Colombia is renowned for its vibrant energy and bustling nightlife, but for the introverted traveler, the country offers a wealth of serene, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Discover how to navigate this beautiful nation by avoiding peak festival crowds and choosing tranquil destinations that allow for a deeper, more personal connection with nature and local culture.
From quiet mountain villages to remote Amazonian retreats, this guide provides practical tips on where to stay and what to do to ensure your Colombian adventure is as peaceful as it is memorable. Escape the hustle and embrace the authentic, laid-back side of Colombia designed for those who prefer solitude and reflection.
Top tip: Avoid the festivals
The first main way to enjoy low key travelling in Colombia is to stay away from the cities and towns which are hosting festivals. If your idea of a nightmare is to join thousands of other people in small, confined spaces, events like the Barranquilla Carnival, the Black and White’s Carnival in Pasto or the Medellín Flower Festival probably won’t be your idea of the best places to visit! It is always a good idea to check in advance for festival dates in the regions you are planning to visit, so that you can avoid those time periods and plan for a time when there is no major activity happening. Don’t forget that prices also go up during festival time for hotels, transportation and other activities, plus they are much more likely to be fully booked up!
Where to stay
When it comes to accommodation, introverts quite often experience issues trying to find an appropriate option. Hostel accommodation or shared dormitories with sociable common areas, can be a difficult place to stay if you are looking for a peaceful place to rest your head, so you may want to stick to private accommodation. Colombia’s recent tourism boom has seen a massive growth in the number of hostels and there is now a thriving backpacker scene in the popular destinations with a number of different hostel-type accommodations. This is no reason to panic however, there are also a number of lodgings for the more laid-back traveller. Be sure to check out some smaller, family run lodgings which offer private room, however be prepared to pay a little more for these private options.
Where to go
The issue of where to go is a lot more simple. Of course, the main tourist attractions are going to receive a lot more visitors so you may want to choose a more off-the-beaten-track area of Colombia to visit. Luckily the country is blessed with amazing things to see and do that are far away from the tourist track and where the only crowds you are likely to encounter are the animals, native to the regions.
Tourist hotspots such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Salento, The Tayrona National Park, Palomino and Cali, might not be the best places for you to visit. These touristic hubs of course will see a lot more tourism, as well as a number of local travellers, who are always looking for a wonderful weekend getaway.
The great news is that there are many fantastic Colombian destinations which are much less likely to see foreign visitors at all. The small towns such as Playa de Belen, Salamina and Aguadas, as well as incredible ecotourism destinations like the Eastern Plains, the Amazonian regions of Guaviare, Vichada and Putumayo, and even smaller cities like Manizales and Popayan, receive a minute amount of tourism and can offer a more chilled-out and authentic option. It is more than likely that you will be the only visitor in some of these regions and you can experience the genuine Colombia at its best!
Things to do
What to do in Colombia as an introvert? You will be surprised at the options available. Multi-day treks like the Lost City, may be remote, yet may not be ideal, as the excursions are usually in a group or super-expensive if you go privately. Group package tours and the local nightlife may also be a turn-off and the preferred activities may well be hiking in the stunning countryside, exploring Colombia´s smaller villages, going out to sample to fine local cuisine or relaxing in a hammock, sipping the local coffee!
Sometimes the best Colombian travel experiences, are the more remote, relaxed and off the beaten track destinations, away from the hustle and bustle, crowds and festivals. Colombia is so much more than parties, nightlife and busy beaches. Hopefully, this introverted guide has opened your eyes to the alternative options in this amazing country and to makes you keener to explore a Colombia that is relaxed, remote chilled-out and away from it all!
