Colombia

For years, Colombia was a secret kept by the most intrepid travelers; today, it is the most vibrant and essential destination in South America. This is a country where the Andes mountain range splits into three, where the Caribbean meets the Pacific, and where the colonial past is painted in every shade of the rainbow.

From the coffee-scented highlands to the sun-drenched colonial plazas of the coast, Colombia is a place of “Magic Realism”—where the line between the everyday and the extraordinary feels beautifully blurred.

Why we love Colombia

We love Colombia for its irrepressible energy. It is a country that has found its voice and is celebrating it through art, gastronomy, and music. It is the warmth of the Paisas in Medellín, the rhythmic clatter of a horse-drawn carriage in Cartagena, and the taste of a perfect cup of coffee overlooking a sea of emerald hills. It is a destination that doesn’t just show you its beauty; it invites you to dance along with it.

The Most Beautiful Places in Colombia

From the “Jewel of the Indies” to the towering peaks of the Andes:

1. Cartagena de Indias

Perhaps the most romantic city in the Caribbean. Cartagena’s walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with bougainvillea-draped balconies, hidden courtyards, and grand colonial mansions. At sunset, the city’s ramparts become the world’s most beautiful bar, offering views of the Caribbean and the modern skyline beyond.

2. The Coffee Cultural Landscape (Eje Cafetero)

The heart of Colombia’s rural soul. In the departments of Quindío and Risaralda, you’ll find rolling green hills dotted with traditional fincas. Nearby, the Cocora Valley is home to the world’s tallest palm trees—the Quindío Wax Palm—which rise like giants through the mountain mist.

3. Medellín

Once the “City of Eternal Spring,” now the global poster child for urban transformation. Nestled in a deep Andean valley, Medellín is a hub of innovation, cable cars, and world-class street art. Explore the oversized sculptures of Fernando Botero in the city’s plazas or escape to the nearby lakeside town of Guatapé.

4. Tayrona National Park & The Sierra Nevada

Where the jungle meets the sea. Located on the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is a sacred landscape of white-sand coves and massive boulders framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It is a place for coastal trekking, sleeping in luxury eco-tents, and connecting with the indigenous heritage of the region.

5. Barichara

Often cited as the prettiest town in Colombia, Barichara is a masterpiece of stone-carved streets and whitewashed walls. Located in the Santander region, it offers a peaceful, high-altitude retreat with spectacular views over the Suarez River Canyon.

Highlights of a Tour Through Colombia

  • The Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida): Embark on a multi-day journey deep into the jungle to discover an ancient archaeological site built by the Tayrona people, older than Machu Picchu and accessible only by foot.
  • Island Hopping in the Islas del Rosario: Escape the heat of Cartagena on a private boat to explore this archipelago of coral reefs and turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling and fresh lobster lunches.
  • A Journey into the Amazon: Fly to Leticia, where the borders of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru meet, to explore the world’s most famous rainforest and spot the elusive pink river dolphins.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: Colombia is an equatorial country, so seasons don’t change much. The driest months are December to March and July to August. However, the “City of Eternal Spring” (Medellín) is pleasant year-round.
  • Getting around: The topography of Colombia is dramatic, meaning drives between cities can be long. Domestic flights are efficient and affordable. Within the Coffee Region, the iconic “Willys” (vintage Jeeps) are the most authentic way to travel.
  • Safety: Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation. While the standard precautions of any major destination apply, the country is now a welcoming and safe hub for international luxury travel.
  • Coffee Etiquette: In Colombia, coffee is a point of national pride. Seek out a “specialty” tasting tour to move beyond the standard export and taste the complex, fruity notes of high-altitude beans.