We spent three months traveling through Colombia: a few days in Ipiales, several in Cali, a week in Pereira, multiple weeks in Medellín and Cartagena, and a full month in Santa Marta. Each city has its own energy: from the heat and music of Cali and Medellín to the history and sea of Cartagena and Santa Marta. We tried local food, walked through colonial streets and enjoyed beaches and mountains. Colombia showed us geographical and cultural diversity at every step, with landscapes, flavors and rhythms that are part of everyday life.

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12 Must-See Destinations in Colombia

Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in Latin America: rainforest, Caribbean beaches, the Andes, colonial towns, and a vibrant culture. These are some of its most outstanding destinations:

Bogotá – Cultural capital, museums, historic neighborhoods, and urban life.

Medellín – Innovation, spring-like weather, and urban transformation.

Cartagena de Indias – Walled city, colonial history, and the Caribbean.

Santa Marta – Beaches, history, and the gateway to the Sierra Nevada.

Tayrona National Park – Natural beaches, rainforest, and seaside hiking trails.

Guatapé – Colorful town and the Peñol Rock.

Coffee Axis (Salento / Filandia / Cocora Valley) – Coffee plantations, green landscapes, and traditional towns.

San Andrés – Sea of seven colors and a Caribbean atmosphere.

Villa de Leyva – Colonial architecture and tranquility.

Colombian Amazon (Leticia) – Rainforest, biodiversity, and indigenous communities.

Barú Island – Turquoise water and white sand beaches near Cartagena de Indias.

Ipiales and Las Lajas Sanctuary – Border landscapes and monumental architecture.

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What to eat in Colombia (must-try)

Colombian cuisine is regional and diverse, with hearty dishes and traditional flavors:

• Bandeja paisa – Beans, rice, meat, chorizo, egg and plantain.

• Arepas – Corn-based staple found throughout the country.

• Ajiaco – Thick chicken and potato soup, typical of Bogotá.

• Sancocho – Traditional stew with meat, yuca, plantain and corn.

• Colombian empanadas – Fried, corn-based and filled with meat or potatoes.

• Patacones – Fried green plantain.

• Lechona – Roasted pig stuffed with rice and peas (Tolima).

• Colombian coffee – One of the best in the world.

• Fresh fruit juices – Huge variety of tropical fruits.

• Rice with coconut and fried fish – Caribbean coast specialty.

• Bocadillo and cheese – Traditional dessert in several regions.

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Practical travel info for Colombia

• Currency: Colombian peso (COP).

• Language: Spanish.

• Plugs: type A and B, 110V.

• Tipping: not mandatory; 10% is usually suggested in restaurants.

• Connectivity: good in cities and tourist destinations; irregular in rural areas.

• Payments: cards accepted in cities; cash recommended in small towns.

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How to get around Colombia

• Flight – Highly recommended for long distances (Bogotá–Cartagena, Medellín–Caribbean coast).

• Long-distance bus – Cheap and frequent, although journeys can be long.

• Car – Useful in specific regions; mountain roads are slow.

• Urban transport – Buses, metro (Medellín), TransMilenio (Bogotá) and ride apps.

• Taxi / apps – Affordable in cities, safe when using trusted apps.

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Best time to visit

• December to March – Dry season in many regions.

• July and August – Good weather and high season.

• April–May and October–November – Rainier, but fewer tourists.

Climate depends heavily on region and altitude: Caribbean, Andes and Amazon all have different seasons.

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Useful travel tips for Colombia

• Use flights for long distances: you save a lot of time.

• Use cash in markets and small towns.

• Don’t underestimate travel distances: mountains slow everything down.

• Try local coffee in specialty cafés.

• Be careful with your belongings in touristy areas.

• Check weather by city, not by country.

• Eat where locals eat: better prices and more authentic experience.