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what to visit in Colombia?

Colombia is a country full of natural beauty and cultural richness, extremely diverse in every aspect, with the priviledge for having all the climates but no seasons, making it a perfect destination for travelers. From its tropical beaches to its snow-capped mountains, from volcanoes to colorful rivers, from indigenous communities to big cities, Colombia offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in Colombia:

Cartagena’s Walled City.

Cartagena: Is a beautiful and historic city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It features a well-preserved colonial old town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town is surrounded by a massive wall built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. Inside the walls, visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, churches, and plazas.

The city also has beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Additionally, Cartagena is a gateway to the Rosario Islands, a group of coral islands just a short boat ride from the city that offer crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and great snorkeling or diving opportunities.

Eternal Spring City, Medellín, Colombia.

Medellin: Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin is a bustling metropolis located in the Andean region of Colombia. The city is known for being the homeplace of the famous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Today, Medellin is a city with a strong culture and arts scene, which reflects its resilient spirit, from being the most violent city in the world in the 80s to becoming the most innovated city on earth, one of the fastest growing latinamerican economies and one of the best places to visit, its an example of transformation.

Medellín, is the second-largest city in Colombia and offers a unique mix of urban development, culture, and natural beauty. It has a pleasant year-round climate and its known for having the friendliest people of all Colombia, for its innovative public transportation system, including the Metrocable system that provides access to the city’s excluded neighborhoods.

Visitors can also explore the many museums, parks, and plazas that showcase the city’s rich art culture and history. Medellín is also a city of contrasts with a vibrant nightlife, great food and coffee, and shopping. It’s also a good starting point to explore the beautiful countryside, known for its picturesque towns, coffee plantations and colonial architecture. 

With so many attractions and activities to choose from, Medellín is a great destination for travelers looking for a real unique and diverse experience and of course, discovering a new hotspot to visit!

San Andres Islands, Caribbean Sea, Colombia.

San Andres Islands: Is a Caribbean paradise located near the coast of Nicaragua, but interestingly it’s Colombian. The island is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and diving. The island offers a wide range of water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. It is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

The island’s culture is a mix of Afro-Caribbean and Colombian, which is reflected in its delicious local cuisine, music, and festivals. The island has a laid-back atmosphere, influenced by Jamaican reggae culture, making it a perfect destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the island life. Visitors can also explore the island’s many natural attractions, such as the beautiful beaches, cays, and lagoons. One of the most local things to do is rent a golfcart and drive around the island visiting the different spots.

San Andres is also a great destination for adventure and eco-tourism, it has several hiking trails, and visitors can also explore the island’s mangroves, the third longest coral reefs and other natural wonders.

With its beautiful beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, and friendly locals, San Andres Island is a perfect destination for a tropical getaway.

Cocora Valley, Colombia’s Coffee Region.

The Coffee Region: Colombia is one of the world’s top coffee producers and the department of Caldas, Quindio, Risaralda and parts of Tolima are known as the coffee region, where visitors can take a tour and learn about the coffee-making process, visit local coffee farms and taste some of the best coffee in the world.

The coffee region of Colombia, also known as the “Coffee Triangle”, is a unique destination that offers a variety of experiences for visitors. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and of course, its world-renowned coffee.

One of the main reasons to visit the coffee region is for its picturesque landscapes, the area is surrounded by lush green hills, misty mountains, and beautiful valleys. Visitors can explore the region’s charming small towns and villages, which are filled with colonial-style architecture, plazas, and churches. The towns of Salento, Filandia and Pijao are some of the most popular and charming towns in the region.

Another reason to visit the coffee region is to learn about the history and culture of coffee production in Colombia. Visitors can take a tour of one of the many coffee farms in the region and learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee. They can also taste some of the best Colombian coffee and learn about the different varieties and flavors.

The coffee region is also a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and mountain biking. The Cocora valley, located in the town of Salento, is known for its beautiful palm trees, which are a protected species, and for it’s hikes that can be done on the valley.

Overall, the coffee region of Colombia offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for any traveler interested in experiencing the best of Colombia.

Colombia’s Amazon.

The Amazon Rainforest: Covering more than 60% of the country, The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and home to various indigenous communities. Visitors can take a tour of the rainforest to learn about the different plant and animal species, visit indigenous communities.

Colombia’s Amazon region is a truly unique and diverse destination that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. There are several reasons why you should consider visiting the Amazon:

  1. Biodiversity: The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, and Colombia’s Amazon region is no exception. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of plant and animal species, including monkeys, parrots, pink dolphins, and anacondas. The Amazon is also home to several indigenous communities, who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries, visitors can have a chance to learn about their ancient cultures and customs.

  2. Adventure: The Amazon offers a wide range of adventure activities such as river rafting, kayaking, and jungle trekking. Visitors can explore the forest by boat and visit remote areas that are inaccessible by road.

  3. Relaxation: The Amazon is a great place to relax and disconnect from the outside world. Visitors can stay in eco-lodges or jungle camps and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the sound of the river, and the diverse wildlife.

  4. Cultural Immersion: The Amazon is home to several indigenous communities, and visitors can learn about their culture and customs. Visitors can learn about traditional medicinal practices, take part in ceremonies and rituals, and learn about the relationship between the indigenous people and “PACHA MAMA”.

  5. Climate: The Amazon region has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity, but the weather can change quickly, visitors can experience heavy rains and sunshine at the same day, adding a unique experience to the visit.

Overall, Colombia’s Amazon region is a truly unique and diverse destination that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors, from adventure and relaxation to cultural immersion and biodiversity.

Cabo San Juan, Parque Tayrona, Colombia.

Tayrona National Park, is a must-visit destination in Colombia for several reasons, besides that is has it’s own “MACHU PICHU” that you can Trek to called “THE LOST CITY”, is an ancient civilization discovered a few years ago in the mountains of Santa Marta:

  1. Natural beauty: The park is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including lush tropical forest, pristine beaches, and rugged mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the forest, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

  2. Cultural significance: Tayrona National Park is home to several ancient indigenous settlements, and it is considered to be an important cultural and historical site. Visitors can learn about the region’s rich history and explore the remains of ancient civilizations.

  3. Biodiversity: The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including monkeys, iguanas, and a vast array of bird species. It is an important area for conservation, and it offers visitors the chance to see some of the country’s unique and endangered species.

  4. Adventure activities: The park offers a variety of adventure activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors can also take a boat trip to nearby islands, and enjoy the marine life.

  5. Eco-tourism: Tayrona National Park is committed to sustainable tourism and preserving the natural environment. Visitors can enjoy the park’s natural beauty while also supporting conservation efforts.

Overall, Tayrona National Park is a unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this special place.

Chicamocha National Park, Santander, Colombia.

Santander, Colombia is a beautiful and vibrant destination with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The Department is located in the Andean region of Colombia, which offers stunning mountain views, lush rainforests, and a diverse range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rafting, and bird watching in the nearby natural parks, it also has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and colonial-era buildings to explore. Additionally, is home to a thriving culinary scene, with a wide variety of traditional and modern restaurants.

Santander is a great destination for those looking for an authentic Colombian experience, with a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, its home for San Gil City, known at the capital of extreme sports in Colombia and also the majestic Chicamocha Canyon.

Chicamocha Canyon is a natural wonder. It is one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a depth of over 2,500 feet. The canyon is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.

The canyon is also home to the Chicamocha National Park, which is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling in the park, as well as bird watching and wildlife viewing. The park also has a cable car that takes visitors across the canyon, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the landscape.

In addition to the natural beauty, the canyon also has an important cultural significance. The park has a variety of archaeological sites, including pre-Colombian tombs and petroglyphs. The canyon is also home to the indigenous Bari people, who have lived in the area for centuries and have their own unique culture and traditions.

Overall, the Chicamocha Canyon is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Santander region of Colombia. With its natural beauty, rich history and culture, and wide range of outdoor activities, it offers something for everyone.

Chicamocha National Park, Santander, Colombia.

Pueblito Paisa es una réplica a gran escala de un típico pueblo paisa en la mitad de la enorme ciudad, con el objetivo de recordar nuestras raíces, con sus casas, puertas y balcones de colores representando la diversidad, su plaza en el centro símbolo de comercio y socialización, su parte espiritual como base de toda comunidad y la fuente de agua en el medio de la plaza representando la vida, es una influencia muy española que a la vez es una influencia romana. 

Es un lugar con mucha riqueza cultural, que honra a nuestros antepasados y sus tradiciones, que pone como prioridad la cultura Paisa (Paisas son las personas que tienen sus raíces en ésta región de Colombia), que es tan única en todo el país. También se ha vuelto ícono del turismo, así que tiene varias tiendas en el cual puedes degustar algunos snacks típicos como el salpicón, las obleas, las solteritas, quizás comerte una bandeja paisa o un rico sancocho en algunos de sus restaurantes típicos y también comprar algunos souvenirs que representan nuestra cultura. Colombia es un país multicultural y diverso, cada una de sus regiones es completamente distinta de las otras, como si fueran países diferentes, por eso es tan importante el tema cultural como símbolo de orgullo y tradición.

Cerro Nutibara desde un drone. (El cerro verde que sobresale entre la urbanización).

Está ubicado en el Cerro Nutibara, unos de los 7 cerros que sobresalen entre el valle del aburrá, en los tiempos prehispánicos era una montaña sagrada donde celebraban ceremonias y rituales, al ser un punto alto que acerca a la divinidad y estar localizada en medio del valle, ofreciendo una vista tridimensional de toda la región, para muchas tribus fue un lugar sagrado.

Pueden llegar a éste lugar por medio del sistema Metro, queda cerca de la estación Industriales o Exposiciones, a unos 2.5 km de distancia aproximadamente, lo ideal es coger un taxi o Uber, ya que queda a varias cuadras de las estaciones y luego tienes que subir el cerro hasta la cima.

Parque Arví, Medellín, Antioquia. Uno de sus tantos caminos para recorrer.

El Parque Arví es un parque público abierto de 1761 hectáreas de bosque, pertenecientes a la reserva del río Nare, donde convergen bosques nativos y de plantación. ​​​Abarca territorios de varios municipios del departamento de Antioquia, como Bello, Copacabana, Guarne y Medellín. 

Se concibe como una estrategia para impulsar nuevas y necesarias formas de ocupación territorial, a través del aprovechamiento de los bienes y servicios ambientales en la búsqueda de la sostenibilidad, constituyéndose en un aula viva para la educación ambiental y cultural. Igualmente se plantea dentro del ordenamiento territorial como una barrera natural entre lo urbano y lo rural.

El Parque Arví no es solamente un territorio, es una unidad de actuación integral entre lo urbanístico, económico, social y ambiental, orientada a ofrecer al mercado una oferta turística (atractivos, planta e infraestructura) de manera sostenible y participativa con el fin de alcanzar la valoración, protección y conservación de la diversidad ambiental y cultural del
territorio Arví, así como el desarrollo de sus comunidades, contribuyendo de manera positiva a la reversión del cambio climático mundial.

(Tomado de la página oficial del parque arví).