Marjolein Dilven
Excited to discover Colombia’s top spots? Picture yourself exploring Bogotá’s vibrant streets and Cartagena’s charming colonial lanes. Dive into ancient ruins, sway to salsa beats, and hike lush jungles. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure across Colombia’s diverse landscapes!
1. Monserrate Mountain (Cerro Monserrate)
Monserrate Mountain, rising 10,341 feet above sea level, is nestled in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá. At its summit lies the 17th-century Monserrate Monastery, dedicated to El Señor Caído, a revered site in the city. Visitors can explore souvenir shops and dining spots like San Isidro and Santa Clara House, offering authentic Colombian cuisine.
2. The Coffee Triangle
Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, situated among Armenia, Manizales, and Pereira, boasts world-renowned coffee thanks to its ideal climate and fertile soil. For an authentic experience, head to Salento, a charming town with access to numerous coffee farms, and don’t miss the breathtaking Cocora Valley with its towering palm trees.
3. Botero Square
Botero Square, also called Plaza de las Esculturas, is a popular spot in Medellín. It is situated in front of the Museum of Antioquia and Uribe Palace. Named after renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, the square showcases 23 of his iconic statues, including “The Hand,” “Eve,” and “Maternity,” for all to admire freely.
4. Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal
In Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, you’ll find the famous Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal or Santa Rosa Hot Spring. Loved by locals and visitors alike, these hot springs are known for their healing powers, believed to help with different health issues.
5. Cartagena Clock Tower
The Cartagena Clock Tower, also known as “La Torre del Reloj,” is a prominent symbol of Colombia. Originally a chapel with a gun room, this vivid lemon-yellow tower marks the entrance to Cartagena’s Old City, inviting visitors to embark on a delightful journey through its colonial streets.
6. Tayrona National Park
Santa Marta’s Tayrona National Park boasts remarkable biodiversity, featuring pristine blue coves, crystal-clear lagoons, and lush tropical forests. With over 60 mammal species, 300 bird species, and abundant coral varieties, it offers a haven for nature lovers.
7. Valle del Cocora (Cocora Valley)
Cocora Valley, part of Los Nevados National Park in Salento, Quindio, is known for its towering Quindio wax palms, the tallest palm trees globally, reaching up to 200 ft. Its picturesque scenery, including misty mountains and diverse wildlife, feels like a journey through time.
8. El Peñón de Guatapé (Guatapé Rock)
El Peñón de Guatapé, located in Guatapé, Antioquia, is a renowned Colombian landmark and national monument. Climbing its 708-step staircase offers a breathtaking view of Guatapé Lake and Colombia’s islands from one of the world’s tallest natural wonders.
9. Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales, also known as the “Liquid Rainbow,” is one of Colombia’s stunning natural wonders. Thanks to the unique aquatic plants in the river, this river showcases vibrant colors like red, yellow, green, blue, and black, especially between June and November.
10. Tatacoa Desert
Tatacoa Desert, found in Villavieja, Huila, is a unique spot to climb, explore, and stargaze. Divided into two parts, the Red Desert showcases red canyons and an observatory ideal for astronomy, while the Grey Desert resembles a moon-like landscape, earning it the name “The Valley of Ghosts.”
11. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
In Cartagena, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a historic fortress with breathtaking views, built to defend against invaders. Visitors can explore its maze of tunnels used by soldiers to move discreetly. Located near the Getsemani district, it’s easily accessible by walking, bus, or cab.
12. Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá
The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá is an underground cathedral known for its historical and religious significance in Colombia. Situated 656 feet underground in a former mine, it can hold up to 8,000 people and is a popular site for Easter pilgrimages.
13. Walled City of Cartagena
The Walled City of Cartagena is a must-see in Colombia, with its charming Spanish colonial buildings and stunning Caribbean coast. This historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by 6.8 miles of walls up to 40 feet high, built to fend off pirate attacks.
14. Las Lajas Sanctuary
One of Colombia’s most stunning spots is the Las Lajas Sanctuary, near Ipiales. Built in 1754 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it’s believed she appeared here during a storm. Loved by many Catholics, it’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful churches, with marble columns and stained glass windows.
15. Chicamocha Canyon
Chicamocha Canyon is an amazing spot for paragliding in Colombia’s Andean region and one of the largest canyons in the world. Once you’re in the air, you can relax as the pilot expertly navigates the updrafts, taking you higher and farther, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape. Don’t forget your camera for this incredible experience!
16. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
If you love outdoor adventures, try the Lost City Trek in Colombia. This 4 to 5-day hike takes you through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to an ancient site built by the Tayrona people in 800 AD. The trek is challenging but rewarding, with stunning nature, pre-Colombian ruins, and the chance to meet the Indigenous Kogi people who protect the area.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.