3 must-see places in Colombia

You can also watch a compilation video of Colombia below. (Click on the image and the video will start playing).

A must for every travel enthusiast

​Colombia is a must-visit for any lover of nature, beautiful cities and colonial villages. What’s more, the people are known for their friendly and hospitable nature. Not so long ago, Colombia was known only in a negative light. News coverage in the 1980s and 1990s was dominated by reports of drug cartels and attacks by left-wing terrorist groups. Over the last decade, however, the government has worked hard to improve security, allowing the economy and tourism to flourish once again. Today, Colombia is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.

1. Medellín

Medellín is a vibrant city and if you’ve seen any pictures of it, you’ll understand why we think this city is an essential stop on any trip through Colombia. Although in the 1980s Medellín was still regarded as the centre of the drug trade and the city from which drug lord Pablo Escobar ran his empire, today it is a trendy city undergoing rapid development. For instance, the city now boasts an innovative public transport system that makes it easy to get around. One of the most exciting neighbourhoods at the moment is Comuna 13. For years, this neighbourhood was one of the city’s most notorious. It wasn’t until 2010 that the government decided to do something about this, organising activities designed to contribute positively to the well-being of the neighbourhood’s residents. Among other things, workshops in singing, dancing and street art were launched. And the latter can now be seen on almost every corner of the neighbourhood. Take a leisurely stroll past the various murals and enjoy the street musicians and dancers along the way. What’s more, on many street corners you’ll find lovely stalls where you can treat yourself to some delicious local delicacies.

2. Caribbean coast

​A second place that we think you simply mustn’t miss when travelling in Colombia is the Caribbean region. Here you’ll find cities such as Santa Marta, Barranquilla and the better-known colonial city of Cartagena de Indias. In fact, all three cities are well worth a visit. Why? Well, here you can enjoy the colonial squares, the friendly locals and the lively Caribbean atmosphere. If you then travel on from Santa Marta along the coast, you’ll reach Tayrona National Park. The snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada give way to a lush wilderness that forms the link between the azure Caribbean Sea and the idyllic beaches. An area rich in flora and fauna, where you’ll find excellent accommodation tucked away in the lush forest. In his blog, Johan tells you more about visiting Tayrona.

Nuqui on the Pacific coast

The third place that’s definitely worth a visit is the little-known village of Nuqui on the Pacific coast. From Medellín, it’s a half-hour flight in a small plane to this coastal village. Tourism hasn’t really taken off here yet, but the tranquillity and the deserted beaches set against a backdrop of dense jungle offer everything you need. The best time to visit is between June and October, as this is when the humpback whales are in the area. You can even spot these remarkable creatures from your lodge. Especially for our magazine Magia Latina, which we launched last year to mark our 15th anniversary, travel journalist Jurriaan Teulings wrote a lovely article about his visit to Nuqui. Would you like to find out more? Then request a free copy of our magazine.

There’s so much more to see in Colombia

We would be doing Colombia a great disservice if we were to say that these are the three most beautiful places. As Latin America specialists, we know the country well and could name so many more places that are definitely not to be missed on a trip of Colombia. Consider, for example:

• the bustling city of Bogotá;
• The Coffee Triangle and the Cocora Valley;
• the small colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Barichada;
• the undiscovered Huila region;
• and the endless grasslands of the Los Llanos region, where you can discover rural life in Colombia.

Take a look at our highlights of Colombia for more inspiration.