Colombia offers a wide array of places to visit, from million-plus-person cities to tranquil pueblos and deserted beaches. Everyone will have a different opinion, but this is mine, based on 18 months of living in Medellín and traveling around Colombia.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Colombia
1. Cartagena
Cartagena's old, walled city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tops most travelers' lists of places to visit in Colombia. Truly a "must-see," walking through old Cartagena both day and night is like taking a walk back in time.
Nearby beaches let travelers enjoy the surf, watersports such as scuba diving, or relax and work on their tans.
2. Medellín
The former home of Pablo Escobar, Medellín rose to prominence for all the wrong reasons in the 1980s. In the 21st century, thanks to much-improved security, the city is thriving, and travelers are once again discovering the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of the paisas.
3. Salento (Eje Cafetero)
A top contender for Colombia's best-preserved pueblo, Salento is the perfect place to explore Colombia's Eje Cafetero (coffee region). Hiking and horseback riding through nearby Valle de Cocora, as well as coffee plantation tours, are a must when visiting.
4. Bogotá
Colombia's sprawling capital features the historic La Candelaria district, the country's best (and biggest) gold museum, a cable car to the top of Montserrat mountain for city views, and a unique Salt Cathedral.
You'll find the greatest variety of restaurants and cuisines here, and plenty of nightlife options for the party people.
5. Cali
Known as the salsa dancing capital of Colombia, and by many, the world, Cali features the best dance academies in the country and options for salsa dancing every night of the week.
Cali also has Colombia's best zoo, a happening restaurant and food scene, as well as some of the country's best overall nightlife.
Honorable Mentions
Guatapé, Jardín, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Popayán
Countless pueblos dot the Colombian countryside, and many are great places to visit for a dose of country life. You will often see horses trotting around, and city-dwelling Colombians love escaping to their favorite pueblos on the weekends.
Santa Marta, Taganga, & Parque Tayrona
Santa Marta sits on the eastern side of Colombia's Caribbean Coast and is the perfect jumping-off point for travelers planning to visit the sleepy fishing village of Taganga or venture further to the undeveloped beaches of Parque Tayrona.
