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.
A thick green tangle covering most of the Amazonian Trapezoid, the Amacayacu Natural National Park is a protected area situated south of Columbia on the bank of the Amazon River. Encompassing 293 500 hectares of swamps, marshes, madre-viejas, and river systems, this funnel-shaped forest is home to a teeming multitude of bird and mammal species, over 5000 species of plants, the largest diversity of primates in the world and 150 species of aquatic animals. Intrepid travellers can trek through the lush, unspoiled territory, walk along the winding forest canopy, visit Tarapoto Lake for the pink dolphins, and even enjoy a good day trip to Monkey Island.
Popayan is a UNESCO-listed City of Gastronomy, situated southwest of Bogota in western Colombia. A combination of colonial charm, elements of ancient history, and traditional cooking attract a range of visitors. A lively café and bar culture catering to the students of Cauca University makes for a welcoming atmosphere in this small town. Among the treasures of Popayán – which has been dubbed ‘La Ciudad Blanco’ or the ‘White City’ for its many chalk-white facades – are the regal Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción; El Morro de Tulcan, a lookout point built on the ruins of an ancient pyramid; the popular Caldas Park; the Humanities Faculty of the University of Cauca; the Clock Tower and the Natural History Museum, with its collection of regional artefacts.
Discover the secrets of a bygone era at San Agustín, a small, ancient town in the Colombian department of Huila, marked by picturesque cobbled streets, a few bars and restaurants, and its remarkable place in pre-Colombian history as the home of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park, a collection of extraordinary discoveries displaying some of South America's greatest megalithic sculptures, religious monuments, and intricate carvings of mythological beasts. Step into the past and marvel at the multitude of larger-than-life statues scattered amongst a picturesque landscape full of forested hills and canyons. Nature lovers can take advantage of the surrounding Andean countryside, ride horses through the many coffee and sugar farms, take a jeep tour to explore the region, or sample some of the county's finest coffee.
Situated in the Huila Department in Columbia, the town of Villavieja is set on the banks of the Magdalena River. The main highlight in the area is the Tatacoa Desert featuring rocky canyons interspersed with pockets of greenery and offering unparalleled stargazing at one of Colombia's best observatories. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the town’s fascinating Paleontology Museum, cycling through the remarkably scenic terrain, enjoying a motorbike tour with a local guide and taking a dip in a swimming pool found in the middle of this ancient otherworldly landscape.
The Columbian Department of Cundinamarca lies in the heart of the country and boasts extraordinary nature, sacred sites steeped in legend, and the bustling, artsy and heritage-rich capital of Bogota. The enormous, magnificent and ceremonial Chingaza National Park plays a significant role in global water systems with its important Paramo ecosystem and contains upward of 1000 plant species, 187 species of birds, and animals such as deer, small cats and Andean bears. Myth and nature combine again in sites such as the Lake Guatavita (now Tomine Dam), and the spectacular Zipaquira salt cathedral, crafted out of solid rock and salt. In Bogota, enjoy tours of the bright and interesting wall art, the historic cobbled La Candelaria old town, and the astonishing Gold Museum. Take a cable car up the Cerro de Monserrate hill to its beautiful church for phenomenal views.
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.
