Discover Colombia
From the green coffee hills and Caribbean dream beaches to the vibrant energy of the Andes cities.
Travel facts Colombia
BEST TIME
DEC – MAR & JUL – SEP
BUDGET
FROM $35 / DAY
Regions
Colombia can roughly be divided into 6 diverse regions.
Introduction
Colombia is a land of contrasts and contagious vitality. Caribbean colonial gems, Andean peaks, deep Amazon rainforest and rolling coffee hills come together in a culture defined by rhythm, colour and warmth. Nowhere else did I feel such an immediate welcome.
Experience Colombia
- Cartagena – Colonial Old Town
- Medellín – Transformation & Street Art
- Coffee Zone – Salento & Wax Palms
- Tayrona – Jungle meets Caribbean
- Bogotá – Monserrate & Culture
- Guatapé – Colourful Lake Region
- Pacific Coast – Bahia Solano & Nuquí
What can you explore in Colombia?
Bogotá
Arrival in the capital
Most travellers begin in Bogotá at 2,600 m. Cooler air but intense UV — sunscreen and shade are essential. A few relaxed cycling hours at 20°C still gave me light sunstroke; the network of bike lanes is one of the best in South America.
Hostels from about €5, street food from €1. Ask hostels for SIM guidance and buy locally — airport & online are pricier.
Despite its reputation I had zero issues in nine days. Usual common-sense rules apply: avoid wandering drunk & alone, keep the phone pocketed, stay aware.
Island paradise
San Andrés Island
A quick flight from Bogotá lands you in Colombia’s Caribbean outpost nearer to Nicaragua. The island circumference fits in a casual 1.5 hour scooter loop — rentals everywhere, helmets nowhere.
Famous (and crowded) day trips: Johnny Cay & Acuario — still scenic if you tolerate the masses.
Cartagena
Gateway to the Caribbean north
A colourful walled old town sets the tone. From here many push east to Santa Marta for Tayrona and Minca.
Santa Marta itself is functional more than charming, but it’s a hub for Lost City treks (which I skipped) and coastal excursions. We rented a car instead — flexibility well worth it.
Minca’s cooler hills + Tayrona’s jungle-beach fusion = perfect combo. Further east lies Palomino’s relaxed traveller vibe. Desert kitesurf hotspot Cabo de la Vela suits wind addicts.
Medellín & Guatapé
Transformation & colour
Flying south I reached Medellín. Many travellers prefer it to Bogotá; I found the single hostel district amplifies socio‑economic contrast. Still, metro + cable cars make exploration smooth.
Guatapé is a vibrant lakeside escape: zócalo-adorned houses, boat trips and the climb of La Piedra del Peñol (700+ steps) for a fractal patchwork of islets and water — worth the day or an overnight.
▾ Key sights
- Comuna 13: Symbol of change & street art boom.
- La Piedra del Peñol: Wide lake panorama reward.
- Plaza Botero: Sculptures by Fernando Botero.
- Metrocable: Aerial perspective over barrios.
Pacific Coast
Nuquí and Bahía Solano
Remote, roadless rainforest meets surf. Flights replace highways; small boats connect villages. September brought multiple humpback sightings as mothers nursed calves offshore.
Culture, dialect, climate — all feel distinct from the Andes & Caribbean. Endless raw beaches invite long low‑tide walks.
Amazon: Leticia
Border point of three countries
Flying south via Medellín & Bogotá I reached Leticia — Colombia’s Amazon gateway brushing Peru & Brazil. Scooter rentals help compare multi‑day jungle tour offers (haggling expected).
I continued by local slowboat to Iquitos: three days sleeping in a hammock, drifting village to village — a quiet river biography of daily life.
Iquitos & Peruvian Amazon
Piranha fishing & pink dolphins
Iquitos felt raw but real. A three‑day lodge stay delivered wildlife, night walks, river trips and piranha fishing — later fried for dinner. Two dolphin species surfaced: grey river dolphins and the surreal pink ones.
Mosquitoes were relentless despite dry season — long sleeves & repellant a must — yet the immersion outweighed the itch.
Mesetas: An unseen gem
Waterfalls, rafting & authentic life
A Couchsurfing tip led me to little‑visited Mesetas (6 h from Bogotá). Once a conflict zone; now calm and nature‑rich. Limited tourism means basic Spanish helps.
Two day tours (rafting + waterfall circuit) gave insight into rural rhythms. Highlight: a troop of monkeys casually passing through the village.
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