Travel

What are the Best Places to Visit in Colombia?

Though often overlooked by its more well-known neighbors, Colombia is a country full of stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast, there are plenty of amazing places and tourist attractions to visit in Colombia. Before your trip to Colombia, take a look at this guide and choose which are the cities you’d most liek to visit.

If you are looking for places to go in Columbia to build your travel background in this beautiful yet historic place, here are the top favorites.

A Stroll Through Columbia’s Crown Jewel

Cartagena, Columbia’s crown jewel on the Caribbean Coast, is one of America’s well-preserved colonial destinations. When you visit Columbia, this place should be on your top list as you stroll through Cartagena’s historic walled city. It allows you to step back and witness the origin and culture of this crowned jewel. 

Also, Cartagena boasts centuries-old walls and vibrant colonial architecture of luxury hotels and restored restaurants. Many tourists and even locals fall in love with the unique labyrinthine streets and bougainvillea-covered balconies. 

Everything is accessible within Cartagena. There’s Getsemani beyond this city’s center and Bocagrande along Cartagena’s beautiful beachfront. If you want to experience elite and upscale hotels and condos, you must visit Bocagrande. An hour away from this majestic city are beaches and islands where you can enjoy day trips and family getaways. 

Appreciate The Colorful City of Medellin

The colorful Medellin was a city reborn from the historic Pablo Escobar, the most talked-about drug lord in Columbia. This city has something for travelers– from hip music venues for backpackers to well-heeled neighborhoods with restaurants and slick bars for other tourists looking to stay longer. 

If you are a fan of different art and culture, visit Moravia and Comuna 13, which combine street art and advanced transport, injecting life into quiet neighborhoods. Medellin is also famous for its modern cable car attraction, allowing you to witness the valley’s beauty and bring you into Parque Avi, a famous nature reserve in Columbia. 

Enjoy lush eco-parks, community centers, and striking libraries in far-flung neighborhoods. Other tourist destinations in Medellin include the following:

  • Botero Plaza, where sculptures donated by Fernando Botero can be seen
  • Museum of Antioquia
  • Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture 
  • El Poblado packed with boutique shops, eateries, and famous Colombian hotels

So, if you are curious about the infamous Pablo Escobar and how Medellin was reborn, several travel logs are online. You can read through and learn about this history. Immerse yourself in Columbia’s award-winning culture and be impressed by how Medellin rose from the unfortunate happenings during the period of Escobar. 

Cali, The Capital of Salsa

Visit Cali, Columbia’s salsa capital, if you fancy a little party and rowdy crowds. You’ll be amazed at how infectious the rhythm in Cali is, and you’ll certainly get addicted to its dance floors with fun and loud music.  

Before heading to the main dance floor, you can attend dance schools to polish your moves in one of Cali’s most famous salsa clubs, Zaperoco. Finally, if you love watching salsa dance showdowns, book a ticket to see Delirio. It’s a cabaret and salsa showcase that happens monthly on the last Friday. 

Enjoy the Beaches at San Andres y Providencia

If you love hitting the beach, don’t miss out on white-sand beaches in Columbia. The Providencia and San Andres island groups are near Nicaragua in the Caribbean. San Andres is the capital, and it’s the largest island. On the other hand, Providence Island was initially invaded by English Puritans, who were avid fans of slave labor for their plantations. 

You’ll fall in love with the beautiful white-sand beaches with tall palm trees in San Andres. Its beach water boasts seven blue shades and rich marine wildlife, perfect for travelers who love snorkeling and diving. Accommodations are not expensive, and you can commute and ride old school buses when you wish to visit this place. 

On Providence Island, you’ll find the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected jewel where you’ll witness one of the greatest marine biodiversities in the world. To reach this island from San Andres, you should take a hopper plane or a catamaran ride. Providence Island also has various hotels and cottages, especially in Aguadulce on the island’s west coast. 

Drink World-Class Coffee At Zona Cafetera

One of the best places for coffee lovers in Columbia is Zona Cafetera or Eje Cafetero, where 50% of the coffee crops in Columbia are grown along the Andes slopes. You can learn more about Colombia’s coffee in El Parque del Cafe, an amusement park with coffee plants and a botanical garden. 

Aside from the park, Zona Cafetera also has a gold museum to see various artifacts from the pre-Columbian era. Enjoy amazing views of the main city at Catedral de Manizales, or enjoy the terma springs in San Vincente and Santa Rosa. Also, if you fancy a little hike, the Andes is a good place to unleash your hiking skills. 

Appreciate the Beauty of Columbia

Columbia is a city with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, historical landmarks, or the best shopping and dining in the area, you’ll find it here. So, be sure to add Columbia to your must-see destinations on your next trip.

Bio

Welcome to my Life is a Journey of Escapes. Thanks for your interest. I am Betty LaMarr, a California Girl with southern values. My early years were in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I have been in love with travel for many years.

My first trip out of the country was from California to Canada, just on the other side of Niagara Falls. I didn’t realize that was the beginning of my wanderlust.

Since then, I have visited more than 50 countries and territories and lived abroad for four years in South Africa. The period of living as an expatriate was more life-changing than I could have ever imagined.

James Morkel

Tech website author with a passion for all things technology. Expert in various tech domains, including software, gadgets, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Dedicated to simplifying complex topics and providing informative and engaging content to readers. Stay updated with the latest tech trends and industry news through their insightful articles.

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