Thinking of visiting Colombia? Here’s 7 Reasons you’ll love It

Beautiful colonial towns, Caribbean beaches, free-spirited locals… There’s a lot going for Colombia, hence why it has become more popular over recent years.

Most travellers I have spoken to, who plan to visit South America, add it somewhere near the top of their bucket list. It’s a country where you can combine epic landscapes with cultural experiences and not break the bank.

In this guide, I’ll list some of the best reasons to visit Colombia (in my opinion), as well as cover any other important information you’ll need to know.

Is Colombia worth visiting?

Quick answer: Yes! This South American country has literally everything you’d ever want from a backpacking trip or adventure while exploring the Americas.

The beaches are some of the best on the continent, and you’ll also get to see lots of exotic animals in the Amazon Jungle and at sites like the Lost City and Tayrona National Park.

Speaking of scenery, you can also head into colonial towns within the mountainous Andes as well as explore the remote dunes of the Guajira Desert.

Colombia is also a great place to kick back and enjoy the local culture. The people here are very friendly and outgoing, and meeting locals will make your experience 100% better.

Don’t forget to try the local cuisine too, with dishes like Ajiaco, Bandeja Paisa and Arepas amongst the must-tries.

7 Reasons to visit Colombia

1. Explore the rainforest of Tayrona National Park

Even though it’s become one of the most popular sites in the country, Tayrona can still often feel like a remote slice of jungle paradise (given daily entries are limited).

Located just an hour east of Santa Marta, here there are many secluded tropical beaches to enjoy the Caribbean rays and blue waters. Of course Cabo San Juan remains very popular; however, it’s still worth going to enjoy those iconic views.

I highly recommend staying overnight or for a few days here, as most tourists come for just a day, meaning they will all start leaving in the mid-afternoon.

2. Hike around the Coffee Triangle

Situated right in the heart of the country, the Coffee Triangle in Colombia is another famous region that is known for its beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and, of course, rich coffee farms (which rank as some of the very best on the planet).

Salento is a great place to base yourself as you explore the region, where you can head to many fincas and get a local tour.

From here it’s also easy to visit the Bosque de Palmas, a remote area with beautiful hiking trails and massive palm trees measuring as tall as 60 metres.

The closest cities with airports here are Pereira and Armenia, both of which are also within the Coffee Triangle.

3. Enjoy the city highlights of Medellín

By far one of the must-visit city destinations to include on your itinerary around Colombia, Medellín has a truly unique local culture.

Here you can head to various museums to learn about its sobering past and then on a gondola tour to Comuna 13 to see how communities are growing and leaving the past behind.

While eating a Bandeja Paisa is a must here, you’ll also want to check out other local attractions such as the Plaza Botero and Parque Arví as well as the Pueblito Paisa.

Don’t forget to head to the nearby national gem of Guatapé from Medellín as well, where you can also climb the Piedra de Peñol monolith.

4. Go salsa dancing in Cali

Colombian culture is loud and proud and continues to maintain its traditions like never before (similar to that of both Venezuela and the Dominican Republic).

Rooted into the nation is its love for all things dance, with salsa especially being one of the more popular amongst both locals and tourists who visit here.

There are awesome salsa scenes to be found all over the country, but nothing can beat Cali, which is often regarded as being the salsa capital of the world.

Be sure to head to the Topa Tolondra while here, where you can see the pros get to work (and where you can also join in too!).

5. Head off the beaten path into the Guajira Desert

If you’re looking for a true unexplored wilderness when in Colombia, then the Guajira Desert will make you feel like you’re living in another world when compared with many of the very touristy sites.

Just a few hours east of Santa Marta, this desert can be reached by using a bus and local transport, with the town of Cabo de la Vela remaining one of the most popular for a remote beachside stay.

From here you can also head on a tour into the heart of the Guajira, where you can meet the indigenous Wayuú Tribe, walk over the orange dunes, and also visit Punta Gallinas – the northernmost point in all of South America.

6. Soak up the sun on San Andrés Island

Within mainland Colombia, you can find many beautiful beaches, especially along the Caribbean coast near Cartagena and Santa Marta.

However, if you’re looking for the ultimate Caribbean paradise, then you’ll want to head to San Andrés Island.

Located some 750 km north of the mainland, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re an island of their own (especially how close they are to Nicaragua in Central America) – however, they remain Colombian and can be visited with an easy flight from cities such as Medellín, Bogotá and Cali.

Be sure to visit Johnny Cay Island while here, and also enjoy the more Caribbean-style cuisine and atmosphere.

7. Venture around Bogotá and the Colombian Andes

The capital is usually the first place visitors arrive, and it’s worth making the most of your time here. Bogotá is located within the Colombian Andes, meaning there are some pretty impressive mountainous landscapes around the region.

You’ll first want to take the gondola up Monserrate Mountain for some breathtaking city views, where you can also eat a tasty ajiaco up top in the local restaurants.

From Bogotá, there are many worthwhile day trips to head on, such as to Lake Guatavita as well as to the colonial jewel that is Villa de Leyva.