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Whenever people talk about travel to Colombia, they are often met with trepidation and fear monger due to its notorious history, but as time moves on, more and more people are realizing that Colombia is a hotspot destination to visit.
Colombia is not the place it once was in the 80s and 90s, and although tourism has flourished in the country, it’s still a destination that often gets overlooked.
From vibrant nightlife to the world’s best coffee, to decadent cuisine and diverse landscapes and biodiversity, there are many reasons to visit Colombia and make it your chosen travel destination this year.
In this guide, we share those main reasons why travelers choose to add Colombia to their travel bucket list.
1. A vibrant and artistic culture
Colombia is a tapestry of culture that is unlike any other country in Latin America. It has a ton of history and unique traditions, but most of all, Colombians celebrate art and has a passion for creativity.
One thing I love about Colombian culture is that it’s full of joy, warmth, and hope. This is most often represented in its street art, to which it is widely celebrated across the country and not seen as a form of vandalism as it is with other countries.
In the heart of Medellín, the colorful streets of Comuna 13, come alive. This was once the poorest neighborhood in the city, and is now known for its striking murals that tell stories of resilience and transformation.
Another artistic flare that you see represented in Colombia is salsa dance. The rhythm of salsa, which has been widely adopted across the country, is a way to bring people together and share in each other’s joy.
You’ll find many salsa clubs in Armenia, the capital of salsa, as well as in major cities like Medellin and Bogota.
2. Gorgeous nature spots
Colombia is a nature lover’s paradise. It has an astonishing array of landscapes and nature sites that are as diverse as they are beautiful.
From the towering peaks of the Andes to the serene beaches of the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Coast, the country’s diverse landscapes offer something for everyone.
Head to Salento, nestled in the mountains in the Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero), to trek in Cocora Valley, where you will find wax palms that seemingly touch the sky.
They are the tallest palms in the world and have a kind of cartoonish quality as they grow as high as 200 feet (60 meters).
Or you can venture into the Amazon rainforest, an iconic natural world teeming with exotic wildlife and plant life.
The stunning Tayrona National Park offers a serene hike through tropical jungles before rewarding you with pristine beaches, and let’s not forget the ethereal La Macarena and the Caño Cristales, often called the River of Five Colors, which is known as the most beautiful river in the world and dazzles you with its vivid hues during the wet season.
Colombia’s will have you amazed by the breathtaking wonders of Mother Earth.
3. Tons of outdoor activities
Colombia is an adventurer’s playground. From hiking the breathtaking trails of Los Nevados National Park, traversing snow-capped peaks and gazing on glacial lakes, to whitewater rafting through the verdant jungles that line the Rio Verde.
Colombia is also a great place to go paragliding, go on wildlife safaris, or canoeing and kayaking the many winding rivers.
The Caribbean coast is the place to go for world-class diving in the crystal-clear waters of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, known for its vibrant coral reefs.
Whatever your adventure, Colombia has it.
4. A foodies paradise
Colombia’s cuisine is a sensory overload – but in the best way! The food is flavorful and aromatic, and diverse depending on the regions.
Each dish tells a story, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and local ingredients that define Colombian cuisine.
No trip to Colombia would be complete without trying a hearty bandeja paisa, a platter of beans, rice, avocado, and succulent grilled meats.
If you’re looking for snacks, try arepas, a versatile dish made of corn cakes that can be filled with everything from cheese to vegetables to pulled pork.
The coastal regions offers fresh seafood dishes with spices, such as ceviche and fried fish served with coconut rice.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the bustling markets, where you can sample fresh produce bought directly from the farmers.
5. Diverse climate
Colombia has a diverse landscape made up of both beaches and mountains, and with the high-elevation, it boasts a range of climates, making it a year-round destination to visit.
Nestled near the equator, it has a range of microclimates. The highlands of Bogota are temperate with cool breezes, while the sun-soaked city of Cartagena has the warm Caribbean sun all year round.
The best time to visit Colombia is from December until March, when the weather is warm and dry for most of the country. October and November are a good time to visit as it’s just before the peak season, and is therefore quieter.
The rainy season is from April until June, but can sometimes fall into early July, which is the time to avoid traveling in Colombia due to flash flooding.
6. Unique festivals
As I mentioned earlier, Colombia is a country steeped in culture and artistry, so it makes sense that its traditions are brought to life in spectacular fashion, with some lively festivals that celebrate the country’s heritage.
The Barranquilla Carnival (Carnaval de Barranquilla), is a UNESCO-recognized event where the streets are transformed into a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and elaborate costumes, showcasing the infectious rhythms of cumbia and salsa.
In Medellín, the Flowers Festival (Feria de las Flores) is where you will see breathtaking floral displays and lively parades, while the The Vallenato Legend Festival (Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata) in Valledupar is a music festival that pays homage to the traditional vallenato music, drawing artists and enthusiasts from all over.
From the spiritual event of Semana Santa in Popayán to the joyous celebrations of the Festival of the Black and White in Pasto, each festival in Colombia showcases the heart and soul of Colombian culture.
7. Tons of wildlife
Colombia is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. As one of the most biodiverse countries in on the planet, it offers the chance to encounter unique species in their natural habitats, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the rugged Andes mountains.
Imagine sailing down the Amazon River, where you might spot playful pink river dolphins in the water or colorful macaws soaring overhead.
In the cloud forests, the elusive spectacled bear roams among the misty treetops,and in the coastal regions, it’s not uncommon to witness majestic Humpback whales breaching off the Pacific Coast during their annual migration.
Colombia is where eco-tourism thrives, allowing you to see wildlife in its natural habitat without disturbing them.
8. An all-round travel destination
Colombia is a destination that offers a wide variety of options. From city breaks to mountain retreats, to beachy holidays to adventurous off-the-beaten-path experiences, you can have it all in Colombia.
From the bustling streets of Bogotá, where modernity meets history, to the stunning colonial architecture of Cartagena, with its colorful facades and Caribbean air, Colombia is a country of contrasts.
Some of my favorite places in Colombia are:
Old Town Cartagena and Getsemani
The most popular tourist destinations in Cartagena are the old town area and the Getsemani neighborhood.
Old-town Cartagena is the area within the old city walls adorned with bougainvillea and it’s stunning to walk around. There are a lot of tourists in this area and it can get very crowded.
As you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, the lively plazas are alive with the echos of laughter from the locals and the melodies of street musicians.
Just a short walk away, Getsemaní has a youthful energy, where murals adorn every corner and the air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of street food vendors.
This neighborhood was once a bohemian enclave and is now a blossoming cultural hub, brimming with art galleries, lively bars, and welcoming hostels.
La Candelaria
La Candelaria in Bogotá is an enchanting neighborhood known for its colonial architecture with intricate balconies and street art murals.
The area is home to some of Colombia’s most significant cultural landmarks, including the stunning Gold Museum and the impressive Botero Museum, showcasing the whimsical works of renowned artist Fernando Botero.
The vibrant plazas, such as Plaza de Bolívar, invite you to sit and soak in the atmosphere with a hot cup of Colombian coffee which the Catedral Primada takes you on a journey through Bogotá’s spiritual history.
9. Friendly locals
Colombians are some of the friendliest people in the world. Although English is not widely spoken (you had better brush up on your Spanish before visiting), they are still willing to try to communicate and help travelers where possible.
A great aspect about traveling solo is that you are more approachable to people. It’s nice to make a personal connection with someone, especially a local.
The people of Colombia love tourists, since the country isn’t heavily touristed in many areas, so people are very curious about travelers and want to say hello.
10. Still a hidden gem
Colombia is often overshadowed by other countries in South America, with many travelers favoring visits to Peru to see Machu Picchu or Brazil to explore the Amazon, but that is exactly why you should visit Colombia while it’s still a hidden gem.
Now is the time to experience its breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, vibrant cities, innovative spirit, music, art, and culinary delights before they become overrun.
Colombia is not just a destination; it’s an experience. If you’re an intrepid traveler who prefers to travel away from the throngs of people, this is your destination.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Colombia was one of the most amazing trips I have ever taken. Traveling to a developing country may not be for everyone, but I still look back at my pictures and pinch myself thinking how lucky I am that I went.
And how grateful I am that I didn’t decide to go somewhere else due to the concerns my friends and family expressed.
That is not to say that you don’t need to be careful when you visit Colombia. It doesn’t mean that bad things don’t sometimes happen, and there are important things to know before visiting Colombia.
But, if you are smart about where you go and how you do it, this is one of the great countries to visit in South America.
Colombia is a place you want to take the time to really get to know.
It’s important to be knowledgeable of the country’s history but to not let is stop you from falling in love with the place it is today.
I hope this guide offered some useful insights into Colombia as well as given you some important travel safety tips so you can make your Colombia vacation as stress free and memorable as possible.
What do you think? Do you think Colombia is worth visiting? Let us know in the comments.
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