8 gorgeous Colombian journey spots for 2025

If you happen to’ve any preconceived notions about what Colombia is or isn’t, visiting this astonishing nation will throw you for a loop. As soon as related to the drug commerce and violent cartels, Colombia and its previous Hollywood pictures are giving strategy to a rustic that’s very best for studying salsa, exploring colonial cities, and swimming with dolphins.

Although some vacationers are hesitant about visiting Colombia, locals will all the time remark, “The only risk is wanting to stay.” They acknowledge the nation’s turbulent previous however spotlight its new child attractiveness. This sentiment factors to how the present Colombian journey expertise is a minimum of charming.

This nation of quaint cities, historic intrigue, and elegant nationwide parks is simply ready to be found. Boasting among the lesser-known Latin American sights, little-visited architectural treats, sweeping landscapes, scorching salsa, and one of the best boutique accommodations in South America, Colombia packs an actual punch to your all-important adventure-filled getaway.

Under, we have a look at locations that tour operators have discovered to be probably the most rewarding journey locations in Colombia – one of many world’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Whether or not you’re into journey sports activities, flamboyant fiestas, architectural wonders, or unique wildlife encounters – a brand new, magnetic Colombia is looking.  

1. Cartagena: Colombia’s flagship metropolis

It’s a no brainer why guests to Colombia select Cartagena as their high vacation spot. They’re drawn by the town’s historic Outdated City district, an irresistible maze of cobblestone streets brimming with stately colonial church buildings, convents, and mansions courting again to the Seventeenth century. Including to the alluring combine, different colonial-era constructions have been painstakingly reworked into all method of refined accommodations, stylish eating places, and scorching nightclubs – changing the district right into a magnet for worldwide vacationers.

One other inviting characteristic of Outdated City is its six miles of a centuries-old stone wall encircling the historic quarter; the wall was constructed to guard the district from pirate assaults and overseas invaders. Luckily, a lot of this metropolis inside a metropolis stays splendidly preserved.

As additional safety, standing on a hill above the Outdated Metropolis is the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress – the best citadel ever constructed by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. In its day, the fort was impregnable, resisting all makes an attempt to storm it. At the moment, this huge fortification is a part of the Cartagena UNESCO World Heritage Website, whose ramparts, tunnels, and parapets are explored by historical past buffs and vacationers alike.

After a full day of deep diving into Outdated City’s historic edifications, streets, eating places, and retailers, guests can head to one among its well-known salsa golf equipment to witness and take part on one of many nation’s most necessary cultural expressions – and have a ton of enjoyable within the course of. Spend the evening at a famed Outdated City salsa nightclub like Casa Havana or Donde Fidel, the place effort, moderately than approach, is all that issues! 

Elegant Cartagenian lodging

Colombia’s crown jewel on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging mix timeless colonial character with luxurious fashionable consolation.

Positioned inside the walled metropolis are quite a few smaller, high-end boutique accommodations equivalent to Casa Pestagua, Casa San Agustin, and Resort Boutique Anandá, in addition to the bigger Sofitel Santa Clara. Our favourite is Casa San Agustin. You too are certain to search out it a shocking instance of a top-tier lodge serving up the proper steadiness of rest and cultural immersion inside Outdated City.

San Agustin consists of three homes “re-designed as an ode to our past and with an eye for the future,” evoking Colombian heritage in each element but coupled with fashionable luxurious for probably the most demanding traveler. Wood-beamed ceilings and wall frescos infuse one’s stick with the appeal of San Agustin’s Seventeenth-century beginnings because the breeze off the Caribbean Sea wanders over the white-washed partitions.

Nonetheless, different opulent Cartegena accommodations are located outdoors the town’s historic heart alongside its scenic shoreline. Resorts just like the InterContinental Cartagena and Karibana Seaside and Golf Resort artfully merge streamlined, up to date structure with coastal-inspired decor for a luxuriant seaside resort expertise with quick access to Cartagena’s historic Outdated City.

For vacationers in search of each authenticity and indulgence, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging provide not simply lavish locations to remain, however gateways to the town’s wealthy tradition and scenic magnificence. 

2. Bogota: The place modernity meets custom

A thriving, fashionable South American metropolis of 8 million, the Colombian capital of Bogota provides nightlife, tradition, and music in spades.

Because the beating coronary heart of Bogota is the La Candelaria district, no go to to the capital could be full with out spending a while on this vibrant quarter of brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored Artwork Deco buildings. On this historic district, even probably the most non-descript corners are adorned with among the world’s coolest avenue artwork, which is sure to alter your maybe jaded notion of graffiti.

However greater than avenue murals, a wealth of top-tier artwork galleries and museums await discovery in La Candelaria. First amongst these is the Botero Museum, the place you’ll marvel on the fantastical work of the nation’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Close by, you’ll strike it wealthy when discovering a museum of gold and, simply past, a priceless assortment of charming pre-Colombian artifacts.

Different corners of the town’s cultural scene are additionally exploding, together with stately theatrical productions, cutting-edge movie festivals, and booming live performance arenas the place musicians following within the footsteps of one-time residents Shakira, Juanes, and Fonseca combine pop, rock, and conventional cumbia into a brand new Colombian musical kind.
From the colourful cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to the thumping techno-nightlife of Parque de la 93, Bogota provides sights, sounds, and pleasures for all tastes, ages, and pursuits. 

Refined lodging in Bogota

The colourful capital of Colombia, Bogotá gives discerning vacationers with an excellent alternative of upscale lodging, offering each elegant consolation and sensible sophistication, in addition to wonderful service.

Nestled amidst the town’s bustling city atmosphere, these fashionable stays fantastically meld into the busy city atmosphere whereas additionally deeply connecting to native tradition. A spotlight of those accommodations is they supply respite from the big-city hustle and bustle, whether or not located towards Bogota’s inexperienced foothills, like Casa Medina, or positioned within the pulsating Zona Rosa leisure district, equivalent to Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia.

For a high-end keep within the metropolis’s historic Candelaria district, Resort de La Opera is an genuine jewel and our favourite. Because of its location within the metropolis’s colonial coronary heart, La Opera permits visitors to discover the beginnings of Colombia, in addition to Bogota’s wealthy heritage. Set in a restored colonial constructing that oozes historical past, the lodge’s rooms characteristic basic decor with all the trendy comforts. On the lodge’s two onsite eating places, guests savor true Colombian and Mediterranean eating. Supreme for city explorers, Resort de la Opera guarantees an distinctive keep in Bogotá’s most charming district.

Why keep anyplace else apart from this or different high-end lodging within the Colombian capital; ones that completely pair refreshing city journey and indulgent rest. 

3. Cali: “The world capital of salsa”

Southwest Colombia’s main metropolis has seen a colourful inflow of individuals all through its historical past, from the indigenous peoples to the arrival of the Spanish throughout colonial rule and the African slaves that got here to work the sugarcane plantations within the 18th century. The native caleños couldn’t be prouder of their blended heritage, which brings cultural aptitude and elegance to each nook of the town, qualities which can be the dwelling embodiment of Cali’s well-known power.

By day, Cali provides a great deal of these worthwhile experiences, together with these within the San Antonio barrio, or Outdated Cali, now the modern place for budding bohemians. Colonial homes have been reworked into fashionable cafés, hipster bars have sprung up, and fashionable eating places at the moment are the norm. On the cobbled streets, musicians strum salsa favorites and artists promote their wares. Saunter as much as the 18th-century church the place {couples} sit and benefit from the metropolis views. For the larger image, climb even additional up the hill to the big statue of Christ the Redeemer for panoramic views over the sprawling metropolis beneath.

Nevertheless it’s at evening when Cali actually takes off. That is once you’ll quickly get the texture of this sultry metropolis by exploring its up-and-coming eating places, stylish bars, cafés, and sassy salsa venues throughout city. The dynamic neighborhood of Granada, an space flush with one of the best eating places on the town, is a superb location to begin in for drinks and dinner earlier than winding up on La Sexta (sixth Avenue) and hitting the golf equipment.

Salsa often is the key draw for guests, however you don’t must be a dance flooring diva to fall in love with this dynamic metropolis of enjoyable and aptitude. 

Upbeat Cali accommodations

As an increasing number of well-heeled vacationers are flocking to the “salsa capital of the world,” to accommodate these globetrotting visitors, Cali is seeing a rising variety of luxurious accommodations – ones combining historic appeal with fashionable class and personalised service.

Towards the backdrop of scenic mountainsides, these high-end properties of recent sophistication and refined style mix with the energetic cultural character of the town.

Posh lodging like The Spiwak and Casa San Agustín are strategically positioned away from the enterprise heart, although near main sights equivalent to the town’s hip retrofitted historic districts, a stylish restaurant row, and animated nightlife the place salsa tradition takes heart stage.

Although the town itself is thought for being pumped with power, inside these lodge settings a peaceable ambiance reigns. Friends can loosen up and reinvigorate at these upscale lodging, availing themselves of serene courtyards, world-class spas, and infinity swimming pools to die for.

Finishing an expertise in pure indulgence, lavish rooms and suites of those retreats come full with all of the bells and whistles, from fashionable decor to luxurious linens. In-house eating excellence is one other characteristic price spotlighting, as gourmand cooks present a brand new culinary expertise, mixing native flavors with worldwide delicacies.

Among the most snug and complicated lodging in Cali, these luxurious choices are ideally set for rest and concrete journey, encapsulating the fervour and vigor of this vibrant Colombian metropolis. 

4. The Espresso Triangle: Gorgeous countryside and a fascinating conventional lifestyle

It’s well-known that Colombia virtually runs on espresso, which is why its producing among the greatest espresso on the planet is a supply of nice pleasure and delight. Owing to fertile mountain hillsides that ship excellent soil and barely cooler temperatures, the last word circumstances for bean cultivation have blessed Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Espresso Triangle), an space spanning three of the nation’s departments rising Colombia’s magic arabica beans.

Within the triangle, enquiring vacationers are invited to take a deep dive into espresso tradition by fascinating day excursions and homey in a single day stays provided by family-run fincas (farms).

However, there’s much more to the area than a set of intriguing espresso plantations. An necessary nook of Colombia’s well-known Espresso Triangle is Cocora Valley. Actually, that is what virtually each customer actually comes right here to see.

This peaceable valley is a conservation space for the famed Quindío wax palm tree. Strewn like large matchsticks throughout the panorama, these impossibly tall palm bushes (the tallest on the planet) can develop as much as 200 toes excessive. The Cocora Valley due to this fact invitations you to find these wonderful bushes through its many footpaths or discover the wonderful valley on horseback. 

Surrounded by breathtaking Andean surroundings and fertile countryside, the close by city of Salento actually matches in with the colourful but peaceable panorama. Stroll down the primary avenue previous an excellent palette of vibrant pink doorways, yellow balconies, blue banisters, purple window frames and pink eaves. Inside these lovely colonial homes, artisans are busy at work making all method of knickknacks utilizing conventional strategies. Leisurely walks concerning the city may be mixed with close by espresso farm excursions and tastings in addition to explorations of the countryside on foot or horseback.  

Prime-tier lodging within the Espresso Triangle

Whereas Colombia’s espresso triangle is thought for its rolling mountain landscapes and fragrant espresso plantations, the realm additionally provides a wide range of upscale lodging offering a compelling mix of luxurious and nature.

Extremely-extravagant hotel-haciendas within the area embody the Buenavista Hacienda and Hacienda Bambusa. Nearer to the picturesque city of Salento is one other excellent lodge: the Kawa Mountain Retreat. It’s located in a privileged space the place mountains, palm forests, espresso fincas, and the river of this enchanting space meet. The mountain retreat provides visitors full immersion in nature, with the additional advantage of reaching the scenic city of colourful colonial homes in lower than a 5-minute stroll.

An instance of environmental sustainability, the lodge was designed and developed with natural architectural processes in thoughts; discovering inspiration from its distinctive and numerous flora, framed inside the espresso triangle area. The retreat has all of the services of a pastoral, but elegant architectural house providing its visitors an intimate reference to the pure atmosphere, coupled with luxurious service. 

5. Fashionable Medellín: Past the stereotypes

Although Medellin was as soon as often known as the world’s most harmful metropolis, this former narco epicenter of the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar has been reworked into a contemporary metropolis that punches effectively above its weight.

At the moment, it’s simple to see why Medellin has earned the title of “The Most Livable City in South America;” it’s simple to get round in, blessed with among the greatest climate on the planet, über pleasant, and arguably much more enjoyable than the capital metropolis.

The town’s very best local weather signifies that there’s no excuse for staying pent up inside. By day, guests can get out and discover the El Centro district, the true heartbeat of present-day Medellín. There, you’ll uncover the whole Plaza Botero full of larger-than-life bronze sculptures of native icon Fernando Botero. To achieve a fair deeper understanding of the town’s previous, lose your self in an eye-opening graffiti tour by the once-dreaded/now-applauded Comuna 13 barrio.

It’s assured that after profiting from Medellin’s excellent local weather, infinite actions, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll end up wanting to stay round for weeks on finish. 

Uncover Medellin’s best upscale lodging

Medellín’s exceptional transformation in recent times is mirrored in an explosion in upscale lodging characterised by their mix of luxurious, consolation, and native aptitude.

Main Medellín accommodations in themselves are sufficient to write down house about. Trendy frontrunners like The Charlee Resort, Resort Marquee, Casa Mosaiko Primer Parque Laureles are positioned in prime areas, such because the unique El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, the place they will proudly boast of chic interiors, up to date facilities, and attentive employees.

Our choose of the litter is Resort Charlee, now a Poblado mainstay. The second you pull as much as Charlee, you received’t fail to be impressed by its up to date design. Coming into your lavish room, will probably be troublesome to inform in case you’re extra impressed by the swank furnishings or the gorgeous metropolis views. And although the lodge is surrounded by the town’s most fascinating eating places, golf equipment, and bars, it’ll even be troublesome to tug your self away from Resort Charlee’s world-class facilities – ones like its rooftop Envy pool and bar, gymnasium, wellness heart, on-site eating, and extra. 

6. San Andres & Providencia islands: Paradise discovered

Frankly, there isn’t a terrific deal Colombian about San Andres Island and its neighboring Providencia Island. Sitting method out within the Caribbean Sea, the cheerful, laidback ambiance of those sister magnificence spots feels just a little extra Jamaican, if something. Nearly 500 miles from continental Colombia, there are not any direct flights from the mainland, which signifies that inhabitants are additional minimize off from the remainder of Latin America. Due to this, you received’t hear Colombian Spanish spoken right here, however moderately English Creole, courting method again to when the island was a British colony. As for the affable inhabitants, they go about their days dwelling a conventional lifestyle, seemingly tired of benefiting from the beautiful fantastic thing about their island house.

As gorgeous as these islands are—with their white sandy shores, leaning palms, aquamarine waters, and out-of-this-world snorkeling—there’s a heat native vibe and never a high-rise lodge in sight. San Andres and Providencia tick each field for a dream tropical-island getaway, simply don’t be delay by the journey to get there! Many individuals are…which is why it stays spectacularly remoted, untainted by tourism.

A go to to both is all about switching off from life’s worries, even forgetting what time of day it’s and easily embracing the right here and now. Spend your time discovering abandoned sandy coves and strolling the quiet shoreline of those sun-kissed patches of paradise. 

Luxurious retreats within the San Andres & Providencia islands

On these islands many luxurious accommodations — ones just like the Nattivo Assortment Resort (San Andres) and Posada Candy Anashly (Providencia) — vacationers are impressed by the native tradition. All of their various areas pay tribute to the cultural richness of the island, incorporating components that replicate San Andres’ and Providencia’s essence. Posh lodging “merge with luxury experiences to fulfill the purpose of providing a pause in the daily rhythm, allowing reconnection with what normally goes unnoticed, thus making the invisible visible.”

These accommodations provide a wide range of providers equivalent to gourmand eating places, swimming swimming pools, solariums, occasion rooms, gyms and Jacuzzis to offer a singular expertise within the islands.

Resorts positioned even within the heart of those intimate islands place you simply three minutes from the seaside, giving visitors simple and fast entry to the encircling sea. 

7. Journey awaits within the Colombian Amazon

An often-overlooked gem, the Colombian Amazon is magnificent. It’s a vibrant mixture of the canopied rainforest, far-out wildlife, and age-old Indigenous communities that reside in concord with the jungle. For the roving traveler, this may add as much as an exciting jungle journey or just a peaceable nature retreat.

The distant city of Leticia is the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon area, which makes up a 3rd of the nation. Studded proper within the southern tip of the nation, Leticia waits ever able to welcome guests due to its small airport, a clutch of accommodations, and its place subsequent to the commanding Amazon River itself, the place motorized boat journeys to the jungle start.

As Leticia is a border city on the river, you may discover the Colombian facet and in addition simply jump over to Brazil for much more discoveries. On both facet, you’ll doubtless encounter indigenous teams and absolutely discover the wildlife, a key spotlight to any time spent right here.

A mesmeric nature hike may have you getting up near a plethora of birdlife, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and armadillos; then too, there’s all the time the prospect of recognizing a Pink river dolphin, an icon of the Amazon! Rachet your journey experiences up a notch by paddling out on a nocturnal canoe safari, the place the soundtrack of the jungle is bound to awaken your senses and stir your soul.

A tangle of impossibly inexperienced rainforest, snaking rivers, and conventional communities, Colombia’s share of the Amazon jungle is a legendary land begging to be skilled. 

Amazonian rainforest retreats

For nature lovers, journey seekers, or just these in search of a soothing getaway, the Colombian Amazon provides snug lodging that permit unforgettable jungle experiences.

For probably the most adventurous vacationers seeking to escape deep into the rainforest, you may select amongst a number of rustic but restful choices, together with the Calanoa Jungle Lodge, Omshanty Jungle Lodge, and the Eware Amazon Lodge. Adopting conventional Colombian design, these constructions are constructed from pure supplies like bamboo, wooden, and thatched palm leaves, whereas the straightforward but sufficient interiors are fitted with mosquito-netted beds, open-air showers, and stress-free hammocks.

Nevertheless, probably the most comfort-filled lodging within the area are provided on the Waira Suites. Although this snug 4-star lodge is positioned inside the Amazonian outpost city of Leticia, guided excursions into lush rainforests are supplied. On this method—with out sacrificing fashionable city facilities—you may discover the Amazon rainforest on guided wildlife-watching excursions to identify Pink dolphins, raucous monkeys, and brilliantly coloured unique birds whereas mountaineering and canoeing.

Whether or not rustic or extra refined, the lodges within the Colombian Amazon provide unforgettable experiences for exploring this breathtaking and biodiverse area. 

8. From seashores to jungles in Tayrona Nationwide Park

What’s Tayrona Nationwide Park? Assume palm-lined tropical seashores and secluded coves; image a paradise of rest towards the dramatic backdrop of the looming coastal mountains.

Established as a nationwide park over a half-century in the past, Tayrona has been protected ever since, drawing in guests with its verdant jungles and golden seashores. The traditional Tayrona civilization as soon as flourished right here, as may be glimpsed by primeval websites like La Ciudad Perdida – actually, “The Lost City.” This mini-Machu Picchu is so deeply entwined within the jungle that it requires a three- or four-day hike to get there. That is however one of many a number of causes Tayrona Nationwide Park is the proper playground for historical past lovers, nature seekers, and wanna-be Indiana Jones adventurers.

One other string in its bow is the gathering of wonderful seashores that hug the shoreline of Tayrona. Golden sands strewn with monumental boulders backdropped by gently swaying palm bushes bestow a real paradise setting.

You received’t discover any super-glam resorts right here; a part of the area’s attract is the country really feel of the lodging scene, made up of thatched cabanas perched on the shorefront or beneath the palm tree cover; nonetheless, a dose of luxurious is thrown in only for good measure. So, with a mélange of protected jungle, back-to-nature lodging, idyllic seashores, pre-Columbian websites, and infinite spots for blissful rest, look no additional than Tayrona Nationwide Park. It’s to not be missed. 

Prime-tier eco-lodges in Tayrona Nationwide Park

For guests desirous to expertise such beautiful magnificence on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a number of upscale lodges and accommodations can be found to accommodate your keep on this gorgeous park. Lodges equivalent to Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos (pictured), Villa Playa Tayrona, Villa Maria and Senda Watapuy are there so that you can spend days chilling out on sun-kissed seashores or wandering alongside the jungle trails that edge the shoreline. Not simply rustic huts stripped right down to the mere fundamentals, these are upscale lodges possessing fashionable facilities, serving scrumptious meals, and offering attentive service whereas proudly displaying off their exceptional indigenous Colombian structure.

Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is a jungle retreat simply minutes from the primary Zaino entrance to Tayrona Park. Out of your room’s personal terrace, you’ll not solely have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Rio Piedra River but in addition the snow-covered summits of the Sierra Nevada – the world’s highest coastal mountain vary; or chill on the pool or wander on right down to an unspoiled, white-sand seaside. The lodge is attended by 24-hour employees, its rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with piping scorching water, and the lodge’s on-site restaurant permits visitors to dine within the restaurant with out having to drive.

Like the opposite luxurious lodges at Tayrona, Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is the best location for associates seeking to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about the river, sea, and gardens surrounding the lodge, {couples} on a romantic getaway, and individuals who need a snug place to remain as they uncover Tayrona Park, one among Colombia’s pure jewels.

The takeaway…

With not solely the Andes and the Amazon, however golden seashores on two oceans, in addition to unbelievable meals, historic ruins, colonial cities, archaeological websites, artwork, cumbia, salsa and a lot extra, Colombia gives numerous alternatives for exploring and discovering.

And if all of the planning and coordination appears an excessive amount of to deal with, don’t fear. Journeys to Colombia are particularly doable by skilled tour operators who can design and handle your whole journey expertise. They’ll deal with the heavy lifting, so that you may give all of your consideration to completely having fun with your journey.

Colombia has one thing for each traveler. From Cali’s scorching salsa to Cartagena’s character-filled streets, all of the components of a enjoyable and rewarding journey are right here. Your subsequent journey simply could be to this charming nation!