Things not to miss

#01 Providencia

Gorgeous jungle-smothered Caribbean island, with diving off the world’s third largest barrier reef, idyllic beaches and a distinctive Raizal culture.

#02 The colonial churches of Popayán

The colonial capital of the southwest has retained it’s all-white, elegant character with handsome churches and mansions close to volcanoes, hot springs and indigenous markets.

© Ilyshev Dmitry/Shutterstock

#03 Parque Nacional Natural los Nevados

Tantalizing combination of snow-capped volcanoes, craggy glaciers, churning rivers and wild plains of páramo.

#04 Carnaval de Barranquilla

Colombia’s biggest, craziest festival is a riot of colours, sounds, parades and parties.

#05 Medellín

Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to illuminating museums, enticing restaurants and legendary artist Fernando Botero.

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#06 Museo del oro, Bogotá

Colombia’s ancient civilizations were masters of gold art; see intricate jewellery and the golden raft of the Muisca people.

#07 adventure sports in San Gil

The adventure sport hub for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, rappelling and trekking.

#08 the tombs of Tierradentro

Mystifying underground tombs high in the Andes, surrounded by Nasa communities and spectacular waterfalls.

© reisegraf.ch/Shutterstock

#09 Johnny cay

Just off San Andrés, this perfect desert island has a distinctive Afro-Caribbean feel.

#10 Villa de Leyva

Beautifully preserved colonial village in the Andes, with low-slung adobe houses, fine restaurants and a string of picturesque waterfalls nearby.

©  OSTILL is Franck Camhi/Shutterstock

#12 trekking to Ciudad Perdida

The five-day trek to the “Lost City” of the Tairona is one of South America’s great adventures, featuring cool forest streams, indigenous villages and jungle-strewn ruins.

#13 Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Wonderfully preserved slice of Caribbean coast, with the jungles and white-sand beaches backed by snowy peaks.

Tayrona National Park, Colombia  © Christian Andreis/Shutterstock

 

#14 Cartagena’s old town

Latin America’s colonial jewel, a city of Baroque churches, elegant mansions, shady plazas and those giant Spanish walls.

#15 Museo Botero, Bogotá

Essential homage to one of the greatest contemporary artists in South America, featuring plenty of his signature plump ladies.

Cat of Fernando Botero, Medellin © Grigory Kubatyan/Shutterstock

#16 Zipaquirá salt cathedral

Bizarre but jaw-dropping sight, with vast halls, crosses and altars carved out of an old salt mine.

#17 Whale-watching

Colombia’s lush Pacific coast is one of the world’s best places to see humpbacks and their new-born calves.

#18 coffee farms

Colombian coffee is the world’s best, and staying on a traditional hacienda will immerse you in the sights and heavenly aromas of the trade.

© Fotos593/Shutterstock

#19 Amazon jungle excursions

Colombia’s Amazon region is still largely untamed wilderness, with Leticia the best base for forays into the rainforest.