best places to visit in colombia 2022
Colombia is a country with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From the colonial architecture of Cartagena to the bustling streets of Bogotá, there is something for everyone in this diverse country. If you are planning a trip to Colombia, be sure to add these top destinations to your itinerary.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a beautiful coastal city in northern Colombia. It is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to many beautiful churches, plazas, and museums. Cartagena is also a great place to enjoy the Caribbean Sea. The city has several beautiful beaches, and there are many opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Here are some of the top things to do in Cartagena⁚
- Visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress that was built to protect the city from pirates.
- Take a walk through the historic center and admire the beautiful colonial architecture.
- Visit the Museo del Oro Zenu, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
- Relax on one of the city’s beautiful beaches.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Cartagena⁚
- The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
- Cartagena is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your accommodation and tours in advance.
- The city is relatively safe, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.
- Cartagena is a great place to learn about Colombian history and culture. Be sure to visit the many museums and historical sites.
- The city is also a great place to enjoy the Caribbean Sea. Be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Medellín
Medellín is a vibrant and innovative city in northwestern Colombia. It is known for its beautiful parks, world-class museums, and thriving arts and culture scene. Medellín is also a great place to learn about Colombian history and culture. The city was once home to Pablo Escobar, the infamous drug lord, and there are many tours that explore his legacy.
Here are some of the top things to do in Medellín⁚
- Visit the Parque Explora, a science and technology museum that is fun for all ages.
- Take a ride on the Metrocable, a cable car system that offers stunning views of the city.
- Visit the Museo de Antioquia, which houses a collection of works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
- Take a walk through the Jardín Botánico, a beautiful botanical garden.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Medellín⁚
- The best time to visit Medellín is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
- Medellín is a relatively safe city, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.
- The city has a great public transportation system, so it is easy to get around.
- Medellín is a great place to learn about Colombian history and culture. Be sure to visit the many museums and historical sites.
- The city is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to visit the many parks and gardens.
Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. Bogotá is also a great place to learn about Colombian politics and economics. The city is home to the Colombian Congress and the Presidential Palace.
Here are some of the top things to do in Bogotá⁚
- Visit the Museo Nacional de Colombia, which houses a collection of Colombian art and history.
- Take a walk through the La Candelaria neighborhood, the historic center of Bogotá.
- Visit the Museo del Oro, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
- Take a ride on the TransMiCable, a cable car system that offers stunning views of the city.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Bogotá⁚
- The best time to visit Bogotá is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
- Bogotá is a relatively safe city, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.
- The city has a great public transportation system, so it is easy to get around.
- Bogotá is a great place to learn about Colombian history and culture. Be sure to visit the many museums and historical sites.
- The city is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to visit the many parks and gardens.
Salento
Salento is a small town in the coffee region of Colombia. It is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and delicious coffee. Salento is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, which is home to many coffee plantations, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
Here are some of the top things to do in Salento⁚
- Visit the Cocora Valley, which is home to the world’s tallest palm trees.
- Take a coffee tour and learn about the process of growing and roasting coffee.
- Visit the Salento Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird species.
- Hike to the nearby waterfalls, such as the Cascada del Salto del Mortiño.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Salento⁚
- The best time to visit Salento is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
- Salento is a relatively safe town, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.
- The town has a good public transportation system, so it is easy to get around.
- Salento is a great place to learn about Colombian coffee culture. Be sure to visit the many coffee shops and plantations.
- The town is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to visit the many parks and hiking trails.
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is a stunning coastal park located in the north of Colombia. It is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including beaches, rainforests, and mountains. Tayrona is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
Here are some of the top things to do in Tayrona National Park⁚
- Hike to the Lost City, which is an ancient indigenous city hidden in the rainforest.
- Visit the beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in Colombia.
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the coral reefs and marine life.
- Hike to the waterfalls, such as the Cascada del Fin del Mundo.
- Camp under the stars.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Tayrona National Park⁚
- The best time to visit Tayrona is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
- Tayrona is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your accommodation in advance.
- The park has a good network of trails, but it is important to be prepared for the heat and humidity.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Tayrona is home to a variety of wildlife, so be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against insect bites.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City, is an ancient indigenous city hidden in the rainforest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in northern Colombia. It is believed to have been built by the Tayrona people around 800 AD and abandoned around 1600 AD. Ciudad Perdida was rediscovered in 1972 by a group of Colombian treasure hunters.
Here are some of the top things to do in Ciudad Perdida⁚
- Hike to the Lost City, which is a challenging but rewarding experience.
- Visit the ruins of the city, which include temples, plazas, and terraces.
- Learn about the history and culture of the Tayrona people.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of the rainforest.
- Camp under the stars.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Ciudad Perdida⁚
- The only way to get to Ciudad Perdida is by hiking. The hike takes about 4-5 days and is challenging, so it is important to be in good physical condition.
- You can book a guided tour to Ciudad Perdida, or you can hike independently. If you hike independently, you will need to hire a guide to take you to the city.
- The best time to visit Ciudad Perdida is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen;
- Ciudad Perdida is home to a variety of wildlife, so be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against insect bites.