5 of the Best Places to Visit in Colombia

Colombia is a country of extraordinary diversity for its size, offering everything from tropical coastlines to snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests. These are five of the best places to visit in Colombia and my favorite destinations that I recommend to family and friends after two years of living there!

Barichara, in the department of Santander, is often hailed as Colombia’s most beautiful village. It has whitewashed colonial buildings, red-tile roofs, and quiet stone streets, making it the perfect destination for those seeking rural beauty, colonial charm, and serenity. This small town offers visitors gourmet restaurants and cafes, artisan shops, and hiking in the countryside on the historic Camino Real trail.

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.

Colombia’s Amazon features vast rainforests, indigenous culture, and incredible biodiversity. The region is home to pink river dolphins, sloths, rare birds, and many other exotic species. Leticia, the region’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 experience packages.

Salento is a small town in Colombia’s coffee-growing region with colonial architecture, breathtaking scenery, and access to one of Colombia’s most iconic landscapes. This charming town’s cobblestone streets are 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 country’s top experiences.

Cartagena enchants with its immaculately preserved colonial architecture and vibrant Caribbean culture. The walled old city is a maze of cobblestone streets, shaded plazas, and colorful mansions with overhanging balconies. Plus, the city boasts excellent restaurants and street food, nightlife, and boutique hotels. Beyond the historic center, coastal Cartagena offers nearby beaches and tropical island getaways.