The Best Destinations in Colombia
Colombia stands out as one of the most remarkable countries for backpackers to consider. It is becoming a very desirable destination among those looking for a country that has damn near everything.
It beckons with its enchanting allure, seamlessly harmonizing diverse landscapes, a lively culture, and welcoming hospitality. Whether you seek pristine Caribbean beaches, verdant rainforests, a tapestry of rich history, exhilarating adventures, or an extraordinary coffee culture, Colombia presents a distinctive fusion of landscapes and experiences, awaiting exploration.
This is a list of just some of the best destinations in Colombia you will want to think about visiting if you have the time.
The country offers a diverse range of amazing destinations. From serene surfing beaches and lively parties to vibrant cities, ancient lost cities, and breathtaking scenery. Colombia is a destination that deserves a spot on every backpacker’s itinerary.
Embarking on a backpacking journey through Colombia unfolds as an genuinely incredible and unforgettable experience.
How Much Time Should I Spend In Colombia?
I might be a bit biased in my approach to traveling. I like to try and spend as much time as possible and go slow. I see so many backpackers who are racing around trying to get as much done in the shortest amount of time. The question is, are these travelers really taking in as much as they could be?
I prefer to take my time and hopefully immerse myself in an area. I am getting to be a bit older so my days of racing around are coming to a close.
But that’s just me.
Now I understand that if you only have a week or two to try and get to the various destinations In Colombia that are on your list you will have to move at a quicker pace. So be it.
But you may want to prioritize a particular region and concentrate on just that area.
Guide to the regions of Colombia
In 2019 I made the mistake of trying to go everywhere and do everything. It was exhausting and overwhelming. And I had 2 months! I tried to do too much.
Also Colombia is a very large country with the incredible Andes mountain range. A 350km bus trip might take 6-7 hours!
What Are Some of the Top Destinations in Colombia?
There are just so many places to go and things to see in this vast country. I am convinced you could spend months in Colombia and not run out of things to do.
Here is a list of some of the best destinations in Colombia for backpackers. What I will try and do is list a main spot and then list places to think about visiting that are relatively close by. It might be a day trip or it might be a place you will want to spend a few days exploring.
Bogota: My goodness I love it here. One my favorite destinations in Colombia for sure. A lively portrayal of brightly colored buildings gracing the streets characterizes the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria in Bogotá, Colombia. The historic heart, La Candelaria, enchants with its array of vivid colonial structures, intricate museums, delectable restaurants, cozy bars, historic churches, and centuries-old residences.
Villa de Leyva: You have stepped back in time when you visit this small town about 4 hours drive from Bogota. Go for hike, wander the streets, sit in the main square and people watch. In short just take it easy.
Zipaquira: This is a popular day trip from Bogota. You are going here to primarily do a tour of the Salt Cathedral. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground.
Tatacoa Desert: You won’t believe this place. It is otherworldly. The Tatacoa Desert boasts a landscape adorned with rocky canyons, displaying a stunning array of red and gray hues. Additionally, it houses one of the most significant observatories in South America, offering a mesmerizing opportunity to gaze at the stars, weather permitting. If you’re seeking to be captivated by the vastness of the universe, this is truly a place you must experience! It is quite remote and the hostel I stayed at had outside hammocks for sleeping. It was pretty cool actually. You can do a self guided hike through the desert by following the trail.
Medellin: Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín stands as one of Colombia’s rapidly developing cities. The array of activities and attractions here can easily occupy weeks on end – from microbreweries, museums, and walking tours to expansive parks and more.
Guatape: The primary attraction drawing visitors is the challenging ascent up the steep staircase to the summit of the monolithic Rock of Guatapé (El Peñol), offering some of the most breathtaking views in the country. Guatapé can be undertaken as a full-day excursion from Medellín, and I strongly suggest considering an overnight stay to avoid feeling rushed and fully appreciate the charm of the area. I think I stayed for 4 or 5 nights and loved every minute of it.
Cocora Valley: Another top destination in Colombia for backpackers is the Cocora Valley. Here you will see Colombia’s national tree, the towering wax palm, reaches impressive heights of nearly 200 feet (60 meters). Renowned for hosting one of the country’s most well-loved day hikes, this region is a celebrated destination. And I saw so many hummingbirds! They were everywhere.
Salento: This where you will probably stay to explore the coffee region and do the Cocora Valley hike. I stayed a few days here and rather enjoyed it. There is a whole lot to do except wander the streets, enjoy some very good Colombia coffee and people watch. But that might just a good thing.
San Gil: Regarded as the adventure sports hub of the nation, San Gil holds a special appeal for backpackers who are enthusiasts of extreme activities. The city is a haven for white-water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, trekking, and an array of other outdoor pursuits. Lots of budget friendly hostels to choose from as well.
Barichara: Often considered the prettiest town in Colombia, Barichara can be done as a day trip from San Gil. But I think there is enough to do here to stay for a night or two. Wander the streets. Go for a long hike. Enjoy some coffee.
Cali: It’s all about salsa, as Cali is a magnet for dance enthusiasts. Many backpackers extend their stay in Cali for weeks, drawn by the opportunity to learn salsa. Cali offers a variety of attractions including parks, museums, and churches, along with delightful walking and food tours.
Popayán: Recognized as La Ciudad Blanca (“The White City”) due to its uniformly white-painted buildings, Popayán is additionally characterized as a college town. While it’s easy to breeze through the typical tourist activities (like taking the walking tour, climbing the hill, and seeing the churches), I highly recommend extending your stay to truly savor the unhurried pace of life.
Cartagena: Cartagena stands out as one of the most frequently visited destinations in Colombia, benefiting from numerous direct flights and cruise ship arrivals. Tracing its roots back to 1533, the city is renowned for its colonial Old Town—a labyrinth of cobbled alleys, balconies adorned with flowers, and grand churches gracing expansive plazas. It can be hot and a bit humid but Cartagena is one of the iconic destinations in Colombia.
Barranquilla: Nestled between Santa Marta and Cartagena, Barranquilla takes the spotlight during Carnival(Usually in February), ranking as the second-largest in Latin America. Prices for everything skyrocket at this time though. There is certainly stuff to do if you go at other times.
Minca: Not quite 3 hours from Barranquilla is Minca.
Situated in the foothills of the Sierra de Santa Marta Mountains, Minca has transformed from a tranquil, but a bit trendy, backpacker town into a sought-after destination for tourists seeking refuge from the sweltering heat of the Caribbean coast and desiring serene hiking experiences. You can read more here about the best things to do in Minca.
Among the notable trails is the one leading to Los Pinos, a challenging three-hour journey from the town center, involving a steady ascent into the mountains. Despite the effort, the trek is ultimately rewarding. I also did a tour of an organic coffee farm which was a great learning experience.
The region is also dotted with numerous waterfalls, with Pozo Azul and Marinka standing out as two of the finest. Both waterfalls feature inviting swimming holes, adding to the allure of the area. Be warned that there are mosquitos here as you are in the “jungle”(kind of).
9 More Destinations in Colombia to Think About
There are just so many places to explore if you are backpacking in Colombia.
Here are some more to consider.
- Santa Marta
2. Tayrona National Park
3. Chingaza National Park
Read about all of the National Parks of Colombia Here
4. Palomino
5. Manizales
6. Providencia and San Andrés Islands
8. Cabo de la Vela
9. Punta Galinas
My goodness there is almost TOO MUCH to do when you decide to go backpacking in Colombia. It can be overwhelming. But this is probably a good thing as you are spoiled with amazing destinations to pick from.
You really have to map out your trip and give some thought as to how you are going to arrange your travels. I would recommend considering flying from major cities within Colombia. You will save so much time and one way flights are budget friendly. Of course that means dealing with airports so there might be some cons to that as well.
Colombia is a captivating and enchanting country, and there’s every likelihood you’ll find yourself falling in love with its beauty.
