Colombia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Colombia has 51,330 registered archaeological sites – more than Machu Picchu’s entire country of Peru? This South American gem is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations, offering everything from pristine Caribbean beaches to lush coffee plantations, vibrant colonial cities, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Once overlooked by international travelers, Colombia now welcomes visitors with its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and incredible biodiversity that makes it the second most biodiverse country on the planet.

Planning Your Colombia Adventure

Best Time to Visit Colombia

Colombia’s proximity to the equator means it doesn’t experience traditional seasons, but rather wet and dry periods that vary by region. The country’s diverse geography creates multiple climate zones, from tropical coastal areas to cooler mountain regions.

The wet seasons (April to June and September to November) shouldn’t necessarily be avoided. Rain typically falls in short afternoon showers, leaving plenty of time for exploration. Plus, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices.

Entry Requirements and Visas

Most visitors from North America, Europe, and many other countries can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. You’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date
• Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket)
• Sufficient funds for your stay

Upon arrival, you’ll receive an entry stamp in your passport. If you wish to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you can apply for an extension through Migración Colombia for up to an additional 90 days.

Unmissable Experiences in Colombia

Cartagena’s colorful colonial architecture in the walled city

Explore Cartagena’s Walled City

The jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a mesmerizing maze of cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and flower-draped balconies. Founded in 1533, this perfectly preserved colonial city tells the story of Spanish conquest, pirate attacks, and the slave trade that shaped the region.

Start your exploration at Plaza de los Coches, passing through the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) – the main entrance to the walled city. Wander through Plaza de Bolívar and Plaza Santo Domingo, where you can touch the voluptuous bronze statue of “La Gorda Gertrudis” by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero for good luck. Don’t miss the sunset walk along Las Murallas (the city walls), offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.

For a deeper understanding of the city’s history, consider joining a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide who can share stories about the city’s fascinating past and present. The nearby neighborhood of Getsemaní offers a more authentic, less touristy experience with incredible street art and a vibrant local scene.

Trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains lies Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), an ancient archaeological site built by the Tayrona civilization around 800 CE – making it older than Machu Picchu. This remarkable stone city was only rediscovered in 1972 and opened to the public in 2005.

Sunrise illuminating the ancient terraces of Ciudad Perdida

The only way to reach Ciudad Perdida is through a challenging 4-5 day trek through dense jungle, crossing rivers and climbing steep hills. The journey itself is part of the experience, as you’ll pass through stunning landscapes and indigenous villages. Upon reaching the site, you’ll be rewarded with over 200 terraces carved into the mountainside, stone paths, and circular plazas – all with spectacular views of the surrounding jungle-covered mountains.

This trek requires good physical condition and preparation. You must go with an authorized tour operator, as independent hiking is not permitted. The best time for this adventure is during the dry season (December to March), though the trail is open year-round except for a brief closure in September for indigenous ceremonies.

Experience the Coffee Triangle

Colombia’s Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero) – comprising the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío – is where some of the world’s finest coffee is produced. This lush region of rolling hills, cloud forests, and picturesque towns offers visitors a chance to learn about coffee production while enjoying breathtaking landscapes.

Coffee farmer harvesting ripe coffee cherries in the Coffee Triangle

Base yourself in one of the charming towns like Salento, Filandia, or Armenia, and visit a coffee farm (finca) to learn about the bean-to-cup process. Many farms offer tours where you can participate in coffee picking, processing, and of course, tasting. Don’t miss Finca El Ocaso or Hacienda Venecia for excellent educational experiences.

The region’s crown jewel is Valle de Cocora, home to the world’s tallest palm trees – the wax palm (Colombia’s national tree). A 5-6 hour loop hike takes you through cloud forest and stunning valley views dotted with these towering palms that can reach heights of 60 meters. For a unique experience, take a traditional Willys Jeep from Salento’s main plaza to the valley entrance.

Discover Medellín’s Transformation

Once notorious as the headquarters of Pablo Escobar’s cartel, Medellín has undergone an incredible transformation to become one of Latin America’s most innovative and dynamic cities. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant year-round climate, Medellín offers visitors a perfect blend of urban culture, innovation, and natural beauty.

Vibrant street art in Comuna 13 tells the story of Medellín’s transformation

Start your exploration at Plaza Botero, featuring 23 bronze sculptures donated by Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Visit the nearby Museum of Antioquia to see more of his work, along with pieces by other Colombian artists. Take the innovative Metrocable gondola system up to Parque Arví for spectacular city views and a nature escape.

The most powerful testament to Medellín’s transformation is Comuna 13, once one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, now a vibrant community known for its impressive street art, outdoor escalators, and cultural initiatives. Join a tour led by local guides who can share first-hand accounts of the area’s remarkable change.

For a deeper understanding of Colombia’s complex history, visit the Casa de la Memoria museum, which documents the country’s armed conflict and celebrates resilience and peace-building efforts.

Relax in Tayrona National Park

Where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, Tayrona National Park offers some of Colombia’s most stunning coastal landscapes. This protected area combines pristine beaches with tropical forest, creating a paradise for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

Where mountains meet the sea: Tayrona National Park’s pristine beaches

The park’s main entrance is El Zaino, about an hour’s drive from Santa Marta. From there, a 2-3 hour hike through jungle trails leads to the park’s most famous beaches: Arrecifes, La Piscina, and Cabo San Juan. While not all beaches are safe for swimming due to strong currents, La Piscina offers protected waters perfect for a refreshing dip after your hike.

For the full experience, spend a night in one of the park’s rustic accommodations – from hammocks and tents to eco-huts. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle and having the beaches to yourself in the early morning is truly magical. Be aware that the park closes several times a year for ecological recovery and indigenous ceremonies, typically for two weeks in February, June, and October/November.

Important note: Tayrona has strict regulations to protect its ecosystem. Plastic bags are prohibited, and you should bring all trash back with you. Respect the indigenous communities who consider this land sacred.

Cultural Highlights of Colombia

Visit Bogotá’s Museums

Colombia’s capital is a treasure trove of cultural institutions that offer insight into the country’s rich history and artistic heritage. Start at the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), home to more than 55,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold work – the largest collection of its kind in the world. The exhibits tell the story of Colombia’s indigenous cultures and their sophisticated metalwork.

Pre-Columbian gold artifacts at Bogotá’s renowned Gold Museum

Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Botero Museum, featuring works by Fernando Botero alongside pieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Monet that Botero donated from his personal collection. For contemporary art, visit the Museum of Modern Art of Bogotá (MAMBO).

To understand Colombia’s complex history, spend time at the National Museum (Museo Nacional), housed in a former prison. Its extensive collections span archaeology, ethnography, and art from pre-Columbian times to the present day.

Experience the Carnival of Barranquilla

Colombia’s most famous festival and one of the world’s largest carnivals takes place in Barranquilla each February or March before Ash Wednesday. This UNESCO-recognized cultural event features four days of parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes that celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage – blending African, Indigenous, and European traditions.

The festivities begin with La Batalla de Flores (Battle of Flowers), a spectacular parade of floats adorned with flowers, followed by the Gran Parada de Tradición (Great Parade of Tradition) featuring traditional dance groups. Don’t miss the opportunity to see traditional characters like Marimonda (a long-nosed trickster) and El Rey Momo (the carnival king).

Even if you can’t visit during carnival, Barranquilla’s Carnival Museum offers a year-round glimpse into this vibrant celebration through costumes, videos, and interactive exhibits.

Explore San Agustín Archaeological Park

In southwestern Colombia lies one of South America’s most important archaeological sites – San Agustín Archaeological Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America, dating back to between 1st and 8th centuries.

More than 500 statues are scattered throughout the park, featuring mysterious anthropomorphic figures with jaguar fangs and eagle beaks that provide insight into the spiritual beliefs of this ancient civilization. The most impressive is the Fuente de Lavapatas, a religious site carved into the bedrock of a stream, featuring serpents, lizards, and human forms.

The nearby town of San Agustín makes a charming base for exploring the park. Consider renting a horse to visit the more remote sites like Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras, which offer fewer crowds and equally impressive sculptures.

Adventure and Nature in Colombia

Marvel at Caño Cristales, the “River of Five Colors”

Often called the most beautiful river in the world, Caño Cristales in La Macarena National Park transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors between June and November. This natural phenomenon occurs when an aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera blooms, turning the riverbed into stunning shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and black.

The stunning natural colors of Caño Cristales during blooming season

Visiting requires some planning, as the area is remote and access is controlled to protect the fragile ecosystem. You must go with an authorized guide and register in advance. The journey typically involves flying to La Macarena from Bogotá or Villavicencio, followed by a boat ride and short hike to reach the river.

Once there, you’ll follow wooden walkways and designated paths to explore different sections of the river, including waterfalls, natural pools, and the most colorful stretches. Swimming is permitted in certain areas, allowing you to immerse yourself in this natural wonder.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Colombia’s portion of the Amazon rainforest offers one of the most authentic and less commercialized Amazon experiences in South America. The gateway to this adventure is Leticia, a small town on the Amazon River where Colombia meets Brazil and Peru.

From Leticia, you can take boat trips along the Amazon River to spot pink river dolphins, visit indigenous communities, and explore the flooded forests of Amacayacu National Park. For a deeper jungle experience, stay at an eco-lodge several hours upriver from Leticia, where you can participate in night safaris, canoe through flooded forests, and learn about medicinal plants from indigenous guides.

The nearby town of Puerto Nariño offers a more sustainable approach to Amazon tourism, with no cars, solar power, and strong environmental practices. From here, you can visit Lago Tarapoto to spot freshwater dolphins and explore pristine jungle trails.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to November) when trails are more accessible. However, the wet season (December to May) offers higher water levels, making it easier to navigate smaller tributaries by boat.

Go Paragliding in Chicamocha Canyon

For adrenaline seekers, few experiences match soaring over Colombia’s breathtaking Chicamocha Canyon. One of the largest canyons in the world, Chicamocha offers ideal conditions for paragliding with its thermal currents and spectacular scenery.

Paragliding offers unparalleled views of the massive Chicamocha Canyon

The most popular launch site is near the town of San Gil, Colombia’s adventure capital. Tandem flights with experienced pilots are available for beginners, requiring no previous experience. During the 15-30 minute flight, you’ll glide over the canyon’s dramatic landscape, with views extending for miles across the rugged terrain and the Chicamocha River below.

For a different perspective of the canyon, visit Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, where you can ride one of the longest cable cars in South America across the canyon. The park also features a monument to Santander culture, restaurants, and viewpoints.

San Gil itself offers numerous other adventure activities, including white-water rafting on the Suárez River, caving, bungee jumping, and mountain biking – making it the perfect base for thrill-seekers.

Discover La Guajira Desert

In Colombia’s northernmost region, where the Andes Mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, lies the surreal landscape of La Guajira Desert. This remote peninsula offers a stark contrast to Colombia’s lush mountains and forests, with its orange sand dunes, cacti forests, and turquoise waters.

The journey to La Guajira is an adventure in itself, typically starting from Riohacha and requiring 4×4 vehicles to navigate the rugged terrain. Most visitors head to Cabo de la Vela, a small fishing village that has become popular for kitesurfing due to its consistent winds. From here, you can visit Pilón de Azúcar, a sacred hill offering panoramic views of the desert meeting the sea.

For the most dramatic landscapes, continue to Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America. Here, massive sand dunes plunge directly into the Caribbean at Taroa Dunes, creating one of Colombia’s most photogenic spots.

La Guajira is home to the Wayuu indigenous people, who have maintained their traditional way of life despite the harsh environment. Staying in a traditional Wayuu ranchería (settlement) offers insight into their culture, crafts, and resilience.

Colombian Cuisine: What to Eat

Bandeja Paisa – Colombia’s hearty signature dish

Must-Try Colombian Dishes

Colombian cuisine varies greatly by region, reflecting the country’s diverse geography and cultural influences. Here are some essential dishes to try during your visit:

Other notable dishes include sancocho (a hearty meat and vegetable stew), lechona (stuffed roast pig popular in Tolima), and cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew from the Caribbean coast). For breakfast, try calentado – a mix of reheated beans, rice, and meat from the previous day’s meals, typically served with arepa and eggs.

Exotic Fruits to Discover

Colombia’s varied climate zones produce an astonishing variety of fruits, many of which you won’t find elsewhere. Visit a local market to sample these exotic treasures:

• Lulo – A green-orange fruit with a unique citrus-rhubarb flavor, commonly used in juices
• Granadilla – A type of passion fruit with sweet, gelatinous pulp filled with edible seeds
• Guanábana (Soursop) – A large green fruit with white flesh that tastes like a combination of strawberry and pineapple
• Zapote – A brown fruit with sweet orange flesh reminiscent of sweet potato and honey
• Uchuva (Cape Gooseberry) – Small orange berries with a sweet-tart flavor, often dipped in chocolate

The best places to sample these fruits are at local markets like Paloquemao in Bogotá or Bazurto in Cartagena. Many are best enjoyed as fresh juices (jugos naturales), which you’ll find at restaurants and street stalls throughout the country.

Coffee Culture

No culinary exploration of Colombia would be complete without diving into its world-famous coffee culture. While Colombians traditionally exported their best beans, a growing specialty coffee scene means you can now enjoy exceptional coffee throughout the country.

In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, third-wave coffee shops offer single-origin beans prepared using various brewing methods. In the Coffee Triangle, visit a coffee farm to learn about the bean-to-cup process and participate in tastings that highlight the complex flavors of Colombian coffee.

For an authentic experience, try a traditional tinto (black coffee) from a street vendor, often sweetened and served in a small plastic cup. In the coffee-growing regions, don’t miss the opportunity to try café campesino – farmer’s coffee prepared using a cloth filter.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Colombia

Safety Information

Colombia has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, becoming much safer for tourists. However, like any destination, it’s important to stay informed and take common-sense precautions:

Most tourists visit Colombia without any problems. The Colombian people are generally warm, helpful, and eager to change outdated perceptions about their country. Common sense and awareness of your surroundings will go a long way toward ensuring a safe trip.

Bogotá’s efficient TransMilenio bus rapid transit system

Getting Around Colombia

Colombia’s varied geography means transportation options differ by region. Here’s how to navigate the country effectively:

Air Travel

For long distances, flying is often the most practical option. Colombia has an extensive domestic flight network connecting major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines like Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air offer regular services, and booking in advance can secure reasonable fares. The flight from Bogotá to Cartagena takes about 1.5 hours, compared to a 20+ hour bus journey.

Bus Travel

Colombia’s bus network is extensive and economical. For shorter intercity routes, buses are a practical option, offering various comfort levels from basic to executive class with reclining seats. Major bus terminals (terminales) serve as hubs in each city. For popular routes, it’s advisable to book tickets a day in advance, especially during holidays and weekends.

Urban Transportation

Major cities offer various public transportation options. Bogotá’s TransMilenio bus rapid transit system is efficient but crowded during rush hours. Medellín boasts the country’s only metro system, complemented by cable cars that connect hillside neighborhoods. Taxis are affordable in most cities – use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Didi for added security, or call radio taxis rather than hailing them on the street.

Money Matters

The Colombian currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, cash is essential for smaller towns, markets, and local transportation.

ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, though they may charge foreign transaction fees. Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious activity. It’s advisable to carry some US dollars as a backup, which can be exchanged at banks or casa de cambio (exchange houses).

Tipping is not as ingrained in Colombian culture as in some countries, but it’s becoming more common in tourist areas. In restaurants, a 10% service charge (propina) is often included in the bill – check before adding extra. For tour guides and exceptional service, a 10-15% tip is appreciated.

Language Tips

Spanish is Colombia’s official language, and while English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas and by younger Colombians, learning some basic Spanish phrases will greatly enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.

Colombian Spanish is known for its clarity and is often considered one of the easiest Spanish accents to understand. Colombians appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language and are usually patient with beginners.

Consider downloading a translation app like Google Translate, which can help with menus and basic conversations. For a deeper cultural experience, many cities offer short-term Spanish courses that combine language learning with cultural activities.

Why Colombia Should Be Your Next Destination

The iconic wax palms of Valle de Cocora stand as symbols of Colombia’s natural beauty

Colombia represents the perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and warm hospitality that makes for an unforgettable travel experience. From the colonial charm of Cartagena to the innovative spirit of Medellín, from the coffee-scented hills of the Eje Cafetero to the pristine beaches of Tayrona, this country offers an astonishing diversity of experiences within a relatively compact area.

What truly sets Colombia apart is its people – resilient, creative, and genuinely welcoming to visitors. Colombians are proud of their country’s transformation and eager to share their culture, traditions, and natural treasures with the world. The country’s troubled past has given way to a vibrant present and promising future, making this an exciting time to discover Colombia before mass tourism changes its authentic character.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in lush rainforests, cultural immersion in colonial cities, relaxation on Caribbean beaches, or culinary discoveries at local markets, Colombia delivers experiences that will challenge your perceptions and capture your heart. As the country’s tourism slogan aptly puts it: “Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay.”

Ready to discover why Colombia’s tourism grew by 35% last year? Your adventure begins with the first step – planning your journey to this captivating destination that’s quickly becoming South America’s most exciting travel hotspot.