Where to go in Colombia

A vibrant city where deep-reaching history mingles with a buzzing, modern energy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its Old Town is a maze of cobbled alleys, turmeric-bright houses with bougainvillea-filled balconies and grand churches. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel with ocean views or a quaint guesthouse right in the centre of things, Cartagena caters to all tastes. Besides exploring the city's rich heritage, there are art galleries to peruse and plenty of time to tuck into local favourites like mojarra and coconut rice, and a slice of tres leches for dessert.

Nestled in the narrow Aburrá Valley, where forested mountains rise in every direction, the jam-packed collection of skyscrapers that form Colombia's second-largest city feels quite out of place. Yet, Medellín's delightful climate has earned it the nickname, the City of Eternal Spring, and you'll enjoy strolling through plazas and gardens bathed in sunshine. Once notorious as the stomping ground of Pablo Escobar, Medellín has transformed into a thriving city, most evident in places like Comuna 13, where street art tells a story of resilience. Admire the sculptures of Fernando Botero in the Plaza Botero or eye-catching works in the Modern Art Museum, and for the very best views, ride the cable car to the mountaintop Arví Park.

The Zona Cafetera, also known as the Coffee Triangle, is a verdant region nestled between the western and central Andes. Covering the hills and valleys, there are sprawling coffee plantations and quaint fincas (farms) galore, many of which are more than happy to welcome visitors, and showcase the process of getting from the bush to the bean. Zona Cafetera's temperate climate, which makes for such prosperous coffee growing (Colombia is one of the world's largest producers), also results in a beautiful setting to escape into for a while. Explore scenic hiking trails amidst towering wax palms, your eyes peeled for animated birdlife and primates, splash in the waterfalls of Jardín, or soar overhead in a hot air balloon.

Entirely, completely and unapologetically Colombian, the Caribbean Coast stretches for 1,100 rhythmic and flavourful miles from Panama to Venezuela. Monkey-filled mountains and jungles compete for your attention with kaleidoscopic reefs and sandy coves, and that’s even before you’ve reached Cartagena with its restaurants, art galleries and rainbow-hued buildings that are as colourful as the chilli-hot vibes. The coast is defined by the colour and music of the Afro-Caribbean culture and Barranquilla is a hotspot for music and dance, whilst the Lost City of Sierra Nevada is all about ancient archaeological wonders and insights into the country’s pre-colonial history. In Palomino, sink into the low-key, fishing-village atmosphere, then head to the Rosario Islands, blissful, reef-ringed atolls, to snorkel in the clearest waters. And then there’s Tayrona National Park, one of the most popular destinations in Colombia for both locals and visitors – and with very good reason. Known for its stunning ecosystems, the beaches are beautiful, the wildlife is fascinating and the hiking is adventurous.

This remote region boasts incredible biodiversity, with humpback whales migrating through its waters and an abundance of marine and bird life. Afro-Colombian communities here add rich cultural traditions to the mix, including vibrant music and dance. Whether you’re exploring the mangroves, diving in the crystal-clear waters, or hiking through the rainforests, the Pacific Coast offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

A realm of unparalleled biodiversity, Colombia's portion of the Amazon promises an immersive experience into one of Earth's last untouched wild frontiers. It's a mosaic of intricate waterways and dense rainforests where few ever venture in their lifetime. While it may feel like it, you'll never be alone, which you'll discover as the calls of toucans and howler monkeys echo in the silence, and upside-down sloths come into focus. And that's just during the day! Amongst this boundless blanket of green, indigenous communities live like they have for centuries, sustained by the Amazon River that winds like a great, shimmering snake.

Imagine snowy peaks towering over golden beaches, cloud forests hiding ancient secrets, and rivers carving their way through lush jungles. Welcome to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain range. This region is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to unique ecosystems and a haven for endemic species. Rich in culture, it is the land of the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples who guard their traditions and spirituality. Explore the enigmatic Lost City, raft down clear rivers, or simply relax on pristine beaches framed by towering mountains.

Colombia is bursting with towns and villages that compete in the “most picturesque” stakes, and we’d put Barichara very close to the top spot. Declared a national monument in 1978, it’s all whitewashed houses and red roofs, pretty cobbles and extravagant churches, earning it big ticks in the beauty stakes. But it’s the dramatic setting, perched on a plateau overlooking the Suárez River Canyon with rolling views of the Andean landscape and Chicamocha National Park, that really sets the town apart. Make the most of the location and plan a hiking itinerary; options vary in difficulty and length from the historic Camino Real to the quaint town of Guane (around four hours) to adventurous, full-day stomps into the Chicamocha Canyon. Add a spot of rafting or mountain biking if you wish, or head back to Barichara to explore the coffee museums and shop for traditional fique bags

Just an hour across the sea from the bustling city of Cartagena, the Rosario Islands are a sanctuary of blinding, sugary beaches, azure waters and vibrant coral reefs. Rosario is actually a collection of 27 islands, each offering a unique blend of natural, unsullied beauty and rustic charm. They range from tiny, uninhabited atolls to larger islands dotted with beach resorts. Expect your days to involve snorkelling in the coral-rich waters, lounging on sun-drenched beaches, or exploring the island's unique ecosystems. Top off your experience with a freshly caught and grilled lobster from one of the beachside shacks.

A tapestry of tropical rainforest, flaxen beaches and pristine coral reefs, Tayrona National Park, occupies a beautiful stretch of Colombia's Caribbean coast. This natural paradise encompasses a diversity of landscapes, from sun-dappled mangroves to cloud forests and coral reefs. The park also houses the remnants of the Tayrona civilisation, like the crumbling ruins of Pueblito, offering a fascinating glimpse into Colombia's heritage. Whether you prefer to do your exploring amongst ancient structures or underwater coral formations, Tayrona is a yard stick for scenic escapes. And just to top it off, visit a local fishing village, where you can enjoy fresher than fresh seafood.

Colombia’s unspoilt interior is beautiful. Criss-crossed by rivers that carve valleys through the Andean mountains and studded with fertile farmland and verdant greenery, the area is renowned for its produce and traditional crafts. It’s also home to a string of colonial settlements that are both an architectural feast for the eyes and a taste of the tranquil Colombian lifestyle. Enter Villa de Leyva, a historic, white-washed town founded in 1572 by Hernán Suárez de Villalobos and perfectly-preserved in its own time capsule. Visit the spectacular (and largest) plaza in South America – the perfect setting for a spot of people-watching and perhaps an impromptu llama parade if you’re lucky – the pretty terracotta house, the largest piece of pottery in the world, and the Fossil Museum to gawk at a real-deal kronosaurus. The town is also an excellent base from which to visit the Iguaque National Sanctuary, a mystical, mist-shrouded landscape revered by the Muisca Indians.

Nestled below the Andes in the southern reaches of Colombia, San Agustín is a town shrouded in mystery. Renowned for its sprawling archaeological park, San Agustín is home to a collection of volcanic stone statues and tombs that date back to a pre-Colombian civilisation whose origin - and reason for demise - remains unknown. Surrounded by hills and flowing rivers, San Agustín's allure is as much about natural beauty as it is about ancient wonders, and there's plenty of both!

Forget the Wild West; in Colombia it’s all about the Wild East of Los Llanos, a vast expanse of savannahs and wetlands wedged between the Andes and the lowlands of tropical Amazonia. The area is so off the beaten track that it’s only recently opened up to visitors and those that make the journey will be treated to a glimpse into a strikingly traditional way of life and some of the country’s most iconic fauna. First up, the lifestyle. This is cowboy country and the llaneros (traditional herdsmen) are devoted to cattle rearing. Join them on a horseback safari and then settle in for a night of joropo music and a hearty barbecue. Then it’s time to discover the striking biodiversity. The seasonal wetlands are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, anacondas, howler monkeys, and some of the world’s largest jaguars, and there are 4x4 safaris, walking expeditions, boat trips and horse-riding trips to try and spot them all.

Of all the colourful pueblos (villages) in the Colombian coffee region, Salento is one of the most beautiful. Vibrant houses line the streets, Jeep Willys career around the corners, market stalls display intricate baskets and pretty jewellery, and the aroma of freshly-brewed beans permeates just about everything. Most visitors use Salento as a base for exploring the nearby coffee farms – and to try their hand at traditional game of tejo – but the village is also close to the Cocora Valley, one of the most stunning national parks in the country. Covered in Quindio wax palm trees that soar hundreds of feet into the air, the hills and forests are home to beautiful hummingbirds and orchids and it’s a great place to explore on foot.

Forming a triangle around the leafy lushness of the Zona Cafetera, the towns of Manizales, Pereira and Armenia all provide excellent jumping-off points for a deep dive into the world of coffee. Armenia is the capital of the fertile Quindío region, the coffee axis of the entire country and an area that is so serious about its beans it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The landscape is a handsome mix of terraced coffee fincas dotted with giant banana trees, bamboo jungles, and, in more recent years, a crop of countryside hotels offering thermal pools and exquisite restaurants for a truly idyllic stay. Once you’ve got to grips with the ins and outs of the coffee-making process, head out and enjoy the scenery on a horseback ride, hot air balloon trip, or even by paraglider.

Step back in time and straight into Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage site that isn’t just a destination but a detour into the Colombia of old. A mish-mash of cobblestone streets that hint of pirate treasures and a thriving past, simply wandering is the best bit of a trip here. The architecture is a highlight and you’ll pass centuries-old churches, palatial homes built by wealthy tobacco merchants, and plenty of sun-dappled plazas to stop for a taste of traditional butifarra sausages and a chat with the locals. Outside the town, enlist a guide for a tour of the natural world and float by dugout canoe down the river, looking out for flora and fauna and soaking up the unhurried pace of Mompox.