Majestic colonial churches, galleries, cafes, museums and colourful houses pepper this charming city. One of Bogota’s true highlights is the Museo del Oro, known in English as the ‘Gold Museum’. Here, you find a stunning assortment of pre-Hispanic gold, with the 55,000 pieces on display making it the most important collection of its kind.
For the best views of the city, take a cable car up the imposing Monserrate mountain. The sight of the sun setting from over 10,000 feet above sea level is truly awe-inspiring.
Go on a tour of the fincas (‘coffee farms’) to learn how the world’s best coffee is made. Ride on horseback, or take a hike through the striking landscape of Los Nevados National Park. Here you find the Cocora Valley, which is home to a wealth of colourful wildlife, including some of the most beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds you’ll ever see. You may also come across the rare Palermo parrot, sloths, condors; and even the spectacled bear, the last remaining short-faced bear in the world.
Visit the west coast to see glistening turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, many of which are deserted.
You find the sheer beauty of the western coastline at its finest in Tayrona National Park. This large protected area stretches over 29,500 acres of land and 7000 acres of sea and is renowned for its lagoons and rich variety of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the park’s huge boulders have been worn as smooth as glass by the sea over thousands of years.
The waters on the west coast are warm and are great for diving and snorkelling. A three-hour hike through the jungle leads you to the Pueblito ruins – the relics of the ancient Tayrona civilisation.
By contrast, the Pacific coast is more rugged. While many of the beaches are untouched by tourism, this a great place to spot humpback whales during their migration between June and November. The large waves also make the Pacific coast a favourite with surfers.
Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at the turn of the century, the small islands of San Andres and Providencia lie 500 miles to the northwest of the Caribbean coast. Here, you get to take advantage of the world-class diving spots, hike through the lush green mountains, cycle along breath-taking coastal paths, or just relax on your choice of the area’s many beautiful beaches.
Bogota
Coffee Region
Coastline
Cartagena
A port town on the Caribbean coast and a World Heritage Site, Cartagena offers much more than just a beach holiday. The old city is arguably the jewel in Colombia’s crown, and a true highlight of any trip to South America. It’s surrounded by a series of 17th century forts and thick stone walls that were built as a defence against invading forces.
With its web of cobbled alleyways, huge wooden balconies, leafy plazas, colourful houses and horse-drawn carriages, Cartagena offers a stunning glimpse into the country’s colonial past. The city’s museums take you even further back in time with fascinating displays of indigenous art and pre-Hispanic gold.
Wander around the city to absorb its culture and history, mix with the locals, and browse the luxury boutiques that now reside in restored former convents and colonial mansions. By midday, you find that Cartagena is alive with the sound of street performers playing jazz music, while vendors offer a banquet of delicious local food
While not famous for its beauty, there’s plenty of culture and history to explore in the city dubbed “the City of Eternal Spring” for its permanently warm climate.
Among the many museums and art galleries, The Museo de Arte Moderno (MAMM) resides inside a repurposed steel factory. Inside, you find a wealth of modern art, with a whole wing showcasing pieces by local artists.
In Medellin, the hustle and bustle of a big city combines with its colonial charm to create a laid-back feel, while the city’s chic restaurants offers some of the finest cuisine in the country.