Sand beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines; snow-capped mountains in the Andes, and verdant jungles in the Amazon basin all make Colombia a desirable vacation destination. Its history incorporates the traditions of both the indigenous peoples and the Spanish colonists who arrived in the area in the early 15th century.
Before the last few decades, Colombia was not a popular tourist destination due to the country’s poor security. However, the government is making concerted efforts to alter that perception, making it safer for tourists to visit and experience everything that Colombia has to offer. A rundown of the top tourist destinations in Colombia:
10. Popayan
If you’re in Colombia, you must see Popayan, one of the country’s most stunning colonial towns. It is located in southern Colombia and has earned the nickname “Ciudad Blanca” (White City) due to its mostly white architecture. Established in 1537, the city’s pleasant environment made it an instant hit with affluent Spaniards, who promptly began constructing palaces, academies, churches, and monasteries.
Both its nightlife and its Maundy Thursday procession have made the city internationally renowned. The Iglesia de Ermita, constructed in 1546, has the distinction of being the city’s oldest church, while the Iglesia de San Francisco boasts the title of most beautiful. Popayan is a relaxing destination because of its peacefulness and its charming atmosphere.
9. Medellin
As the centre of Colombia’s notorious cocaine cartel, Medellin earned a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous towns in the 1980s and 1990s. Since Pablo Escobar’s death in 1993, however, Medelln has been able to put its terrible history behind it and flourish once again.
The growing number of visitors today experience a city that is both welcoming and cutting-edge, with a climate that ranks among the finest in the nation. The city has year-round temperatures of about 24 °C (72 °F) because of its location in the Andes, in the narrow Aburra Valley.
Beautiful flowers help make Medellin a vibrant city, and in August, the city has a 12-day festival dedicated to them.
8. San Andres y Providencia
There are two island chains in the Caribbean that are closer to Nicaragua than Colombia: San Andres and the Providencia Archipelago. The capital and biggest island is San Andres. The first English settlers on Providence Island engaged in privateering and plantation slavery.
San Andres’ finest qualities are its white sand beaches and palm trees. The Caribbean is a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers due to its clear waters and diverse marine life. Tourists stay in less-than-luxurious hostels and use antiquated school buses to see the sights.
7. San Agustin
Incredibly beautiful scenery and the remnants of a long-lost civilisation surround the sleepy village of San Agustin. The archaeological park of San Agustin is home to around 500 monoliths, sculptures, petroglyphs, and sarcophagi, making it one of the most fascinating ancient sites in Colombia.
Much of San Agustin’s stonework was produced between the years 100 and 1200 AD. Human beings, creatures both friendly and hostile, and animals like snakes, birds, and jaguars are all among them. Uncertainty surrounds the identity of the pre-Incan civilization responsible for the stone sculptures.
Their true identity is shrouded in mystery. The carved sculptures and other relics of this civilization have been the primary source for deciphering their history.
6. Zona Cafetera
Zona Cafetera (Eje Cafetero) is where over half of Colombia’s coffee crop is produced, so it’s a must-see for any coffee-loving tourists in the area. El Parque del Café is a park in Medelln, Colombia, that has a botanical garden with coffee trees and an amusement park, where guests may learn more about coffee and its history.
There is a pre-Columbian artifact exhibit stocked with gold in the Zone. Beautiful views of one of the region’s major cities may be had from the tower of the Catedral de Manizales. Santa Rosa and San Vincente both have hot springs that tourists may enjoy. Hiking in the Andes is very popular in this area.
5. San Gil
Northeast Colombia is home to the historic colonial town of San Gil. It was established by the Spanish in 1689, and by 2004 it had become the regional tourist hub. The distinction is meant to celebrate the most popular types of outdoor recreation.
The Parque La Libertad, the heart of the city’s social life; the riverside Parque El Gallineral; and the Plaza de Mercado, a covered market where visitors may try a range of traditional Colombian delicacies, are all great options for couch potatoes. The cathedral was constructed in 1791.
4. Villa de Leyva
The Plaza Mayor in Villa de Leyva, a small town less than four hours’ drive from Bogota, is one of the largest town squares in all of South America. This massive plaza, formerly the site of public executions, is today frequented by revellers during festivities like the annual onion beauty contest.
The white houses with wooden trim and balconies in Villa de Leyva have been likened to those of Andaluca, Spain, a region that was heavily influenced by both Spain and the Moors. The heroes of Colombia’s independence movement are commemorated at museums around the country. This is the site of the very first distillery in the area.
3. Bogota
Although a Spanish adventurer is often credited with officially creating Bogota in 1538, the city had already been occupied by indigenous peoples. The city has grown to become Colombia’s capital and one of the biggest in South America.
Bogota, formerly on the “don’t go there” list, has made great strides toward becoming one of Colombia’s top tourist destinations. Bogota features a planetarium, a gold museum, botanical gardens, cultural events, and a vibrant nightlife to lure tourists to its high location in the Andes, at an altitude of 2,640 metres (8,660 feet). The heart of the city is La Candelaria, a charming neighbourhood with many cafes, churches, and museums.
2. Tayrona National Park
For those who like the great outdoors and discovering ancient ruins, Tayrona National Park is a destination not to be missed. The park, which is located on the northern coast of Colombia, is home to a wide range of habitats, from wetlands and scrublands to cloud forests.
The park is most famous for its beautiful beaches, which are tucked away in secluded coves and covered by coconut trees. The beaches at Tayrona are some of the most stunning in all of Colombia. Birdwatchers go to the area to get a glimpse of the endangered Andean condor.
The Tayronas, an indigenous tribe who left their imprint on many archaeological sites, notably Pueblito Chairama, are commemorated in the park’s name. Those interested in snorkelling, hiking, and seeing natural wildlife like lizards and monkeys may find Tayrona to be a rewarding destination.
1. Cartagena
In Romancing the Stone, Kathleen Turner plays Joan Wilder, who travels to Colombia for the first time and finds herself in the lively city of Cartagena. Though the city remains as bustling as it was when it was a major Caribbean port in the 16th to 18th centuries, visitors can only hope that their trips get off to better beginnings.
Cartagena, having been fought for by many governments, has some of the most impressive urban defences in all of South America.
Visit the museums, palaces, and cathedrals in the colonial-style old town. Another famous tourist destination is “Bocagrande,” a lengthy stretch of hotel towers and residences directly on the beach.
