Colombia is an incredible and varied travel destination perfect for adventure lovers, friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and affordability. After spending six weeks there, we were captivated and felt we could have stayed much longer. There’s just so much to do.
One of the must-do activities is the trek to Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) in the jungle of the Sierra Mountains. This journey takes four days and leads to ancient ruins built in 850AD by the Tayrona people. It’s a challenging adventure with bunk bed accommodations, muddy trails, and river crossings—an unforgettable experience.
Colombians are extremely welcoming. We often chatted with locals at hostels, on the streets, or during bus rides. Speaking with travelers who’ve been to Colombia, you’ll hear that the people are fantastic and often become lifelong friends.
The Caribbean islands off Colombia’s coast are beautiful. While Playa Blanca near Cartagena is popular, it’s often crowded. For a more authentic experience, visit the Rosario or San Bernardo Archipelagos—try Isla Grande, Isla Múcura, or Isla Tintipan.
Colombia has a vibrant music scene. Cali is the salsa capital of the world, but you’ll also find Afro-Caribbean beats, Cumbia, and even American rock and pop, depending on the region. Watching professional salsa dancers is a must if you get the chance.
Spanish language skills are essential when traveling in Colombia, as English isn’t widely spoken. There are excellent language schools in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena. The Toucan Spanish School comes highly recommended.
The Valle de Cocora near Salento is home to Colombia’s national tree, the Wax Palm, which stands up to 60 meters tall. A five-hour hike through this picturesque area is a top activity.
Colombian coffee is famous worldwide, and visiting a coffee farm in the “Coffee Triangle” of Quindío, Caldas, and Risaralda is a must. Salento is a popular spot for coffee tours, which are both affordable and scenic.
The Chicamocha Canyon in Santander is ideal for paragliding, offering breathtaking views. Parapente Chicamocha provides 30-minute flights and is a top adventure activity.
Food in Colombia is diverse and delicious. Try bandeja paisa in the Paisa region, a hearty dish that can easily serve two people. Football is also a national passion—catch a game in Medellín or Bogotá for an exhilarating experience.
Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport involving throwing a lead disc at gunpowder packets, often played with plenty of beer. Tejo halls are found throughout the country.
Free walking tours in cities like Medellín, Cartagena, and Bogotá are a great way to get acquainted with the local culture, history, and cuisine. These tours are typically based on tips.
Bogotá boasts amazing street art, especially in the old town. The free graffiti tour is a must. In Medellín, don’t miss the street art tour in Comuna 13.
Costeño Beach near Tayrona National Park is perfect for relaxing, with little to do but enjoy the serenity. Visiting Tayrona National Park itself is a highlight, with opportunities for hiking, swimming, and hammock camping.
Colombia has many beautiful beaches, from Playa Blanca to the Rosario Archipelago and islands like San Andres and Providencia.
In Cartagena, the Spanish fort on the Hill of San Lorenzo offers stunning sunset views. Villa de Leyva is known for its dinosaur fossils, and the nearby “Crazy House” is a quirky attraction built entirely from clay.
Monserrate Mountain in Bogotá provides a panoramic view of the city, and getting to the top can be an adventure of its own.
Sampling local foods is a must. Try buñuelos in Medellín, ajiaco soup in Bogotá, and fresh arepas from street vendors.
Barichara’s Camino Real hike is a peaceful two-hour journey offering beautiful scenery. The town itself is extremely picturesque, with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings.
Barranquilla’s Carnival in February is a lively event with dancing, parades, and music.
If you venture southeast towards the Brazilian border, you’ll encounter Indigenous cultures, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
Don’t miss the underground salt cathedral outside Bogotá—a fascinating and spiritual site. Also, the monolithic El Peñol in Guatapé offers stunning views after a 740-step climb.
San Gil is an adventure capital with activities like caving in the Cow Cave, known for its stalagmites, bats, and narrow passages.
Enjoy traditional Colombian beverages like hot chocolate with cheese in Bogotá, or check out BBC Beer for artisanal options. For nightlife, Havana Bar in Cartagena offers fantastic salsa and live music.
Finally, don’t miss out on trying popular light snacks like patacones or deep-fried plantains topped with various ingredients. The “White City” of Popayán, the coffee town of Jardín, and the picturesque Guatapé are all worth a visit.
Whether you want to relax on a beach, hike through stunning landscapes, or immerse yourself in local culture, Colombia offers something for every traveler.