Experience Colombia

Highlights

Bogotá, Medellin and the Coffee Triangle

A rising star in the travel world, Colombia highlights some of the best of what South America has to offer. The adventure begins for most in the capital city of Bogotá, known for its impressive cultural sights like the Botero and Gold museums. Bogotá is a wonderful entry point to Colombia bustling with authentic local experiences like cooking classes, bike tours and dance lessons. Just outside the city travelers can visit the small city of Zipaquirá, known for its singular Salt Cathedral.

If Colombia infuses you with excitement and energy, it might be the coffee speaking. Colombia’s Coffee Triangle is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and its richest soil, perfectly lending itself to the production of aromatic coffee considered by many to best the best in the world. Beyond its agricultural accomplishments, the region is ideal for active adventure, particularly in the Corcora Valley where a sprawling national park, dotted with slender wax palm trees, offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Local haciendas have been converted into charming lodges and serve as a wonderful base for additional activities like hot air balloon rides over the rolling hills of coffee plantations. The Coffee Triangle is arguably the best of Colombia and not to be missed.

To the north lies Medellin, known as the city of eternal spring. Once best known for its cartels, the city has witnessed a renaissance over recent decades and transformed into one of the country’s most vibrant destinations with an impressive art scene. As the epithet suggests, Medellin’s ever-moderate weather lends itself to outdoor activities with excellent hiking just outside the city. One of the region’s biggest draws is Guatape, a nearby agricultural town with man-made lakes surrounding a giant granite rock ripe for exploration.

Cartagena, Beaches and Islands

Coastal Colombia is best known for Cartagena, a seaside town fusing colorful colonial architecture with modern amenities. Senses are awoken in this vibrant city, from drum lessons with local percussionists to salsa classes to chocolate tastings. Escape the city with a full day sailing aboard a private catamaran exploring the crystalline waters or spend a week disconnecting on idyllic islands like Barú or Providencia.

Coasts, Hikes and Wildlife

Heading northeast along the coast will lead you to Santa Marta, home to Tayrona National Park and El Dorado Natural Reserve. Tayrona’s unique blend of beach and rainforest provides unique opportunities for hiking as well as wildlife. Trekking in neighboring El Dorado is unforgettable not only for the ruins of the iconic “Lost City” but also for its prolific bird population, one of the most diverse on the continent.

Wildlife takes center stage in the Los Llanos region, east of Bogotá. Here travelers can channel African safari at Corocora Camp, a luxury tented experience in wetland savannas where game includes puma, ocelot, anteater, white-tailed deer, capybaras, anacondas, howler monkeys and pink river dolphins.

Travel Guide

Like Peru and Ecuador, and thanks to its relatively small size, travelers to Colombia can nearly see it all with a two-week trip. Nevertheless, because of its proximity to Ecuador, a longer itinerary combining the Galapagos and Cloud Forest with the Coffee Triangle or Colombian islands may work well. Virtually all South and Central American airlines offer service into major Colombian cities.

All US carriers offer nonstop service into Colombia either via Bogotá or Cartagena, or even other smaller cities like Medellin and Armenia. Another advantage to Colombia is its proximity to the United States, just three hours on a direct flight from Miami and under six from New York.