October 18, 2018

Colombia is abounding with historical, environmental, and cultural sites that you can’t miss out on experiencing. After you’ve read all about Colombia’s most stellar sites, don’t just sit around and fantasize about your Colombian getaway —message us for help planning a one-of-a-kind Colombian adventure.

Camp under your lucky star in the Tatacoa Desert

If you’re not mesmerized by the stunning canyons and rock formations of the Tatacoa Desert, you might need to check your pulse. Six hours southwest of Bogota, the reddish-brownish-veined rock formations and out-of-this-world canyons that compose this desert are nothing short of captivating. There are plenty of lodging options available in nearby towns, but if you’re a true adventurer, you can actually camp in the desert!

Get dirty in the El Totumo Mud Volcano

Go off the beaten path at the El Totumo Mud Volcano. This 50-foot mountain is about a 45-minute ride from Cartagena, and contrary to what you might think, El Totuma is not actually an active volcano. Instead, the volcano’s crater is filled with a mineral-rich mud that includes calcium, magnesium, and aluminum, among other rejuvenating minerals. Health nuts take note: El Totumo’s mud is not just regular dirt — this stuff is good for some serious exfoliating! After your mud bath, wash all of your worries away in the lagoon that borders the volcano, or relax with an in-volcano massage from a local attendant. Just don't forget to bring small bills to tip with when you visit this one-of-a-kind Colombian wonder!

Make your rainbow connection at the Caño Cristales

The Caño Cristales is also known as “The Liquid Rainbow” or “The River of Five Colors”, and for good reason; the shimmering prism of colors reflected in the river is a unique Colombian marvel. This ravishing river is located in Serrania de la Macarena National Park, in the province of Meta. Enjoy the natural wonder of the layered quartzite plateaus over which that the liquid rainbow cascades, formed a whopping 1.2 billion years ago.

Lift your spirits at the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is located just outside of Bogota, hundreds of feet below ground in an active salt mine. This underground cathedral is still functioning and receives thousands of visitors every week for Sunday service. Take a day trip from Colombia's capital to admire the architectural wonder of this stunning Salt Cathedral, which is carved entirely from the walls, ceiling, and floor of the mine itself!

Discover the gritty-turned-artsy neighborhood of Comuna 13

Thankfully, the dangerous days of Pablo Escobar are long gone. Comuna 13 was once heavily controlled by gangs loyal to Escobar’s Medellin Cartel, and the area was at one point the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia. However, Comuna 13, like Medellin as a whole, has been actively reinventing itself. Today the area is alive with a plethora of politically-charged street art and youth movements that you have to see for yourself.

Chicaque Natural Park may be foggy, but your memories of it won’t be

Just 30 minutes outside of Bogota by Uber and only slightly longer via public transportation, Chicaque Natural Park is situated within one of Colombia’s fabled Andean cloud forests. Sightseeing in this park is just the tip of the iceberg, hiking, horseback riding, and through the trees are all ways intrepid travelers can explore this natural gem. Best of all, while most jungles are harshly humid, Chicaque stays cool and temperate thanks to a mix of warm and cool air at high altitude — which also gives the forest its trademark mist and thick fog! In addition, all this moisture lends itself to some of the most unique biodiversity of plants, animals, and insects found anywhere in the world. Chicaque is one Colombian attraction you can't miss

Pose with the Instagram-worthy statues at Botero Plaza

Colombian artist Fernando Botero is known for his beautifully exaggerated sculptures and paintings, a signature style known as “Boterismo.” Botero Plaza is located in the center of and boasts a whopping 23 of Botero's prized colossal sculptures — making it a must for your Medellin itinerary. More of Botero’s enormous sculptures can be found a short five-minute walk down the street, at Medellin's Berrio Park and San Antonio Plaza.

Roam the Lost City

The ruins of this ancient city, called “Teyuna” by the locals, are hidden deep within the jungle. Built by the Tayrona civilization over 1200 years ago, the city is even older than Machu Picchu! Active hikers will love the ruins and the days-long hike it takes to see them. A trip to the Lost City is one destination for any thrill-seeker’s Colombia travel itinerary. 

Chow down on both food and history in Plaza de Bolivar

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Colombia’s buzzing capital of Bogota with a visit to Plaza de Bolivar.  Located in the happening La Candelaria neighborhood, it’s a phenomenal spot to people watch and down on treats from the local food vendors that line the square. Some of the plaza’s main buildings include the Palace of Justice, Liévano Palace, the National Capitol, and the Primary Cathedral of Bogota.

Tayrona National Park has it all

Tayrona National Park has everything a nature lover could ever want — lush forests, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and stunning mountains. Located in Magdelena, in northern Colombia, Tayrona National Park’s coast is composed of a natural system of bays and coves, making the area perfect for swimming. You can easily head to Tayrona on a day trip from Cartagena or stay the night in the wilderness. Hammock rentals are under $5 a night; or, if you’re into luxury accommodations, you can always hit the hay in one of Santa Marta’s many lodgings.