Updated August 17, 2018

A few decades ago, Colombia was as unsavory as it gets. Now, the country is one of the hottest and safest travel spots for families, young people, and solo travelers! No matter what your ultimate week in Colombia looks like, you’re going to have a miraculous time. Check out these 3 hidden gems in Colombia that nobody ever talks about — but that you need to explore. Afterward, feel free to message us with any questions you still have about traveling to Colombia!

Hidden Gem #1: Suesca

Suesca boasts tremendous indigenous history (human sacrifice, anyone?)

You have to head to the town of Suesca to experience some of Colombia's indigenous culture.

• Lake Suesca was known to be a place where the pre-colonial Muisca Civilization would meet to perform religious rituals… sometimes including human sacrifice.
• It’s said that the Muisca people would collect the heads of their enemies as trophies and offer captives to appease their gods. If one thing’s for sure, Suesca is not for the faint of heart!

Suesca is also Colombia’s extreme sports capital

While you can’t miss seeing Colombia's major cities, make sure to experience Colombia’s smaller communities as well.

• Although the smaller towns won’t feature Bogota’s boastful nightlife or Medellin’s luxurious food scene, indigenous people all around Colombia have culture to share.
• Suesca is recognized as the birthplace of rock climbing in Colombia — something that’s become incredibly popular in the area. You can also whitewater raft, mountain bike, and trek.
• It's just north of Bogota, so it's easy to get to with Uber.

Hidden Gem #2: Choco and The Pacific Coast

Choco is a practically uninhabited paradise

Colombia’s beach scene may be well-known for its Caribbean Coast, but you definitely need to check out its pristine Pacific shore! Nestled just south of Panama, the department of Choco is truly one of the country’s hidden gems because it’s one of the few places in Colombia you can’t get to by road. Because of this, Choco has endless immaculate beaches that remain practically uninhabited. In Choco, you can check out:

• Colorful coral reefs
• Sea turtle nests
• Humpback whales — they give birth just offshore each summer, so whale watching is something you can't miss on your Colombian trip!

The Pacific coast is incredible wildlife and forest

For those who want to do more than soak in the sun, you can:

• Go to the lush rainforest in Utria National Park, full of diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous people that would be happy to show you around.
• If you’re more of a DIY person, have no fear! Choco has activities for every type of traveler. 
• Take a one hour hike — past Panama — to the waterfalls at El Cielo and bathe in La Piscina de Dioses (aka The Pool of the Gods).

Hidden Gem #3: Gorgona Island

Gorgona Island is a remote national park brimming with biodiversity

With seas so crystal clear, the beaches of Gorgona Island are undeniably one of Colombia’s finest highlights. Gorgona Island is also on Colombia’s Pacific coast, south of Choco and closer to the Ecuadorian border.

• The island was once a prison, explaining its remote location, and the whole island stands at only 10 square miles.
• You can get there by boat from Buenaventura or by plane from Cali — but whichever you choose, it’s worth the commute.
• Because the whole area is now a national park, the peninsula’s forest is among the most pristine in the world.

The diving in Gorgona is unreal

While Gorgona is an amazing area to enjoy wildlife, (sloths, monkeys, and snakes abound among other animals), the most common reason people come to the island is to dive!

• The scuba diving, snorkeling, and even free diving off Gorgona are unparalleled due to the regions phenomenal aquatic life — and its remoteness!
• The tiny island only holds 80 travelers at a time, meaning its diving spots are totally unspoiled.
• You absolutely have to check out Gorgona — it’s a gem that simply can’t be missed!