#01 Providencia
Gorgeous jungle-smothered Caribbean island, with diving off the world’s third largest barrier reef, idyllic beaches and a distinctive Raizal culture.
© Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
#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.
© iFerol/Shutterstock
#04 Carnaval de Barranquilla
Colombia’s biggest, craziest festival is a riot of colours, sounds, parades and parties.
© oscar garces/Shutterstock
#05 Medellín
Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to illuminating museums, enticing restaurants and legendary artist Fernando Botero.
© Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock
#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.
© Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock
#07 adventure sports in San Gil
The adventure sport hub for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, rappelling and trekking.
© iFerol/Shutterstock
#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.
© ANDHOL/Shutterstock
#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.
© Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
#17 Whale-watching
Colombia’s lush Pacific coast is one of the world’s best places to see humpbacks and their new-born calves.
© Jeronimo Duque/Shutterstock
#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.
© SL-Photography/Shutterstock
At Rough Guides, we understand that experienced travellers want to get truly off-the-beaten-track. That’s why we’ve partnered with local experts to help you plan and book tailor-made trips that are packed with personality and stimulating adventure - at all levels of comfort. If you love planning, but find arranging the logistics exhausting, you’re in the right place.
