25 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOMBIA

Pin
Send
Share
Send

Finally we decided to make the jump to South America, and our gateway was Colombia. Before embarking on the trip it is almost inevitable to get an idea of ​​this country taking as a reference the news that has come to us in recent years, which does not help the success of the Narcos series series. So without wanting to get your head full of prejudices, that little or nothing have to do with the current situation in Colombia. It will be because of this "bad" publicity that it has, but in our case it was a discovery, in a good way, of course. We have really enjoyed the 3 weeks we spent visiting some of its most beautiful places. Are you planning a trip to the coffee country par excellence? Then write down what, for us, are the best 25 things to see and do in Colombia:

1. Land on Bogota, one of the highest capitals in the world (at 3,000 meters above sea level!) and be surprised by the Candelaria, its historic heart, full of colorful houses, street art and colonial buildings. Although Bogotá gives for many other things, and do not pay attention to those who say that the capital of the country is not worth it, because for us it was the best part of the trip. Here we tell you 20 things to see and do in Bogotá.

2. Do you have time and want to see a curious place near Bogotá? Approach the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. It is a chapel built inside a salt mine and has the title of "architectural jewel of modernity". There are tours like this or this that go from Bogotá but you can also go by free via bus.

3. The one of Cocora Valley It is one of the most beautiful trekkings we ever did. It is true that he ended up being more tired than we expected, but also much more spectacular. One of its main attractions are palm forests, although it is not the only one. In its 10 km of circular route you will pass through truly fascinating landscapes. And in case you lack reasons, here is a very important one: at the end of the kick go to the restaurant Where Juan B and put a trout in the body, delicious! More info about trekking in the Cocora Valley.

4. The Cocora Valley is in full Coffee Axis. We recommend you to dedicate to this area of ​​the interior of Colombia at least three or four days, to hallucinate with a unique environment and to know more deeply this coffee culture, so rich that it is a UNESCO Heritage Site since 2011. You can not miss a tour of the most beautiful villages of the Coffee Axis, visit a coffee farm and end up taking a bath in the Hot Springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal. To prepare your trip, here are some tips for traveling to the Coffee Axis.

5. There are colonial towns Picturesque scattered throughout Colombia. If you like the charm of rural tourism and diving in the country's past, you should include some of them in your itinerary. How Villa of Leviya, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia and that surprises the traveler with its Plaza Mayor, one of the largest in all of America. OR Barichara, a town raised in stone where, according to legend, the Virgin appeared before a peasant. We cannot forget others like Jardín, Santa Fe de Antioquía, Boyacá, Salento, Filandia ...

Trekking through the Cocora Valley

6. Our passage through Medellin he was injured, come on, lety ended up in the hospital after a bite from I was very well, and we couldn't do everything we had set out to do. What hurt us the most (sting apart haha), was no visit the Commune13, although luckily we had a little time to do a freetour through the city center, and we discovered a few places of The town, the trendy neighborhood.

7. But don't leave Medellín without making a day trip to Guatapé, one of the most exciting in Colombia. Climb your famous rock and enjoy the views from the top is something magnificent. In addition, the town is very pretty and is only a couple of hours from Medellin. You can go for free by bus (it takes two hours) or sign up for a tour (they are cheap!).

8. We are in Colombia, in a country bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. So there is no shortage of proposals for beaches and paradise islands. And perhaps the most idyllic are the islands of San Andres and Providencia, almost 1,000 km from the Colombian coast. We only visit the first one, although if you have the opportunity, it is best to do both. You will know a Caribbean corner with a lot of personality, but be prepared to share the experience with a few more tourists. Here we tell you what to do in San Andrés. Tip: hire the tours once on the island, they are much cheaper than online!

9. Back from the islands, our last stop in the country was the city of Cartagena de Indias, and it turned out to be the place that amazed us most in Colombia. We expected a very touristic city (it is), with a beautiful historic center (it has it) and little else (error). We fell in love with the neighborhood of Gethsemane, the atmosphere of Plaza Trinidad, its lemonade with coconut, its food, the skyscrapers of Bocagrande, the walls of the old town, the cathedral, the light, everything. Well, less than one thing: the calorazo! Here we tell you what to see in Cartagena.

10. From Cartagena there are a thousand possibilities for excursions along the coast: you can navigate to the Rosario Islands, visit a pink water lake in the Galerazamba salt flats (thanks seaweed!) 70 km north, or go down south and continue discovering more islands (we were told wonders of the San Bernardo Islands). Of course there is also the famous Suuuper Playa Blanca (although if you don't like crowded places, you better not go :-p).

Cartagena streets

11. There is also the option of disappearing a few days between the quiet and charming streets of Mompox. This small town founded in 1537, is about 6 hours from Cartagena, and has such a beautiful historical center that it was named a UNESCO heritage site. They say that Mompox inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez to create the town of Macondo in his novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude."

12. And of course, something that should not be missed on any trip to Colombia (although XD was missing in ours) is the historic city of Santa Marta. It was founded in 1525, being one of the oldest cities in South America, and is the place where the liberator of America Simón Bolivar died.

13. A few kilometers from there is one of the most famous and beautiful natural parks in Colombia: the Tayrona Park. It is a protected area both maritime and inland, with great natural wealth, where lots of different species live (including large cats). There is the possibility of trekking for one or several days and discover spectacular beaches and corners. For the more vaguetes there is also the option of arriving directly on the beach, via boat.

14. Although if what you are doing is adventure, the trekking you must do in Colombia is the one that takes you to the Lost City. It is ideal for those attracted to different plans, who have time on their trip and enjoy archeology and nature. There the ruins of an ancient pre-Columbian civilization await you. They may not be as impressive as Machu Pichu or Chichen Itza, but the way to get there is one of those who do not forget. There are 5-day tours that depart from Santa Marta, if you are in good physical condition, do not hesitate to sign up for one like this.

15. If you like the march and travel to Colombia in carnivalscome closer to Barranquilla (Yes, the city of Shakira!). Here they take it very seriously and organize one of the best carnivals in the world.

Tayrona Park

16. Another area that many people recommend is La Guajira, a remote peninsula that conquers the hearts of all who dare to reach it. Spend the days on the shores of beaches with dunes, relax in hammocks reading a good book, exploring mangroves, watching flamingos, floating on the Palomino river aboard a tire, enjoying the night sky without light pollution ... A trip inside the trip!

17. Come. Eat everything. The Colombian gastronomy we loved it! Paisa tray, soups, empanadillas, fish with coconut sauce, tamales, sausages ... and much more. And what about juices? It is one of the things you will miss most when you leave: try those of lulo and those of passion fruit. An addiction.

18. It is called Caño Crystals but they also know it as the "river of the five colors". We think that says it all. Several months a year, this river offers the visitor a spectacular image, as its waters are dyed with various shades of red, green and yellow. The reason is simple: seaweed!

19. Take a flight to go to Leticia and look at one of the most amazing areas of the globe: the Amazon jungle. Sail through the legendary American river, even if you don't want to dive into the water if you don't want to have an unforgettable encounter with the piranhas! You can go for free or sign up for a tour, this looks great.

20. The Colombian Pacific It is one of the great forgotten, but if you like remote places and enjoy wild and virgin natures, you should go. You will spend the days on its beautiful beaches or making excursions to see whales (only tour with companies that practice responsible tourism, please).

Little houses on the banks of the Amazon River, in Leticia

21. Dance salsa in Cali! If your body asks you to "dance" of the good, you cannot ignore what is known as the salsa capital.

22. Not very well known but the San Agustin Archeological park It is one of the great treasures of Colombia. Here you can see the sculptures, surrounded by mystery, of a pre-Columbian civilization. They represent anthropomorphic figures and more than 500 have been found!

23. The Tatacoa Desert It is one of those places that petra more in Instragram, but not everyone knows that it is also one of the best places to contemplate stars: due to its ecosystem there are practically no clouds and the night sky is always clear. The show is guaranteed.

24. If you feel like wearing your hiking boots and you are in good shape, you can explore the Los Nevados National Natural Park, In the Andes mountain range. There are peaks that exceed 5,000 meters high, such as El Nevado del Ruiz or Nevado de Tolima, and here are 3 of the 6 glaciers in Colombia.

25. And finally, if after Colombia you have an idea of ​​moving to Ecuador, there is a (almost) obligatory stop: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas, very close to the border. It is a huge church of white and gray stone, neo-Gothic style, nestled in a spectacular natural environment. It doesn't leave you indifferent, that's for sure.

Tatacoa Desert

You may not have time to do everything we propose on a first trip, but we are sure that among these 25 things to see and do in ColombiaThere is something that especially caught your attention and you want to visit more than others. Enjoy the country, go with an open mind and you will not regret it!

Save on your trip

Flights flights to Colombia: bit.ly/2HA37x4

accommodation Cheap in Colombia: bit.ly/2XL8Y6z

Stay withAirbnb and get€ 25 discount: bit.ly/2Y4Iwtg

Activities and excursions in Colombia: bit.ly/2PvQTXa

Rent a car with the best discounts: bit.ly/2xGxOrc

Travel insurance IATI with a5% discount: bit.ly/29OSvKt

Books and travel guides: amzn.to/2v4pAKe

Articles about Colombia

  • WHAT TO EAT IN COLOMBIA? TYPICAL DISHES OF COLOMBIAN GASTRONOMY
  • IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA? OUR EXPERIENCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  • 25 TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO COLOMBIA (AND NOT FALLING IT)
  • RESTAURANTS WHERE TO EAT IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS (GOOD AND CHEAP)
  • 25 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOMBIA
  • 25 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS
  • 5 RESTAURANTS WHERE TO EAT IN SAN ANDRÉS BIEN Y BARATO
  • TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE ISLAND OF SAN ANDRÉS, COLOMBIA
  • 7 RESTAURANTS WHERE TO EAT IN MEDELLÍN
  • 20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MEDELLÍN
  • GUIDE AND TIPS FOR A JOURNEY TO THE COFFEE SHAFT
  • VISIT TO THE TERMINALS OF SANTA ROSA DE CABAL, IN COLOMBIA
  • 5 RESTAURANTS WHERE TO EAT IN THE COFFEE SHAFT
  • VISIT A COFFEE FARM IN THE CAFETERO AXIS OF COLOMBIA
  • THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SALENTO (COLOMBIA)
  • ROUTE BY CAR THROUGH THE CAFETERO AXIS OF COLOMBIA
  • TREKKING FOR THE COCORA VALLEY, IN THE CAFETERO AXIS OF COLOMBIA
  • 7 RESTAURANTS WHERE TO EAT IN BOGOTÁ (GOOD AND CHEAP)
  • 20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BOGOTÀ

Pin
Send
Share
Send

Video: 7 ADVANCED COLOMBIA TRAVEL TIPS Colombia Travel Guide (March 2024).