Whether you know Colombia for its notorious figures or pre-Hispanic history, dazzling Caribbean beaches (and their Pacific Coast counterparts) or the fascinating culture, get ready to have your expectations raised to an entirely different level. All of the above are present and correct, but there also awaits serene moments in the wilderness – on horseback or on foot – an art scene that explodes from museums or on the streets, and dining that will have you searching for a Colombian cookbook as soon as you return home. While you could spend weeks exploring all this South American gem has to offer, time will necessitate choosing between a smorgasbord of experiences – and we’ve picked out five of our favourites for you to peruse.
Delve into Colombia’s history
Every city in Colombia comes with its own story, displayed for all to see on the streets and around the plazas. Most visitors spend at least a few days in bustling Bogota, wandering at whim through La Candelaria, its historic centrepiece, gazing at the striking architecture and visiting the city’s impressive cathedral and Museo del Oro, which houses over 55,000 gold items from Colombia’s pre-Hispanic peoples. There’s also the pretty town of Mompox. Located along the banks of the Magdalena River, Colombia’s longest, the town has remained largely unchanged from the time of Spanish rule. Once a haven for those seeking to hide their treasures (or themselves!) from the pirates that rampaged along the coast, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many beautiful churches and mansions. Whilst there, visit a local workshop and watch the filigree artisans create their famous jewellery.
Explore incredible hiking routes
Colombia is truly blessed in the landscape stakes, with acres upon acres of idyllic forests and mountainous highlands where the scenery will take your breath away. Just outside Salento, in Colombia’s luscious coffee region, the Cocora Valley will have you thinking you’ve entered Jurassic Park. All towering wax palms and misty cloud forests, twitchers in particular will have a field day. In the Central Andes, Los Nevados National Natural Park opens up a world of snow-capped volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs, whilst on the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is a maze of coastal hikes backed by endless tropical rainforest. Across the various locations, choose a trail that best suits your ability. Most places have offerings that range from a few hours to multiple days. For avid hikers, book the Lost City hike in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta; it takes approximately five days as a round trip.
Soak up the sun on the beach
With two coastlines, Colombia has no shortage of beaches to laze upon. Along the Caribbean coast, the offshore islands are the best choice for a little R&R. Playa Blanca on Baru Island is a white-sand idyll, surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs – and if you’re not staying on the island, hop on a boat from one of the beach-side Cartagena hotels, many of which offer complimentary trips. Pristine sands and snorkel-worthy reefs await at San Andres Island, also a fantastic spot for watersports, while Cabo de la Vela has a unique desert-meets-sea combination, to be enjoyed from one of the secluded beaches. Then, to the beauty of Tayrona National Park, backed by glorious, untouched forest and skirted by golden sands. Not to be outdone, the Pacific coast offers plenty of unsullied beach time in the form of Nuqui, a paradise for surfers and, between July and October, passing whales.
Let your tastebuds loose
Colombia’s traditional dishes, sampled in a restaurant, at a market stall, or during a private cooking lesson, are original and flavourful. A staple is the humble arepa, a cornmeal cake stuffed with an assortment of fried vegetables, meat or cheese, as well as sancocho, a flavourful stew popular across Colombia. Of course, there are the famous empanadas, delectable deep-fried or baked pastries filled with beef or chicken, cheese and potatoes, while tamales are the perfect comfort food, combining steamed corn dough with meat and vegetables, all wrapped in plantain or banana leaves. At the coast, it’s all about cazuela de mariscos, a rich seafood stew prepared with coconut milk, and the freshest ceviche. And to top off any meal, it has to be cholao for dessert, a blend of shaved ice, condensed milk, chunks of fruit and syrups.
Go on an adventure in the Coffee Region
Spanning vast tracts of land in the central western corner of Colombia, the shamrock-green Coffee Region is most certainly deserved of your attention. Get into the flow of things with a cup of the good stuff, and sample a range of beans at a local coffee farm. You’ll also learn all about the process of getting them from bush to cup. Then, let the adventures commence! Whether you fancy exploring the fields and valleys on foot, ziplining through the forest, riding horseback along scenic trails, or seeing it all from above in a hot air balloon or paraglider, there’s something for all adrenalin levels. You can also get to know the people of the region in the small towns of Filandia and Salento, filled to the brim with shops selling wares of every kind.
