WHY VISIT COLOMBIA?
An up-and-coming destination in South America, Colombia is still relatively unknown and unexplored by international travelers. That being said, it has so much to offer visitors:
- A huge variety of landscapes and wildlife that make Colombia one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
- An incredibly rich history and melting pot of cultures, with different indigenous groups in the mountains & jungles contrasting the African diaspora on the coast, and the remnants of the Spanish colonial period in towns across the country.
- Opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more which make it a destination for adventurers.
- Destinations that are little-visited by international travelers and off the beaten path.
- One of the fastest-growing tourism regions in South America, which has helped to shed its image of instability and complex social issues.
Connect here with a Knowmad Adventures Trip Specialist to help you create a custom travel experience throughout Colombia that is as unique and authentic as you are.
Best Cities
Bogotá
Colombia’s capital Bogotá is a dynamic metropolis located in the Andes mountains. The city boasts a mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, a diverse population, a burgeoning food scene, and vibrant street art.
Favorite Accommodations: Casa Legado, Bioxury, HAB
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days gives you a great overview of what the city has to offer
Great For: City lovers, food, art
Cartagena
Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is steeped in history and colonial charm, with its well-preserved walled Old Town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its beautiful beaches, historic fortifications, and a rich cultural tapestry, Cartagena seamlessly blends the past and present.
Favorite Accommodations: Casa San Agustin, Casa Pestagua, Bastion, Ananda
Recommended Length of Stay: 3 days to have time to explore as well as some down time, or more if you want to extend your beach time on a nearby island
Great For: Beaches, history, cultural diversity
Medellín
Medellín has undergone an incredible transformation, emerging as a dynamic cultural hub known for its innovative urban design, thriving arts scene, and warm hospitality. From its bustling markets to its modern architecture and rich history, Medellín offers insight into the tenacity of its people.
Favorite Accommodations: Click Clack, El Cielo, Patio del Mundo
Recommended Length of Stay: 3 days
Great For: Culture, modern history, learning about social change
Top Colonial Towns in Colombia
Towns of the Coffee Region
Colombia’s coffee region is a lush and picturesque landscape dotted with verdant agricultural land and colonial towns. Learn about the coffee production process at a local farm, wonder at the tallest palm trees in the world, and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant coffee culture.
Favorite Accommodations: Hacienda Bambusa, Biohabitat, Sazagua
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
Great For: Landscapes, culture, relaxation
Barichara
Nestled amidst the hills, the picturesque town of Barichara offers visitors a journey back in time with its charming ambience, well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and tranquil atmosphere. Barichara’s historic center offers a wealth of artisan workshops and stunning viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside. This region is the perfect basecamp for hiking, rafting, and extreme sports in nearby San Gil.
Favorite Accommodations: Casa Yahri, Casa Barichara
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
Great For: Charming colonial towns, culture, adventure
Top Destinations for Nature Lovers in Colombia
Tayrona
Tayrona National Natural Park is a coastal paradise where lush rainforests meet the Caribbean Sea, creating a breathtaking landscape. Hike through dense jungle trails, leading to pristine beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, ancient archaeological sites, and indigenous communities, offering a unique blend of nature, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Favorite Accommodations: Villa Playa Tayrona, Senda Koguiwa, Casa Bambu
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
Great For: Beaches, nature, relaxation
Llanos / Orinoco
Colombia’s Llanos, also known as the Eastern Plains, comprise vast grasslands and wetlands stretching across the Orinoco River basin. Embark on safari adventures to view spectacular displays of biodiversity, and experience the rich cowboy culture deeply rooted in the traditions of the llaneros, the local cowboys.
Favorite Accommodations: Savanna Orinoquía, El Encanto de Guanapalo
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
Great For: Nature, wildlife, outlying destinations
Macizo
Southwest of Bogotá along the Magdalena River lies an off-the-beaten-path region filled with diverse landscapes, culture, and history. Discover the mysteries of San Agustin’s lost culture, ride by bike or tuk tuk through the Tatacoa Desert, or marvel at the variety of birds in the Andean cloud forest.
Favorite Accommodations: Akawanka Lodge, Ukuku Lodge
Recommended Length of Stay: 4 days and up, depending on the route and areas you want to visit
Great For: Variety of landscapes, driving itineraries, off-the-beaten-path experiences
Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales, often referred to as the “River of Five Colors” or the “Liquid Rainbow,” is a vibrant river celebrated for its striking colors, which are caused by a unique combination of aquatic plants and algae that flourish in its clear waters. Witness the spectacle of the river’s hues ranging from yellow, green, blue, black, and red, creating a mesmerizing display against the backdrop of the surrounding jungle landscape. *Traveling between July-September is ideal in order to view the colors.
Favorite Accommodations: Manigua Lodge
Recommended Length of Stay: 3 days
Great For: Natural landscapes, photography, adventure travel with more basic accommodations
Colombia is vast and diverse, offering everything from amazing colonial cities to beautiful nature, a melting pot of cultures, and incredible wildlife. If you’re wondering where to go in Colombia, Knowmad is here to help craft a custom trip and make each portion of your adventure special.
If you have any questions we can help answer, or if you’d like to discuss planning your own adventure to Colombia, give one of our Trip Specialists a call today at at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] to begin planning your personalized Colombia itinerary.
Krista is a Trip Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating unique, private and custom trips in South America. She has lived in six countries on four continents and visited more than fifty countries, but is now settled back in her home state of Minnesota where she loves sharing her passion and knowledge with fellow travelers.
