5 Best Places to Visit in Colombia for Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Colombia is one of the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries. It holds almost 10% of global biodiversity within its borders and is second in the world for the most plant and amphibian species. From snow-capped mountains to the Amazon rainforest and Caribbean coastline, Colombia is a powerhouse destination. Here are 5 of the best places to visit in Colombia for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Colombian Amazon has vast rainforests, indigenous culture, and incredible biodiversity. The region is home to pink river dolphins, jaguars, sloths, rare birds, and many other exotic species. Leticia, the area’s transit hub, sits on the border with Brazil and Peru and is the launching point for tours into the jungle. Eco-lodges in the Amazon also provide immersive and educational jungle experiences. You can visit indigenous communities and go dolphin-watching, Piranha fishing, kayaking, camping, and birdwatching.

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the highest coastal mountain range in the world. It spans many ecosystems, from tropical lowlands to snow-capped peaks. The area is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its incredible biodiversity and population of indigenous groups. It’s also the site of one of Latin America’s most famous treks. People come from near and far for a multi-day hike through the jungle to Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City), with the archeological remains of a millennium-old civilization.

Whale watching on Colombia’s Pacific coast is one of the country’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. Between July and October, humpback whales travel nearly 8,500 kilometers from Antarctica to the warm, protected waters of the Colombian Pacific to give birth and raise their calves. Nuquí and Bahía Solano in the Chocó department are top whale-watching towns with some tourist infrastructure and eco-lodges.

Security Note: Illegal armed groups and criminal gangs are particularly active on the Pacific coast. For travel to Nuquí and Bahía Solano, only do so by air (via a small plane from Medellin) and do not travel inland or along the coast out of town. Always check the latest security information before traveling.

Salento is a small town in Colombia’s coffee-growing region with colonial architecture, breathtaking scenery, and access to one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. This charming town has cobblestone streets filled with colorful colonial homes, artisan shops, and excellent cafes. Just outside Salento is the Cocora Valley, famous for its sky-high wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Hike, horseback ride, or birdwatch through lush cloud forests into the valley for one of the best experiences in Colombia.

San Andrés and Providencia are tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea. They’re known for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and laid-back island culture. San Andrés, connected by plane to the mainland, is the busier and more developed of the two. It has accessible beaches, excellent seafood, and a wide range of accommodation. Secluded Providencia can only be reached from San Andrés. It’s quiet and largely untouched, with world-class diving around the UNESCO-designated Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. The islands are home to the Afro-Caribbean Raizal people, with a distinct Creole culture and language.