Best places to visit in Colombia, South America

Colombia is a fascinating country full of expansive historical and cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and great culinary offerings.

Colombia is located on the northwestern corner of South America. In addition to modern cities, colonial charm and a diverse and vibrant culture, the nation boasts spectacular natural beauty – the Andes mountains, the Amazon rain forest, beautiful coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the La Guajira Desert. 

From its beautiful beaches to its bustling cities, Colombia has been “rediscovered” and is one of the Americas' hot new tourist destinations, with more than 4 million people visiting the country in 2014. In the last decade, the number of foreign tourists traveling to Colombia has increased at a rate four times higher than the world average. 

Thanks to its privileged location on the continent and its geography, Colombia offers visitors incredible biodiversity in its 53 natural parks and protected areas, and various cultural and regional identities that make visitors want to return to never leave the country.

The coolest Places to visit in Colombia

San Andres y Providencia

San Andres Colombia is one of the hotspots when visiting Colombia. The coral island of San Andres is a diverse ecosystem of reefs, geysers, groves, and cays. Needless to say, it’s perfect for diving, snorkeling, and outdoor exploring. This paradise has multicolored warm waters and 12 mangrove forests, and the beach cedars of Johnny Cay are like natural condos for beach birds. Keep an eye out for overlooked pirate treasure at Morgan’s Cave before chowing down on rondón, a signature Caribbean dish of fish, pork, conch, plantain and coconut milk.

Cartagena de Indias

On the Caribbean coast, offers visitors the chance to explore some of the region’s most historical structures. The “Walled City” – a UNESCO World Heritage site – includes countless examples of Spanish colonial architecture from the colorful, pastel-painted homes to incredible cathedrals and luxurious hotels.


Cartagena has all of the charm of Spanish colonial architecture and the attraction of an intense nightlife, several cultural festivals, exotic scenery, superb beaches, wonderful food and a wide variety of hotels for tourists.

Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta

Santa Marta is South America's oldest city . The Caribbean sea and snow make Santa Marta a difficult place to forget. The city is located on the shores of the Bay of Santa Marta on the Caribbean Sea.

The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.

Parque Nacional del Chicamocha - The Chicamocha Canyon

The Park has the longest cable car system in Latin America; its 4 miles cross the majestic Chicamocha Canyon connecting the Aratoca and Santos municipalities. Within the park you will find activities that include ziplining, buggies , extreme swings, a skating rink, "chiva" trucks, an ostrich park, paragliding, and a vast array of the typical cuisine and crafts from the region of Santander.

Caño Cristales

A unique biological wonder, Caño Cristales has been referred as the "river of five colors," "the river that ran away from paradise," and "the most beautiful river in the world."

Just east of the Andes, central Colombia’s Caño Cristales is a river like no other. Reaching 100km long and sometimes called the “Liquid Rainbow”, Caño Cristales runs during certain months of the year (June to December) with shades of red, blue, yellow, orange and green in a vibrant natural display that happens nowhere else on Earth

The Colombian coffee Region -  CoffeeTriangle

The Coffee Zone is considered by many travellers to be the most beautiful region of the country, with its mild spring-like climate year round, friendly people and breathtaking natural beauty. The people in the region have a unique laid back charm, the hustle and bustle of the big cities is readily forgotten, hospitality and friendship take on a new meaning, there is always time for a coffee, or a beer and a chat.

During this short trip to Colombia's coffee region, you will stay at a coffee hacienda where you will learn about the whole coffee process and have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular landscape of this region adorned by its astonishing mountains, coffee plantations and valleys declared World Heritage Sites by Unesco.