11/25/2016 14:14 EST. 200km south of Medellin, it is the perfect stop-over for any traveller heading down towards Ecuador. In the hills above Medelln, you will find the relaxed and tranquil Santa Elena. Starting in Bogota and finishing in Cartagena, this great . This cathedral is located 16km outside of town but aside from those crossing the border into Ecuador, it is the main reason visitors come all this way. All Colombia is beautiful but some of its municipalities are especially beautiful to visit. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. This huge square of stone ground and surrounded by colonial house, receive the daily tourism and open space to a beautiful landscape, you can see the green of the mountains beyond Villa de Leyva, and the yellow of a desert that touches his borders on the other end. La Playa de Beln - Norte de Santander. London, U.K. London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with history (Westminster Abbey) and models of modernity (London Eye, The Gherkin) mingling on the Thames. The Museum city. Or you can take a tour on horseback to La Cueva del Esplendor where you can see a cascading waterfall inside a cave. Santa Cruz de Mompox or just Mompox as it is affectionately referred to has a very rich history. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient fortifications or just meander through the old town to admire its colorful architecture, which house museums, palaces and churches. WereOther Way Roundand we bring together groups of adventurous travellers aged 25-45 for animmersive&authentic experience of travelling Colombia. Founded in 1537, its mild climate quickly attracted wealthy Spanish families who built mansions, schools, churches and monasteries. Each house is painted a bright colour and the lower half is decorated with frescoes of people, shapes, or animals. And if mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, paragliding or rock climbing dont float your boat, head to nearby Curiti for a swim in their epic string of rock pools, or head 30 minutes the other way to the majestic Juan Curi waterfall. Or perhaps singing in the constant rain of Popayan would be more your flavor. There are a number of hotels on the islands which often include transportation as part of your stay and this is probably one of the best ways to visit the islands. Literally. 3. Because of how few people there are here, Palomino is one of the safest cities you can visit in Colombia. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Colombia. You can also see the area from above in a beautiful hot air balloon ride. This not so small town is home to one major attraction. Nicknamed the White City due to its unique architecture with chalk-white exteriors, the city is famed for its Maundy Thursday procession and lively nightlife scene. Colombia is a country of contrasts but it has a series of places that are worth visiting, some of them are its wonderful towns. Head to the hills above town via the Comuna 13 to explore its colorful homes and street murals, then finish your day in El Poblado, the citys trendiest neighborhood with boutique shops and popular eateries. A post shared by Elison Veloza Lifad (@eli_doneis). Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. The small but beautiful (only 10 square miles) Gorgon Island sits 22 miles off the Pacific coast of Colombia. A post shared by Colombia Travel (@colombia.travel). Here are a few you should immediately add to your, Founded in the 16th century, quaint Villa de Leyva is now popular among. The city itself though is tranquil but loaded with charm, with almost the entire centre consisting of whitewashed colonial buildings. The Light City. 1. Sky-high rugged spires of sandstone and limestone create a sci-fi movie backdrop and provide for some of the most scenic hiking in Colombia. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Immensely atmospheric and visually stunning. According to their legends, the souls of the dead go there before embarking on their last journey. Oh yes, the sunsets of the town are pretty amazing too. Head to the cooler, mountainous climes of Medellin and Bogota. The Rosario Islands are 30 stunning Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena with some just an hour boat ride away. Entrepinos, Cacique. Colorful facades are practically a staple of Colombian pueblos and Jeric is no different. If you cant imagine your life without coffee, then dont miss the opportunity to visit the globally-famous Colombia coffee triangle, a world heritage-listed coffee-growing region in the Andino region of Colombia. Santa Marta, Colombia 3. Here you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the whole of Alta Guajira as well as Serrania del Carpintero mountain ridge looming in the distance. My name is Frank and I run a travel agency in Bogota, Colombia. Its historical colonial cities offer easy access to beautiful natural parks and snow-capped Andean peaks, while Bogota and Medellin are lined with bustling streets. Sit down for a typical Colombian meal or head to the picturesque lake for a boat cruise of the region. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then hes continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. Guachalito Beach is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Colombia. For all its grit and grime, Bogota had more character than most other Colombian cities combined. 1. Zen-tir, Cajica. It is the older town in the region, the tourism is growing every year, due that near is located the Cocoa Valley and the Nevados Park. Take a cable car up to Arvi Park and soak in the views of the valley-bound city. Login to Contact. Perhaps in the world. But with just a smidge more effort you can relax in one of Colombias idyllic towns and get a taste of rural life in Colombia. Colombia however relies far more on good ole' fashioned walking, buses, trains, and public transit. Its a heady combination of untouched Caribbean beaches and dense rainforest, leading up to huge, often snow-capped mountains. Here are just a few. Its mostly known as being a destination for kitesurfing. Meander through the picturesque city and stop to admire its ornate cathedral, the Parque La Libertad, while Parque El Gallineral is the center of the citys social life and Plaza de Mercado is a covered market where you can pick up typical Colombian goods. The biggest difference between the two is the amount of tourism. Parque Arvi. Answer (1 of 4): I'm not going to tell you about non touristy places, but about touristy places that only the locals know. Bogota, Colombia's dynamic capital city 4. After the construction of a new bridge out of Medellin, the journey time to this very popular town has been cut down to only 45 minutes. Villa De Leyva 1. One of Colombia's 17 Heritage Towns, La Playa de Belen is located in Norte de Santander department, a region that hardly sees any tourism, especially compared to its neighbouring region of Santander. In the rolling hills of Santander, Barichara is often considered one of Colombia's most beautiful towns. Ipiales is quite a large town. Above all else, the famous Colombian hospitality will undoubtedly find you coming back for more. The most colorful town in all of South America. The pretty town of Mongu, about 10km from the popular cycling area of Sogamoso, is an official Heritage Town of Colombia. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Colombia, The most beautiful places to visit in Brazil. CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA. This town stands out the conservation of his colonial architecture, white facade houses and wooden windows, platform and stone streets, churches of red bricks, conservative people and beautiful parks full of lowers and giants trees, make this place a calm paradise to visit. They're cheap, nice and safe, and you can bet none of the traditional travelers ever goes there. 10# Neiva : Travelers stop by Neiva to visit the Tatacoa desert. Azure waves, coral reefs, and a fabulous underwater world lure flocks of snorkelling, diving, and surfing enthusiasts. So strap on your dancing shoes, because if youre in Cali (a populous city in the Valle del Cauca department, southwest of Bogot) youre going to be moving your feet. The small village of Sapzurro is just a stones throw from Panama (located in the northwest corner of Colombia). Salento sees far more tourists which although adds to the cheery evening ambiance indulging in local spirits and playing a few rounds of Tejo, but can detract from your daytime exploring. Another major attraction is the gorgeous humpback whales, whose migration routes closely pass along the shore. The inhabitant base his life style in customs inherited from the ancestors, for that reason, the 40% of the community dedicate to creation and crafts sale. Medellin, Bogota, and Cartagena get all the attention. Inside the town itself, youll find even more churches, albeit not as impressive, and a mountainside cable car. Mild climate, clear sea, white-sand beaches, as well as friendly locals make the islands an ideal holiday destination. Then check out an underwater geyser Soplador that spews a fountain from a narrow cleft in the massive calcareous rock. You may just find yourself floating over the rolling green hills getting a birds eye view of the town below. The town itself is microscopic. 4.) While exploring can easily be done in a day, the beauty of Barichara comes from pacing yourself. It also boasts the highest density of hotels and restaurants per population. Jerry Costanza August 17, 2022. What sets this town apart is the Tunnel de Occidente youll travel through to get there. Its a coffee-producing town surrounded by a picturesque backdrop of banana plants and a towering Christ statue, the best thing to do in this town is to unwind and relax. Noted for its Pablo Escobar history, the modern history boasts an array of attractions to enjoy, from a walk through the Old Quarter at Botero Plaza dotted with sculptures to the must-visit Museum of Antioquia. I was a month late, but am reliably told that during Easter the White City is Colombias place to be! A post shared by Chris Bell (@chrisbellcolombia). It's a beautiful city filled with history and friendly people. Bogota, also referred to as The Athens of South America, is Colombia's capital and one of the largest cities of the continent. Topic posted by gringo2u. The Bolivar Square is representative of that and the Calle Real that is a commerce area in the town where to find wooden crafts and jewelery. Colombia practically invented fairytale towns. Next to the seaside city of Santa Marta youll find Tayrona National Park. Visit the archeological park and ancient site to see more than 500 monoliths, statues, petroglyphs and sarcophagi. This sleepy little town is also a major hub for artisanal crafts and a great place to pick up some additions to your wardrobe. Big cities, by and large, tend to dilute local culture and customs; filled with commercialism, business, and busy busy people as they are. Step inside Iglesia de Ermita to see the citys oldest church dating back to 1546, then admire the beautiful details of Iglesia de San Francisco. The most important places are la Pila (fountain), located in the middle of the main square, the Cultural House and the Santa Marta overlook. Contents Barichara Villa de Leyva Honda Mompox Guatap Salento Hiking in Cocora Valley Filandia Barichara Head 2 hours south of Bucaramanga to the quiet mountain town of San Gil located in northern Colombia, and dip your toe, head and/or torso into any of the countless adventure activities on offer. His historical downtown with stone streets, colonial houses are decorated with cobblestones and you can enjoy a recreative walk meanwhile you buy some of their crafts. Barichara. Whether you watch these giant mammals from the beach or take a boat trip, a once in a lifetime experience is guaranteed! Believed to pre-date Peru's Machu Picchu by as. Perhaps the most unique landscape of all the pueblos listed & also the most difficult to get to. Part of what is possibly one of the most wildly dramatic natural landscapes in the country, the beach is edged by overflowing virgin jungle, where unbelievable wildlife roams freely and waterfalls flow over huge drops. Santa Fe de Antioquia. Home Page; Colombia Guide; . But, as we've already discovered, good things come to those who are prepared to "go the extra mile". Grouse Mountain. Villa de Leyva Cobblestone streets, white-washed colonial houses, lush green mountains as backdrop, and one of the most charming plazas in Colombia, Villa de Leyva is postcard perfect. The Enchanted Lagoon on Isla Grande is a site where you can observe the stunning natural phenomenon, phosphorescent plankton. Take a tour of the region and youll have a chance to sample some of the famous coffee produced in the region. The colonial houses are painted in colors to fix with the flowers that decorate the balconies and streets. If youre up to a multi-day challenge you can follow the cobblestone road past Chicamocha canyon and through many smaller idyllic towns along the way. Coffee lovers flock to Salento, as its located in a region called the Coffee Triangle that is dotted with coffee farms. Golden is located at the confluence of two important rivers. i have visited medellin in 2019 cant wait to go back never see any trouble and all the people was nice and friendly did not want to go home love the place, Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. Barichara is the ideal place for those who look the peace and quiet and also for the adventurer, as very near can be practiced extreme sports as parapente and rafting. Lauren is a travel, food and drink writer, specializing in Mexico and Latin America. Barichara may even be our favourite heritage town of Colombia - of those we've seen. Smack in the heart of Colombia's eje cafetero (coffee region) lies Filandia, a cute and colorful pueblo whose name translates as "daughter of the Andes.". Pablo Escobar had set up shop and was throwing money at anyone in a position of power and killing anyone who chose to go honest, while the Colombian civil war simultaneously raged on. Salento is one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia and it's right at the center of Colombia's coffee axis. Another region esteemed for its coffee production, Filandia is often thought of as an alternative to visiting neighboring Salento. Its white sand beaches and palm trees are its most notable feature, while its bright blue waters are full of marine life that can be admired on a diving or snorkeling adventure. Las Lajas Sanctuary. We will visit the T We will cross the Amazon River through the tropical rainforest and indigenous communities, where you can appreciate the most significant aspects of i Valledupar is the capital of the department of Cesar, Colombia. Hemmed in on all sides by a picturesque backdrop of banana plants and watched over by a towering Christ statue, the best thing to do in utterly charming Jardn is as little as possible. While we stayed in Salento, Filandia is another popular tourist spot with lots of hotel choices. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Invading Europeans were equally in awe of the place and they gave the headland its modern name, Cape of Sails. Brought to you by Destination Canada. Things get lost in the shuffle. When traveling across the coffee land, you will see some of the most incredible sceneries and changes of weather happening 10 times a day. Salamina, Caldas. See Itinerary, 8 Days exploring the most exotic places in Colombia including Cartagena, Bogota & Parque Tayrona. Situated some 1240km (770 miles) north of Colombia in the balmy waters of the Caribbean Sea, the idyllic island of Providencia is one of the country's most beautiful places to visit. A post shared by Sergi Enfermero Viajero 41 (@travelsergi). Photograph bougainvillea-covered balconies and ornate Catholic churches towering over the plaza, then visit Bocagrande to enjoy open-air cafes and restaurants serving up local delicacies. We travelled beyond Bogot and Medelln and found the picturesque small towns where the real, day-to-day Colombia thrives. Founded in 1689 by the Spanish, it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of adventures on offer, from mountain biking and rafting to kayaking and biking. A beach on Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands, Colombia. Find a hostel bed in El Poblado and get waist-deep in the epic nightlife. Sheer cliffs and oddly stacked formations create a truly unique landscape thats equally beautiful when viewed from Los Pinos a viewpoint just outside of town, or when your trekking around within the spires themselves. Colombia is good for day game. To help you decide where to go, here is a list of the 12 best cities to visit in Colombia, from the obvious to the more unique. From the bright and colorful to white-washed walls set in coffee landscapes, they all have their own unique charms. But visiting one or two favorites from this list will add some lazy days in beautiful towns to your itinerary. According to legends, the notorious pirate Henry Morgan hid his enormous treasures in the caves labyrinths. One of these pristine strips of sand is Guachalito Beach lying in the wilderness next to the small fishing town of Nuqui?. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! And for that reason, many cities are lame for meeting women during the day. Nestled out of sight past the town's modest neighborhoods is one of Colombia's best-kept beach secrets. CUSCO, PERU. Just a 2-hour bus ride from Medellin, Guatape is also highly accessible. When fellow travellers heard that we were going, the general consensus was minimise the time and move on through. Santa Elena is accessible by Medelln's famous cable car ride that will be on the bucket lists of most visiting . La Piedra Del Peol is a large chunk of rock that rises out of the middle of a man-made lake near the sleepy town of Guatape, located in northwest Colombia 2 hours north-east of Medellin. Unlike many of its colorful counterparts, La Playa de Beln is a red, white, and brown patchwork of homes and buildings. Live the experience full of adventure in the Amazons, where you can enjoy the experience of sleeping in the middle of the jungle. If cheese isnt your thing, you can also take a canoe ride up the marshlands or take a peek at Mompoxs stunning churches. BEAUTIFUL TOWNS OF COLOMBIA Finding unexpected beauty beyond Bogot Colombia has had a bad rep in the past, but Netflix's Narcos has put it back on the radar for more than just its drug-fuelled past (although, that too). One thing all these diversified pueblos have in common They are insanely picturesque. And if you like mountain hiking, Zona Cafetera is a great starting point to explore the Andes. Take a fascinating canoe trip through the canals overgrown with mango trees, stroll along the wooden bridges laid through freshwater swamps, explore the picturesque surroundings from the observation deck, visit bird nesting areas or take a boat excursion along the Caribbean coast this is just brief list of thing to do in this enchanting place! This beautiful town is nationally recognized for two factors, the white facades of its houses as well as the Unique Natural Area Los Estoraques, a strange but beautiful landscape of giant rock formations. It counts too with a telespheric of 710 meters long. Destinations The 6 most beautiful cities in Colombia. You can know the made process of the iraca straw hat and many other products hand made. However, the main appeal of Ipiales lies outside the town itself, at Las Lajas Sanctuary. Its also got a rather lovely cobblestoned center, featuring colonial-era landmarks. I'll start with my homeland: Boyac. It would be near impossible to visit them all in one trip to Colombia. It was founded in 1572, making it one of the oldest historic towns in the country. It is a typical coffee town with houses with balconys made with wood, with strong colors and windows and doors carved in wood. If your lucky youll even get to see some of Colombias red howler monkeys or iguanas in this quiet town. But its lush green landscapes make this border town quite scenic. 1. Cradle of the national tree La palma de cera. Feel like getting the blood circulating again? You have to head to Mirador Salto del Mico. The lake was only created in the 60s for hydro-electric purposes and has made the view from the top of the climbable rock truly exquisite. The pueblo is framed by rolling green hills turning yellow in the brilliant sun. Approximately two-thirds of the year. (Read Also: 8 Best Places to Visit in Colombia). Let's start with the most obvious places, Cartagena, since it is Colombia's #1 tourist destination and for pretty good reason. Forum for Expats Living in Colombia on Expat Exchange. Simply wile away the hours and watch the world go by with a cold beer in the central plaza. It has as main monument the main church of Santa Brbara, located in front of the main square called by the same name. And for a unique addition to your bucket list, why not walk or even swim to another continent? Salento, Quindo Salento is easily Colombia's best-known, and probably most frequented, small town for travelers thanks to its proximity to the towering wax palms of the Valle de Cocora. Visit the resident bears, have a bite to eat at the restaurant, and soak it all in. You can see the inhabitant with the traditional ruana, which is a must-have clothes in this zone of the country as the temperature in Mongu is from 12 to 15 C. Being in this place, you will forget of the city routine. Dramatic landscapes that leave you in awe of nature and quaint towns far away from your bustling city life back home. Located amongst . Visit La Candelaria to browse cafe, churches and museums or take the kids to a planetarium, botanical garden or gold museum. It is everywhere. It is especially beautiful to visit there in the summer, with orchards and vineyards in full swing, though if you're looking for a winter wonderland, Okanagan Valley is the place to be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The off-the-beaten-path coffee town with the skyward stretching red brick church spire piercing through the otherwise flat skyline. But Filandia is a true Colombian gem. Nicknamed the Athens of South America, Bogota was first settled by indigenous peoples. And when I say it rains, I mean it rains! As it is near the Candelaria desert (archeological area), Villa de Leyva counts with a great variety of dinosaurs fossils in a museum where you can know about this discoveries, also, parks as the Ostriches Park, and of course, a walk through the stone streets of the town. A laid-back town surrounded by Colombias natural beauty, San Agustin is also home to the remains of a forgotten civilization. Unlike its counterparts, this park is predominantly underwater, meaning its teeming with endemic, nowhere-else-to-be-seen species of marine flora and fauna. La Playa is a tiny little town of cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls, making it a lot like the more famous town of Barichara. The after-hours fun is balanced beautifully though with an old-town that is dripping with history. Dear reader. Bogota was thoroughly undersold to us. Filandia, another of the best towns in Colombia, is located in The Zona Cafetera only 20km from Salento. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the entire world. Despite being unapologetically tricky to reach -- the journey requires a combination of buses and boats thanks to Mompox's location on an island in the Magdalena river -- this hidden colonial treasure is more than worth the effort. Locals will proudly tell you that this pueblo is where Medellin started back in the 17th Century as Spanish Colonialists set up camp. See Itinerary, 15 Days covering the very best that Colombia has to offer. Love this Colombian Country,one of the most exotic Countries in the World! Travelers are always in search of the worlds most magnificent places. This is where the striking bronze sands of the desert meet the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and creates a breathtaking contrast. One of the most southern major centres of Colombia, Popayan is located between the Western and Central mountain ranges of the country about 140km south of Cali. It offers easy access to the towering wax palms of the Valle de Cocora, while its traditional adobe constructions with white walls and colorful wood roofs make for a beautiful backdrop. Be sure to make your way out to KM 18 (Columbias bird-watching paradise) while youre there! Cartagena. Cartagena, Colombia 2. Its a historical hotpot being the place of death for war hero Antonio Narino and also the location new laws were drafted after Colombia gained independence in 1812.

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