bello is a predominantly Indian municipio located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, with a pleasant climate. It is the gateway to the territory of the Arhuacos in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Its name honors its fauna and flora that can be appreciated in the Buzintana botanical garden created by the Arhuaca community. Pueblo Bello is reached by a road in good condition in 1 hour and a half by colectivo (about $15,000 per person). The excursion can easily be done by the day. Nabusimake, "the place where the sun is born," is a 2.5-hour jeep ride from Pueblo Bello, at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The village is the spiritual center of the Arhuacos. It is possible and even recommended to stay overnight in Nabusimake, in one of the traditional Baharek houses. There you will see the famous Arhuaca mochilas (traditional beige bags with brown, grey and black patterns, made of sheep's wool, cotton and fique). A lot of coffee is produced in this mountainous region, and the landscapes are very beautiful. It is more interesting and practical to visit the Indian villages accompanied by a local guide. In any case, this should always be done with the greatest respect for the communities visited: do not take pictures of the people without their permission, for example, or buy locally produced handicrafts rather than making donations so as not to encourage begging, especially among children.

El Valle resident and local heroine Evelyn Pérez founded this conservation organization in honor of a species of sea turtle. She believes that human communities must learn to co-habit with lush nature, without harming or destroying it. Deeply concerned about environmental issues, she runs a turtle monitoring and nursery program to ensure their survival in the ocean. She also works on mangrove restoration and organizes beach clean-ups with tourists.

Halfway up Playa Cuevita's 9 km of fine sand, make a detour to Mama Orbe. Home and restaurant, the place is renowned for its family's involvement in turtle conservation. You'll be greeted by Orfilia's broad smile, as she and her husband set up a private foundation and a large incubator to protect turtle eggs. The beach is a major nesting ground for these sublime marine creatures (Golfina, Negra, Verde and Carey turtles). Numerous excursions, including whale watching, are available.

After a pleasant, mostly shady climb, you'll discover no less than Colombia's largest waterfall! At a height of 700 metres, the majestic Sardinata cascades down a series of rocky waterfalls to create beautiful natural pools below, allowing you to bathe while overlooking the surrounding jungle. The panorama unfolds as you climb, the horizon takes shape and the surrounding landscape is simply magical. Along the way, you're sure to come across monkeys and perhaps even jaguar tracks.

Just 30 minutes by 4x4 from Uribe, a truly unique experience awaits you: the tuning descent of the canyon del Guape. Immersed in nature, the feeling of beauty, freedom and adrenalin will transport you through spectacular rock formations. Sailing on the crystal-clear waters of the Magdalena River, you'll enjoy a landscape untouched by human construction. Surrounded by nature's rich flora and fauna, the riverbanks are home to monkeys, birds and colorful butterflies.