Set on the Caribbean Coast, Santa Marta is the capital of the Magdalena Department. Colombia’s oldest city is enjoying a tourist revival, with travellers from as far afield as Denmark and Israel enjoying its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere and friendly locals. Makeovers to the waterfront area, Parque Santander and its surrounding streets, and Plaza de Bolívar have made it an appealing holiday destination, rather than a stop-off point. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, enjoy lazy beach days and balmy evenings, take in views of the Sierra Navada mountains or tour the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, also the site of some fascinating ancient ruins. When night falls, visitors can feast on traditional fare, before joining the nightlife at the bars and clubs of Parque de Los Novios.
Perched at a lofty 1900 metres above sea level in Colombia's department of Magdalena, the El Dorado Nature Reserve is a hidden gem amidst the thicket of the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo mountain range, boasting panoramic views over the Sierra Nevadas and the Caribbean Sea. This reserve is a birder's paradise commonly regarded as one of South America's most important birding sites and a picturesque haven for countless bird species. Birders might spot Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta Tapaculo, Santa Marta Antbird, Santa Marta Sabrewing, Santa Marta Wood-Wren, Santa Marta Brush-Finch, Coppery Emerald and Streak-capped Spinetail and the Santa Marta Screech-Owl. Visitors can look forward to soaking up the spectacular vistas and staying in cosy traditional-style huts, their design based on the architecture of the kogi people.
Riohacha is located on the northern coast of Columbia. This attractive city is one of the most popular hubs of the county’s Caribbean region, offering some sublime cultural sights in addition to its popular beaches and nearby natural attractions (such as the Los Flamencos Sanctuary). Mentioned many times in the novels of the famous Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Riohacha is home to some splendid colonial buildings, including the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios (constructed in 1852). The main beach at Riohacha, meanwhile, is strewn with palm trees and flanked by a lovely promenade, and is also less crowded than the shores of Barranquilla and Cartagena. Finally, Riohacha offers a wide range of accommodation options and is a particularly good place to shop for traditional Wayu handicrafts, such as mochilas (colourful woven bags).
The Caribbean Coast of Colombia is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. It is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, temperate climate, scenic landscape and historic sites.Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful attractions, including: the walled city and historic centre of Cartagena with its romantic colonial architecture, museums, new restaurants and boutiques; and the beautiful natural landscapes of Parque Nacional Natural and Tayrona National Park. Explore the lush jungles of the Darien Gap, discover the magnificent desert of La Guajira, and discover remnants of an ancient civilization at the Ciudad Perdida Lost City trek. Other popular activities include: snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and bird watching.
Located 2600m above sea level at the base of the Guadalupe and Monserrate mountains is Colombia’s capital and one of South America’s leading cultural destinations. Patrons of the arts are spoilt for choice with the city’s museums, art galleries, stage theatres, and national monuments. So impressive is Bogota’s collection of libraries and academic institutions that the city has earned itself the nickname 'The Athens of South America'. The historic district of La Candelaria boasts many of these offerings as well as some truly breathtaking historic architecture. Must-see attractions in Bogota include the weird and wonderful Museo Botero; famous Museo del Oro, filled with astonishing displays of gold items and pre-hispanic art; and the atmospheric, grandiose Church of San Francisco, with origins dating to around 1557.
