Written by:undefined undefined
Published: 31-08-2022
For many years, Colombia was one of those countries a lot of people wouldn’t even think about for a vacation. This, of course, is not to say that people never visited or that it was impossible to visit. Colombia was just one of those places that would have been lower on your travel list. This has now completely changed with incredible experiences and some must-do things to do in Colombia that are too good to ignore. Colombia is beautiful, the culture is fun and vibrant and there are numerous sights to see.
Nuqui Sunset
Tayrona National Park
Start your trip off to Colombia with a splash by hopping into Tayrona National Park’s natural reef lagoon, La Piscina. This natural attraction is on Colombia’s northernmost coastline, bordering the Caribbean Sea. If you prefer a challenge, there are hiking trails following the shoreline, and towering rock formations speckled throughout the crystal-clear water to climb on. For a more relaxing experience, chill at the beautiful beach and enjoy the lapping waves. Tayrona National Park is one of the most picturesque locations in Colombia and far removed from the hustle and bustle of heavily urbanized areas. It really is one of the prettiest areas and the best things to do in Colombia.
Tayrona National Park
Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales in the Colombian National Park of La Macarena has been called the most beautiful river in the world, and the river than escaped from heaven, because of its incredible red colour. It is one of Colombia’s most unique and exciting tourist attractions Most experts suggest that you can see the river in its amazing red state between late May and late November, but the peak time is between July and October. Caño Cristales is a truly unbelievable place, and one which seems to confirm Colombia’s reputation as the land of magical realism. You may never see a more beautiful river in your life, and the experience of visiting the rainbow river and its surroundings is something you will never forget.
Caño Cristales
San Andrés Island
A short plane ride away from the Colombian coastline, lies San Andrés Island, where the views are stunning, with turquoise as far as the eye can see. Surrounded on all sides by the Caribbean Sea, the island boasts a pretty waterfront where travellers can sip on drinks while watching the sunset or enjoying a traditional Colombian meal. If you’re looking for more active experiences, canoes are available to rent and it is just a short paddle to Johnny Cay. It’s an absolutely beautiful archipelago.
San Andres
Nuqui
With its cultural richness, unspoilt beaches, jungle-clad islands, and wild beauty, it’s no surprise that the town of Nuqui on the Colombian pacific coast is becoming the most talked-about destination for adventurous travellers. Located in the tropical rainforest of Colombia’s west coast, the entire coast only has 1 road access, which is why this region remains so unexplored and wild. It’s a mainly African descendant region that holds an incredible potential in terms of biodiversity, gastronomy and cultural heritage. Nuqui is home to not only howler monkeys and colourful amphibians like the Cocoy frog, but also to the humpback whales that travel all the way from the Antarctic to breed and give birth in the warm deep waters of this tropical region. This magnificent migration takes place between June and September, and there are so many whales you might even spot one mid-air while you’re having lunch on the beach, an unforgettable experience.
Whale-Watching Nuqui
Tour a Coffee Plantation
With all the hype about Colombian coffee, no traveller should miss out on taking a tour of a coffee plantation and enjoying a cup deliciousness. After all, when in Rome! Coffee tours offer hands-on activities, a detailed history of the coffee industry, and delicious cups of their freshly-brewed nectar. It really is one of the best things to do in Colombia if you love coffee!
Coffee Picking
Cartagena’s Old Town
As one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in South America, this area of Cartagena is rich with culture and history. Stroll down the picturesque streets within the old walls, climb into a carriage for a horse-drawn tour of the city, or indulge your taste buds (and tummy) with a myriad of tropical fruits being sold on the streets by the Palenquera´s. Whatever you do in Cartagena, you will feel the energy that has come to characterise this Old Town area.
Old Town, Cartagena
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
As much of Colombia’s wealth stems from salt mining, it only makes sense that one of the most popular sights in the country would be salty! Not far from Bogota lies the salt mining capital of Colombia and in it a beautiful, underground church. This abandoned, salt sculptured mine serves as the setting of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. During the week, visitors can learn more about the salt industry and the church itself, but on Sunday the cathedral opens its doors to nearly 3,000 parishioners for a traditional Mass.
Salt Cathedral
Laguna de Guatavita
For an adventure and a gorgeous view of Colombia’s aquatic and terrestrial beauty, a hike to Laguna de Guativita is a must-do. The lake was most likely formed when the ground around the area became weak because of excessive salt mining in the region and became a sinkhole of sorts. Now a sparkling turquoise body of water, visitors to Lake Guatavita can indulge in quite a few interesting cultural things here. A tour of the state-protected reserve, is a must, or hike on your own around the lake, or spend some time learning about the native people who used to inhabit this impressive region.
Hike to The Lost City
The Lost City Trek has become a must-do experience for backpackers in Colombia, who love to undertake the 4 or 5-day trek through the jungles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the ancient ruins of the Tayrona city known as Ciudad Perdida. National Geographic recently named the Sierra Nevada de Santa as one of the world’s most irreplaceable ecosystems, due to its incredible levels of unique endemic species. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is full of stunning and unique wildlife – from gorgeous birds like parrots and toucans to monkeys, wild orchids, and thousands of types of trees. This biodiversity expands into the native people with the Wiwa, Kogui, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo tribes inhabiting the area. They all consider the mountains, as well as the ruins of the lost city, to be sacred.
The Lost City
Amazon Jungle
With deforestation taking a toll on the Colombian Amazon Jungle, do not miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience nature at its finest. Reset your internal clock and disconnect from the world by relaxing, exploring the beauty of Colombia. Oh, and don’t forget sleeping under the stars, and filling up on traditional food during a jungle experience. This really is one of the best things to do in Colombia if you’re an avid nature lover.
