Imagine a land nestled between the majestic Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea... That's Colombia: a host of splendid landscapes with some of the greatest biodiversity in the world! Unknown or little-known, this country is a treasure trove of unsuspected beauty. Let's get off the beaten track and discover this sunny land, where the welcome and joie de vivre of the locals is legendary! What to do in Colombia? Le Petit Futé has selected the must-sees for a successful trip.
1. Dive into the history of Cartagena de Indias
A major site of interest in Colombia, Cartagena de Indias bewitches its visitors. Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, it was Colombia's main port at the time of the conquistadors. With its fine examples of Hispanic colonial architecture and pastel balconies, the city seems to have remained the same for 400 years... A legendary city, here you can breathe in the very essence of Colombia: its flavors, colors and scents of bougainvillea in bloom. That's why Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the great Colombian writer, made it his home.
This guided tour will takeyou through the historic center and Getsemaní district of Cartagena de Indias: discover the history of slavery, pirates, battles, conquest, independence and more.
2. Medellín, "city of eternal spring"
Long seen as a dangerous city, Medellín has managed to improve its image, particularly since the death of Pablo Escobar. Today, it's easy to visit, and you can take advantage of the Metrocable, a cable car on the mountainside, to see the city from above. Its climate attracts many travellers and also many gringos who come to live here. And above all, Medellín is the national capital of tango! In El Poblado, the center of nightlife, the nights are wild and the bars and discotheques very famous! On this guided tour, you'll explore the Comuna 13 district, discover Medellín's chaotic history, admire street art and meet local artists and residents.
3. What to do in Colombia Visit San Agustìn, the eternal
In the department of Huila, in the heart of the Andes, lies the archaeological park of San Agustín. Discovered in the early 20th century, the sculptures and burials found here are timeless testimonies to the Augustinian culture, a pre-Hispanic society in the northern Andes at its peak between the 1st and 8th centuries. Today, the park is a Unesco World Heritage Site. In addition to the San Agustín Museum and the Lavapatas ceremonial spring, the site is home to the "Statue Wood", where the region's luxuriant vegetation blends with important sculptures featuring human, amphibian and reptilian figures.
Would you like to visit San Agustín, Colombia's most important archaeological destination? We recommend you book this 3-day excursion: a chance to marvel at an enigmatic ancestral heritage and surreal landscapes.
4. Caño Cristales, the rainbow river
Long controlled by guerrillas, Caño Cristales is now open to all. To get there, head for La Macarena, a village reached by air from Bogotá or Villavicencio. Once in the Serranía de la Macarena natural park, it's impossible not to marvel at its splendid river... From September to November, between the dry and wet seasons, the water level drops so low that the sun's rays cause the moss on the usually submerged rocks to blossom. The result is an unforgettably beautiful river of five colors.
5. What to do in Colombia Visit Bogotá, a capital of contrasts
As soon as you arrive in Bogotá, you'll feel the difference: it's cool here, as the city is situated at an altitude of 2,600 m! One and a half times the size of New York, Bogotá is a city of striking contrasts. With its modern districts to the north and its very poor suburbs to the south, it offers many faces to those who know how to charm it... Don't miss the museums, especially the Museo del Oro, home to the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmiths' and silversmiths' work. We recommend you book this bike tour of Bogotá, which takes in a traditional fruit market, a coffee factory, the bullfighting arena, the historic center and numerous parks, squares and neighborhoods.
6. What to do in Colombia Discover the art of coffee
Colombia is one of the world's leading coffee exporters. El eje cafetero - the coffee axis - focuses on three cities: Manizales, Pereira and Armenia, the golden triangle. To understand the history and culture of this legendary beverage, there's nothing like staying in a traditional hacienda and visiting a Zona Cafetera farm. You can also admire wax palms, typical trees of the region.
7. The incredible Guajira desert
Guajira is the northernmost region of South America. To reach it, the journey is often long and arduous. But you'll be charmed from the moment you arrive... Arid and desert-like, the landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. Puntas Gallinas is the most northerly point on the continent, with splendid sand dunes rising out of the sea. Cabo de la Vela is also a must-see. It is said that Christopher Columbus and his crew mistook this immense dune for a sail, hence its name. This small fishing village and its dream beaches are the ideal spot for kite surfers !
8. Walk to the ciudad perdida
La ciudad perdida is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Discovered in 1972, it is thought to have been founded in 800 by the pre-Columbian Tayrona people. Today, it is a place of mysterious history and, above all, a sacred site. If the ciudad perdida is unforgettable, so is the journey to get there... Accompanied by a guide, you cross an often hostile but always surprising landscape. Don't worry about getting wet or even blushing during the three-day hike: the sun is very hot in this region!
Tempted by this experience? Click here to book your multi-daytrek to the Lost City: you'll experience an incredible adventure as you trek through the jungle towards one of South America's most astonishing archaeological sites.
9. What to do in Colombia Whale watching in the Pacific
From July to October, Pacific humpback whales come to breed near the Colombian coast, in the warmest waters. Enseneda de Utría National Park is one of the most famous spots to admire these gigantic mammals and their offspring. But it's Bahia de Málaga, near Buenaventura, that takes the jackpot with the world's highest record for whale births, no doubt due to the tranquility of its bay. Whale watching is the most magical experience in Colombia.
10. The San Andrés Archipelago, in the heart of the Caribbean
Located in the Caribbean Sea, 700 km from the Colombian coast, San Andrés is nicknamed "the island of the seven-colored sea". Its waters are home to such remarkable species as sea turtles, tiger fish and giant mantises. A diver's paradise! On the southern tip of the island, don't miss El Hoyo Soplador, a small geyser from which sea water gushes 20 m high. For the evening, head to Johny Cay Regional Park: reggae music and tall palm trees will make you realize you're in the Caribbean!
This is also the perfect time to try your hand at scuba diving click here to book. Discover the magical underwater world of the Caribbean, fish, coral and even submerged statues!
11. Tayrona Park, one of the world's most beautiful national parks
Tayrona one of the world's most beautiful national parks tayrona National Park is a must-see on this corner of the Caribbean coast. This extension of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta plunges into the ocean, forming coves with rugged terrain and singular ecological features, bathed in cold marine currents. Beware of the currents, swimming is extremely dangerous and we strongly advise against it outside the beaches where it is permitted, such as Playa Arenilla (next to Arrecifes), La Piscina (10 minutes further on), and Cabo San Juan (another 20 minutes). The latter is a paradise, with its two small coves and rocky promontory featuring a palm-roofed cabaña: a real postcard! From El Cabo, you can also take a path that climbs up the mountain and then descends to Calabazo (5.4 km, 1.5 hours downhill, twice as much uphill).
12. Punta Gallinas
Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point of South America. Getting there is an adventure in itself. From September to November, in the rainy season, it's even impossible (except by boat). And perhaps that's why it's so unique. Even though it's becoming very touristy, you get a real taste of the end of the world. The scenery is breathtaking, with the desert rubbing shoulders with the turquoise Caribbean Sea on one side, and the mangrove swamps stretching their roots into the green waters of Bahía Hondita on the other. From Punta Gallinas, you can take a boat to Isla Jiworrule ("Island of Love"), where you can sleep and eat. Another trip takes you to Punta Aguja and Playa de la Boguita, a white sand beach surrounded by red earth cliffs and cacti. In short, Punta Gallinas will delight adventure and nature lovers.
13. What to do in Colombia See Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
Salt Park is a must-see on the outskirts of Bogotá. Here, you can discover the world of miners through a variety of activities. The first is a visit to the underground cathedral, a classic that is considered the "First Wonder of Colombia". For safety reasons, the Salt Cathedral we visit today is a replica of the original cathedral built in 1954, a 6,000 m² underground work of art carved out of the salt rock, featuring labyrinths, colossal naves and obscure chapels, and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saint of miners. Don't miss Carlos Enrique Rodríguez Arango's La Creación del Hombre, a marble sculpture paying homage to Michelangelo. The atmosphere here is particularly religious, as this is first and foremost a place of worship (masses are held here on Sundays).
Click here to book your visit to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, including return transport.
14. Mongui and the Paramo d'Oceta
Perched at an altitude of 3,000 metres, Mongui is a little wonder in itself. Its cobbled streets and colonial houses with white facades and green-painted doors make it a picturesque place. Monguí is also known as the Capital del Balón (a hundred or so people make their living from making balls - especially footballs - many of which are still sewn by hand. Also worth a visit are the beautiful central square, the Franciscan basilica and convent, and the old Puente Real de Calicanto. This colonial village is also the gateway to one of the world's most beautiful panoramas, the magnificent Páramo de Ocetá, with its frailejones, Ciudad Perdida (an impressive rock formation) and Laguna Negra, among other spectacular scenery.
15. What to do in Colombia Visit Guatape
Located 80 km east of Medellín, Guatapé is a charming little village known for its zócalos, the embossed friezes on the walls of colorful houses that refer to the customs and legends of the region. A centuries-old tradition whose origins are still unclear (you'll no doubt be told several versions in the village!) The courageous will climb to the top of the Piedra del Peñol (or Peñol de Guatapé), a 220-metre-high monolith, to appreciate one of Colombia's most spectacular landscapes: a huge, rounded rock planted in the middle of a completely surreal landscape, with a turquoise lake that seems to have been carved out with a paintbrush..
Click here to book your guided tour of Guatapé and discover a world of color in its tiled streets.
16. Salento and Los Nevados Park
Situated at an altitude of around 1,900 m, Salento offers magnificent panoramic views over the valley and the Río Quindío from the mirador, which can be reached by walking up Calle Real from the central park. Salento is also famous for its Cocora Valley, just a few kilometers away, which is usually reached by Jeep. A little further from Salento, the Tochecito Valley (La Carbonera) is less well known but offers even more impressive scenery, with the world's most abundant wax palm forests (around 600,000 trees!). It's not easy to get there on your own, but Salento's tour operators organize hikes and bike rides. For hiking enthusiasts, the valley is also the gateway to Los Nevados Park in the Cordillera Central: the spectacle of the Andes chain, volcanoes, páramos and eternal snows is superb.
17. Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert isn't a real desert, but it sure feels like one! This 330 km² semi-arid tropical dry forest is Colombia's second most arid zone, after the La Guajira desert. A spectacularly beautiful site: you'd think you were in Lucky Luke's Wild West, or in Tupiza, in southern Bolivia. Tatacoa is divided into two main areas: the Cuzco sector, with its predominantly red soil tones, and the Los Hoyos sector, with its grey soil tones. It's easily reached by tuk-tuk from Villavieja's main square.
Click here to book your guided day trip to the Tatacoa desert, explore the Valley of the Ghosts and get lost in Cuzco's Laberinto.
18. Tierradentro Archaeological Park
Located in the municipality of San Andrés de Pisimbalá (municipio de Inzá), this archaeological park contains hundreds of tombs from a civilization we know nothing about! Several archaeological sites are open to the public, including :
- Segovia. Situated on a hill at an altitude of 1,800 m, just 20 minutes from the park entrance (ticket office and museums), this is Tierradentro's most impressive site, a true marvel. There are some 30 decorated tombs. The most beautiful has retained its original colors. One of the hypogeums, with its urns containing human remains and funerary furnishings, remains in the state in which it was discovered.
- El Duende. Situated a little higher up, about 15 minutes' walk from Segovia, this site is home to five hypogeums, all with fine wall paintings!
- El Aguacate. Located at 2,700 m, on a ridge reached after a 1.15-hour ascent-descent-climb from El Alto San Andrés, this site is well worth the climb! The panoramic view over the valley and the village of Inzá in the distance is splendid. The hypogeums discovered at El Aguacate are considered the oldest in Tierradentro, their architecture being less complex than at the other sites. The walk back down to the park entrance takes about 1.5 hours.
How to visit Colombia in 15 days?
Visiting Colombia in 15 days will enable you to discover some of the most emblematic attractions of this magnificent South American country. Here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your trip:
Days 1-3: Bogotá
- Days 1-2: Explore the old town of La Candelaria, visit the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum and other historical sites.
- Day 3: Climb to the top of Mount Monserrate for a panoramic view of the city.
Day 4-6: Medellín
- Days 4-5: Discover the city of eternal spring, visit Arvi Park, the Antioquia Museum and take the metro cable to enjoy spectacular views.
- Day 6: Take an excursion to Guatapé to admire the famous Guatapé Rock.
Days 7-9: Cartagena
- Days 7-8: Explore Cartagena's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit San Felipe Castle, Bolívar Square and the city walls.
- Day 9: Relax on the beaches of the Caribbean Sea or take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands.
Day 10-12: Tayrona National Park
- Days 10-11: Trek through the jungle and relax on the beaches of Tayrona. Enjoy the natural beauty of this region.
- Day 12: Return to Santa Marta for the night.
Day 13-15: The coffee triangle
- Day 13: Travel to Salento, a charming cafetero village.
- Day 14: Explore the Cocora Valley, famous for its giant wax palms, and taste local coffee.
- Day 15: Visit Manizales, Pereira or Armenia to learn more about Colombian coffee culture.
Be sure to sample the local cuisine, including arepa, bandeja paisa and exotic fruits. Colombia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and fascinating history, and this 15-day trip should give you a good taste of what it has to offer.
What to do in Colombia in 3 weeks
Adding a week to your trip will allow you to explore more of Colombia. Here's how you could extend your trip by an extra week:
Day 16-18: Los Nevados National Park
- Day 16: Travel from Manizales, Pereira or Armenia to the Los Nevados Natural National Park region, a spectacular mountain range.
- Day 17: Hike through the national park to see glaciers, lakes and the region's unique flora.
- Day 18: Spend another day exploring the park, or return to Manizales, Pereira or Armenia for the night.
Day 19-21: San Agustín
- Day 19: Travel to San Agustín, a major archaeological site in Colombia, known for its megalithic statues.
- Day 20: Explore the San Agustín archaeological park and surrounding area to learn more about the region's pre-Columbian history.
- Day 21: Continue discovering the culture and nature of San Agustín.
This extended program allows you to explore the snow-capped mountains of Los Nevados National Park, as well as the archaeological mysteries of San Agustín. Be sure to book accommodation in advance and check the weather conditions for Los Nevados National Park, as they can vary depending on the season.
What to do in Colombia in October
In October, Colombia is an attractive destination thanks to its pleasant climate and numerous activities. Here are a few suggestions on what to do in Colombia in October:
- Visit Bogotá: Take advantage of October's cool, dry climate to explore the Colombian capital. Visit museums, sample the local cuisine, and don't miss the old town of La Candelaria.
- Hiking in Los Nevados National Park: October is an excellent month for hiking in the Andean mountains of Los Nevados National Park. Temperatures are generally milder, and the scenery is magnificent.
- Discover Medellín: Explore the city of eternal spring and visit parks, museums and modern districts. Be sure to take the cable car for panoramic views of the city.
Tempted by a trip to Colombia? Check out our dedicated article "10 experiences you can only do in Colombia!".
