Marjolein Dilven
Why travel to Colombia? Besides its coffee, there are a lot of places to visit and activities to experience. Let us count the reasons why you will not regret making it your next destination, as there are various wonderful things to do in Colombia.
Planning a trip to the cities in Colombia before you come to the country will do wonders for you, and we can help you with that. You can go through this list for the top things to do in Colombia, including the traditional touristy stuff and some nudges toward the off-beat adventure traveler track.
With this list as your guide, you can make your Colombian vacation a memorable one!
Where Is Colombia?
Colombia is a beautiful South American country, quite popular for its border with the Caribbean Sea. It is the fourth largest country in the continent, with a total area of 1.134 million km2.
From the San Bernardo Islands to crowded cities such as Cartagena and Medellin, Colombia has plenty of sights and activities to offer its tourists. Also, the weather in the country is quite pleasant. You will feel neither heat nor cold but soothing weather with temperatures between 66 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 29 degrees Celsius).
How To Get To Colombia?
If you want to travel to Colombia, you can land at one of the 5 international airports in Bogota, Barranquilla (the golden gate), Cartagena, Cali, and Medellin.
LAN and TACA are two of the best airlines that offer direct flights from the USA to Cali, Medellin, and Cartagena.
21 Top Things to Do in Colombia – Activities
1. Totumo Volcano Mud Bath
Totumo Volcano is located a few kilometers away from Cartagena. The volcano has a mud pool right at the top, which you can reach by climbing up the stairs. Colombian locals believe the mud has healing properties.
If you’re looking for things to do in Cartagena, the Totumo Volcano mud bath is a must-try.
2. River Rafting
Colombia has some great rivers ideal for rafting. The best of all is the San Gil, a place located up North of Bogota. It requires around 6 hours to reach the place by road.
San Gil isn’t the only place to go rafting; you can also book a 2-3 day trip to Rio Verde, Medellin. You will find class IV rapids in San Gil, meaning the river is intense and powerful but predictable.
3. Paragliding
If you are visiting San Gil for river rafting, the visit can be even more adventurous with the addition of paragliding. You can enjoy the beautiful views of Chicamocha Canyon from the top.
Another spot for this activity is Jericó, located south of Antioquia.
4. Rock Climbing
For rock climbing, we would highly recommend you to visit Suesca. It is only a 2-hour drive away from Bogota, which makes it the perfect day trip when you’re staying in Bogota.
The activity started in the early 1930s, and with over 400 climbing routes, it is quite easy to choose the difficulty level based on your climbing skills.
5. Canyoning
If you want the best canyoning experience, head to San Carlos. The place is only 4 hours away from Medellin and offers a setting for canyoning.
You can also do this activity if you are staying in Cali near Pance.
6. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an activity that would require you to head up north toward the Caribbean Sea. There is an island called San Andres that has some great spots for diving.
The Caribbean coast also has some of the best Colombian beaches, so you’ll probably spend some more time there. The waters here are clear and deep for you to enjoy the colorful reefs.
7. Barranquilla’s Carnival
Of the many carnivals that Colombia hosts yearly, Barranquilla’s Carnival is the largest in the country. It starts in late March and lasts for about four days. Cultures from different cities are represented every day.
Tourists love the carnival, and hotels get booked quickly, so pre-book your ticket when you know you’ll be in or around Barranquilla in late March.
Top Things to Do in Colombia – Sights
8. Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is a place to visit to enjoy Colombia’s beautiful nature. The park has a lot of different bird species and the best beaches. An amazing place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
You should think twice about visiting this place are October and November, as the park receives the most rainfall during these months.
9. The Rainbow River
The colorful river is located in La Sierra De La Macarena. The river is named Cano Cristales, also called the rainbow river, as it reflects 5 different shades of a rainbow during the rainy season.
It can be quite challenging to reach the rainbow river, which makes it an even more unique experience.
10. Climb the La Piedra
La Piedra, or “The Rock,” is one of the largest monoliths in the world, one of the most prominent attractions in Guatapé, and considered a national monument in Colombia.
Climbing the La Piedra, you need to pay an entrance fee of 20,000 Colombian pesos or 4.50 US dollars.
11. Walled City of Cartagena
The old city of Cartagena is full of old Colombian architecture combined with colorful streets. It was first constructed in the sixteenth century by Spanish Conquistador Pedro De Heredia.
It is a perfect spot for you if you love visiting historical sites.
12. Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora has the tallest trees in the world. They can grow up to a height of 200 ft.
The place is ideal for people who want to explore the coffee region while enjoying the beauty of nature. It’s just a 20-minute drive from the nearest town, Salento, where you can stay to admire the beauty of the Colombian countryside.
13. The Amazon River
The Amazon River has more than 200 different types of mammals and 180 reptiles roaming beside the longest river in the world.
You can travel to the town of Leticia to get the safaris to learn about Colombia’s unique rainforest.
14. Whale Watching
You will be among the luckiest tourists if you spot a humpback whale. They migrate to the Pacific Ocean to breed between June and October.
It is the best time to go into the sea and search for a 100-foot-long whale swimming around.
Top Things to Do in Colombia – Beaches
15. Guachalito Beach
Guachalito Beach is a dark sand beach in Nuqui, a 30-minute boat ride from Medellin. The place doesn’t get much tourist attention. So, if you are staying in Medellin, experience a private space with beautiful views of this magnificent beach.
16. Costeño Beach
Costeño Beach is located on the Caribbean coast. It is quite popular for activities such as surfing. Moreover, there is a luxury hotel for you called Costeño Beach Hostel for you to stay in at night.
17. Rincon del Mar Beach
Sunbathing at Rincon Del Mar beach is an unforgettable experience. It is a remote fishing village with a yellow sand beach in San Onofre.
The place is usually not overcrowded with tourists, making it a good spot to spend a few days.
18. San Bernardo Island Beaches
San Bernardo is an archipelago with two main islands that are a must-visit. These islands are the twin wonders of Tintipan and Mucura, a heaven on earth with pearly white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Top Things to Do in Colombia – Nightlife
19. Salsa Dancing in Cali
Colombia is quite famous because of salsa. Most foreigners visit Cali to take salsa classes from professionals.
You can learn a few steps by visiting the famous salsa clubs in Cali at night.
20. Cartagena’s Famous Rooftop Bars
In Cartagena, these are the best rooftop bars where you can get the ultimate nightlife experience:
- The Movich Rooftop
- Mirador Gastro
- Townhouse
21. The Fantastic Atmosphere of El Poblado, Medellin
El Poblado has the best nightlife in Medellin of all Colombian cities. The atmosphere here is electric, with many tourists from all over the world enjoying the midnight fun.
Tips On How To Stay Safe During Your Colombian Visit
To make the most out of your Colombian visit, follow these rules:
- Don’t give papaya (don’t make yourself an easy target.)
- Do not buy drugs at any cost.
- Use Uber to travel.
- Learn some Spanish phrases.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Safety Concerns in Colombia
Colombia has become much safer than it used to be in the past. Major crimes such as terrorism and kidnapping have been eliminated from the core, but you can become a target for petty theft and scams when you visit.
So, to protect yourself from thieves and scammers, here are 4 useful tips to remember:
- Don’t wander around at midnight, as most criminal groups are active late at night.
- Never accept drink or food from a stranger.
- Some criminals even disguise themselves as police officers asking to show your money. Asking to show or give your money is the biggest giveaway that the person is not a real police officer.
- Keep your stuff in a bag and place it in front of you while visiting crowded areas.
Colombian Itinerary
Seven Days
- Day 1: Travel to Bogota
- Day 2: Do a Bogota City tour to discover the city and walk around
- Day 3: Travel to Medellin (Take some rest and enjoy Medellin nightlife)
- Day 4: MetroCable ride to Medellin neighborhoods
- Day 5: Travel to Salento
- Day 6: Visit Coffee farms
- Day 7: Departure
14 Days
- Day 1: Travel to Bogota
- Day 2: Bogota City tour
- Day 3: Travel to Salento
- Day 4: Visit Coffee farms
- Day 5: Hike the Valle de Cocora
- Day 6: Go horseback riding in Cocora Valley
- Day 7: Travel to Medellin
- Day 8: Use Medellin MetroCable and enjoy the views of Arvi park
- Day 9: Visit the Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero.
- Day 10: Visit Comuna 13
- Day 11: Travel to Cartagena
- Day 12: Explore the walled city
- Day 13: Day tour to the Rosario Islands
- Day 14: Departure
21 Days
- Day 1: Travel to Bogota
- Day 2: Free walking tour of Bogota
- Day 3: Visit Salt Cathedral
- Day 4: Visit Botanical Gardens
- Day 5: Travel to Salento
- Day 6: Visit a coffee plantation
- Day 7: Hiking at Cocora valley
- Day 8: Explore the old town of Gallipoli
- Day 9: Travel to Medellin
- Day 10: Visit Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero
- Day 11: Explore Comuna 13
- Day 12: Enjoy views from El Penon De Guatape
- Day 13: The museum day (Visit Museum of Modern Art and House of Memory)
- Day 14: Travel to Cartagena
- Day 15: Visit Castillo San Filipe De Barajas
- Day 16: Visit Plaza De los Coches
- Day 17: Spend a night at Plaza De la Trinidad
- Day 18: Travel to San Bernardo Islands
- Day 19: Visit Tintipan Island
- Day 20: Visit Mucura Island
- Day 21: Departure
For accommodation options in Colombia, you may click on the map.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Colombia
What Is Colombia Best Known For?
Colombia is best known for its diverse landscapes and activities, such as snorkeling, diving, etc.
Where Is Colombia Located?
Colombia is a South American country bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Panama on the northwest, Venezuela and Brazil to the east, and Peru and Ecuador on the south, with its west coast facing the Pacific Ocean.
Is It Safe to Visit Colombia?
Yes, it is quite safe to visit Colombia, but make sure you “don’t give papaya.”
What Is Colombia’s Famous Food?
Colombia’s most famous food is the arepa, a flat round cornmeal cake.
Conclusion – Things To Do in Colombia
As a travel destination, Colombia has so much to offer. With this list of the best things to do in Colombia, we hope you will enjoy the country’s natural and manmade wonders, the warmth of its people, and the soulful vibrancy of its culture.
You can take the risk and venture outside the large cities for more unique and memorable adventures. Always remember “No des papaya,” but enjoy yourself to the fullest!
Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources
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Related reads:
- Colombia Interesting Facts: 55 Things You Should Know Before Visiting
- Top 5 Best Places To Enjoy Colombia Nightlife
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.