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.
Situated on the banks of the mighty Rio Guayabero, amidst the flourishing countryside and fertile pastoral lands, is La Macarena, a wondrous town and municipality in the Meta Department of Colombia. The lively town centre of this awe-inspiring landscape is home to lushly landscaped parks, charming eateries and inviting boutiques, as well as the acclaimed Cafe de Lithos dinner theatre. Travellers wanting to enjoy the scenic surroundings can visit the enchanting La Macarena Botanical Garden or spend the day exploring the Serrania de la Macarena mountain range, an incredibly biodiverse region home to the acclaimed Cano Cristales. Commonly referred to as the ‘River of Five Colours’, the fast-flowing river boasts an ever-changing, colourful river bed caused by vibrant plants, as well as breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls and free-roaming wildlife.
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.
La Guajira is a department of Colombia occupying most of the Guajira Peninsula in the northeast region of the country. This arid province provides an ideal getaway for adventurous travellers and is characterised by vast desert landscapes fringed with idyllic Caribbean beaches, towering sand dunes, and the remote ranches and fishing villages of the indigenous Wayuu people. The gateway to La Guajira is its capital city of Riohacha which features a palm-lined waterfront area, exquisite beaches and a number of craft stalls selling locally produced handicrafts. Other popular destinations include Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallina, the most northern point of the South American continent where the orange desert collides with the turquoise ocean. Don’t miss La Macuira, a massive oasis mountain in the middle of the desert, where the Wayuu tribe is believed to have originated.
Flanked by the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains and one of Colombia's most perfect beaches, Palomino is best known for its enticing natural beauty. This little tropical village is situated in the Guajira Region along the northern Caribbean coast. The landscape is characterised by rugged terrain, volcanic sands, and coconut palms along the soft-sanded beach, which is lapped by calm turquoise waters. Visitors can soak up impressive views of the sacred and snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains while enjoying a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Adventurous travellers can also go tubing down the glacial river of Palomino, where they'll be able to spot numerous bird species.
The port city of Cartagena is set on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It is a popular beach destination boasting a balmy tropical climate. This Caribbean coastal city offers visitors a mix of the enchanting old and the exciting new. Step into the cobbled streets of the walled city, a World Heritage Site with 400-year-old stone walls covering 13 kilometres, and explore an intricate maze of pastel-hued homes, colonial architecture, churches, and historic sites such as the Palace of the Inquisition. Outside the old city lies the chaotic bustle that is typical of most South American cities - an experience best sampled by visiting the Mercado Bazurto central market. Don't miss the opportunity to venture to the south of the city where tourists are treated to trendy cafes, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife.
Located just off the coast of Colombia, 35 kilometres from the historical city of Cartagena, the Rosario Islands are a small archipelago made up of 27 tiny picturesque islands, all of which are part of a national park, the PNN Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo. Home to glistening crystal-clear waters and abundant offshore coral reefs, these islands are most famously known for their world-class snorkelling and miles of unspoiled beaches. These islands are renowned for their glistening crystal-clear waters and abundant offshore coral reefs. Alongside endless opportunities to relax, the islands offer private boat hire for travellers who want to spend the day on and in the glittering waters, enjoy an exclusive night of luxury on Isla Coralina, and visit the secluded secret Chiringuito Beach on the island of Tierra Bomba. Don't forget to take a moment to admire the breathtakingly beautiful sunsets this Caribbean paradise produces.
