Top Places In Colombia: A Journey Through Culture And Nature

A guide to the Top 10 places to visit in Colombia you can visit.

Colombia is one of the countries that has it all and tourists have made it clear that there are unique experiences awaiting them in this country. So whether you enjoy being in nature, or appreciate the history of ancient cultures, or just need a location to take breathtaking photographs, Colombia has something to please every individual. Here we show you the finest 10 places to visit in Colombia which you must put on your list of travel plans to make it more fascinating and adventurous.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Colombia

These top 10 places to visit in Colombia combine history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.

1. Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is one of the 10 places to visit in colombia

Photo: Diana Sierra / Wikimedia Commons

The park has wonderful tropical palm-fringed beaches and bays, making it one of Colombia’s natural treasures- the National Natural Park of Tayrona. Located on the Caribbean Coast to the east of Santa Marta, the park is fantastic for relaxation, while the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains provide a beautiful background. This place is about sunbathing on hot beaches and walking around the jungle-covered coastal cliffs if you can’t swim because the water currents are too strong.

Location: Santa Marta, Magdalena
Best Time To Visit: December to February, for dry and sunny conditions

2. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a place situated amidst hills

Photo: Alejandro Bayer Tamayo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

To observe archaeological sites and areas looking like they could be thousands of years old, drive northeast towards the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains, where the lost city is situated. After a tough three-day hike through a thick jungle, tourists arrive at La Ciudad Perdida, a well excavated city in Colombia. Dating to 850 AD, the terraces and pathways of this lost city were uncovered in the 1970s and are in good condition.

Location: Magdalena Department, northeastern Colombia
Best Time To Visit: December to March, the driest season for trekking

3. Bogotá

Bogotá, a place to visit in colombia, has many ancient monuments to explore

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Due to the high altitude in the Andes mountains, Bogotá tends to have cool and often rainy weather. Even if it appears to be a launching pad to tropical climates, Bogota has a lot more that is different and worth seeing and experiencing. Exciting clubs and good restaurants abound in the city’s popular neighbourhoods, like Zona Rosa and Chapinero. For lovers of history, there is Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), which exhibits a stunning variety of pre-Hispanic objects, while modern art and the creations of a Colombian artist, Fernando Botero, are located in Museo Botero.

Location: Bogotá, Cundinamarca Department
Best Time To Visit: December to March for fewer rainy days

4. Zona Cafetera

Zona Cafetera, a place to visit in Colombia, is the core of Colombian coffee

Photo: Estebanhphoto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Zona Cafetera is the core of Colombian coffee, and it consists of departments situated in Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio. This region has many coffee farms, which offer tours, tastings, and accommodation at beautiful fincas. Guests will be able to appreciate the stunning low hills and the expansive greenscapes as they experience the traditional ways of coffee farming. No visit to Colombia would be complete without trying Colombian coffee, which is believed to be among the best in the world.

Location: Central Colombia, covering Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio
Best Time To Visit: December to March for clear, sunny weather

5. Providencia Island

Providencia Island is one of the top 10 places to visit in colombia.

Photo: Tommy Boy / Wikimedia Commons

Providencia Island appears in the Caribbean and is a stone’s throw away from Nicaragua. Providencia Beach is characterised by peaceful, sun-kissed beaches, stunning coral, and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to many. Together with the neighbouring islands, Providencia is one of the islands that form part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, which is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.’

Location: Providencia, San Andrés y Providencia Department
Best Time To Visit: January to May for the driest conditions and warm sunshine

6. Cartagena

Cartagenam, a place to visit in Colombia, has historical relevance

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Because of its historical relevance and lively culture, more visitors travel to Cartagena than to any other part of Colombia. This 1533 city’s Old Town features cobbled lanes, vibrant colonial structures, and majestic cathedrals and is proudly classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the attractions, there is a wonderful food scene in Cartagena and a very laid-back lifestyle that helps you to relax.

Location: Bolívar Department, northern coast of Colombia
Best Time To Visit: December to April for warm, dry weather

7. The Lost City – La Ciudad Perdida

A beautifully lit up monument in The Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida) of Colombia

Photo: Chosovi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Long before Machu Picchu was built in Peru, La Ciudad Perdida, or The Lost City, existed. Built in 800 CE, this site features 169 terraces built into the mountains and interconnected with stone structured pathways and plazas. Although the journey to access this stunning site will involve several days of walking, the trip is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery, captivating history, and the experience of exploring an ancient masterpiece.

Location: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena Department
Best Time To Visit: December to March for drier weather and safer hiking conditions

8. Mompox

A view from Mompox streets, a place to visit in Colombia

Photo: Alfredodh / Wikimedia Commons

Mompox is a place of historic significance along the Magdalena River. It is known to most as Gabriel García Márquez. The colonial architecture, together with the quiet of the town, makes it easy to see how this town would be a perfect getaway for people who want to take their time and truly enjoy Colombia’s interesting history. Some of the projects include walking tours of the old narrow streets, river sailing, and colonial beauty, which has remained static with the passage of time. This place reflects the history of the region and promises a wonderful time.

Location: Santa Cruz de Mompox, Bolívar Department
Best Time To Visit: November to March for cooler, pleasant weather

9. San Agustin

The church of San Agustin among top 10 places to visit in colombia.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sometimes referred to as the archaeological centre in the country, the town of San Agustin is famous for its rich history as well. Its attractions include the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that comprises over 500 stone statues, monolithic structures, and other carvings by ancient civilizations. Such figures, representing people, animals, and even mythological beings, present a very unique version of the history of Colombia that revolves around its pre-Columbian times.

Location: San Agustin, Huila Department
Best Time To Visit: December to February, the dry season, to fully enjoy outdoor explorations

10. Cocora Valley

Multiple palm trees found at Cocora Valley, a place to visit in Colombia

Photo: Ricardo Gonzalez Arango / Wikimedia Commons / Images For Representation Only

Home to the resplendent wax palms which is the national tree of Colombia, the Cocora Valley is famed for its scenic beauty filled with spectacular elevations. This area should be explored by all nature enthusiasts as it has different hiking trails that will take visitors along jungle rivers and through avifauna preserves, and it offers scenic views over the green valley. The average trek is approximately 5 hours one way, and there are options for both beginners and advanced hikers.

Location: Near Salento, Quindio Department
Best Time To Visit: December to March for dry, sunny conditions and great hiking weather

Colombia is a country that enchants the eyes and touches the spirit with its variety, be it unchanged natural treasures or ancient urban structures. There are quite a few stunning places to visit in Colombia that could simplify such an objective but reveal new adventures when planning your itinerary. Let us take care of this stunning country while ensuring that your trip is filled with rich experiences and unforgettable memories with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

It really is a matter of interest. If you are looking to learn about culture or history, go to Bogota or Cartagena. If you are looking for the raw beauty of nature, visit Tayrona Park or the Cocora Valley.
For many, Tayrona National Park and Providencia Island are among the most stunning parts of the country simply because of their natural beauty and the stunning clear water that surrounds them.
Colombia is known all around the world for its coffee as well as its unique customs, breathtaking views, and history-rich cities such as Cartagena.
La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) and the Old Town of Cartagena are some of the places to visit in Colombia.
Colombia is known for its biodiversity, excellent quality coffee, pretty colonial buildings and even due to the presence of great writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

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