I apologise in advance…this is a loooong list.
Colombia is a big country, but its also filled to the brim with amazing places. I couldn’t possibly reduce this list down at all from here.
This list is a result of 2 trips to Colombia (one in 2011 and 2019). Most of the places in this list I visited in both these trips and the ones I didn’t I regret not going to twice. I would visit all of these areas again in a heartbeat.
Make sure you allow time to visit all of these locations when you go to Colombia – or like me you will have to go back!
Bogota
I have to start with the capital: Bogota is a super cool city – high altitude and chill vibes. Check out its bars and restaurants, find your inner artist in Candelaria or do what the fit locals do and get a workout in by climbing a mountain.
If you want to find out more about Bogota – see my post on my latest trip here.
San Gil and Barichara
Go to San Gil for the adventure! Once you have had your fill of white water rafting and paragliding, and you need to give your heart a rest; then do a hike (or catch a taxi) to Barichara – the sweetest little mountain town. The best place to spend some time doing nothing and soaking in the views.
Medellin
Medellin has come a long way since its past as the centre of the Colombian drug wars. Its a young, modern, happening university town with a giant market, interesting architecture, some amazing social programs for previously dangerous neighbourhoods and some fun Botero scupltures in the central city. You can even take a really interesting tour about Pablo Escobar.
Cartagena
Ahhh Cartagena – the jewel of Colombia. Don’t come for the beaches – there are much better beaches elsewhere along the Caribbean coast. The colonial city really has that romantic feel and the whole walled area is utterly spectacular.
For a unique experience you can catch a boat from Cartagena and stay at a hostel on a rock in the middle of the ocean (well not quite – the land is pretty close) but its still a wild time! As a bonus – its right next to the most densely populated island in the world Santa Cruz del Islote.
Guajira Peninsula
La Guajira is so off the beaten track that there is no track. When I first visited in 2011 you could walk for hours and not see another soul. Tourism has hit now – Cabo de la Vela is an epic place to windsurf and there are ‘truckloads’ of tourists a day (not tour buses – literally tours organised on the back of trucks). It still remains very isolated and secluded. There are no roads through most of the desert and no public transport to any of it. In terms of what there is to do. It’s a desert by the beach – the scenery is spectacular everywhere you look.
See here for my post with details on how to travel this tricky region or here for some more inspiration in photos!
Tayrona National Park
You need to hike for a few hours to reach the coast of Tayrona National Park (or take a very terrifying boat) which is what has stopped this park from being overrun with tourists. It’s still pretty busy. There are also minimal facilities when you arrive. You can sleep in a tent or a hammock and just enjoy the tranquility and swimming in the warm Caribbean water.
See my post here for more info on how to visit this amazing national park!
Palomino
Palomino is Colombia’s version of Bali. It has such a cool hippie vibe but is also very touristy despite its tiny size. There are a few beach resort style accomodations if you like that sort of thing. Its a great beach, very family friendly and super close to Cartagena if you only have a short time in Colombia.
Guatape
Views for days! You have to climb up 700 steps to see them though. Are you up for the challenge? The town of Guatape is also brightly coloured and adorable – to see it all you have to do even more walking. Make sure to pack your walking shoes!
Check out my blog post here on visitng Guatape on a day trip from Medellin.
Salento
Cowboys – tick. Coffee – tick. Hiking – tick. Mountains – tick. Palm trees – tick. Hummingbirds – tick. What more could you ask for?
Relax, learn about making really good coffee and see the worlds biggest palm trees on a really nice hike through the forest (even if you don’t like to hike).
Cali and San Cipriano
Come to Cali for Salsa, street hamburgers, and Giant cat sculptures. While you are here, take a trip to San Cipriano – a little village in the middle of the forest with a calm lazy river to raft along and a motorcycle train. If you want some tips on visiting Cali and things to do see my post here.
Ipiales
Ipiales is a horrible town – and I don’t say this lightly. I am someone who takes pride in finding the wonderful about places that others think are dangerous, ugly or boring. But Ipiales literally has nothing going for it. It is an unsafe border town which is dangerous to be out and about in after dark (and by that I mean after 5pm…). There is nothing to eat except for a couple of dirty, horrible takeout joints that serve inedible food (and I love junk food..). Even getting to Ipiales is dangerous (although it is much safer than it used to be).
BUT, it is all worth it to see the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my life. Plus you have to pass through Ipiales if you want to go overland into Ecuador so that is a pretty good reason to visit too. See my post on Las Lajas Sanctuary here for more info.
I have to admit there are still a couple of great places I am yet to visit but desperate to go to. If you have the time I recommend checking out Minca and the San Andreas Islands and letting me know what you think – Im planning to hit these spots up next time I am in the area!
Erika xx
THE ONLY ERIKA IN THE VILLAGE 