Colombia is one of the most diverse and scenic places in South America. Colombia actually offers it all, from beaches to mountains to marshes around the Amazon River. Visitors planning the ultimate trip to Colombia will want to go outside the cities and explore the country’s national parks, historic sites, and colourful culture. Allow this guide to serve as an itinerary highlighting Colombia’s major tourist sites.
Soaring Andean peaks, pristine Caribbean coastline, enigmatic Amazon jungle, pre-Columbian architecture, and multi-cultural populations. Colombia possesses everything of South America’s charm, and then more.
Colombia’s equatorial location provides it with a range of scenery that few other countries can match. A minor elevation change transports you from the sun-toasted Caribbean sands to the coffee-strewn, emerald-green hilltops of the Zona Cafetera. Continue climbing, and you will reach Bogotá, Colombia’s bustling cradle and the world’s third-highest capital city.
Add a few thousand meters and you will find snowcapped peaks, high-altitude lakes, and the eerie, one-of-a-kind vegetation of the páramo (high-mountain plains). Reserva Vuelos Baratos The Andes give way to Los Llanos, a 550,000-square-kilometer region of tropical grasslands shared with Venezuela that is commonly referred to as the Serengeti of South America.
1. Valle de Cocora
The wax palm is Colombia’s national symbol, and the Valle de Cocora is the best place to see these trees in their natural habitat. It is known to be one of the best tourist attractions in Colombia. The bizarre scene is a lush green, and as the fog lifts, the enormous height of the wax palms growing upright on the valley’s hills can be seen. The terrain is the main draw at Valle de Cocora, but there are several ways to see it all. Horseback riding, Jeep trips, and a six-hour trekking circle are all popular activities.
2. Cano Cristales
This natural feature, also known as Cao Cristales, the Liquid Rainbow, or the River of Five Colors, should be on the agenda of every traveller. Cao Cristales has been closed to tourists since 1989 owing to FARC’s presence in the surrounding areas, but a few tourist firms have recently begun offering carefully prepared tours to the area.
The river is located in the Serrana de la Macarena national park, just outside of the little hamlet of La Macarena. The river’s hue is determined by plants, rocks, sand, and algae, and it might appear black, white, green, yellow, or bright red depending on its location.
3. Los Nevados National Park
The Los Nevados National Park is located at a high height and is centred on some of the most magnificent volcanic peaks in the country. The park’s major attraction is the snow-covered Nevado Del Ruiz and Nevado del Tolima, among others.
Hiking is a popular activity, and those looking for a little adventure can camp in the park’s wilderness. There is also the chance to see indigenous species such as spectacled bears, tiger cats, Andean condors, and pumas.
4. Santuario de Las Lajas
The Santuario de Las Lajas, located just north of the border with Ecuador, is one of Colombia’s most remarkable religious sites. The Santuario de Las Lajas, built majestically on a bridge that spans the Guaitara River, appears to be right out of a fairy tale.
The Gothic-style cathedral was built in the early twentieth century thanks to a financial donation from townspeople, and it now houses a modest museum. Avianca Reservas The Santuario de Las Lajas is easily accessible from the surrounding town of Ipiales, where visitors can take guided tours of the cathedral.
5. Cartagena’s Old Town
The historic Old Town of Cartagena is arguably one of Colombia’s most renowned tourist attractions. This was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, and the Old Town is filled with ancient colonial buildings. Several ancient districts and landmarks can be found in the walled Old Town, also known as the Ciudad Amurallada. The Plaza Trinidad in the Gethsemane area, which is the oldest part of the colonial city and a hub for local cuisine, is particularly noteworthy. Take advantage of the location by ordering fried fish with Arroz de coco, or coconut rice.
6. Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park, located in Colombia’s northernmost region, borders the Caribbean Sea and provides visitors with spectacular beaches and scenery. The lagoon called La Piscina, where a natural reef turns the lagoon into a protected bathing area is one of the finest sites in Tayrona National Park. While snorkelling in La Piscina, you can see lobsters, fish, and rays among the seagrass and reef. There are also numerous sandy hiking routes that run to and from the coast, many of which offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean.