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.
Villa de Leyva is said to be one of the most charming villages in Colombia, with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and mild climate. Located in the Boyacá department of Colombia, and a three-hour drive from the capital, Bogotá, this picturesque village was declared a national monument in 1954 and is a tourist haven. Its 400-year-old plaza, the largest open square in South America, hosts regular markets and festivals, making it a hub of activity on weekends. Don’t leave town without heading into the spectacular surrounding mountains – either on foot, bicycle or horseback – where waterfalls, lakes, caves and archaeological sites await.
San José del Guaviare, un destino cautivador ubicado en el corazón de la exuberante selva amazónica de Colombia que comenzó a formarse en1960. Descubre la riqueza cultural y natural de esta vibrante ciudad, donde los ríos serpenteantes, las imponentes formaciones rocosas y la biodiversidad única te esperan en cada esquina. Déjate envolver por la calidez de su gente, saborea la deliciosa gastronomía local y embárcate en aventuras inolvidables en uno de los destinos más emocionantes de Colombia.
Once considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities, Medellin has since shed its bad reputation and is now more commonly referred to as “The City of Eternal Spring”, treating residents and visitors to consistently warm temperatures. Medellin is located in Aburra Valley and surrounded by seven hills that provide excellent views of the city. Back in town, visitors can experience the work of world-famous artists such as Fernando Botero in local parks and plazas, wonder at the beautiful display of Christmas lights during the festive season, and celebrate as the city is overrun with colour during the 10-day Feast of Flowers festival.
Armenia, the capital of the Department of Quindío in the Andino region of Colombia, is a relatively small, slow-paced city with a certain quirky, ramshackle charm. The city makes an excellent base for exploring a territory that UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site in 2011: the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia. This region is famed for its coffee and banana plantations, its quaint terracotta-roofed farm houses, and its picturesque mountainous landscapes dotted with an impressive array of cultural attractions as well as an abundance of fascinating plant and animal life. The city itself is of course a coffee lover’s paradise with some lovely coffee shops and a number of theme parks and estates designed to educate visitors about coffee culture. Other popular tourist highlights include an excellent museum housing an impressive collection of artifacts from the pre-columbian Quimbaya civilization and some wonderful botanical gardens.
The Department of Valle del Cauca is located in the southwest of the country, forming part of the Andean and Pacific regions. It limits to the North with the departments of Chocó, Caldas and Quindío; to the east with the departments of Quindío and Tolima, to the south with the department of Cauca and to the west with the Pacific Ocean and the department of Chocó.
Valle del Cauca offers innumerable tourist attractions from the natural, cultural and scientific point of view. Among them are destinations such as Lake Calima, where water sports are carried out; the Heritage Town of Guadalajara de Buga and the magical towns of Roldanillo and Ginebra; the island of Malpelo known worldwide for professional divers; the Uramba - Bahía Málaga National Natural Park, an ideal place for whale watching and exploring the culture of the Pacific; the extensive sugarcane crops, where it is possible to enjoy the sweetest experiences in Colombia; some municipalities in the north of Valle del Cauca, part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape and the wonderful city of Santiago de Cali, world capital of Salsa and cradle of fascinating festivals and an amazing gastronomic variety.
Set in the heart of Colombia, the Northern Andes feature spectacular snowcapped mountains meeting lush rolling hills dotted with fertile farmlands. This scenic area boasts a rich history and culture and incredible natural scenery. Visitors can look forward to exploring the varied ecosystems found in the Northern Ades including the Chocó wet forests, Magdalena Medio rain forests, the upper peaks of the Paramillo, and the mangroves at sea level. The incredible landscapes attract countless adventure sports enthusiasts, who come to this part of Colombia to hike, climb, raft and paraglide; as well as discover picturesque colonial villages featuring quaint cobblestone streets and clay-tile roofs.
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 Tayrona National Park is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta reserve and is one of the country’s most popular natural attractions. Once home to the Tayrona people, the area still encompasses sacred sites occupied by indigenous groups, and archaeological remains that include the pre-Hispanic town of Pueblito, an ancient town scattered with archaeological remains. Along with its cultural heritage, Tayrona is also known for some of the most beautiful beaches on the coast and an incredible array of wildlife – over 100 mammal species, 300 bird species and 1000 marine species can be found within the boundaries of the park.
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.
