best places to visit in colombia 2021

Colombia is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty․ From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the tranquil beaches of the Caribbean coast, there is something for everyone in this vibrant country․ I have had the privilege of traveling extensively throughout Colombia, and I have compiled a list of the best places to visit in 2021․

Whether you are looking for a cultural immersion, an outdoor adventure, or a relaxing beach vacation, Colombia has something to offer․ I encourage you to explore this amazing country and discover its hidden gems for yourself․

Bogotá⁚ A Cultural City with Stunning Architecture

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture․ I was immediately struck by the city’s stunning architecture, which blends colonial, republican, and modern styles․ I spent hours wandering the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, admiring the beautiful churches, museums, and government buildings․

One of my favorite experiences in Bogotá was visiting the Gold Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts․ I was amazed by the intricate craftsmanship and beauty of the pieces on display․ I also enjoyed visiting the Museo Nacional de Colombia, which has a comprehensive collection of Colombian art and history․

In addition to its cultural attractions, Bogotá also has a thriving culinary scene․ I had the opportunity to sample some of the city’s traditional dishes, such as ajiaco (a hearty chicken and potato soup) and tamales (cornmeal dough filled with meat or vegetables)․ I also enjoyed exploring the city’s many parks and green spaces, such as the Parque de la 93 and the Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera․

Overall, I found Bogotá to be a fascinating and welcoming city․ I was impressed by its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food․ I highly recommend visiting Bogotá if you are interested in experiencing the best of Colombia․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Bogotá⁚

• Be sure to visit the Gold Museum and the Museo Nacional de Colombia․
• Take a walking tour of the historic La Candelaria neighborhood․
• Sample some of the city’s traditional dishes, such as ajiaco and tamales;
• Explore the city’s many parks and green spaces․
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime․

Medellín⁚ The City of Eternal Spring with Vibrant Culture

Medellín, the capital of Antioquia department, is a vibrant and innovative city known for its beautiful weather, stunning architecture, and friendly people․ I was immediately impressed by the city’s modern and cosmopolitan feel․ I spent several days exploring Medellín, and I was constantly surprised by its many hidden gems․

One of my favorite experiences in Medellín was riding the Metrocable, a cable car system that connects the city center to the surrounding hills․ I enjoyed the stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains․ I also visited the Parque Explora, a science and technology museum that is perfect for both children and adults․ I was particularly impressed by the planetarium and the interactive exhibits․

In addition to its cultural attractions, Medellín also has a thriving art scene․ I visited the Museo de Antioquia, which houses a collection of works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero․ I also explored the Comuna 13, a former slum that has been transformed into a vibrant street art district․ I was amazed by the beautiful murals and the community’s spirit of resilience․

Overall, I found Medellín to be a fascinating and welcoming city․ I was impressed by its modern infrastructure, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture․ I highly recommend visiting Medellín if you are interested in experiencing the best of Colombia․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Medellín⁚

• Be sure to ride the Metrocable for stunning views of the city․
• Visit the Parque Explora, a science and technology museum that is perfect for both children and adults․
• Explore the Comuna 13, a former slum that has been transformed into a vibrant street art district․
• Sample some of the city’s traditional dishes, such as bandeja paisa and arepas․
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime․

Cartagena⁚ A Caribbean Gem with Colonial Charm

Cartagena, the capital of Bolívar department, is a beautiful and historic city located on the Caribbean coast․ I was immediately captivated by the city’s colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches․ I spent several days exploring Cartagena, and I was constantly surprised by its many hidden gems․

One of my favorite experiences in Cartagena was walking along the city walls․ I enjoyed the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the old city․ I also visited the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress that played a key role in defending the city from pirates and invaders․ I was impressed by the fortress’s size and complexity․

In addition to its historical attractions, Cartagena also has a thriving art scene․ I visited the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena, which houses a collection of works by Colombian and international artists․ I also explored the Getsemaní neighborhood, a bohemian district known for its colorful streets and lively nightlife․ I enjoyed the street art and the many bars and restaurants․

Overall, I found Cartagena to be a fascinating and welcoming city․ I was impressed by its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches․ I highly recommend visiting Cartagena if you are interested in experiencing the best of Colombia․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Cartagena⁚

• Be sure to walk along the city walls for stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the old city․
• Visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress that played a key role in defending the city from pirates and invaders․
• Explore the Getsemaní neighborhood, a bohemian district known for its colorful streets and lively nightlife․
• Sample some of the city’s traditional dishes, such as ceviche and arepas․
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime․

Salento⁚ A Coffee Paradise in the Andes

Nestled in the heart of the Colombian Andes, Salento is a charming town known for its coffee production and stunning scenery․ I spent several days in Salento, and I was immediately drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals․ I enjoyed exploring the town’s colorful streets, visiting local coffee farms, and hiking in the nearby Cocora Valley․

One of the highlights of my trip to Salento was visiting a local coffee farm․ I learned about the coffee-making process, from harvesting the beans to roasting and grinding them․ I also had the opportunity to sample some of the freshest coffee I have ever tasted․ The coffee in Salento is truly world-class․

In addition to its coffee culture, Salento is also a great base for exploring the Cocora Valley․ This stunning valley is home to the world’s tallest palm trees, the wax palms․ I hiked through the valley, and I was amazed by the size and beauty of these trees․ The Cocora Valley is a must-visit for any nature lover․

Overall, I found Salento to be a charming and welcoming town․ I enjoyed its coffee culture, stunning scenery, and friendly locals․ I highly recommend visiting Salento if you are interested in experiencing the best of Colombia․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Salento⁚

• Be sure to visit a local coffee farm to learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the freshest coffee you will ever taste․
• Hike through the Cocora Valley to see the world’s tallest palm trees, the wax palms․
• Visit the town’s main square, Plaza de Bolívar, to see the colorful colonial buildings and the lively atmosphere․
• Sample some of the local dishes, such as trucha (trout) and bandeja paisa (a traditional Colombian dish made with rice, beans, meat, and avocado)․
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime․

Cali⁚ The Salsa Capital of Colombia

Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, is known as the “Salsa Capital of the World․” I spent several days in Cali, and I was immediately drawn to its vibrant culture and friendly locals․ I enjoyed exploring the city’s many salsa clubs, learning to dance salsa, and sampling the local cuisine․

One of the highlights of my trip to Cali was taking salsa lessons․ I had never danced salsa before, but I was quickly hooked․ The music is infectious, and the dance moves are surprisingly easy to learn․ I took lessons at a local dance studio, and I was amazed at how quickly I progressed․ By the end of my trip, I was able to dance salsa confidently․

In addition to its salsa scene, Cali is also known for its delicious food․ I sampled many of the local dishes, including empanadas, arepas, and sancocho (a traditional Colombian soup)․ The food in Cali is simply amazing, and I highly recommend trying some of the local specialties․

Overall, I found Cali to be a vibrant and welcoming city․ I enjoyed its salsa culture, delicious food, and friendly locals․ I highly recommend visiting Cali if you are interested in experiencing the best of Colombia․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Cali⁚

• Be sure to visit a local salsa club to experience the city’s vibrant salsa scene․
• Take salsa lessons to learn how to dance salsa like a local․
• Visit the city’s main square, Plaza de Cayzedo, to see the beautiful colonial buildings and the lively atmosphere․
• Sample some of the local dishes, such as empanadas, arepas, and sancocho․
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime․

Tayrona National Park⁚ A Coastal Oasis with Pristine Beaches

Tayrona National Park is a stunning coastal paradise located in northern Colombia․ I spent several days hiking through the park’s lush rainforests, swimming in its crystal-clear waters, and camping under the stars․ Tayrona is a truly magical place, and I highly recommend visiting it if you are looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure․

One of the highlights of my trip to Tayrona was hiking to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)․ This ancient city was built by the Tayrona people over 1,000 years ago, and it is now a popular tourist destination․ The hike to the Lost City is challenging, but it is well worth the effort․ The views along the trail are breathtaking, and the ruins of the Lost City are simply amazing․

In addition to hiking, I also enjoyed swimming in Tayrona’s crystal-clear waters․ The water is warm and inviting, and the beaches are pristine․ I spent hours swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach․ Tayrona is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature․

Overall, I found Tayrona National Park to be a truly special place․ I enjoyed its stunning scenery, challenging hikes, and pristine beaches․ I highly recommend visiting Tayrona if you are looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Tayrona National Park⁚

• Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season․
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no shops or restaurants in the park․
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against wildlife, such as monkeys and snakes․
• Be respectful of the park’s environment and do not litter․
• Consider hiring a guide to help you navigate the park and learn about its history and culture․