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Top 9 Things to Do in Colombia

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Balconies with flowers leading to cathedral in Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia is the world’s second most biodiverse country in the world and enchants visitors with natural beauty and cultural charm.

From trekking on a jungle trail to visiting the national gold museum, finding a secluded Caribbean island to sampling the diverse flavors of local coffee, every activity in Colombia offers the opportunity for exciting excursions or incredible relaxation.

There is much to enjoy with this list of Colombia’s essential things to do.

Overview
  1. 1. Explore the Richness of Colombian Heritage
  2. 2. Sample some of the Best Coffee in the World
  3. 3. Discover Flavors both Familiar and New
  4. 4. Savor Tradition and Learn To Make Colombian Dishes
  5. 5. Hike the Dynamic Wilds and Winding Trails
  6. 6. Enjoy the Beaches and the Surf
  7. 7. Experience the Wonders of the Wilderness
  8. 8. Take an Adventure in the Winding Waters and Surprising Rapids
  9. 9. Explore the Stunning Landscape on Horseback
  10. More Travel Information & Tips

1. Explore the Richness of Colombian Heritage

Colorful buildings of the La Candelaria neighborhood, the historic center, Bogota Colombia

Colorful buildings of the La Candelaria neighborhood, the historic center, Bogota Colombia

Cultural heritage in Colombia spreads across the landscape from the Andes to the jungle, the desert to the coastline. Colonial towns reflect the fascinating history while ruins and statues offer a unique view of traditional Colombia through a different lens. Whether looking for pre-Colombian gold on display or cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed homes, fascinating antique statues decorated with filigree or an entire city lost to the jungle terrain, Colombia offers immersive and breathtaking access to culture.

Best Places to Visit for Cultural History: Bogota | Medellin | Cartagena | San Basilio de Palenque | Villa de Leyva | Barichara | Jardin

Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March | August | September

2. Sample some of the Best Coffee in the World

Coffee being poured into small white cups for tasting in Colombia

Coffee tasting in Colombia

Coffee is one of the world’s most famous coffee-producing countries, with a massive agricultural zone spanning five different regions. Much like wine, the coffee plants absorb the specific characteristics of the soils in each area resulting in distinctive and layered flavors that make every cup of coffee unique. Traditional towns decorate the coffee regions and represent local and national heritage while also celebrating the delicious flavors of local coffee accentuated by the marvelous landscapes.

Best Places to Visit for a Coffee Tour: Salento | Pijao | Filandia | San Vicente de Chucuri | Risaralda

Best Time to Visit: November | December | January | February | March

3. Discover Flavors both Familiar and New

Colombia’s cuisine is rich in history from the dynamic textures, tastes, and possibilities of the diverse ecosystems. With a culinary scene considered up-and-coming, the reputation for delicious recipes has spread beyond the typical cities of Bogota and Cartagena, reaching even the secluded corners of the Amazon. From traditional tropical fruits to citrusy ceviche, decadent stews to crunchy empanadas, Colombia’s cuisine is a mouthwatering discovery.

Best Places to Visit for Food: Bogota | Cartagena | Popayan | Bucaramanga

Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March

4. Savor Tradition and Learn To Make Colombian Dishes

Colombia balances tradition and innovation in its cuisine with more towns sharing their customary recipes connected to local, seasonal ingredients. Cities like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin represent the combination of old and new and introduce you to the point at which Colombian cuisine's future meets the foundation steeped in tradition. Discover how the cooking is deeply rooted in heritage towns across Colombia and provide an entirely new perspective from which you can enjoy Colombia’s typical flavors as you learn how to make them yourself.

Best Places to Visit for Cooking Classes: Cartagena | Bogota | Medellin | Envigado

Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | July | August

5. Hike the Dynamic Wilds and Winding Trails

Waterfall in Fin del Mundo, Colombia

Waterfall in Fin del Mundo, Colombia

Trekking in Colombia is dramatic, epic, and unforgettable. The diverse ecosystems provide unique opportunities for exploration from the Andes to the Amazon. Along with the impressive nature that may offer glimpses of jaguars or spider monkeys, Colombia also has trails leading to lost cities or hidden beaches, glacial lakes and volcanic peaks. When hiking in Colombia, the only question you have to ask yourself is what do you want to discover?

Best Places to Visit for Hiking: Cocora Valley | The Lost City | Fin del Mundo | Tayrona Park | El Cocuy National Park

Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | July | August

6. Enjoy the Beaches and the Surf

Clear turquoise water of San Juan del Guia beach in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

San Juan del Guia beach in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Colombia’s beaches are pristine, enticing, and picturesque. Snorkeling, surfing, solitude, or relaxation are only a snapshot of the possibilities you can enjoy while visiting a Colombian beach. The waters can give way to radiant fish and passing whales, or you can just lounge on soft white sands as the warm water laps at your toes. Whether lounging alongside the clear turquoise Caribbean or the big surf of the Pacific, you can find a perfect beach for your preferred ambiance.

Best Places to Visit for Beaches: Tayrona National Park | Playa Blanca | Sapzurro | Playa de Providencia | Guachalito

Best Time to Visit: March | July | August | September | October

7. Experience the Wonders of the Wilderness

Tayrona National Park , Colombia

Tayrona National Park , Colombia

Colombia’s position near the equator has resulted in a staggering array of microclimates influenced by the diverse landscapes. As the second-most biodiverse country on the planet, the national parks provide exceptional opportunities for exploration and discovery. Stunning beaches lined with jungle and singing with active monkeys or lounging iguanas, ecological reserves erupting with bird calls, and glassy mirrors hiding pink dolphins, Colombia’s national parks offer you endless fascination.

Best Places to Visit for National Parks: Tayrona National Park | Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park | Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary | La Macarena National and Ecological Reserve Park

Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | July | August | September

8. Take an Adventure in the Winding Waters and Surprising Rapids

Colombia is a haven for rafting whether you prefer exhilarating whitewater or floating down a glassy river searching for local wildlife. The excitement of curving waters and fluctuating currents only enhances the shape of nature. Colombia’s high volume of rivers gives you a great selection of the kinds of rapids you want to explore with expert guides on a journey deeper into the spectacular scenery for a multi-faceted adventure surrounded by unique flora and fauna.

Best Places to Visit for Rafting: Rio Negor de Tobia | Rio Fonce | Rio Suarez San Gil | Rio Magdalena | Rio Samana

Best Time to Visit: March | April | October | November

9. Explore the Stunning Landscape on Horseback

Horseback riding in Cocora Valley, Colombia

Horseback riding in Cocora Valley, Colombia

Horseback riding in Colombia is an exceptional adventure that can take you along the plains or down a secluded cove. While galloping over the hills or across the mountains, the scenery becomes the focus as you explore Colombia’s exceptional biodiversity 11qwwat your preferred pace. You can learn the history of colonial Colombia, live life in the diverse landscape, or simply enjoy the captivating ambiance on a horseback riding excursion.

Best Places to Visit for a Horseback Riding: Buritaca | Jardin | Cocora Valley | San Andres | San Agustin

Best Months: February | March | August | September

More Travel Information & Tips

Santa Teresa square in the center of Cartagena, Colombia

Santa Teresa square in the center of Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia exudes beauty, spirit, and charm with enchanting wilderness and captivating heritage that combine for an unforgettable discovery. Whether you want a family-friendly trek into the jungle in search of spider monkeys or lounge on a pristine Caribbean beach, Colombia combines natural splendor with rich tradition with more to see during the Best Times to VIsit. Thinking of planning a trip? You can speak to a Colombia travel specialist for free by filling out a Trip Request Form or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.

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