Colombia: 10 Places you Don’t Want to Miss
Before my trip, I have heard many stereotypes about Colombia.
Cocaine. Dangerous country. Drug dealers. Violence.
Moreover, my family and friends couldn’t imagine me, backpacking solo across Colombia. But, I couldn’t resist. Having no expectation, I bought a one way ticket to Colombia. And you know what? Colombia just blew my mind!
Over the last decade, the country put so much effort to improve the image. From the most dangerous place, Colombia turned into a bright spot on the map. Today, Colombia has become one of the best destinations of South America. Why? Because it has everything that anyone could imagine! Yes, I mean everything!
White sand, Caribbean beaches to dive and soak up the sun, snowy peaks of the Andes mountain range for hiking and trekking, exotic Pacific coast to explore the Afro-Colombian culture, freshwater rivers for rafting, coffee plantation to taste the best coffee, astonishing wildlife to discover, mountainous valleys to cycle, vibrant and colorful cities to learn about the culture and one of the most welcoming and kind people on the planet to talk, eat and dance with!
It has it all. It blends together. And, it’s perfect.
And of course, you need to be careful. There are some rules that you need to follow like not going out alone at night and be a responsible traveler. And, if you still have some doubts, here is a list of 10 best places in Colombia that I truly recommend to visit!
1. Barichara
Called the prettiest town in Colombia, Barichara is one of my favorite places in Colombia. The well-preserved village really touched me for its unique architecture, workshops and local shops lined the cobblestone narrow streets.
If you are looking for location slightly off the beaten track, it’s a place to be. Living there for few days gave me the feeling that I became the part of the family.
2. Tayrona National Park
What a wonderful land! Imagine a mix of white sand Caribbean beaches, lush tropical rainforest and some of the most incredible wildlife! Welcome to the Tayrona National Park in Colombia! It was love at the first sign and I felt that adventure in the air! Most of the time, I spent hiking in the jungle, swimming in the sea, and sleeping in the hammock next to the beach. It is definitely one of the most popular places in Colombia!
READ MORE: 8 Best Places on the Caribbean Coast, Colombia
3.Palomino
Welcome to Palomino! This hippie little town is still little-known destination located on the Caribbean coast. This is a place in Colombia to stay away from the hustle and bustle of big city and reconnect with Nature! Front beach yoga classes, white sand beaches, where artisans selling handmade products, plenty of cool hostels and organic cafes surrounded by stunning landscape of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Heaven!
4. Cartagena de Indias
After relaxing time in Palomino, it was a time to feel the city life. Cartagena was a great option! It is a well-known colonial port city, found in 16th century.
Cartagena attracts many lovers of art, literature and architecture. The picturesque Old Town its filled with well-preserved Spanish Colonial architecture buildings, set along the cobblestone streets. You can feel the special atmosphere here, walking through the charming streets.
I want to mention that my favorite neighborhood is Getsemani, full of excellent live-music scene, impressive street-art and great food.
5. Medellin
Medellin is set in the narrow Aburrá Valley surrounded by the Colombian Andes. Once called the most dangerous city in the World, today named the world’s most innovative city. Medellin has become a popular destination after the incredible transformation. I really love the incredible view from the metro-cable across the Aburra Valley. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Medellin.
The most exciting trip in Medellin was the indigenous Comuna 13, a barrio, where Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord, controlled the international drug trade. Many young people that live here choose hip-hop culture, like rap and graffiti to show opposition toward criminal groups. Graffiti and music are simply showing the authentic history of Comuna 13 and the huge impact on their lives.
6. Corora Valley
From Medellin, through beautiful Pereira, I reached Corora Valley set along the Colombian Andes!
Corora Valley is famous for being one of the few places in the World where you can see the world’s tallest wax palms. The spectacular palms can reach as height as 60m. Moreover, Corora Valley is a place where you can truly feel the richness of Nature. The lush green hills, among low-lying fog and palms reaching high into the sky. You are in mysterious fairy tale 🙂
7. Cali
Called “Capital de la Salsa”, Cali has no equal in the World. Th city is known as a heaven for salsa dancers, artistic souls and musicians. It is filled with colorful houses which line up the hills, impressive graffiti, street art and charming narrow alleys where you want to get lost. The vibrant city seems to never sleep, exhaling all the positive vibrations all day and night long. Music and salsa are essential elements which bring the city together.
My favorite neighborhood is the San Antonio, where you can explore all the local workshops, antique shops and try amazing tradition food.
8. Rincon Del Mar
For me, it was probably one of the most off the beaten track places in Colombia. Rincon del Mar is a small, fishing village located on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia. Known hardly by Colombians and definitely not by many tourists. The spot is perfect for curious travelers, who are seeking for authentic village well off the beaten track. From wonderful world of bioluminescence to spearfishing and free diving with locals, Rincon del Mar can suprise!
9. Capurganá
Capurgana is a charming village reachable only by boat or small plane from Medellin. It means that you will not find here any cars or traffic lights. The beautiful land covered by jungle, mountains and blazing white beaches is a perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Capurgana is also one of the best places in Colombia for snorkeling and diving. I decided to take advantage of this opportunity and I became a certified open water diver.
10. Minca
April 16, 2018 @ 10:01 pm
Looks like a damn blast!! I never had Minca or Capurganá on my bucket lists for Columbia, so this was a post with great travel insight. Thanks!
Jess || https://www.learningfromstrangers.com
December 22, 2018 @ 8:01 am
Jess, so happy that I could help a little bit 😉 Minca and Capurgana should definitely be added to your bucket lists! Some of the best places in Colombia!
September 7, 2018 @ 4:38 pm
hey! where do you get the boat to Capurganá from?
thank you for all the tips, just entered Colombia and I am itching to get exploring 🙂
December 22, 2018 @ 7:57 am
I took a boat from Necocli. Did you reach the place? Colombia is awesome!
March 20, 2019 @ 1:06 am
This has been the most helpful post yet for figuring out which stops I wanna make in Colombia! Thank you💕