How many times have you found yourself not knowing where to start when you want to visit a new place? If you’re already an experienced traveler, you’ll agree with me that the hardest part of the trip is deciding which places to visit first.
Generally, we rely on recommendations, blog posts we find online, or our prior knowledge of the destination. However, how do we know if our choice of places to visit is the best one? The thing is, the most popular destinations aren’t always the ones that offer the best experiences, so where should you start?
Below are the destinations we consider must-sees for your first visit to Colombia.
Cocora Valley
A must-see! That’s the word that best describes a trip to the Cocora Valley. The tranquility, the scenery, and the fresh air you experience there are what most captivate visitors, and they’re undoubtedly what you’ll remember most.
The most adventurous take the full tour, which lasts about 6 hours and includes a visit to Finca la Montaña and the Acaime Nature Reserve, also known as the “home of the hummingbirds.” But if you don’t want to do the whole thing, you can take the shorter route, which lasts about 2 hours and ends at the valley overlook.
The wax palm, which grows in the Cocora Valley, is the national tree and has become almost synonymous with Colombia internationally. The valley is located in the town of Salento, Quindío, a beautiful place that you should also visit.
Barichara
This little town is located in the department of Santander and is one of Colombia’s Heritage Towns. It’s a peaceful place with beautiful colonial architecture and is ideal for relaxing. Photographers love it, as every corner offers postcard-worthy views.
Very close to Barichara is Guane, a village district just as beautiful. The highlight of visiting Guane is taking in the traditional Santanderean landscape, featuring the Suárez River and the Yariguíes mountain range, so I recommend exploring it on foot. It’s only a 2-hour walk and the road is paved, so don’t worry.
And if you get bored of the town’s quiet, peaceful life, just a few hours away you’ll find San Gil, another town in Santander; there you can add a little excitement to your trip, try all kinds of extreme sports, and visit the Chicamocha Canyon.
Guatapé
About two hours from Medellín lies the popular town of Guatapé. You’ve probably heard of it: colorful little houses adorned with colorful baseboards, friendly people, and the spectacular Piedra del Peñol.
An afternoon in Guatapé is an afternoon well spent; you’ll always have plenty of options: climb to the top of the rock, go zip-lining across the reservoir, paraglide, try water sports, and go hiking. Just check the schedule in advance and you’re all set.
Santa Marta
You might wonder why choose Santa Marta when there are options like Cartagena or San Andrés. The answer is very simple: Tayrona National Natural Park.
This beauty is a true paradise where the combination of saltwater and nature is simply perfect. But be careful, because one day in Tayrona is enough to make you never want to go home.
Remember that while you’re there, it’s important to be a responsible tourist: take care of the environment around you, respect the local communities that live there, and take all the trash you brought in with you. It’s up to us to keep the park open to the public.
La Guajira
At the northernmost tip of the country lies the majestic landscape of La Guajira. This department has so much to offer: from deserted beaches like Cabo de la Vela to nature reserves like Macuira.
But if you want a recommendation, you must visit Palomino. This beach is a true paradise that has captivated many travelers who decided to stay and live there permanently.
You can get to Palomino from Santa Marta by taking a bus. In about 2 hours, you’ll be at one of the most beautiful and exciting beaches in the country.
Bogotá
Last but not least, the country’s capital is a must-see destination for all visitors to Colombia.
Not only can you enjoy its rich cultural scene, but nearby you’ll find places like Monserrate Hill, the salt mines of Zipaquirá, or—if you’re more adventurous—a two-hour trip to the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva.
Don’t let the capital’s cold weather discourage you—in Bogotá, you’ll always have something to do, and you’ll hardly even notice the cold.
I understand that choosing just six destinations out of the thousands in the country is a bit unfair, but these are excellent options for those just starting their journey through Colombia.
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