Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia is the world’s second most biodiverse country in the world and enchants visitors with natural beauty and cultural charm.
From trekking on a jungle trail to visiting the national gold museum, finding a secluded Caribbean island to sampling the diverse flavors of local coffee, every activity in Colombia offers the opportunity for exciting excursions or incredible relaxation.
There is much to enjoy with this list of Colombia’s essential things to do.
Colorful buildings of the La Candelaria neighborhood, the historic center, Bogota Colombia
Cultural heritage in Colombia spreads across the landscape from the Andes to the jungle, the desert to the coastline. Colonial towns reflect the fascinating history while ruins and statues offer a unique view of traditional Colombia through a different lens. Whether looking for pre-Colombian gold on display or cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed homes, fascinating antique statues decorated with filigree or an entire city lost to the jungle terrain, Colombia offers immersive and breathtaking access to culture.
Best Places to Visit for Cultural History: Bogota | Medellin | Cartagena | San Basilio de Palenque | Villa de Leyva | Barichara | Jardin
Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March | August | September
Coffee tasting in Colombia
Coffee is one of the world’s most famous coffee-producing countries, with a massive agricultural zone spanning five different regions. Much like wine, the coffee plants absorb the specific characteristics of the soils in each area resulting in distinctive and layered flavors that make every cup of coffee unique. Traditional towns decorate the coffee regions and represent local and national heritage while also celebrating the delicious flavors of local coffee accentuated by the marvelous landscapes.
Best Places to Visit for a Coffee Tour: Salento | Pijao | Filandia | San Vicente de Chucuri | Risaralda
Best Time to Visit: November | December | January | February | March
Colombia’s cuisine is rich in history from the dynamic textures, tastes, and possibilities of the diverse ecosystems. With a culinary scene considered up-and-coming, the reputation for delicious recipes has spread beyond the typical cities of Bogota and Cartagena, reaching even the secluded corners of the Amazon. From traditional tropical fruits to citrusy ceviche, decadent stews to crunchy empanadas, Colombia’s cuisine is a mouthwatering discovery.
Best Places to Visit for Food: Bogota | Cartagena | Popayan | Bucaramanga
Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March
Colombia balances tradition and innovation in its cuisine with more towns sharing their customary recipes connected to local, seasonal ingredients. Cities like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin represent the combination of old and new and introduce you to the point at which Colombian cuisine's future meets the foundation steeped in tradition. Discover how the cooking is deeply rooted in heritage towns across Colombia and provide an entirely new perspective from which you can enjoy Colombia’s typical flavors as you learn how to make them yourself.
Best Places to Visit for Cooking Classes: Cartagena | Bogota | Medellin | Envigado
Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | July | August
Waterfall in Fin del Mundo, Colombia
Trekking in Colombia is dramatic, epic, and unforgettable. The diverse ecosystems provide unique opportunities for exploration from the Andes to the Amazon. Along with the impressive nature that may offer glimpses of jaguars or spider monkeys, Colombia also has trails leading to lost cities or hidden beaches, glacial lakes and volcanic peaks. When hiking in Colombia, the only question you have to ask yourself is what do you want to discover?
Best Places to Visit for Hiking: Cocora Valley | The Lost City | Fin del Mundo | Tayrona Park | El Cocuy National Park
Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | July | August
San Juan del Guia beach in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Colombia’s beaches are pristine, enticing, and picturesque. Snorkeling, surfing, solitude, or relaxation are only a snapshot of the possibilities you can enjoy while visiting a Colombian beach. The waters can give way to radiant fish and passing whales, or you can just lounge on soft white sands as the warm water laps at your toes. Whether lounging alongside the clear turquoise Caribbean or the big surf of the Pacific, you can find a perfect beach for your preferred ambiance.
Best Places to Visit for Beaches: Tayrona National Park | Playa Blanca | Sapzurro | Playa de Providencia | Guachalito
Best Time to Visit: March | July | August | September | October
Tayrona National Park , Colombia
Colombia’s position near the equator has resulted in a staggering array of microclimates influenced by the diverse landscapes. As the second-most biodiverse country on the planet, the national parks provide exceptional opportunities for exploration and discovery. Stunning beaches lined with jungle and singing with active monkeys or lounging iguanas, ecological reserves erupting with bird calls, and glassy mirrors hiding pink dolphins, Colombia’s national parks offer you endless fascination.
Best Places to Visit for National Parks: Tayrona National Park | Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park | Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary | La Macarena National and Ecological Reserve Park
Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | July | August | September
Colombia is a haven for rafting whether you prefer exhilarating whitewater or floating down a glassy river searching for local wildlife. The excitement of curving waters and fluctuating currents only enhances the shape of nature. Colombia’s high volume of rivers gives you a great selection of the kinds of rapids you want to explore with expert guides on a journey deeper into the spectacular scenery for a multi-faceted adventure surrounded by unique flora and fauna.
Best Places to Visit for Rafting: Rio Negor de Tobia | Rio Fonce | Rio Suarez San Gil | Rio Magdalena | Rio Samana
Best Time to Visit: March | April | October | November
Horseback riding in Cocora Valley, Colombia
Horseback riding in Colombia is an exceptional adventure that can take you along the plains or down a secluded cove. While galloping over the hills or across the mountains, the scenery becomes the focus as you explore Colombia’s exceptional biodiversity 11qwwat your preferred pace. You can learn the history of colonial Colombia, live life in the diverse landscape, or simply enjoy the captivating ambiance on a horseback riding excursion.
Best Places to Visit for a Horseback Riding: Buritaca | Jardin | Cocora Valley | San Andres | San Agustin
Best Months: February | March | August | September
Santa Teresa square in the center of Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia exudes beauty, spirit, and charm with enchanting wilderness and captivating heritage that combine for an unforgettable discovery. Whether you want a family-friendly trek into the jungle in search of spider monkeys or lounge on a pristine Caribbean beach, Colombia combines natural splendor with rich tradition with more to see during the Best Times to VIsit. Thinking of planning a trip? You can speak to a Colombia travel specialist for free by filling out a Trip Request Form or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.