The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in colombia"
Named by 6 of 81. MedellínOnce seen as one of the most dangerous cities, it now draws visitors with a modern feel and a mild climate.Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring for its year-round spring-like weather.Best time to visit Medellín
Named by 6 of 82. CartagenaCalled Colombia's most-visited city, mixing old world charm with beaches; the old town is ringed by stone walls built in 1595.Colorful doorways and building facades make it a favorite for photos, and a walk on the city wall suits sunset.Best time to visit Cartagena
Named by 5 of 83. BogotáThe capital sits at 2,640 meters in the Andes, with a gold museum, markets and nightlife.Top stops include the Gold Museum, La Candelaria and the funicular to Monserrate.Best time to visit Bogotá
Named by 4 of 84. Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)Centered on Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, with coffee farms where you can stay.The coffee area is humid and rain is almost always expected.
Named by 4 of 85. Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)A six-day jungle hike to a site said to be over 650 years older than Machu Picchu.Another source says the Tayrona people built the settlement around the eighth century.
Named by 4 of 86. Tayrona National ParkThe most popular national park in Colombia, near Santa Marta, busiest from December to January.Strong currents make most beaches unsuitable for swimming, but calm ones like El Cabo allow a dip and snorkeling.
Named by 4 of 87. La GuajiraColombia's northern tip, largely desert, stretching to the Venezuelan border with beaches on the Caribbean.Described as one of the most remote places to visit, home to the Wayuu people.
Named by 3 of 88. Salento and Cocora ValleyA picturesque Andean town in the coffee zone, one of the most popular with international travelers.Cocora Valley, 20 minutes by car from Salento, is known for tall wax palms.
Named by 3 of 89. GuatapéA colorful town near Medellín; climbing the 740 steps of El Peñol rock gives lake views.El Peñol is a 650-foot rock with a stairway for visitors.
Named by 3 of 810. Villa de LeyvaA colonial town about three hours north of Bogotá with the largest cobbled square in South America.Mild weather year-round and almost free of chain stores and cars.
Named by 3 of 811. BaricharaBilled as the prettiest town in Colombia, with colonial and romantic charm.San Gil next door is the adventure and extreme sports hub.
Named by 3 of 812. Tatacoa DesertA desert for relaxing and stargazing after sunset.Lies in northern Huila, about ten kilometres from Villavieja.Named by 3 of 813. Colombian AmazonDescribed as a beautiful, isolated adventure.Wildlife lovers are pointed south to the Amazon basin.
Named by 2 of 814. Santa MartaA coastal city between the sea and the Sierra Nevada, with many beaches.Base for Tayrona and the Lost City trek.
15. Los Nevados National ParkHiking among snow-covered volcanoes over 5,000 meters, with a glacier climb on Nevado Santa Isabel.Guided treks are recommended; do not hike alone.
16. MincaHill town above Santa Marta with coffee farms, hiking and relief from the heat.
17. PalominoA calmer beach option than Taganga, backed by the Sierra Nevada.18. CaliKnown for salsa dancing and nightlife rather than sights.
19. Caño CristalesA 100-kilometer river nicknamed the River of Five Colors with waterfalls and natural pools.20. San AndrésA free-port island, good for shopping, with seas in many colors.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to March and July to August as the best time to visit Colombia.
Questions people ask
- Which city in Colombia is best for tourists?
- Cartagena, Medellín and Bogotá appear in nearly every source. Cartagena is called the most visited city.
- Which is nicer, Medellín or Bogotá?
- One writer says Bogotá loses out on weather to Medellín, but praises its street art, gold museum and views from Monserrate.
