Colombia has unbelievable range and among the world’s most beautiful landscapes, thrilling cities, and charming cities. Regardless of its violent previous, the Andean nation has burst onto the scene as the most popular South American vacation spot nearly in a single day. With its humble residents and genuine tradition, Colombia has a shiny future in journey spheres.
Whenever you go to Colombia the primary time, don’t suppose you possibly can see the entire nation in a single journey. Colombia is approach larger than most vacationers suppose as its landmass is over twice the dimensions of Spain and practically 5 instances the UK. With snow-capped peaks, idyllic coastlines, lush jungles, and a part of the Amazon rainforest, Colombia has one thing for each traveler.
To fulfill nature lovers and concrete explorers, I’ve tallied 5 must-see locations in Colombia. With this record, you’ll uncover cultural wonders, picturesque countryside, and wild landscapes round Colombia.
Santa Marta
The gateway to the Colombian Caribbean coast, Santa Marta entices seaside freaks with turquoise waters and jungle-clad shores. Tayrona Nationwide Park sits subsequent door and unlocks a world of mystical rainforests and golden coastlines. With a backdrop of palm bushes and verdant hills, you’ll be swimming in paradise.
In the event you enterprise to Santa Marta anytime quickly, please prepare a visit to Ciudad Perdida (Misplaced Metropolis). The archaeological web site will develop into South America’s subsequent Machu Picchu, and it is best to go to earlier than the crowds get relentless. It’s over 600 years older than the well-known Inca citadel and the expedition to get there’s certainly one of Colombia’s hardest endeavors.
The trek by means of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta challenges you to 4+ days of dense jungle, intense warmth, and wild terrain. You’ll hike 45 km to witness the sacred historic web site constructed by the indigenous Tairona folks. The Wiwa are modern-day descendants of the Tairona, they usually shield the traditional metropolis and tradition of their ancestors.
Salento
Salento is Colombia’s espresso nation, and this fertile area ranks among the many most scenic locations within the nation. Colourful buildings and trotting horses spotlight the country appeal of this pleasant Colombian city. With its location within the Andes, put together to face some hills whereas wandering its laid-back streets. Calle Actual is the first thoroughfare for retailers, eating places, and cafés.
After your stroll down Calle Actual, climb the steps for dramatic views overlooking Salento from Mirador Alto De La Cruz. The vistas of the espresso triangle depart you speechless and create an image worthy of a postcard. Preserve strolling alongside the concrete path to search out extra spectacular views at Mirador de Salento and seize a espresso to style the native flavors.
The spotlight of Salento is mountain climbing by means of the Valle de Cocora and feasting your eyes on the world’s tallest wax palms. Strolling by means of the peaceable panorama enchants guests with the towering bushes and luxurious hills.
For a harder trekking expedition, Los Nevados Nationwide Park has a few of Colombia’s most numerous surroundings. As you ascend into increased elevations, Los Nevados guides you thru wax palm forests, rainforests, cloud forests, paramo, and uncommon tropical glaciers.
Medellin
Medellin’s warp pace transformation from ‘world’s homicide capital’ to fashionable metropolis is astounding. Dwelling to round 2.5 million folks, Medellin has spawned technological innovation due to its unwavering spirit. Lengthy gone are the times of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar as Medellin now ranks among the many high city locations in South America.
The easiest way to understand Medellin’s progress is to trip the Metrocable and admire the sprawling Andean views. As you ascend into the rolling hills, the vistas of the towering skyscrapers are breathtaking. Whereas on the Metrocable, take Line L to Arvi Park for scenic forest hikes overlooking the valley.
Plaza Botero showcases sculptures made by the famend artist Fernando Botero, and Antioquia Museum holds certainly one of Colombia’s largest artwork collections. Comuna 13 has an edgier vibe with its road artwork, whereas Poblado boasts a cosmopolitan environment of upscale golf equipment and hip cafés. And for an opportunity to grasp how far Medellin has come, the Reminiscence Home Museum educates guests of the nation’s previous armed conflicts.
Guatapé
Whenever you’re visiting Medellin, don’t you dare depart with out taking a minimum of a day journey to Guatapé. The colourful city is known for its ornamental zócalos on the underside of every constructing. Whereas their origin is a thriller, the murals showcase the skills of native artists. Highlighted by its placing church, the primary sq. boasts cafés and eating places round each nook. The sq. bustles with locals on weekends and has a enjoyable vibe that places a smile in your face.
After sipping espresso and searching for Colombian handicrafts, it’s time to hit Guatapé’s scenic waterfront. The bogus lake has reworked Guatapé into certainly one of Colombia’s most beloved resort cities and hubs for aquatic actions. Its emerald waters supply boat rides, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and jet snowboarding for a calming day on the water.
However there’s little question the highest exercise in Guatapé is climbing 740 steps to the highest of El Peñón de Guatapé. In the event you’re in respectable form, the climb isn’t treacherous, and the rock presents sweeping views of the islands round Guatapé. Take pleasure in some refreshments and absorb probably the greatest vistas anyplace in Colombia.
Guatapé is the simplest Medellin day journey, and the 2-hour trip from Terminal Del Norte prices 16,000 COP (about $4.37 USD) on the time of writing.
El Cocuy Nationwide Park
Colombia isn’t often related to alpine surroundings, however El Cocuy Nationwide Park is a hidden treasure for intrepid explorers. Close to the Colombia-Venezuela border, El Cocuy boasts jagged peaks, mighty glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes for hardy trekkers. With an 8-10 hour bus trip from Bogota or Bucaramanga, El Cocuy sees far much less foot site visitors than different points of interest in Colombia.
The journey to El Cocuy Nationwide Park begins in both El Cocuy or Guican. To trek contained in the park, it’s essential to register your self, rent a information, and manage transport from city. In the event you’re keen to depart El Cocuy on the first light, catch a trip on el lechero (the milk truck) to save cash. When you’re on the park entrance, you possibly can sort out 50 km of mountain climbing trails on three day hikes.
My recommendation is to spend three nights minimal on the cabins positioned beside the park entrance. Spend in the future on the Ritacuba Path, El Pulpito Path, and Laguna de La Sierra Path for among the finest mountain climbing in Colombia. It’s one of many uncommon locations the place you’ll see snowy peaks, paramo, alpine lakes, and glaciers in a single location.