Santa Marta travel tips

Home to world-renowned cities that span from the Caribbean to the heart of the Andes, Colombia has cemented itself as one of South America’s most dazzling tourist destinations since the dawn of the 21st century—and the nation’s meteoric rise is due in large part to its incredible opportunities for ecotourism. Adorned with two distinct coastlines, towering mountains and a sweeping plains district, this sprawling country is home to a truly staggering array of native flora and fauna, with no shortage of species that can be found nowhere else on the planet. As you plan your next foray into Colombia, be sure to save some room on the itinerary to visit these picturesque regions, each one boasting its own unique array of dazzling creatures.

Colombia is expected to achieve “significant growth” in its cruise sector during the 2023-2024 season, according to officials at ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency.

Colombia's equatorial position means temperatures fluctuate by altitude, not the time of year, so with the country's diversity of landscapes, almost anytime is a good time to visit.

With landscapes that tumble from snow-dappled Andean peaks to paradisiacal white sand beaches, it should come as no surprise that Colombia packs a whole raft of hiking trails to explore.

Colombia is a nation on the rise. The land of Shakira, Gabriel García Márquez and James Rodríguez has it all, from the bougainvillea-festooned streets of Cartagena and the mysterious tombs of Tierradento. There’s white-water rafting at San Gil and all-night salsa clubs in Cali, and as a bonus, the Colombian peso is at its lowest level in years, making the country even cheaper than neighbouring Ecuador. Here’s our advice on backpacking Colombia: