South America

8 Best Things to Do in Colombia

Colombia, located at the northern part tip of South America, has a rich culture and progressive cities where visitors can relax on pristine beaches, explore national parks, and walk ancient city walls. Colombia, having emerged from its dark past, now shines brightly on the international stage.

Colombia is a thrilling mix of unspoiled coasts, tropical rainforests, and rich culture, from its diverse history of beautiful towns to its diverse natural landscapes. Pack your bags for adventure and cross these top Colombia things to do off your list.

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Explore Cartagena’s Walled City

What Exactly Is It? Cartagena, with its lush plazas filled with fruit vendors and street art, is a top travel destination in Colombia due to its kaleidoscope of colors.

What’s the point? This UNESCO World Heritage site is covered in fairy-tale romance among miles of centuries-old colonial stone walls and impresses visitors with its majestic churches and quaint cobblestone streets lined with old-world decor and balconies.

Nice to Know: Wandering through the maze of streets is the recommended way to get to know Cartagena, where one can feel as if they have stepped back in time.

cartagena

Tayrona National Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world

What Exactly Is It? Tayrona National Park, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is one of the country’s most popular parks.

What’s the point? Travelers can explore the expansive and rich mangroves and tropical jungles, which boast idyllic coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and sheltered bays. Tayrona National Park is well-known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of secluded spots, as well as its picturesque flora and fauna nestled against tranquil white sandy beaches.

Nice to Know: Whether you’re pitching a tent, hiking the trails, or relaxing on one of the beaches, you’ll be confronted with some of the country’s richest biodiversity.

tayrona national park

Visit the Salt Cathedral’s underground passages

What Exactly Is It? This 5th-century church, known as the Salt Cathedral, is located deep within salt deposits near the city of Zipaquirá, an important center for salt trade.

What’s the point? This structure, considered an architectural jewel, is one of the most well-known Catholic sanctuaries in the country.

Nice to Know: When visitors descend underground, they will find breathtaking salt sculptures next to a towering 16-foot-high cross at the main altar.

salt cathedrals underground passages

The Museo del Oro

What Exactly Is It? The Museo del Oro, or “Gold Museum,” is one of Bogotá’s and South America’s most popular attractions.

What’s the point? With over 30,000 pieces, it houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic historic gold artifacts.

Nice to Know: Visitors can browse vibrant gold jewelry, masks, and ancient tools, as well as interesting thematic rooms filled with exhibits on pottery, stone, shell, and textile archaeological objects from indigenous cultures.

museo del oro

Explore the artwork at The Botero Museum

What Exactly Is It? The Botero Museum houses one of Latin America’s most important international art collections, with several halls of impressive artwork.

What’s the point? Picasso, Dali, Matisse, and Monet are among the artists represented. The museum is named after Colombia’s most famous modern artist, Fernando Botero, and art enthusiasts can enjoy the museum’s collection of his robust paintings and sculptures, which Botero donated himself.

Nice to Know: Visitors will find informative audio guides in English, French, and Spanish in the charming historic center of Bogotá.

the botero museum

Visit the San Andrés Tropical Islands

What Exactly Is It? San Andrés and its smaller sister Providencia are two of Colombia’s most popular island getaways.

What’s the point? Visitors will find underwater caves for diving and a plethora of unforgettable day trips off the Caribbean coast. Johnny Cay, known as the “island of sugar” due to its pristine white sandy beaches, is one of the most popular areas around San Andrés that can be reached by boat.

Nice to Know: With its swaying palm trees, delicious coconuts, and freshly caught seafood, you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in paradise.

san andrés tropical islands

Climb Mount Monserrate

What Exactly Is It? Mount Monserrate, which rises 10,000 feet above sea level and dominates the city center of Bogotá, is a landmark.

What’s the point? There is a cable car, a train, and walking trails to take visitors to the top of the mountain. Reaching the summit is regarded as a rite of passage, with devout locals rising early on Sunday mornings to do so.

Nice to Know: Visitors can zip up quickly on the popular cable cars for magnificent panoramic views of the sprawling city and to explore the grounds of the mountaintop Catholic church.

mount monserrate

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

What Exactly Is It? Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a majestic fortress on the Hill of San Lázaro in Cartagena.

What’s the point? Its towering presence approaches the city’s landscape, having been built by the Spanish during the colonial era. The highlight of the castle, which boasts a series of historical walls and formidable bunkers, is its striking grand entrance and awe-inspiring architecture.

Nice to Know: Visitors can explore underground galleries and gunpowder warehouses, which are considered a fine example of Spanish military engineering.

castillo san felipe de barajas

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