- Walking through the Botanical Gardens in Bogota
- Visiting a coffee plantation and learning about the production and distribution
- Sipping a local Colombian beer and watching the sunset over the ocean at Cafe del Mar in Cartagena
- Seeing ancient stone carvings in San Agustin
- Visiting Tayrona National Nature Park
- Observing gorgeous flower sculptures and colors in Medellin during the Festival of the Flowers
Best Things to Do in Colombia
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Things to do in Colombia - Expert's guide
1. El museo del oro (Gold Museum)
Home to more than 55,000 different pieces of gold molded into various designs and shapes, the golden collection of art at the Gold Museum in Colombia is a popular attraction for international travelers to Bogotá, Colombia.
With three floors of pre-Hispanic metallurgy to explore, it is safe to say that a museum tour booked in advance would be helpful to fully appreciate all aspects of the site. Remember not to plan your visit for a Monday when it's closed!
2. Monserrate Mountain
As a beautiful mountain of green that stands proudly amidst the urban architecture of Bogotá, Colombia, Monserrate Mountain is an imposing natural landmark that is hard to miss.
While the hike up to the summit is not recommended for those disinterested in a 3+ hour journey, there is a cable car option which takes around 1.5 hours. At the top, travelers are rewarded with not only breathtaking views of the city, but also a personal encounter with the near 400-years old Sanctuary of Monserrate.
3. San Agustín Stone Carvings
The municipality of San Agustín boasts a megalithic necropolis of around 500 intricately carved stone edifices. This UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrates the legacy of the Agustínian culture, believed to have existed from 1 CE until 8 CE. From “Las mesitas,” to “El alto de los idolos,” the stone carvings of San Agustín are a respectful testament to the ingenuity of a culture lost to history that continues to be enjoyed by countless travelers to Colombia today.
4. Parqué del Café
The Parqué del Café is an amusement park located in Quindío, Colombia. Linked by two gondolas and a chairlift (there is also a walking trail through a coffee plantation), the Colombian Parqué del Café consists of a museum detailing the history and processes of coffee-growing and an amusement park with thrill rides in the valley beyond. There are currently 27 rides in the amusement park, as well as opportunities to ride horses and explore coffee and bamboo gardens.
5. Tayrona National Park
Between the warm breezes of the Caribbean coast and the lush foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta lies a protected oasis that is Tayrona National Park. Not only are there opportunities to enjoy various water-based activities as well as basking in the sunshine freely given on the beaches, but Colombia travelers can tour the surrounding rainforests to view all forms of biodiversity.
Relaxation is what many travelers in Colombia come to Tayrona National Park for, as food and accommodations are provided across the park. For those traveling to Colombia on a budget, Tayrona National Park allows travelers to bring their own food during the duration of their stay.
6. Leticia
Located in southern Colombia (near Peru and Brazil), Leticia is a city that borders the Amazon River. While only a small portion of the famous river is included within the city limits of Leticia, there are many activities to enjoy. These include: access to international food, bird shows and local dances, along with visits to a popular swimming hole.
Travelers to Colombia are also welcome to visit Santa Rosa, Peru, which is just a short boat ride away. Although guides are necessary to traverse the Amazon, Leticia is still considered a modern city that is “lost in the jungle” and home to many proud and culturally rich Leticians.
7. La Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)
La ciudad perdida, or, “The Lost City,” is an archeological site which travelers in Colombia may tour while in the mountains of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Ringed by vast rainforest ranges populated by various animals and plants, The Lost City is accessible via intact tiled roads interspersed with ancient plazas.
Colombia tour companies to The Lost City provide food, lodging, and a history of the ruins that are still mysterious today. While many international travelers to Colombia may compare The Lost City to the historic Machu Picchu, the former predates the latter by around 650 years as its genesis is thought to have been in 800 CE.
See the top Colombia trekking tours to La Ciudad Perdida »
8. Santa Cruz de Mompox
From what was considered an important trade-port on the Magdalena River, Santa Cruz de Mompox has remained “frozen” as a quiet city hearkening back to the colonial era of Colombia’s history.
As a popular destination for travelers wishing to see the aesthetics of the city’s architecture and historical authenticity, Santa Cruz de Mompox maintains a relaxed culture of boat rides and simple evenings. Bikes may be rented, but walking is a popular option for visitors as the town runs along just two parallel streets.
9. Hacienda Napoles
Made famous for its incorporation in the news and recent popular culture, the former estate of the infamous (and since deceased) drug-lord Pablo Escobar is available for travelers in Colombia to explore.
Located halfway between Medellin and Bogota, visitors to Hacienda Napoles can enjoy a safari-themed amusement park that also includes remnants of Escobar’s car collection. His former mansion is available to tour as well, but the animal enclosures and butterfly enclosure may better appeal to visitors looking for a fun way to spend a day with family or friends.
10. Caño Cristales (River of Five Colors)
Referred to locally as “Caño Cristales,” the River of Five Colors, or “Liquid Rainbow,” is an expansive river located near Meta, Colombia. In the slice of time between the wet and dry seasons, the floor of the river explodes into the various shades of color that give the river its famous names.
Visitors to Colombia who wish to see this natural phenomenon are encouraged to book a tour in advance, as it is only appears between September and November and requires both a fly-in and vigorous hike to reach Caño Cristales.
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M
Margaret
Jan 2023
Best of Colombia!!
We did the Best of Colombia in 11 days which is not listed here. It definitely was the best tour of Colombia! We normally travel independently, but given the size of...
P
Patricia
Mar 2020
All in all- a fabulous trip
Our tour guides were well informed, personable and truly delightful. We had a friendly group and good accommodations. Loved the coffee tour and tasting, but especial...
R
Rita
Mar 2020
Exceeded all expectations
Exceeded all expectations. A beautiful, safe country with scenery, history and...
H
Hedie
Nov 2019
Amazing travel experiences
I really enjoyed how the group become like a family. We were able to share ama...
H
Hedie
Nov 2019
I very much enjoyed my first overlanding experience
I very much enjoyed my first overlanding experience. My tour leaders have been all fantastic. Everything was organised extremely well so I was able to do all activit...
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Useful Links
- Colombia's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- Additional Information About Colombia
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