Overview
From lush green mountains to Caribbean coastlines, colourful colonial towns to buzzing urban centres, Colombia is a country that captivates the soul. Nestled in the northwest corner of South America, Colombia is rich in biodiversity, cultural fusion, and vibrant traditions – making it a truly unique destination for adventurous travellers.
Once overlooked, Colombia has transformed into one of the top emerging travel destinations in the world. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Cartagena, hiking in the Cocora Valley, or dancing the night away in Medellín, you’ll find warm people, mouth-watering food, and landscapes that range from jungle to desert to tropical beach.
Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only ever recommend things I’ve genuinely tried and loved!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
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Cartagena – A colourful colonial city on the Caribbean coast, with cobbled streets, lively plazas, and romantic sunset views from the city walls.
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Medellín – Once infamous, now a model of innovation and creativity.
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Bogotá – The capital city offers a vibrant mix of culture and history.
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Salento & the Cocora Valley – A picturesque town in Colombia’s coffee region, surrounded by rolling hills and famous for the towering wax palm trees.
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Tayrona National Park – Jungle meets Caribbean beach in this natural paradise.
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The Rosario Islands – A tropical archipelago near Cartagena, ideal for day trips, snorkelling, and beach hopping.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Dry Season (December–March & July–August): Best for coast and national parks, with sunny skies and fewer rain interruptions.
Wet Season (April–June & September–November): Expect tropical showers, but still a great time for cultural city experiences and lower prices.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Credit cards accepted in cities, but cash is handy for rural areas and small vendors.
- Colombia is very affordable compared to other destinations, but prices are higher in touristy areas like Cartagena.
- Eat at local eateries, use buses or collectivos, and book domestic flights early for best deals.
🧳 Good For:
Culture lovers
Beach and nature seekers
Budget-conscious travellers
Adventurous solo travellers and group tours
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
Arepas – Grilled corn cakes with cheese or meat
Bandeja Paisa – Hearty platter with beans, rice, egg, plantain, chorizo & avocado
Ajiaco – Chicken and potato soup from Bogotá
Empanadas – Deep-fried pastries stuffed with meat, potatoes or cheese
Patacones – Fried green plantains, often served as a snack or side
Fresh fruit juices – Try lulo, maracuya (passion fruit) or guanabana
✈️ How to Get There:
Major international airports: Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG)
Direct flights from the UK to Bogotá. Connecting flights available via Europe or the US
Regional connections available from most major South American cities
🚍 Getting Around:
Domestic flights are ideal for long distances (e.g., Bogotá to Cartagena)
Buses are widely available and cheap, but journeys can be long due to the terrain
Taxis are affordable but use registered companies or apps like InDriver or Cabify
In cities, walking and cycling are great ways to explore neighbourhood
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette:
Language: Spanish (very little English spoken outside tourist areas)
Learn a few basic phrases – it goes a long way!
Colombians are friendly and curious – a smile and politeness are key
Tipping is not expected but appreciated (around 10% in restaurants)
My Colombia Highlights
Colombia surprised me in the best possible way. I spent 16 days travelling across the country, and I still feel like I only scratched the surface. The trip started with a connecting flight via Madrid into Medellín, a city that completely blew me away. I had heard so much about its transformation, but seeing it firsthand was something else. I joined a walking tour of Comuna 13, the district once known for its turbulent past but now bursting with colour, street art, music, and local pride. The views across the hills are incredible – a striking contrast of dense housing, forested greenery, and resilience everywhere you look.
From there, I headed to Tayrona National Park, via Santa Marta, which was one of the most memorable outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. The hike through the jungle in the humid heat was no joke, but reaching the palm-fringed beaches of Cape San Juan made it all worthwhile. Swimming in the sea after the hike felt like a true reward – untouched, wild and completely worth the effort.
Next stop was Minca, a small town nestled in the lush mountains between Tayrona and Cartagena. It was a welcome break from the heat – cooler, greener, and so peaceful. I took a coffee farm tour, which was really interesting (and caffeine-fueled, of course), visited a local waterfall, and caught some truly epic sunsets over the valley. Minca had a calming, laid-back energy that made me want to slow down and just be.
After that, I made my way to Cartagena, which felt like stepping into a living postcard. The city is colonial, colourful, chaotic in the best way, and absolutely buzzing with life. I took a walking tour and wandered the walled city – there’s such a good vibe there, full of cafes, rooftop bars and street performers, although make sure you have some small change handy to tip!
To top it all off, i finished my trip relaxing on the Rosario Islands. I took a snorkelling trip in the crystal clear Caribbean water admiring the coral reefs. It was a great way to wind down the trip. One of the most unique experiences I had was staying out late to witness bioluminescent plankton glowing in the dark water (it involved jumping into a mangrove in the pitch black), but I’ve never seen anything like it – it was so magical and surreal.
In terms of safety – I always like to be honest. While I did feel generally safe, you do need to be smart. Keep your phone and valuables tucked away, don’t flash jewellery, and avoid walking around unfamiliar areas alone at night. If you keep a low profile and use common sense, Colombia will welcome you with open arms.
All in all, I absolutely loved Colombia. The diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences was unmatched. From cities and beaches to mountains and jungles – Colombia had it all.
Honestly, 16 days wasn’t enough, and I’m already dreaming of going back to explore places I missed like Bogotá, Salento and the Cocora Valley. Colombia – I’ll see you again.
You’ll find a curated selection of the top-rated Colombia tours and activities below – from coffee farm visits and island day trips to street food tastings and cultural walking tours.
👉 Find things to do and secure your spot with trusted local providers.
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Ready to plan your trip?
If Colombia is calling your name, I’d love to help you turn your dream into a reality. Whether you’re looking for a city-hopping itinerary, a cultural immersion experience, or a relaxing beach escape, I can help you plan something that fits your vibe.
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