In recent times, Colombia was not at the top of many travel itineraries thanks to conflicts between rebel groups and the government as well as notorious drug cartels. However, over the last decade the country has undergone significant changes and is now undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in South America. The best part about traveling to Colombia? Most people have yet to discover it, allowing you to safely see top attractions without large crowds of other tourists in the way.
We spent six weeks exploring Colombia and continuously found so much impressive diversity in regards to experiences and sights to enjoy that we often said “I suppose we’ll need to return for that.”
Certainly, there are undoubtedly pockets of the country (Cartagena being one example) that are full of tourists and cruise ship passengers, but for the most part we found fewer visitors than anticipated.
Colombia has certainly seen its foreign visitor numbers increase substantially in recent years – doubling since 2010 – making the present an opportune time to plan a trip to explore Colombia.
Traveling to Colombia? Be sure to check out these other relevant posts.
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The Best Places to Visit in Colombia
To assist with planning your trip, here are my top five places to visit in Colombia when exploring this incredible country.
Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of all the amazing places in Colombia.
The optimal path is by air travel to one of the following three airports:
Parque Tayrona: Golden Beaches and Blue-Green Water
If you are looking for where to go in Colombia, the Tayrona National Park, positioned on the Caribbean on the northern coast, is one of South America’s most spectacular areas. Here you will find some of the finest golden beaches in South America, complete with swaying palm trees and intensely blue waters. It is a must-see for your Colombia itinerary.
Wanting to fully experience the natural beauty of the area? Hiking in on forest trails grants the opportunity to spend one to three nights in tents or hammocks near scenic beaches, exploring the diverse habitats each day.
Must-see in Parque Tayrona:
- La Piscinita offers an amazing chance to snorkel and dive amid brightly hued marine life in the clear waters.
- Cabo San Juan is perhaps the most celebrated beach in the park – its magnificence inspires lingering.
- Punta Piedra & Playa Nudista: these beaches near Cabo San Juan see fewer visitors yet remain just as scenic. All feel free to disrobe down to bare essentials and reconnect with nature – though many don`t, so enjoy whether or not disrobing appeals.
- Fresh Fare! The local cuisine available, especially seafood, coconuts and fruit juices from vendors along the walk from El Zaino to the beaches, epitomizes why this destination enchants beyond solely its vistas. Don`t miss sampling freshly squeezed orange juice.
There are plenty of other things to do and see, like trail rides on horseback, hiking and wildlife watching. Don’t forget that the park periodically closes throughout the year for conservation. And you do need a national park ticket to gain entry, which you can purchase on the day of, but I would arrive early, 30-45 minutes before they open the gates.
How to Get to Parque Tayrona:
To reach Parque Tayrona, you must head to the principal bus terminal in Santa Marta at Mercado Público de Santa Marta. The bus we took was traveling to Palomino, leaving from the intersection of Calle 11 and Carrera 9 ( here). Inform the driver of where you wish to disembark, whether a hostel or the El Zaino entrance to the park.
Medellín: Colombia’s Most Interesting City
Despite its turbulent past, Medellin is potentially the most intriguing city in Colombia. Innovative and forward-thinking, the city has reinvented itself with art, tourism and the new cable car network making it extremely popular with visitors from all over the world. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Must-see in Medellin:
- Parque Lleras – this park features many individuals both day and night; musicians, food stalls, and people enjoying themselves and connecting with friends. If observing others interests you, this is a great place to give your feet a break!
- The Jardin Botanico – Medellín’s botanical garden serves as an oasis of tranquility and hosts concerts and festivals regularly, presents thousands of flowers, and over 130 types of birds.
- Witness a soccer game – Football is profoundly significant in Colombia and Medellín is home to two prominent teams, Atletico Nacional and Independiente Medellín, so try to take in a match while you’re there to experience the exhilaration. Here’s a excursion with a local soccer devotee that we undertook – it incorporates transportation to and from the game from El Poblado, pre-game drinks, and superb seats.
- Explore the markets! The enormous Minorista commercial marketplace is worth a visit (here’s a guided tour where you’ll taste ALL the fruits) and Mercado del Rio is a foodies heaven. Seriously. If you fancy agreeable food, you must visit the Mercado del Rio.
- Take a complimentary walking tour courtesy of Real City Tours and uncover how Medellín has been transformed from the most perilous to the most well-liked city in Colombia. I recommend you avoid the Pablo Escobar tours; he was not a popular man and the locals aren’t particularly thrilled about people profiting from his criminality.
Jardin: A Colonial Paradise in the Andes
It’s not easy to get to as it’s in the Andes, but if you have time, you have to visit the colonial town of Jardin. When people asked me what my favorite part of Colombia was, I invariably gravitated towards Jardin.
It’s unquestionably one of the best places to travel in Colombia, and it remains very much off the beaten path for the most part. For those in the know, this pueblo is frequently cited as many people`s favorite destination and is remarkably picturesque.
Must-see in Jardin:
- See the main attractions under the magnificent Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, their impressive cathedral. It’s a nice spot for observing people.
- Hike up the valley to among one of the finest cafes in Colombia, Cafe Jardin for a refreshing drink.
- Consume vegetarian meals – Jardin is incredibly vegetarian-friendly and serves vegetarian dishes unlike anything before. If meat is usually your first choice, you must venture outside your comfort zone and give some a try! Don’t miss Roots, among the best locations to dine in Jardin.
How to get to Jardin
This was quite a journey from Manizales, which was where we were coming from, or Salento.
From Manizales, take the bus from the main bus station to Riosucio, and from there take a chiva up the dirt path to Jardin. It’s a EXTENDED journey, regardless of what the bus company may tell you. Plan for 5-6 hours.
This guide provides all the information needed about traveling from Salento to Jardin by bus.
Salento: Polished Gem of Colombia’s Coffee Axis
If you’re a coffee aficionado and are wondering where to go in Colombia to experience the best of their coffee, Salento should be on your list. Salento has beautiful architecture and a deep coffee connection – it’s a part of Colombia’s Coffee Zone, the Eje Cafetero.
Fortunately, there is an entire guide on the best places to lodge in Yellowstone National Park dedicated to answering this exact question. Head over there to read that for a more in-depth exploration of how to select where to stay, or continue reading here for an overview.
Must-see in Salento:
- Taste the trout! It`s the specialty dish of every restaurant in town.
- Hike Valle do Cocora, it offers great views of lush valleys and clear streams in the Andes Mountains. Don`t forget to detour to Casa de los Colibris hummingbird reserve to observe these beautiful birds up close.
- Stroll Plaza Bolivar and Calle Real in Salento`s center and experience the atmosphere of restaurants, shops and bars where you can relax while watching the activity. It is so colorful and picturesque that Salento deserves a high place on anyone`s list of top places to visit in Colombia.
Bogota: Colombia’s Most Urban and Cosmopolitan Metropolis
Visiting the capital city of Colombia is a must. It`s vast in size, bringing the hustle and bustle of any major metropolis along with associated traffic issues.
Bogota is one of the finest places to visit in Colombia, and there is genuinely so much to do.
Yes, it receives some mixed reviews, so doing research beforehand is worthwhile to ensure enjoying the best parts, but spending a few days in Bogota for urban exploration is well worth it.
Must-see in Bogota
- The mountain of Monserrate rises over 10,000 feet above sea level, so it involves a significant hike, but it offers the best vantage point to appreciate the vastness of the city. For those wanting an easier option, a funicular railway and cable car can transport visitors to the summit more quickly, where a church, restaurant and shop can be found.
- Exploring the neighborhood of Chapinero is worthwhile – Quinta Camacho is a flashy area of Bogota and home to some of the finer dining establishments, including where I had my best gluten-free meal during my travels without gluten – at Abasto. For anyone traveling while avoiding gluten, don`t overlook my guide to gluten free options in Bogota.
- A mandatory part of any visit to Colombia is touring the famed Salt Cathedral, one of the country`s most iconic religious sites. Situated just outside the nearby city of Zipaquira, the Roman Catholic church was ingeniously built hundreds of feet below ground within the caverns of an ancient salt mine, representing an architectural marvel well worth including on any itinerary for exploring what Colombia has to offer.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Colombia
With these five places, I am only scratching the surface of the best places to explore in this wonderful country.
From the mountainous Andes down to the coasts, and from untouched wilderness to thriving urban areas, Colombia offers unmatched diversity pleasing all travelers seeking a novel experience.
With six weeks, we STILL lacked enough time to do and witness everything we wanted, and we’re looking forward to making a return trip to explore a bit more off the primary path – into the Amazon and the Pacific Coast.
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