Captivating Cartagena stands as one of Colombia's top tourist destinations owing to its unique style and culture, wrapped up in a disarmingly beautiful package of well-preserved historic architecture.
21.07.2023 - 07:50 / roughguides.com / Ash Wednesday
From tropical Caribbean beaches to jagged Andean peaks. Pristine Amazon rainforests to ancient jungle ruins. Colombia boasts a treasure trove of landscapes. Here is our list of the best things to do in Colombia.
This article is inspired by our The Rough Guide to Colombia — your essential guide to travelling in Colombia.
Tiny Providencia is a sleepy but beautiful island with a mountainous interior — smothered with lush vegetation. It is also home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef beckoning divers from all over the world.
The island is circled by a 16km coastal road so it’s easy to see all the sights along it. Though like San Andrés, a visit here is more about getting under the water or simply soaking up the island vibe.
Providencia has some of the most beautiful beaches in South America © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
Popayán is the capital of the Cauca region and one of the most tantalizing cities in Colombia. It boasts a historic core of handsome streets flanked by colonial terraces, exquisite Baroque churches and grand, whitewashed mansions.
Though it’s worth spending a couple of days soaking up the architectural charms and museums, Popayán also makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding volcanoes and hot springs.
The colonial architecture of Popayán © Ilyshev Dmitry/Shutterstock
Indisputably one of the crown jewels in Colombia’s national parks system, the Los Nevados National Natural Park is located in the iconic Cocora Valley. It protects some of the last surviving snow-capped peaks in the tropics. You'll find here a tantalizing combination of volcanoes, craggy glaciers, churning rivers and wild plains of páramo.
This park is home to the world's largest palm trees, which grow as tall as 200 feet. Parque Nacional Natural los Nevados is one of Colombia's main attractions and visiting is one of the best things to do in Colombia.
Or browse accommodations near the Cocora Valley.
The world's tallest palm trees, Cocora Valley © iFerol/Shutterstock
Despite being Colombia’s fourth-largest city (with just under two million inhabitants), Barranquilla would be all but overlooked if it were not for its annual carnival – Colombia’s biggest street party.
Four days before Ash Wednesday, the traditional start of Lent in the Catholic Church (Feb or March), Barranquilla drapes itself in a riot of vibrant colours, playful costumes and pulsating music: salsa, cumbia, vallenato and African drumming. Visiting during this celebration is one of the best things to do in Colombia.
Or find your dream accommodation in Barranquilla.
Carnaval de Barranquilla — one of the most fun things to do in Colombia © oscar garces/Shutterstock
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Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to
Captivating Cartagena stands as one of Colombia's top tourist destinations owing to its unique style and culture, wrapped up in a disarmingly beautiful package of well-preserved historic architecture.
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Professional photographer Matt Garceau shares his experience of photographing Cartagena, Colombia .
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