It’s a good sign that I’m finding it hard to make a list of only five places you can't miss in Colombia.
My three weeks in Colombia have turned into three months and counting. This country has so much to offer and I have loved exploring the diverse landscapes as well as getting to know the rich culture. Between all the cities, mountains and coasts it can be hard to know what to do in Colombia and even harder to choose only five places you can’t miss… but I’ve tried my best.
In no particular order:
San Carlos
You know it’s a great place when you go back! Learning Spanish in Colombia has been a highlight of my time in South America and really helped me make the most out of my travels. After spending three weeks at Spanish Adventure doing immersive Spanish lessons in San Carlos, I came back because I enjoyed it so much. The great teachers, relaxed environment and immersive activities helped me grow my confidence in speaking - and of course I learnt plenty of important grammar.
Me and my girls having a refreshing drink in the square after classes
If you’re looking for adventure near Medellín, this is also the place for you. There are lots of hiking trails in San Carlos that take you to some of the best waterfalls in Colombia! With the school you can make the most of the nature during their weekly activities that include hiking, tubing, canyoning, visiting coffee farms and more. Find out about staying with Spanish Adventure here.
Comuna 13, Medellín
You will likely make your way to the ‘city of eternal spring’ on your travels, and in between all the great food, nightlife and hiking near Medellín, put a walking tour in Comuna 13 on your list.
Eating a delicious “Mazorca” (ear of maize)
This tour is a great way to relearn or maybe learn for the first time about the important history in Colombia. Not long ago Comuna 13 was known as the most dangerous neighbourhood in the world and was at the forefront of the narco trafficking violence in Colombia - a walking tour is a fantastic way to learn about and respect what many people in Medellín and beyond lived through. On top of this you will experience the amazing transformation through graffiti, music, dance, food and more.
I can recommend the free walking tour company, Zippy Tours Comuna 13.
Salento and Filandia
Salento, Filandia or take your pic from the many many beautiful towns in the coffee region. I visited Salento for my Colombian coffee farm experience but four days there gave me so much more than I expected.
Here you can immerse yourself in small town life - it’s a little touristy - but great all the same. Colombians from all around the country also come to visit Salento, so you’re not alone hiking to see the palm trees in Cocora Valley, browsing the shops and enjoying a coffee in the square.
Hiking to the Cocora valley
Make a visit to the local sports bar too and play a traditional Colombian game of Tejo. (I found places to play Tejo in Medellín and Bogotá as well)
Ciudad Perdida
Hiking the Ciudad Perdida is a truly unique experience in Colombia. If you want a challenging hike in stunning scenery but also the chance to really learn about some of the indigenous communities in Colombia, this is not to be missed.
“Teyuna” magical and and ancestral place
In a large group you hike through the isolated mountain range for four days, stay in base camps along the way and on day three you reach the Ciudad Perdida. Here the experienced local guides will share the history and current livelihoods of the indigenous communities that live in the area, many of whom you will see. Learning about such a rich history whilst in the surrounding area was really special - and as always, it was the amazing group of people that I got to know along the way that made the experience so great.
This is only possible with a tour company and I can happily recommend Expotur (based in Santa Marta). Remember to bring toilet paper, hand soap, sun cream and long trousers.
Palomino
For a good fix of the Colombian Caribbean coast, head to the small town of Palomino. Here you’ll find a bustling dirt road filled with restaurants, cafes and small shops selling lots of local souvenirs, all leading to a really nice stretch of beach.
Palomino is a great place to relax and unwind after the hustle of busy cities like Cartagena, or to use as a stop off before or after Tayrona National park (ps.use this map if you head to Tayrona). Follow the Instagram account @hoyenpalomino to see what’s happening everyday in the town and you won’t miss the parties on the beach which change location every night. I’d also recommend spending some time visiting the top of town, where you’ll experience a more local way of life.
Stunning Sunset at the beach
Bonus place: La Guajira
If you have the time and budget for an extra excursion, La Guajira desert is a really interesting experience. The scenery is amazing of course, but this is also a very unique place where people live and you’ll come away with more than beautiful photos. Do your research on which company you want to use for a driver - from what I experienced you can go from Palomino or Riohacha, and some hostels can help you book too.
Amazing view of the desert from the car
For me, what brings all these places together is the beautiful energy of the people. Wherever you visit you can count on a vibrant and friendly welcome. If you’re thinking about visiting Colombia, do it. And if you can, make a stop off at Spanish Adventure in San Carlos to learn some vocab for your travels. For me, it is the best place I have studied Spanish in South America and somewhere you can really experience Spanish language immersion.