Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Nestled in the heart of South America, Colombia is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures just waiting to be discovered.
From the majestic beauty of the Lost City of Teyuna to the magic of Cartagena’s colorful alleys, every corner offers a unique experience.
The imposing mountains of the Andes range attract adventurers, while the pristine beaches of the Caribbean coast promise relaxation and wonder.
But Colombia’s true wealth lies in its welcoming people, whose warmth turns every visit into an unforgettable memory.
Discovering Colombia’s Treasures: Must-See Sites
Colombia is brimming with exceptional natural and cultural treasures that make it a unique travel destination in South America.
| Must-See Site | Description | Best Time to Visit | Tips & Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tayrona National Park | Dense rainforest, paradise beaches (Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes), turquoise coves, biodiversity trails (howler monkeys, iguanas, endemic birds), archaeological remains of the Tayrona people. | December to April (dry season) | Access from Santa Marta (bus, taxi). Bring good walking shoes, swimsuit, mosquito repellent. Snorkeling, hiking, wildlife watching, overnight in hammock or eco-lodge. |
| Cartagena de Indias | UNESCO World Heritage historic center, walls, colorful cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, San Felipe fortress, colonial atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, proximity to Rosario Islands. | December to March (dry climate) | Easy access by plane. Walking tours in the old town, guided visits, boat excursions to the islands, Caribbean cuisine tasting. |
| Coffee Region (Eje cafetero) | Rolling hills, coffee plantations, picturesque villages: Salento (colorful houses, local artisans), Filandia, Cocora Valley (giant wax palms, hummingbirds). | December to March and July to September | Access from Pereira or Armenia. Coffee farm tours, hiking in Cocora Valley, horseback riding, coffee tasting, exploration of local culture. |
| Ciudad Perdida | Ancient indigenous city buried in the Sierra Nevada jungle, circular terraces, stone stairways, immersive experience comparable to Machu Picchu, accessible only by trek (4 to 6 days). | December to March (dry season) | Mandatory trek with licensed guide. Good physical condition required, porters available. Bring light clothing, rain gear, mosquito repellent, respect for indigenous culture. Unique adventure and spiritual experience. |
| Bogotá | Cosmopolitan capital, cultural diversity, historic La Candelaria center (colonial houses, street art), renowned museums (Gold Museum, Botero Museum), climb to Monserrate Hill for spectacular panorama, lively neighborhoods (Zona Rosa, Usaquén). | Year-round (bring warm clothes, altitude 2,600 m) | Direct flights from Europe and the Americas. Public transport (TransMilenio), official taxis. Must-see: local markets, nightlife, fusion cuisine. |
| Tatacoa Desert | Semi-arid landscapes, ochre and gray rock formations, canyons, unique wildlife and flora, exceptional stargazing (very clear skies), bike or walking tours. | June to September (less rain) | Access from Neiva (bus, taxi). Bring water, hat, sunscreen. Option to stay in observatories or eco-accommodations. Hiking, photography, stargazing. |
Other Notable Suggestions:
- Cocora Valley: Giant wax palms, national emblem, spectacular hikes.
- Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral: Impressive underground church, 1 hour from Bogotá.
- Caño Cristales: Five-colored river (June to November), accessible via La Macarena.
- Villa de Leyva: Preserved colonial village, fossils, artisan markets.
General Traveler Tips:
- For treks (Ciudad Perdida, Tayrona, Cocora), good physical condition and proper equipment are necessary.
- Bogotá’s altitude may require acclimatization.
- Dry seasons (December to March and July to September) are preferable for most sites.
- Always respect local guidelines, biodiversity, and indigenous cultures.
- Take health precautions: drinking water, recommended vaccination (yellow fever for certain regions).
Visual Summary of Must-See Sites
| Region/Site | Landscapes/Heritage | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Tayrona | Beaches, jungle, indigenous remains | Hiking, swimming, snorkeling |
| Cartagena | Walled city, colonial architecture | Walking tours, cultural visits, gastronomy |
| Eje cafetero/Salento | Plantations, villages, valley | Coffee, hiking, horseback |
| Ciudad Perdida | Ruins, jungle, mountains | Trekking, cultural immersion |
| Bogotá | Historic center, museums, panoramas | Museums, street art, nightlife |
| Tatacoa | Desert, canyons, starry sky | Hiking, astronomy |
Good to Know:
The best time to visit Tayrona National Park is from December to March to avoid the rainy season, while the charming villages of the coffee region, including Salento, offer picturesque hikes year-round. To explore the mysterious Ciudad Perdida, a multi-day guided trek is recommended, as is discovering Bogotá, rich in museums and colorful markets, or the unique lunar landscape of the Tatacoa Desert while avoiding the highest temperatures.
Tips and Advice for Reaching Colombia’s Wonders
To access Colombia’s must-see sites such as Tayrona National Park or the lost city of Ciudad Perdida, several transportation options are available depending on your budget, preferences, and distance to cover.
| Transportation Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Practical Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Economical, extensive network, local immersion, possibility of overnight travel | Long journeys, sometimes winding roads | Choose comfortable buses for long distances. Buy tickets directly at the terminal or online for popular routes or during peak periods (Christmas, Holy Week). |
| Plane | Fast, ideal for long distances | Higher cost, less eco-friendly | Book domestic flights in advance, especially for remote or highly touristic destinations. |
| Car Rental | Freedom, flexibility, ability to stop anywhere | Sometimes aggressive driving, high cost | Recommended for independent travelers comfortable with local driving. Check safety conditions and road status. |
| Taxi/Colectivo | Convenient for short distances or transfers | Variable rates, frequent negotiation | Use official taxis or apps for greater safety. |
Tips for Booking Tickets and Accessing Popular Sites
- Book your entry tickets for Tayrona Park or Ciudad Perdida online, several weeks in advance during high season (December to January, Holy Week) to secure your spot and avoid lines.
- Excursions to Ciudad Perdida are only in groups with licensed guides; book with recognized local agencies.
- For bus or plane trips to these sites, prioritize early booking during high season or special events.
Best Times to Visit and Avoid Crowds
- Tayrona Park: prefer February to June and September to November, less crowded with pleasant weather.
- Ciudad Perdida: avoid December to January and Holy Week, favor dry season (December to March, July to August) for optimal trekking conditions.
Accommodation Suggestions Near Major Sites
- Tayrona Park: eco-cabins, hostels, or hotels in El Zaino, Taganga, or Santa Marta.
- Ciudad Perdida: accommodation included in trek (equipped camps), possibility to stay in Santa Marta or Minca before/after return.
Essential Items to Bring for Hikes and Visits
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Light, breathable, and covering clothing (against mosquitoes)
- Sun protection (cream, hat, glasses)
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Headlamp
- Energy snacks
- Small personal first aid kit
Cultural Tips for Respectfully Interacting with Local Communities
- Greet with a smile, adopt a courteous and respectful tone
- Ask permission before photographing people or sacred places
- Prioritize buying local artisan products to support community economies
- Respect customs (meal times, clothing in indigenous villages, use of formal/informal address)
- Learn about local traditions and participate in offered cultural activities
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics (politics, armed conflicts) unless invited
Remember: Preparing your trip to Colombia requires anticipating transportation, ticket booking, and accommodation, while remaining attentive to local customs for an authentic and respectful experience.
Good to Know:
Choose buses for economical intercity travel, book your tickets in advance to avoid crowds at Tayrona and Ciudad Perdida, and don’t forget to respect local customs during your visits.
Accommodations: Where to Stay During Your Colombian Adventure
Types of Accommodations in Colombia
- Classic Hotels: Available in all major cities and tourist regions, from budget to luxury.
- Hostels (hostales): Dormitory beds, shared bathrooms, friendly atmosphere, and possibility to cook yourself.
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: Family accommodation, often with breakfast included and personalized advice.
- Eco-lodges and Rural Stays: Nature immersion, often in coffee regions or jungle, variable comfort.
- Apartment Rentals: Ideal for long stays or families, particularly in cities.
- Homestays: Authentic experience, cultural immersion, shared meals.
Regions and Popular Recommendations
| Region | Accommodation Types | Unique or Popular Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, eco-lodges | Casa San Agustin (boutique hotel), Santuario Getsemaní Hostel, eco-lodge in Rosario Islands |
| Medellín | Hotels, hostels, apartments, homestays | Medellín Vibes Hostel (modern hostel), The Charlee Hotel (chic hotel), El Poblado apartments |
| Bogotá | Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments | Viajero Bogota Hostel & Spa, Hotel de la Opera (historic hotel), apartment rental in La Candelaria |
Price Ranges by Accommodation Type
| Type | Price Range per Night (2 pers.) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel | $15 – $175 (average $43) | Social, economical, ideal for exchanges |
| 2-3 Star Hotel | $8 – $54 | Basic comfort, good urban location |
| 4 Star+ Hotel | From $205 | Pool, spa, restaurant |
| Guesthouse/B&B | $27 – $81 | Family atmosphere, breakfast |
| Eco-lodge | $54 – $325 | Nature, immersion, variable comfort |
| Apartment | Variable by season and location | Ideal for long stays or families |
Prices vary significantly by season and location. During high season, it’s advised to book several weeks in advance.
For cultural immersion, opt for small local establishments or homestays, which foster encounters and authenticity.
Good to Know:
For a stay in Colombia, choose boutique hotels in Cartagena, friendly hostels in Medellín, or peaceful eco-lodges in Bogotá, and prioritize early bookings during high season for better rates; for cultural immersion, consider a homestay offering direct access to local attractions and authentic exchanges.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
