BEST THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBIA

There's no shortage of unique and amazing things to do in Colombia, including activities and attractions for all different kinds of travelers. Diverse in every sense of the word, people often rightly describe Colombia as several nations, each with its own landscapes, traditions, culture, and cuisine rolled into one. From the Caribbean coastline to the edge of the Amazon, Spanish colonial towns to modern metropolises, Colombia's tourist spots to hidden gems, here are just some of the best things to do in Colombia. 

Palenqueras, Cartagena

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park

Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)

The Cocora Valley is a national park found in the center of Colombia's coffee-growing region. The valley is home to the world's tallest palm tree, the wax palm, and also Colombia's national tree. While you're here, you'll have a chance to visit a Colombian coffee farm. What better way to experience this cloud forest region than by hiking or horseback riding in the Valle Cocora a fun way to explore the park's natural beauty. Cocora is easily accessible from the charming town of Salento.  Rubber boots may be available through your hotel and are a good idea, given how muddy the trail can get. Bring a lightweight rain jacket as it rains often.

See a red river at Caño Cristales

Dubbed by Colombians as the “river that ran away from paradise,” Caño Cristales is often hailed as the most beautiful river in the world.  This is because during the short time between the wet and dry seasons (June to November), when the water levels are just right, a unique species of plant, Macarenia clavigera, lines the river bed and turns the river a stunning shade of red.  The red is then offset by patches of yellow and green sand, blue water, and a thousand shades in between, creating a rainbow river unlike anything else in the world. Caño Cristales is located in the Serrania de la Macarena and if you want to see it up close for yourself, you have to take a flight out into either the city of Villavicencio or directly to the town of La Macarena

Caño Cristales

 
Trek to The Lost City

If you want to feel like Indiana Jones, add The Lost City to your bucket list of things to do in Colombia. While this archaeological site is not as grand as Machu Picchu, many travelers to Colombia have proclaimed it to be one of the best adventures in South America. Explorers trekking to The Lost City can spend up to a week in the Colombian jungle. The return journey trek is considered one of the best places to visit in Colombia, so don’t miss out!

Visit the Colombian Islands

The Colombian coastline is a gorgeous Caribbean paradise that so many people still don’t know about! While the city of Cartagena has some beaches, the best beaches and islands are located just off the coast, so you’ll want to take a boat out to the islands to get to the best ones. There are a ton of islands to choose from, but I’d check out Baru Island for an easy day trip that’s a local favorite, or for a more exclusive experience, the Rosario Islands, for your perfect Caribbean island paradise.

Baru lsland

Snorkeling and Diving in San Andres and Providencia

Enjoy crystal clear waters and excellent snorkeling and diving off the coast of San Andres and Providencia, to visit the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world.  It's some of the most beautiful turquoise water in South America, with warmer oceans a remarkable aquatic life, and one of the best things to do in Colombia. 

Visit a Coffee Plantation in The Coffee Triangle

With all the hype about Colombian coffee, no traveler should miss taking a tour of a coffee plantation and enjoying a cup of black gold; even if you’re not really into coffee, the lush greenery of the region is an attraction on its own!  Visit a  hacienda with hands-on activities, that will explain a detailed history of the Colombian coffee industry, and offer delicious cups of their fresh-grown nectar. It really is one of the best things to do in Colombia for coffee addicts!

Coffee Region of Colombia

Cartagena Old Town

As one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in South America, this area of Cartagena is rich in culture and history. Stroll down the quiet streets within the ancient 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. Make sure you get a classic photo of a palenquera fruit seller for one of the ultimate things to do in 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 within it you can find a remarkable, underground church. An abandoned, carved-out salt mine is the home 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 its traditional Mass.

Zipaquira Salt Church

Laguna de Guativita 

For a true 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 in the area became weak due to excessive salt mining in the region, and as a result, 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. 

These are just a few of the best things to do in Colombia, and will certainly leave you wanting more from this incredibly impressive and beautiful country! Book a Colombia tour with Va Expeditions here and open yourself up to the best things to do in Colombia.