16 best things to do In Colombia

From sun-soaked Caribbean beaches to misty Andean mountains, and from the wild Amazon to crumbling jungle ruins, Colombia packs in more contrasts than most countries twice its size. If you're wondering what to do here, you're in the right place. This list of the best things to do in Colombia covers everything from city-hopping and coffee-sipping to hiking lost worlds and dancing till dawn.

This article is inspired by our The Rough Guide to Colombia — your essential guide to travelling in Colombia.

1. Relax on the laid-back beaches of Providencia

Forget beach bars and mega-resorts – Providencia is the Caribbean at its most low-key. This tiny island floats between Colombia and Nicaragua, but it’s all about reggae rhythms, slow days, and powdery sands. Inland, the island’s volcanic peaks are wrapped in tangled greenery. Offshore, you’ve got the world’s third-largest barrier reef at your fins – snorkel or dive it to spot rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

A 16km road loops the island, which means you can cruise past rainbow houses, sleepy villages, and some of the best Colombian beaches without needing much more than a scooter. Unlike busier San Andrés, Providencia stays off the radar. You come here to unplug, swim, and breathe.

How to get to Providencia

• Fly to San Andrés, then hop on a short domestic flight to Providencia (about 20 minutes).
• Flights are run by Satena or San Germán – book early, as seats are limited and sell out fast.
• Ferries also run from San Andrés, but the ride is long (3-5 hours), and the seas can be rough.

When to visit Providencia

• Dry season (January-April) offers the best beach days and calmer seas for diving.
• Rainy season (September-November) brings heavier showers, but it’s still warm and green.
• Avoid October if you’re not a fan of storms – this is peak hurricane season in the Caribbean.

2. Explore colonial streets and whitewashed churches in Popayán

Popayán isn’t flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), its old town is a grid of chalk-white mansions, arched balconies, and quiet courtyards. Wander the cobbled streets and you’ll pass some of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial architecture, with Baroque churches like Iglesia de San Francisco and Catedral Basílica blending history with photogenic detail.

It’s not just about buildings, though. Popayán is packed with museums, including the Museo Nacional Guillermo Valencia and the religious Museo de Arte Religioso. And when you've had your fill of white facades and quiet plazas, use the city as a launch pad. Nearby volcanoes, thermal springs, and national parks offer easy escapes into nature.

How to get to Popayán

• By air: Popayán has a small airport with regular flights from Bogotá.
• By bus: Buses run from Cali (3-4 hours) and Pasto (6-7 hours), though roads can be slow and winding.
• The city is compact, so once you’re there, you can explore the center on foot.

When to visit Popayán

• Dry months (June-August, December-February) are best for walking tours and nearby hikes.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a major event here, with UNESCO-listed religious processions – it’s atmospheric, but busy.
• Expect more rain between March-May and October-November, though showers are usually short.

3. Hike through Los Nevados National Natural Park and the Cocora Valley

If you’re ticking off the best things to do in Colombia, make sure this one's near the top. Los Nevados National Natural Park isn’t just scenic – it’s wild, dramatic, and constantly changing. Set high in the Colombian Andes, this massive park is a patchwork of snow-dusted volcanoes, alpine lakes, steaming fumaroles, and moody páramo grasslands. You’re right in the heart of the Cocora Valley, and the views don’t let up.

This is also where you’ll find Colombia’s national tree – the wax palm, which shoots up to 60 meters high. It’s like walking through a forest of green flagpoles. Hike through misty trails, cross rope bridges, and stop for fresh trout at a mountainside café. Keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, condors, and even the elusive spectacled bear.

How to get to Los Nevados and the Cocora Valley

• Base yourself in Salento, a colorful town with plenty of guesthouses, cafés, and tour operators.
• From Salento, jeeps (called Willy Jeeps) run daily to the Cocora Valley trailhead – it’s a 30-minute ride.
• Access to higher parts of Los Nevados requires a guide. Multi-day treks can be arranged in town.

When to visit Los Nevados and the Cocora Valley

• Dry season (December-February and July-August) is best for trekking, with clearer skies and more stable trails.
• Expect chilly nights, and bring layers – temperatures drop fast at altitude.
• Rainy months (March-May and October-November) bring slippery paths and poor visibility, especially at higher elevations.

4. Ride the cable cars over Medellín’s mountain neighborhoods

Riding a cable car over Medellín isn’t just a way to get around – it’s one of the best ways to see how the city fits into its mountainous setting. These gondolas glide up steep hillsides, linking the valley floor to the city’s hillside barrios. You’ll get sweeping views of red-brick neighborhoods, green ridges, and the dense sprawl of Colombia’s second city.

Medellín has shaken off its dark past to become one of the most dynamic cities in Latin America. Visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria for insight into Colombia’s recent history, or head to Plaza Botero, where oversized sculptures by local artist Fernando Botero dominate the square. Come evening, explore El Poblado – all rooftop bars, buzzing cafés, and late-night street food.

If you’ve got time, the city also makes a solid base for day trips. Santa Fe de Antioquia is known for its cobbled streets and colonial charm, while Guatapé delivers bright painted houses and the climb up La Piedra, a 740-step rock with huge views from the top.

How to get to Medellín

• Fly into José María Córdova International Airport, located in Rionegro – around 45 minutes by taxi or shuttle to the city center.
• Domestic flights from Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali are frequent and reliable.
• Medellín has a clean and efficient metro system, including integrated cable cars.

When to visit Medellín

• Any time of year, thanks to its mild, spring-like climate, the city sits at 1500m, so it’s rarely too hot or too cold.
• The Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) in August brings parades, concerts, and colorful displays.
• Expect afternoon showers from April to May and September to November, though they don’t usually last long.

5. Marvel at Bogotá’s glittering Gold Museum

Bogotá’s Gold Museum isn’t subtle – and that’s the point. This is where Colombia puts its wealth of pre-Hispanic gold on full display. With over 55,000 pieces in its collection, the Museo del Oro is the largest museum of its kind in the world. Expect nose rings, masks, ceremonial cups and delicate filigree, all crafted by Indigenous cultures long before the Spanish arrived.

The collection spans three levels. The main exhibitions walk you through how gold was mined, worked and worshipped. There’s also an "Exploratorium" focused on Colombia’s Indigenous communities, with audio, video and hands-on exhibits that give context to the glitter.

How to get to Bogotá

• Fly into El Dorado International Airport, which serves direct flights from major cities across the Americas and Europe.
• From the airport, it’s around 30-45 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle to the city center, depending on traffic.
• Long-distance buses connect Bogotá with cities like Medellín, Cali and Bucaramanga – the main terminal is Terminal de Transporte Salitre.

When to visit the Gold Museum

• Open Tuesday to Sunday, but avoid weekends if you can – it gets busy.
• Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter.
• Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.

6. Get your adrenaline fix in San Gil

If you’re making a list of top things to do in Colombia, San Gil earns its spot for one reason: pure adrenaline. This small town in Santander is the country’s adventure sports hub, packed with ways to test your nerve. You can raft Class III to V rapids on the Río Fonce and Río Suárez, bungee jump off bridges, or paraglide over green valleys and dramatic cliffs.

There's more. Rappel down waterfalls, explore underground rivers in Cueva del Indio, or race along dirt tracks on a mountain bike. Whether you're after a thrill or just want to try something new, San Gil delivers.

One thing to note – adventure sports carry real risks, and injuries do happen. Stick with licensed, well-established operators, and ask questions before signing up.

How to get to San Gil

• Fly to Bucaramanga or Bogotá, then catch a bus to San Gil – it's around 3 hours from Bucaramanga or 6 to 7 hours from Bogotá.
• Buses run frequently, with great views along the way – expect highland farms and plunging canyons.
• Once in town, it’s easy to get around on foot or by tuk-tuk.

When to visit San Gil

• Dry season (December to February and June to August) is best for paragliding and rafting, with clear skies and calmer winds.
• Rainy months (March to May and September to November) bring stronger river currents – great for experienced rafters, less ideal for beginners.
• It gets busy on weekends and public holidays – go midweek if you can.

7. Descend into ancient tombs at Tierradentro

Remote, surreal, and seriously underrated, Tierradentro is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the country – and easily one of the top things to do in Colombia. Tucked high in the Andes and surrounded by Nasa communities and steep green valleys, this UNESCO-listed site is home to a network of underground tombs carved more than a thousand years ago.

These pre-Hispanic hypogea aren’t just holes in the ground. Some drop as deep as 9 meters, reached by narrow spiral staircases carved directly into the rock. Inside, you’ll find stone columns, painted walls, and geometric carvings that hint at a lost culture. The site is spread over several hills, so be prepared to hike between burial chambers – the reward is worth every uphill step.

How to get to Tierradentro

• The nearest town is San Andrés de Pisimbalá, which has basic accommodation and trail access.
• Buses run from Popayán (about 5 to 6 hours) and Neiva (6 to 8 hours) – journeys are long and bumpy, but the scenery is stunning.
• You’ll need to hike between sites, so bring decent shoes and plenty of water.

When to visit Tierradentro

• Dry season (December to February and June to August) makes trails easier and safer – some sections can get muddy in the wet months.
• Avoid heavy rain (March to May and September to November) when paths are slippery, and some sites might be inaccessible.
• Tierradentro sees far fewer visitors than San Agustín – come midweek and you might have the tombs entirely to yourself.

8. Swim and snack your way around Johnny Cay

Just off the coast of San Andrés, Johnny Cay is the island you picture when someone says “Caribbean escape.” It’s tiny, palm-covered, and ringed with white sand and turquoise water. The pace is slow, the vibe is Afro-Caribbean, and the iguanas are the real locals.

The beaches here are cleaner and quieter than those on the main island, and the sea is far more inviting – just watch for strong currents. Grab a fried red snapper or a plate of coconut rice from a beach shack, then wash it down with a chilled coco loco as reggae hums in the background.

How to get to Johnny Cay

• Boats leave daily from Spratt Bight Beach in San Andrés – it’s a quick 10-minute ride, but you’ll need to book in advance during high season.
• Entry is controlled by the park authorities – expect to pay a small fee and follow set visiting hours.
• Bring cash, sunscreen, and water shoes – the coral can be rough on bare feet.

When to visit Johnny Cay

• Dry season (December to April) is best for beach time and clear water.
• Avoid October and November – seas can be rough and tours are often cancelled due to storms.
• Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and claim a shady spot.

9. Wander the cobbled streets of Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva is one of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial towns – all cobbled lanes, terracotta roofs, and whitewashed walls backed by dry mountain ridges. It’s quiet, photogenic, and a solid antidote to the chaos of Bogotá.

The main square, Plaza Mayor, is one of the largest in South America. It’s car-free, wide open, and framed by churches and boutique hotels. You’ll spot quirky signs painted on tiles – no cars, no horses – helping keep the town frozen in time. Around town, you’ll find art galleries, craft shops, and small museums worth a wander, along with plenty of cafés to linger in.

How to get to Villa de Leyva

• Take a bus from Bogotá’s Terminal de Transporte Norte – the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours.
• You can also hire a car and drive – the roads are decent, and it’s an easy route through rolling farmland and hills.
• The town is small and walkable, so you won’t need transport once you’re there.

When to visit Villa de Leyva

• Weekdays are ideal – it’s popular with Bogotanos on weekends, so things get busy fast.
• Dry months (December to March and July to August) are best for exploring the town and nearby trails.
• Villa de Leyva also hosts festivals, including a kite festival in August and a lights festival in December – both are lively, but book early if you plan to visit then.

10. Trek through the Sierra Nevada to the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida

Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Ciudad Perdida is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Colombia. Built by the Tairona people around 800 CE – centuries before Machu Picchu – it’s an ancient city swallowed by jungle and slowly reclaimed by time.

The only way in is on foot. The five-day round-trip trek cuts through thick rainforest, river valleys, and remote Indigenous territory. Along the way, you’ll cross rope bridges, bathe in cold rivers, and pass Kogi villages where life hasn’t changed much in generations. Look out for darting butterflies, hummingbirds, and eerie stone staircases carved straight into the mountainside.

The hike’s no stroll – you’ll be walking for hours each day, often in heat and humidity, with plenty of uphill. But standing in the central plaza of Ciudad Perdida, surrounded by mossy terraces and jungle mist, feels like discovering a different world.

How to get to Ciudad Perdida

• Start in Santa Marta, where all treks to Ciudad Perdida are arranged through licensed tour operators.
• The trailhead begins near the village of Machete Pelao – about 3 hours by jeep from Santa Marta.
• You must join a guided trek – solo hiking is not permitted due to protected Indigenous lands.

When to visit Ciudad Perdida

• Dry season (December to March) is best – river crossings are safer and trails are less slippery.
• Wet season (April to November) means muddier paths and stronger river currents, though treks still run.
• The site has daily visitor limits – book ahead, especially in high season.

11. Hike to jungle-backed beaches in Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park isn’t just about lounging on the sand, though the beaches are worth it. This protected stretch of Colombia’s Caribbean coast mixes tangled jungle, huge boulders, and empty coves. Trails wind through tropical forest and open suddenly onto wide bays with golden sand and crashing surf.

Most visitors follow the main coastal route, a roughly 8km stretch that starts near the park’s El Zaino entrance. Cañaveral has basic ecohuts and wild waves, while Cabo San Juan is the star – a postcard curve of beach where you can camp under a thatched shelter between the rocks. Swimming isn’t safe everywhere, so pay attention to the flags.

How to get to Tayrona National Park

• Base yourself in Santa Marta or Palomino, both well connected by bus or shuttle.
• From Santa Marta, it’s around an hour by car or local bus to the El Zaino entrance.
• You’ll need to show ID and book tickets in advance, especially in high season – the park limits daily visitors.

When to visit Tayrona National Park

• Dry season (December to March and July to August) is best for hiking and beach time.
• The park usually closes for a few weeks each year, often in February or June, for environmental recovery – check dates before planning.
• Weekdays are quieter, especially outside Colombian school holidays.

12. Explore Cartagena’s old town – a UNESCO World Heritage site

Cartagena doesn’t just live up to the hype – it outshines it. This walled city on the Caribbean coast is a maze of cobbled alleys, ivy-covered balconies, and orange-tiled rooftops. Baroque churches rise above the plazas, and grand colonial mansions now house boutique hotels, galleries, and rooftop bars.

Walking the old town is one of the top things to do in Colombia. By day, duck into shady courtyards or linger over ceviche in a converted palace. By night, the place transforms – expect dancing in the squares, rum cocktails, and streets buzzing with music well into the early hours. Yes, it’s polished and popular, but there’s still plenty of grit and charm behind the glossy façade.

How to get to Cartagena

• Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport, which has direct flights from major Colombian cities and some international hubs.
• From the airport, it’s about 15 minutes by taxi to the old town.
• Long-distance buses also run from Medellín, Bogotá, and Santa Marta – expect 10 to 13 hours depending on the route.

When to visit Cartagena

• Dry season (December to April) offers sun, heat, and blue skies – ideal for exploring, but also the busiest and priciest time.
• May to November brings humidity and afternoon showers, but also fewer crowds and better deals.
• Avoid weekends if you want to dodge domestic tourism spikes – midweek is noticeably calmer.

13. Explore the underground cathedral of Zipaquirá

Carved 200 meters underground in a working salt mine, Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral is one of Colombia’s most unusual sights. The space is huge and surprisingly eerie – a network of tunnels and chapels lit with colored lights, cut straight from the salt-rich rock. In places, the walls glitter faintly from traces of iron pyrite.

The current cathedral opened in 1995, built on the site of an older one used by miners. Today, it’s a mix of engineering and symbolism – giant crosses, altars, and vast halls designed to echo the Stations of the Cross. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s undeniably impressive.

How to get to Zipaquirá

• Zipaquirá is about 1.5 hours north of Bogotá by car, or 2 hours by bus from Terminal Norte.
• You can also take the Savanna tourist train from Bogotá on weekends – slower, but scenic.
• From Zipaquirá’s bus or train station, it’s a 15-minute walk uphill to the cathedral entrance.

When to visit Zipaquirá

• Weekdays are quieter, especially in the mornings – weekends bring tour groups and school trips.
• The cathedral is open daily, but guided tours start on a rolling basis and can fill up fast.
• Bring a jacket – it’s cool underground, and the salt can cling to the air.

14. Watch humpback whales off Colombia’s Pacific coast

Every year from July to October, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to Colombia’s Pacific coast to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. Locals call it the Fiesta de la Migración, and it’s one of the most extraordinary natural events in the country.

The best place to see it is Parque Nacional Natural Uramba Bahía Málaga, a protected marine reserve near Buenaventura. Here, whales breach, slap their fins and tails against the water, and sometimes swim right past the boat. If you're lucky, you’ll hear their low, haunting underwater calls, produced by forcing air through their nasal cavities.

Tours are small, fast, and strictly regulated to protect the animals. The experience is quiet, respectful, and deeply memorable – no one blasts music or chases the whales.

How to get to Bahía Málaga

• Start in Buenaventura, Colombia’s main Pacific port – you can fly there or take a bus from Cali (around 3.5 hours).
• From Buenaventura, speedboats run to Juanchaco or Ladrilleros, two small towns near the park.
• Most whale-watching tours depart from here – book locally or through a licensed operator.

When to visit for whale-watching

• Peak season is July to October, when the whales are breeding and raising calves.
• August and September offer the best chances for sightings and calm seas.
• Tours run daily, but plan a couple of days in case weather delays your trip.

15. Take a guided tour of the Amazon Jungle

Colombia’s Amazon is the real deal – dense, humid, and full of life, you can hear long before you see. Leticia is the jump-off point, a scrappy border town tucked where Colombia meets Brazil and Peru. It’s not much to look at, but it’s your gateway to the jungle.

From here, guided tours head deep into the rainforest. You’ll travel by boat or on foot, spotting pink river dolphins, sloths, toucans, and, if you’re lucky, anaconda tracks or monkey troops moving through the canopy. The biodiversity is off the charts – electric eels, caimans, vampire bats, and piranhas all call this region home.

Trips usually include overnights in Indigenous villages or basic jungle lodges. Conditions are rough – think mosquito nets, cold showers, and no phone signal – but the experience is unforgettable. Don’t even think about going without a guide.

How to get to Leticia

• Fly from Bogotá to Leticia – it’s the only way in, as no roads reach this part of Colombia.
• Flights take around 2 hours and land at Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport.
• From Leticia, boat transport is used to reach jungle lodges or river communities.

When to visit the Amazon

• The dry season (July to November) is best for hiking and spotting wildlife along riverbanks.
• Wet season (December to May) means higher water levels – more boat access, fewer trails.
• The jungle is hot and humid year-round – pack light, breathable clothes and serious insect repellent.

16. Visit the cliffside sanctuary of Las Lajas

Tucked into a canyon near the Ecuadorian border, Santuario de Las Lajas looks like something out of a fairytale. This Gothic Revival church rises straight from the canyon walls, its stone arches stretching across the Guáitara River like a suspended bridge. It’s one of Colombia’s most surreal religious sites, and one of the most photographed.

Construction began in 1916 and finished in 1949, but the story behind it dates back to 1754. According to legend, a local Indigenous woman named María Mueces and her deaf-mute daughter took shelter in the canyon during a storm. There, the daughter reportedly spoke for the first time after seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the rocks. The site soon became a place of pilgrimage, and eventually, the cathedral was built.

How to get to Las Lajas

• The sanctuary is near the town of Ipiales, in southern Colombia, close to the Ecuador border.
• You can fly or take a bus to Pasto, then travel by road to Ipiales – about 3 hours.
• From Ipiales, it’s a short taxi ride or colectivo to the sanctuary.

When to visit Las Lajas

• Mornings are best for light and smaller crowds, as afternoons can be packed with pilgrims and day-trippers.
• Weekdays are quieter than weekends or religious holidays.
• The site is open year-round, but weather can shift quickly – bring a rain layer just in case.