Top Vacation Spots in Colombia

Colombia may not have the glittering cosmopolitan metropolises Europe does, but this South American republic makes up for it with much more. Located on the northwestern extremity of the continent, Colombia is a tropical paradise with abundant greenery and impressive colonial architecture. Also, be ready for a taste of Spain, as it has a substantial influence on the country's culture - be it the music, recreation, dress, or cuisine.

So, will this be your next vacation destination? Read on as we guide you through 30 top vacation spots in Colombia.

Nestled in the Central Cordillera of the Andes in western Colombia is the stunning Cocora Valley. The valley is named after a local princess and translates to ‘star of water.’

Hiking, trekking, and horse back riding are some of the most popular activities here and great ways to immerse oneself in the landscape.

Wh​at to see and do in Cocora Valley:

• Have some freshwater trout with sauces and petacones at a local restaurant

• Go biking on the mountain tracks

• Indulge in some animal and bird watching

• Go on a hike through the valley

• See the wax palm, the national tree of the country

• Raft on the many streams crisscrossing the area

Initially a fishing village on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena has grown into a thriving port town.

There’s a reason why Cartagena is ranked as a top vacation spot in Colombia. It’s one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America, brimming with architectural heritage from the era.

Exquisite beaches, a walled seaside old town, and lively city squares lined with bars and cafes set the tone for this cultured and blooming city. A mere stroll through Cartagena’s streets will prove an exciting activity thanks to all the colorful street art.

What to see and do in Cartagena:

• Walk the streets and watch the sunset from the walls of the old town

• Explore the towering 16th century Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

• Traverse the colorful neighborhood of Barrio Getsemani

• Have a close look at jewelry making at Caribe Jewellery Museum

• Visit the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver

• Stroll around the Plaza de la Trinidad

Santa Marta lies on the Caribbean Coast in northern Colombia. Founded in 1525, it isn’t just the oldest city in Colombia but also in South America!

Showcasing exquisite beaches and historical ruins, Santa Marta offers an opportunity to intimately experience Latin American culture. Towering mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and blue waters of the Caribbean Sea provide gorgeous scenic backdrops, guaranteeing winning selfies.

From hiking to watersports to an awesome nightlife, the city has much to offer you.

What to see and do in Santa Marta:

• Go hiking in the mangroves of Tayrona Natural National Park

• Lie back and hear the waves at Crystal Beach

• Watch the dolphins play at Rodadero Sea Aquarium

• Travel back in time at Ciudad Perdida or the Lost City

• Pay a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta

• See Simon Bolivar’s historic house and museum

Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring,’ Medellin is the capital of Colombia’s northwestern Antioquia Province. Why eternal spring? The climate is pleasant and consistent all year round. Once known for its association with Escobar, Medellin is now a peaceful and vibrant city.

Apart from being one of the best tourist destinations in Colombia, it’s also a thriving digital nomad and ex-pat hotspot. With all its festivals and arts, Medellin is excellent for those seeking a culturally-rich city experience.

What to see and do in Medellin:

• Ride the Medellin Metrocable

• Grab an ‘arepa’ at one of many street food vendors

• Take a stroll or ride a gondola at Arvi Park

• Go on a trip to Laguna de Guatape

• Learn about Medellin’s precarious past at Escobar Museum

• Appreciate the specimens at the Botanical Garden of Medellin

• Munch and drink your way around Plaza Botero

• Explore the trails and woods in Aburrá Valley

Nestled cozily in the Andes in northwest Colombia, Jardin is a colonial town bursting with colors and flowers. It's undeniably plush with heritage and natural beauty.

Surrounding coffee plantations, streets lined with richly colored houses, and Jardin’s famous handmade milky candy make this misty town hard to skip for tourists.

Come experience Colombia’s taste and culture in all its glory in this traditional town.

What to see and do in Jardin:

• Appreciate the fine Gothic architecture at the Basilica of Immaculate Conception

• See the art and antiques on display at Clara Rojas Peláez House Museum

• Make a trip to Cueva de los Guacharos National Park

• Stroll among the colorful buildings in the historic center of the town

• Watch the birds at Rocas Natural Park

A charming resort town in the Andes, Guatapé lies 80 kilometers east of Medellin in northwest Colombia. The town is surrounded by a vast man-made reservoir, and there are some breathtaking rock formations in its vicinity.

Treat yourself to a sojourn in the lush hills of the Andes, or indulge in adrenaline-pumping watersports. Colorful houses with flowers hanging from the balcony make for a pleasant stroll through the town’s streets.

What to see and do in Guatapé:

• Climb to the top of El Peñón de Guatapé rock

• Go on a walk on the colorful streets of Plazoleta de Los Zócalos

• Revel in your favorite water sport at Embalse Peñol reservoir

• Have some fun at Comfama Park

• Visit the Nuestra Señora Del Carmen church

• Know more about the town at Historical Community Museum of Guatapé

Located in central Colombia, Bogota is the capital and the largest city in the country. This sprawling metropolis is a hot favorite among visitors to Colombia, thanks to its fantastic food culture and exhilarating nightlife.

A cobblestoned old quarter, shiny shopping avenues, and countless cafes and parks will keep you engaged. Bogota also has a spectacular museum scene and is an excellent place to see colonial-era structures, with much history to captivate you.

What to see and do in Bogota:

• Explore the historic center of La Candelaria

• Go on a shopping spree on the North Side

• Dance the night away at a nightclub in Zona Rosa

• Learn about the mining past at the Gold Museum

• Enjoy the view from Mount Monserrate

• Go on a walk through the Botanical Garden of Bogota

Lying about 300 kilometers west of Bogota, Salento is a small Andean town in the Quindio department of Colombia. The town is located in an area of magnificent natural scenery with lush rolling green hills and well-kept coffee plantations on the outskirts.

Not far from here is the famed Cocora Valley, the home of the national tree Wax Palm. Salento is somewhat a mecca for backpackers, with its vibrant artisan markets and bold coffee culture.

What to see and do in Salento:

• Go on a hiking trip from Cocora Valley

• Roam around the colorful neighborhood of Calle Real

• See the view from Mirador Alto De La Cruz

• Go biking in the surrounding hills

• Visit the Las Acacias Coffee Farm

• Stroll around the Bolivar Plaza

• Explore the Kasaguadua Natural Reserve

• Stand in silence at the Church of Our Lady of Carmen

The city of Pereira is located in the mountainous department of Risaralda in western Colombia. It is mostly famous for quality Arabica coffee plantations that surround the region.

Pereira is abuzz throughout the year, thanks to the large resident student and tourist populations. Being one of the cities that lies in the coffee axis of Colombia, it's part of a UNESCO designated world heritage landscape.

The city also has many restaurants, cafes, parks, and lively streets that will keep you entertained and nourished.

What to see and do in Pereira:

• Spend some quality family time at Consota Park

• Socialize with people at Bolivar Plaza in the evening

• Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty

• See the Botanical Garden at the Technological University of Pereira

• Admire the art on display at Pereira Art Museum

• Have some chill time at Plaza Victoria

Located in the hills of Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria in northern Colombia, Tayrona National Park is one of the country's largest protected areas. The park lies beside the sea and has some lovely beaches that are a favorite among tourists.

Exotic flora and fauna, clear waters, and a tranquil environment are what draw people here. Deep within the forests of the park lie the majestic ruins of the Tayrona civilization.

What to see and do in Tayrona National Park:

• Hike along a trail to reach the ruins at Pueblito

• Have some fun at the San Juan beach

• Watch the birds and animals go about their day

• Snorkel to see the pristine reefs hidden below the water

• Take the trail from Canaveral for a blissful walk along the sea

• Go for a swim at La Piscina

Are you obsessed with coffee? If so, Armenia might be the best destination for you.

Snuggled in the Andes in western Colombia, it's the capital city of the country’s Quindio department.

Armenia is one of the best vantage points to launch excursions into the stunning coffee country of Colombia, a UNESCO designated world heritage site.

Settle in and get to know coffee and rural Colombia like never before.

What to see and do in Armenia:

• Dive into Colombia’s coffee culture at a nearby plantation

• Drift around Plaza Bolivar in the evening

• Spend some quality family time at Parque del Cafe coffee theme park

• Revel in the tranquil environs of Quindio Botanical Garden

• See the exhibits on display at Museo del Oro

• Visit the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

What’s famous in Colombia apart from the incredible coffee? That would be its jovial and celebratory lifestyle, which includes many festivals and carnivals. What better place than Barranquilla to experience it?

Located on the Atlantic coast in northern Colombia, Barranquilla is mostly known for its annual mega Carnival. But that’s not all this dazzling city has to offer. It’s also home to rich historical and architectural heritage, and an exciting nightlife.

What to see and do in Barranquilla:

• Make some four-legged friends at Barranquilla Zoo

• Have a meal at Castle Salgar

• Shop a bagful or two at Buenavista Commercial Center

• Educate yourself about the region at Caribbean Museum

• See the never-ending construction at Metropolitan Cathedral of Maria Reina

• Go on a walk along the banks of the Magdalena

Santa Catalina is a small island in the tropical archipelago of San Andres and Providencia, about 750 kilometers northwest of mainland Colombia. It is located just offshore Providencia and can be accessed via the Los Enamorados.

Thanks to it not being overdeveloped, the island still retains much of its pristine charm. Broad walkways flanked with mangroves with gushes of damp sea air make the island a paradise for those who just want to be left alone with nature.

What to see and do in Santa Catalina:

• Click a selfie at Morgan’s Head

• Buy some souvenirs from the tiny shops that dot the island

• Go on an evening stroll along the mangroves on well-lit walkways

• See the remains of Fort Warwick

• Dine at a colorful hillside home cum restaurant

• See the smoking caldera of El Totumo volcano

A coral island with a stunning variety of landforms and natural wonders, San Andres is another precious piece of the San Andres and Providencia archipelago. Cragged caves, geysers, and crystal clear waters make the island a perfect destination for a seaside trip.

Engage in your favorite water sport, sprawl out on a powdery white beach, and munch on some savory Caribbean dishes. San Andres will not leave you wanting.

What to see and do in San Andres:

• Shake your body to some upbeat reggae

• Snorkel to view some awesome coral reefs

• Lounge on the white beaches of the tiny island of Johnny Cay

• Walk on the sands of the deserted beaches of Cayo El Acuario

• Stroll among the trees at Hill Botanical Garden

• Play with the fishes at La Piscinita

A Caribbean dream complete with undisturbed reefs, crystal waters, and marine fauna, the Rosario Islands are an archipelago located about a hundred kilometers off Cartagena.
 

The group of islands has been declared a marine protected area to preserve the flora and fauna in the region, but you can still indulge in outdoor activities like snorkeling and fishing while here. Tired of one island? Hop over to the many other nearby ones via an exhilarating excursion tour.

What to see and do in Rosario Islands:

• Visit the aquarium and oceanarium

• Hang around and mingle with people at Playa Blanca Beach

• Swim and snorkel at La Piscina

• Indulge in a beach party at Cholon Beach

• Try your luck at fishing

• Go on a trip to the many secluded islands

• Savor the local cuisine at a restaurant

Neat cobblestoned streets with shiny white-washed traditional houses lend a bygone charm to this colonial town. Located about 230 kilometers northwest of Bogota, the small town of Villa de Leyva has well preserved its colonial heritage.

A historic church, historical buildings, and a local history museum are the town's major landmarks. Many dinosaur fossils have been discovered from the country that surrounds Villa de Leyva.

What to see and do Villa de Leyva:

• Explore the Terracotta Castle

• Saunter around the expansive Plaza Mayor in the evening

• Take the little ones to Gondava dinosaur theme park

• Sample some wine at the Ain Karim Vineyard

• See the locally excavated fossils at the Fossil Museum

• Walkthrough the well preserved historic town

• Trek to the sacred lake of Paramo Iguaque

This small town located in central Colombia near Bogota started out as a mining outpost, but still maintains its rustic feel. Known as Zipaquira, the area is a significant center of salt mining, with landmarks and museums related to the practice.

Bogota to Zipaquira is a popular day trip as the distance is a little less than 50 kilometers. The Salt Cathedral, a cool underground cathedral, is the best-known landmark of the city.

What to see and do in Zipaquira:

• Marvel at the brilliance of the underground Salt Cathedral

• Have a blast at the Parque Jaime Duque

• Take a selfie with the miners’ monument at Miners’ Plaza

• Trek through the desert of Tatacoita

• See the finds on display at the Archaeological Museum of Zipaquira

• Spend the evening strolling around Independence Square

San Agustin is an ancient archaeological site and a town in the Andes in the southern Colombian department of Huila. Two specialties that attract tourists here are prehistoric monuments scattered across densely wooded hills, and of course, world-class coffee.

San Agustin has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, owing to its immense value as a collective heritage of humanity. Visit this absorbing time capsule nestled in the Andes if you are a lover of nature, history, and coffee.

What to see and do in San Agustin:

• Walk amidst history at San Agustin Archaeological Park

• See the sculptures scattered in the woods in the Forest of Statues

• Go on a walk along the straits of Magdalena

• Try some local coffee brands at Bicicafe

• Visit the ceremonial site of La Chiquita

• Go on a trip to Salto de Martino waterfall

• Observe the figures on the rocks at Lavapatas Spring

Taganga is a petite fishing village on the Caribbean coast in the northern Colombian department of Magdalena. Though it’s a small town, Taganga has been in existence for more than four hundred years.

Taganga is popular among the backpacker crowd, so if you’re looking for cheap food and lodging options, it’s the place for you. Diving and clubbing are some of the favorite activities here. You can also launch day trips to the nearby Lost City and Tayrona National Park.

What to see and do in Taganga:

• Lie back beneath a towering cliff at the Grand Beach of Taganga

• Eat and stroll around on Playaca, the main street lined with eateries and cafes

• Enjoy the sunset at Muelle De La Bahia Santa Marta

• Visit the Castle of San Fernando

• Go on a fishing expedition with a local fisherman

• Rent a boat and drift on the blue waters of Taganga Bay

It’s not hard to guess why Cali, the salsa capital of Colombia, is one of the top vacation spots in Colombia. Located about ten hours southwest of Bogota in western Colombia, Cali is a glistening modern city with an engaging social and party scene.

Cali is also a great sporting hub, housing some of the best golf courses in the country. The exquisite heritage buildings in the older part of the city are definitely worth a visit from you.

What to see and do in Cali:

• Stand in awe beneath the towering Cristo Rey

• Marvel at the superb Gothic style architecture at La Ermita Church

• Meet the furry ones at Cali Zoo

• Appreciate the modesty of the Church of San Antonio

• Observe the modern art at Museo La Tertulia

• Spend the evening at Cayzedo Plaza

Located in the remote southern department of Amazonas on the trijunction with Brazil and Peru, Leticia is a small city with a population of less than fifty thousand. Stunning dense rainforests envelop the region while the Amazon River cascades by.

If you’re in love with wilderness and wildlife, you cannot afford to skip the beauty of Leticia and the surrounding Amazon. Nature reserves, indigenous communities, and tempting local foods will make your stay both engaging and humbling.

What to see and do in Leticia:

• Be awed by the huge snakes at Tanimboca Natural Reserve

• Watch the birds at Santander Park

• Feed bananas to the monkeys at Monkey Island

• Make a trip to Omagua Natural Reserve

• Watch the city from the bell tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

• Go on a trip to the nearby Yahurcaca Lakes

• Meet the Huitoto at the Hitoma Indigenous Community

Curled in the folds of the majestic Andes, El Peñol is a cute town in the Antioquia department of northwestern Colombia. Located just outside the town is the iconic El Peñol de Guatapé, a huge monolith with steps carved out of the steep edges.

What to see and do in El Peñol:

• Climb to the top of El Peñol de Guatapé

• Go boating on the Embalse del Peñol reservoir

• See the Replica del Peñol

• Go on a walk along the scenic reservoir

• Visit Finca La Manuela

• Take a helicopter tour of the area

• Make a wish at Piedra Del Mariel

It’s easy to mistake the skyline of Barichara for that of Florence's at first glance. Located in the department of Santander in northern Colombia, Barichara is a sleepy colonial town with European style buildings and cobblestoned streets.

Clean tidy streets lined with traditional houses and cafes make for a good evening stroll. Historic tombs and ruins near the town are also worth a visit.

What to see and do in Barichara:

• Go trekking on the Camino Real stone trail

• Remember those who are gone at Barichara Cemetery

• Take a coffee tour at Cafe Alfania estate

• Appreciate the simple architecture of Capilla de Santa Barbara church

• Stand on the edge of the world at Salto Del Mico

• Stroll around the tranquil Art Park

Nuqui is a small town on the Pacific coast in the Choco Department in western Colombia. Located in an area of great cultural and biological diversity, Nuqui remains untouched by modernity to a great extent. It’s the perfect destination if you want to declutter your mind.

Relax at a beach, stroll around in the beautiful surroundings, or engage in small talk with some locals - it’s all about reveling in the little things of life.

What to see and do in Nuqui:

• Go on a canoe ride on the Jovi River

• Go to the Utria National Park

• Meet the lovable whales on a whale watching tour

• Take a stroll along the mangrove trails

• Do some diving or surfing

• Relax on Jovi Beach

• Hike to the traditional village of Capurgana

• Indulge in birdwatching at the nearby Tatama National Park

Eje Cafetero, or the Coffee Axis, is one of the most enchanting tourist trails in Colombia. The Coffee Triangle of Colombia has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, thanks to its unique landscape and coffee-centered culture.

The main cities falling in the coffee region are Medellín, Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia. If you are a coffee lover, a tour through the region is going to be a pilgrimage for you.

What to see and do in Eje Cafetero:

• Taste some of the world’s best coffee at a local cafe

• Get to know more about life on a coffee estate

• Visit the traditional coffee towns of Jardin and Jericho

• Make a trip to Salento and Cocora Valley

• Rejuvenate yourself at the warm springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal

The adrenaline junkie in you will thank us for recommending this place. San Gil is a town set in the Andes by the Fonce in northern Santander in northern Colombia. The town is a hub of adventure sports and also a great place to go on trekking expeditions in the Andes. Adventure sports aren’t your thing? No problem - you’ll have many caves, waterfalls, and scenic views around the town to explore.

What to see and do in San Gil:

• Go on a picnic to Juan Curi waterfall

• Marvel at the huge moss-covered trees at El Gallineral Natural Park

• Go rafting on a stream full of rapids

• Paraglide from Parapente Chicamocha

• Appreciate the simplicity of Santa Marta Cathedral

• Explore the caves at Cueva del Indio

• Make an excursion to the nearby colonial town of Barichara

Image credit: latintravelguide.com

Want to detach yourself from this maddening noisy world for a cozy sojourn in the lap of nature? Capurgana - a traditional village located on the Caribbean coast in northern Colombia - is what you are wishing for. Cars and other motor vehicles are not allowed here.

What to see and do in Capurgana:

• Leisure around at Avocado Beach

• Take the trail to the nearby Sapzurro Village

• Discover the El Cielo Natural Reserve

• Have some snacks at a local home cum restaurant

• Dive down to see the amazing reefs

• Relax in the natural pools at La Cocarita

• Cross into Panama to pick up some cheap booze from the duty-free shop at La Miel beach

And now, something special to satiate your love of wine. Welcome to La Union, the vineyard of Colombia. Located just south of the coffee axis, La Union is home to Colombia’s very few wineries.

Come and get a close look at how the wine culture of Colombia is consolidating its roots. Walk through the vineyards and sip from the variety of wines offered. Or just choose a shady spot to sit and relax. La Union is all about unwinding and being at ease.

What to see and do in La Union:

• Visit the National Park of Grapes to know all about viticulture

• Understand the art of brewing at Grajas Winery

• Stand in silence at the ornate Ermita Nuestra Señora De Las Lajas

• Drift around the tranquil countryside

• Feel the warm hospitality of the hosts at a home-cum eatery

A treasure trove of history frozen in time, Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City is one of the most important archaeological sites in Colombia. Just less than 40 kilometers from Santa Marta in the department of Magdalena, the Lost City is supposed to be the original home of the Tairona tribe. Terraced hills and circular plazas speak of the wisdom of ancient masters.

What to see and do in the Lost City:

• Bathe in the crystal streams you encounter while trekking to the city

• Meet the indigenous Kogi Indians who revere the city as sacred

• When you reach the top, get a picture at a circular plaza

• Go on a trip to the nearby city of Santa Marta

• Discover the beautiful hills of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

La Macarena is a small Colombian town located in the central department of Meta. Located just 14 kilometers south of Bogota, the town is known as the gateway to Caño Cristales. This special river is alive with the colorful bloom of Macarenia clavigera plants in its waters during the wet season. La Macarena town is set amidst great natural beauty with woods, streams, waterfalls, and rapids dominating the landscape.

What to see and do in La Macarena:

• See the colorful Caño Cristales

• Go for a swim at Caño Piedra swimming hole

• Visit the small Iglesia Catolica

• Go boating on Raudales Rio Guayabero

• Stroll around in the Botanical Garden of La Macarena

• Buy some souvenirs from a local boutique

From the coffee aroma in the air of the northern Andes to the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean, this vibrant country offers a range of experiences to appease your senses. Colombia is the place to go if you are looking for a laid back experience full of nature and old-world charm.

Got any other places you would add to the top vacation spots in Colombia? Let us know in the comments below.