last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Colombia
Location Map of Colombia
Colombia
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In addition to the "Coffee Cultural Landscape," Colombia has 6 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Cartagena (1984)
With its fortifications and magnificent colonial-era architecture, Cartagena de Indias (its full name) is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America, with the added bonus of stunning nearby beaches. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its fortifications and magnificent colonial-era architecture, Cartagena de Indias (its full name) is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America, with the added bonus of stunning nearby beaches. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Malpelo Island (2006)
500 km off the coast, the small volcanic island of Malpelo is a UNESCO-listed site known for its marine life, including sharks. Visits require a permit.
500 km off the coast, the small volcanic island of Malpelo is a UNESCO-listed site known for its marine life, including sharks. Visits require a permit.
Los Katios National Park (1994)
On the border with Panama, in the Darién region, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its Panamanian counterpart on the other side.
On the border with Panama, in the Darién region, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its Panamanian counterpart on the other side.
San Agustín Archaeological Park (1995)
The archaeological site of San Agustín is located in the village of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 300 statues and other pre-Columbian sculptures.
The archaeological site of San Agustín is located in the village of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 300 statues and other pre-Columbian sculptures.
Santa Cruz de Mompox (1995)
A beautiful small town near the Caribbean coast, whose well-preserved colonial center earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
A beautiful small town near the Caribbean coast, whose well-preserved colonial center earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Tierradentro (1995)
This pre-Columbian archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its underground burial chambers.
This pre-Columbian archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its underground burial chambers.
Caribbean Coast
Aracataca
For fans of the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this small town near the Colombian coast inspired "One Hundred Years of Solitude". It is also his birthplace.
For fans of the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this small town near the Colombian coast inspired "One Hundred Years of Solitude". It is also his birthplace.
Arboletes
The town is located next to a mud volcano where you can wade in. It has become a local tourist attraction.
The town is located next to a mud volcano where you can wade in. It has become a local tourist attraction.
Capurgana
A village on the coast, surrounded by jungles (trekking possible), near the Panamanian border. Beautiful beaches and diving, and especially a transit point for those wanting to reach Panama by boat (Puerto Obaldia) after taking the ferry that connects Turbo to Capurgana.
A village on the coast, surrounded by jungles (trekking possible), near the Panamanian border. Beautiful beaches and diving, and especially a transit point for those wanting to reach Panama by boat (Puerto Obaldia) after taking the ferry that connects Turbo to Capurgana.
Cartagena
With its fortifications and magnificent colonial-era architecture, Cartagena de Indias (its full name) is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America, with the added bonus of stunning nearby beaches. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its fortifications and magnificent colonial-era architecture, Cartagena de Indias (its full name) is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America, with the added bonus of stunning nearby beaches. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ciudad Perdida
This stunning and now famous pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada has become a trekking destination for many travelers.
This stunning and now famous pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada has become a trekking destination for many travelers.
Santa Cruz de Mompox
A beautiful small town near the Caribbean coast, whose well-preserved colonial center earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
A beautiful small town near the Caribbean coast, whose well-preserved colonial center earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Santa Marta
This major Caribbean port is known for its nearby beaches (including Taganga), diving, and especially its proximity to Tayrona Park, the Sierra Nevada, and the "famous" Ciudad Perdida, for which the city often serves as a base for exploration.
This major Caribbean port is known for its nearby beaches (including Taganga), diving, and especially its proximity to Tayrona Park, the Sierra Nevada, and the "famous" Ciudad Perdida, for which the city often serves as a base for exploration.
Turbo
This is the essential stop for those heading to Panama by taking a boat to Capurganá and then continuing from there to Puerto Obaldía on the other side of the border.
This is the essential stop for those heading to Panama by taking a boat to Capurganá and then continuing from there to Puerto Obaldía on the other side of the border.
The Islands
Rosario Islands
A group of small, frequently visited islands off the coast of Cartagena, designated as a national park (along with the San Bernardo Archipelago further south) for their marine life. Enjoy stunning beaches and diving opportunities.
A group of small, frequently visited islands off the coast of Cartagena, designated as a national park (along with the San Bernardo Archipelago further south) for their marine life. Enjoy stunning beaches and diving opportunities.
Providencia
This is the other volcanic island associated with San Andres. Less touristy than the latter, it still offers superb beaches and excellent diving spots.
This is the other volcanic island associated with San Andres. Less touristy than the latter, it still offers superb beaches and excellent diving spots.
San Andres
Closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia, San Andres is a top all-inclusive tourism destination thanks to its postcard-perfect beaches, diving opportunities, and other water activities. The island, along with its neighbor Providencia, forms the San Andres y Providencia archipelago.
Closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia, San Andres is a top all-inclusive tourism destination thanks to its postcard-perfect beaches, diving opportunities, and other water activities. The island, along with its neighbor Providencia, forms the San Andres y Providencia archipelago.
Natural Heritage
Tayrona National Park
A stunning coastal park with its landscapes, beaches, surfing and diving spots, mountains, a few archaeological remains, birds, and hiking opportunities. It’s no surprise it’s one of the country’s most visited parks.
A stunning coastal park with its landscapes, beaches, surfing and diving spots, mountains, a few archaeological remains, birds, and hiking opportunities. It’s no surprise it’s one of the country’s most visited parks.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Just a few kilometres from the coast, this mountain range boasts peaks over 5,500 m high. It’s a trekking area (particularly to Ciudad Perdida) and home to diverse communities with traditions still very much alive.
Just a few kilometres from the coast, this mountain range boasts peaks over 5,500 m high. It’s a trekking area (particularly to Ciudad Perdida) and home to diverse communities with traditions still very much alive.
Pacific Coast
Buenaventura
It is the main port on the Pacific coast. During the season, whales can be seen offshore.
It is the main port on the Pacific coast. During the season, whales can be seen offshore.
Cali
The lively major city of the Pacific region. You'll find several museums and some interesting buildings here. Nearby, Lake Calima is known for its water sports opportunities.
The lively major city of the Pacific region. You'll find several museums and some interesting buildings here. Nearby, Lake Calima is known for its water sports opportunities.
El Valle
On the northern coast, it's a somewhat remote and hard-to-reach village. You can enjoy its beaches, fishing, surfing, diving, and right next to Utria Park with its rivers and waterfalls.
On the northern coast, it's a somewhat remote and hard-to-reach village. You can enjoy its beaches, fishing, surfing, diving, and right next to Utria Park with its rivers and waterfalls.
Pasto
A large city at the foot of the Galeras volcano, in the south of the country. Its main appeal lies in its surroundings, with several lakes and mountains to explore on hikes.
A large city at the foot of the Galeras volcano, in the south of the country. Its main appeal lies in its surroundings, with several lakes and mountains to explore on hikes.
Popayan
It's a stunning all-white colonial city located south of Cali. On its outskirts, you can also see the pre-Columbian pyramid of El Morro del Tucán.
It's a stunning all-white colonial city located south of Cali. On its outskirts, you can also see the pre-Columbian pyramid of El Morro del Tucán.
Tierradentro
This pre-Columbian archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its underground burial chambers.
This pre-Columbian archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its underground burial chambers.
Tumaco
This large city near the Equator is primarily known for its surrounding beaches and some ecotourism opportunities.
This large city near the Equator is primarily known for its surrounding beaches and some ecotourism opportunities.
Natural Heritage
Gorgona Island
About fifty kilometres off the Pacific coast, this volcanic island, once a prison whose ruins can still be seen, is now a nature reserve popular with divers. In June-July, whales can also be spotted offshore.
About fifty kilometres off the Pacific coast, this volcanic island, once a prison whose ruins can still be seen, is now a nature reserve popular with divers. In June-July, whales can also be spotted offshore.
Malpelo Island
500 km off the coast, the small volcanic island of Malpelo is a UNESCO-listed site known for its marine life, including sharks. Visits require a permit.
500 km off the coast, the small volcanic island of Malpelo is a UNESCO-listed site known for its marine life, including sharks. Visits require a permit.
Los Katios National Park
On the border with Panama, in the Darién region, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its Panamanian counterpart on the other side.
On the border with Panama, in the Darién region, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its Panamanian counterpart on the other side.
The Andes
Armenia
This city between Medellín and Cali lies at the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On its outskirts, you can visit coffee plantations and the National Coffee Park, a themed space dedicated to coffee production.
This city between Medellín and Cali lies at the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On its outskirts, you can visit coffee plantations and the National Coffee Park, a themed space dedicated to coffee production.
Barichara
One of the many Andean villages nestled at over 1,300 m, Barichara has preserved its Spanish colonial architecture exceptionally well.
One of the many Andean villages nestled at over 1,300 m, Barichara has preserved its Spanish colonial architecture exceptionally well.
Bogotá
Perched at over 2,600 m, Colombia’s capital is a lively city with a historic old quarter (La Candelaria) and several museums, including the well-known Gold Museum.
Perched at over 2,600 m, Colombia’s capital is a lively city with a historic old quarter (La Candelaria) and several museums, including the well-known Gold Museum.
Bucaramanga
The major city between Bogotá and Venezuela is primarily interesting for its surroundings (colonial sites, mountains, and outdoor sports activities).
The major city between Bogotá and Venezuela is primarily interesting for its surroundings (colonial sites, mountains, and outdoor sports activities).
Cúcuta
This vast urban area of nearly a million people on the Venezuelan border is usually just a transport stopover between the two countries.
This vast urban area of nearly a million people on the Venezuelan border is usually just a transport stopover between the two countries.
Jardín
South of Medellín, this large town has preserved its beautiful colonial and colorful architecture.
South of Medellín, this large town has preserved its beautiful colonial and colorful architecture.
Manizales
A major university city on the edge of the coffee region, with some beautiful buildings and two national parks nearby (Los Nevados and Tatamá).
A major university city on the edge of the coffee region, with some beautiful buildings and two national parks nearby (Los Nevados and Tatamá).
Medellín
Colombia’s second-largest city, with over 2 million inhabitants. It has several museums, the most famous being the Antioquia Museum, which features works by Botero.
Colombia’s second-largest city, with over 2 million inhabitants. It has several museums, the most famous being the Antioquia Museum, which features works by Botero.
San Agustín Archaeological Park
The archaeological site of San Agustín is located in the village of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 300 statues and other pre-Columbian sculptures.
The archaeological site of San Agustín is located in the village of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 300 statues and other pre-Columbian sculptures.
San Gil
A small town in the north, in the heart of the Andes, renowned for all the outdoor sports you can enjoy in the surrounding area: trekking, caving, climbing, kayaking, canyoning, and especially rafting.
A small town in the north, in the heart of the Andes, renowned for all the outdoor sports you can enjoy in the surrounding area: trekking, caving, climbing, kayaking, canyoning, and especially rafting.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
Around fifty kilometres north of Medellín, the city has preserved its magnificent colonial architecture.
Around fifty kilometres north of Medellín, the city has preserved its magnificent colonial architecture.
Tunja
A major Andean city with numerous architectural remnants from the Spanish colonial era. Nearby, the Puente de Boyacá is a key historical site where the 1819 battle led to Colombia's independence.
A major Andean city with numerous architectural remnants from the Spanish colonial era. Nearby, the Puente de Boyacá is a key historical site where the 1819 battle led to Colombia's independence.
Villa de Leyva
North of Bogotá, this locality is a stunning rural colonial town, notably featuring an enormous cobbled square. It’s quite a popular spot.
North of Bogotá, this locality is a stunning rural colonial town, notably featuring an enormous cobbled square. It’s quite a popular spot.
Zipaquirá
A city north of the capital known for its colonial center and especially its cathedral built inside a salt mine. Zipaquirá is also home to an "eco-museum" dedicated to salt and its extraction.
A city north of the capital known for its colonial center and especially its cathedral built inside a salt mine. Zipaquirá is also home to an "eco-museum" dedicated to salt and its extraction.
Natural Heritage
Tatacoa Desert
In the heart of the Andes, a few kilometres north of the city of Neiva, this desolate area is home to numerous fossils. It is also renowned for astronomical observation.
In the heart of the Andes, a few kilometres north of the city of Neiva, this desolate area is home to numerous fossils. It is also renowned for astronomical observation.
Lake Guatavita
This lake at over 3,000 metres above sea level had a sacred role in pre-Columbian times, giving rise to the legend of El Dorado. A small ecotourism industry has developed here.
This lake at over 3,000 metres above sea level had a sacred role in pre-Columbian times, giving rise to the legend of El Dorado. A small ecotourism industry has developed here.
El Cocuy National Park
This is a vast mountainous park southeast of Bucaramanga, not far from Venezuela. You can hike or go climbing here.
This is a vast mountainous park southeast of Bucaramanga, not far from Venezuela. You can hike or go climbing here.
Los Nevados National Park
Near Manizales, this park is dominated by the summit of a snow-capped volcano rising over 5,000 m. You can also enjoy the Cocora Valley within the same park for hiking, rafting, or birdwatching. Los Nevados is one of Colombia’s most visited natural sites.
Near Manizales, this park is dominated by the summit of a snow-capped volcano rising over 5,000 m. You can also enjoy the Cocora Valley within the same park for hiking, rafting, or birdwatching. Los Nevados is one of Colombia’s most visited natural sites.
Orinoco-Amazon Region
Leticia
In the far south of the country, on the border with Peru and Brazil, Leticia is a port city on the Amazon River, inaccessible by road. It serves as a base for exploring the rivers, Amazonian parks, and the communities living in the surrounding area.
In the far south of the country, on the border with Peru and Brazil, Leticia is a port city on the Amazon River, inaccessible by road. It serves as a base for exploring the rivers, Amazonian parks, and the communities living in the surrounding area.
Puerto Nariño
It's the second town in the Amazon. Like Leticia, it is located on the Amazon River and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
It's the second town in the Amazon. Like Leticia, it is located on the Amazon River and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Natural Heritage
Caño Cristales
This tributary of the Rio Guayabero is nicknamed the "River of Five Colors" or "the world's most beautiful river." From September to November, algae give it a remarkable yellow, blue, green, black, and red coloration.
This tributary of the Rio Guayabero is nicknamed the "River of Five Colors" or "the world's most beautiful river." From September to November, algae give it a remarkable yellow, blue, green, black, and red coloration.
Amacayacu National Park
North of Leticia, this is the main park in Colombian Amazonia for tourism. Visitors can explore the forest, its wildlife and flora, as well as the local communities.
North of Leticia, this is the main park in Colombian Amazonia for tourism. Visitors can explore the forest, its wildlife and flora, as well as the local communities.
Must-see & highly recommended
Cartagena
★★★★ With its fortifications and magnificent colonial-era architecture, Cartagena de Indias (its full name) is one of the most beautiful…
Ciudad Perdida
★★★★ This stunning and now famous pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada has become a trekking destination for many travelers.
Tayrona National Park
★★★★ A stunning coastal park with its landscapes, beaches, surfing and diving spots, mountains, a few archaeological remains, birds, and hiking…
Recommended
Rosario Islands
★★★ A group of small, frequently visited islands off the coast of Cartagena, designated as a national park (along with the San Bernardo…
San Agustín Archaeological Park
★★★ The archaeological site of San Agustín is located in the village of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 300…
Amacayacu National Park
★★★ North of Leticia, this is the main park in Colombian Amazonia for tourism. Visitors can explore the forest, its wildlife and flora, as well…
Los Nevados National Park
★★★ Near Manizales, this park is dominated by the summit of a snow-capped volcano rising over 5,000 m. You can also enjoy the Cocora Valley…
Popayan
★★★ It's a stunning all-white colonial city located south of Cali. On its outskirts, you can also see the pre-Columbian pyramid of El Morro del…
San Andres
★★★ Closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia, San Andres is a top all-inclusive tourism destination thanks to its postcard-perfect beaches, diving…
Santa Cruz de Mompox
★★★ A beautiful small town near the Caribbean coast, whose well-preserved colonial center earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
★★★ Just a few kilometres from the coast, this mountain range boasts peaks over 5,500 m high. It’s a trekking area (particularly to…
Villa de Leyva
★★★ North of Bogotá, this locality is a stunning rural colonial town, notably featuring an enormous cobbled square. It’s quite a popular…
Worth a look / Other
Barichara
★★ One of the many Andean villages nestled at over 1,300 m, Barichara has preserved its Spanish colonial architecture exceptionally well.
Bogotá
★★ Perched at over 2,600 m, Colombia’s capital is a lively city with a historic old quarter (La Candelaria) and several museums…
Caño Cristales
★★ This tributary of the Rio Guayabero is nicknamed the "River of Five Colors" or "the world's most beautiful river." From September to…
Capurgana
★★ A village on the coast, surrounded by jungles (trekking possible), near the Panamanian border. Beautiful beaches and diving, and especially…
Tatacoa Desert
★★ In the heart of the Andes, a few kilometres north of the city of Neiva, this desolate area is home to numerous fossils. It is also renowned…
El Valle (Colombia)
★★ On the northern coast, it's a somewhat remote and hard-to-reach village. You can enjoy its beaches, fishing, surfing, diving, and right…
Girón
★★ Just a few kilometres from Bucaramanga, Girón is known for its colonial-era centre.
Gorgona Island
★★ About fifty kilometres off the Pacific coast, this volcanic island, once a prison whose ruins can still be seen, is now a nature reserve…
Jardín
★★ South of Medellín, this large town has preserved its beautiful colonial and colorful architecture.
Los Katios National Park
★★ On the border with Panama, in the Darién region, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its Panamanian counterpart on the…
El Cocuy National Park
★★ This is a vast mountainous park southeast of Bucaramanga, not far from Venezuela. You can hike or go climbing here.
Providencia
★★ This is the other volcanic island associated with San Andres. Less touristy than the latter, it still offers superb beaches and excellent…
San Gil
★★ A small town in the north, in the heart of the Andes, renowned for all the outdoor sports you can enjoy in the surrounding area: trekking…
Santa Fe de Antioquia
★★ Around fifty kilometres north of Medellín, the city has preserved its magnificent colonial architecture.
Tunja
★★ A major Andean city with numerous architectural remnants from the Spanish colonial era. Nearby, the Puente de Boyacá is a key historical…
Zipaquirá
★★ A city north of the capital known for its colonial center and especially its cathedral built inside a salt mine. Zipaquirá is also home to…
Aracataca
★ For fans of the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this small town near the Colombian coast inspired "One Hundred Years of Solitude". It is…
Arboletes
★ The town is located next to a mud volcano where you can wade in. It has become a local tourist attraction.
Armenia
★ This city between Medellín and Cali lies at the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On its outskirts…
Barranquilla
★ A major industrial and commercial city on the coast, best known for its carnival.
Bucaramanga
★ The major city between Bogotá and Venezuela is primarily interesting for its surroundings (colonial sites, mountains, and outdoor sports…
Buenaventura
★ It is the main port on the Pacific coast. During the season, whales can be seen offshore.
Cali
★ The lively major city of the Pacific region. You'll find several museums and some interesting buildings here. Nearby, Lake Calima is known…
Cúcuta
★ This vast urban area of nearly a million people on the Venezuelan border is usually just a transport stopover between the two countries.
Malpelo Island
★ 500 km off the coast, the small volcanic island of Malpelo is a UNESCO-listed site known for its marine life, including sharks. Visits…
Lake Guatavita
★ This lake at over 3,000 metres above sea level had a sacred role in pre-Columbian times, giving rise to the legend of El Dorado. A small…
Leticia
★ In the far south of the country, on the border with Peru and Brazil, Leticia is a port city on the Amazon River, inaccessible by road. It…
Manizales
★ A major university city on the edge of the coffee region, with some beautiful buildings and two national parks nearby (Los Nevados and…
Medellín
★ Colombia’s second-largest city, with over 2 million inhabitants. It has several museums, the most famous being the Antioquia Museum…
Utria National Park
★ On the Pacific coast, beaches, rivers, and waterfalls to hike among.
Pasto
★ A large city at the foot of the Galeras volcano, in the south of the country. Its main appeal lies in its surroundings, with several lakes…
Puerto Nariño
★ It's the second town in the Amazon. Like Leticia, it is located on the Amazon River and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Santa Marta
★ This major Caribbean port is known for its nearby beaches (including Taganga), diving, and especially its proximity to Tayrona Park, the…
Tierradentro
★ This pre-Columbian archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its underground burial chambers.
Tumaco
★ This large city near the Equator is primarily known for its surrounding beaches and some ecotourism opportunities.
Turbo
★ This is the essential stop for those heading to Panama by taking a boat to Capurganá and then continuing from there to Puerto Obaldía on…