Friday, July 25, 2025

8 beautiful Colombian journey spots for 2025


In case you’ve any preconceived notions about what Colombia is or isn’t, visiting this astonishing nation will throw you for a loop. As soon as related to the drug commerce and violent cartels, Colombia and its previous Hollywood photographs are giving strategy to a rustic that’s supreme for studying salsa, exploring colonial cities, and swimming with dolphins.

Although some vacationers are hesitant about visiting Colombia, locals will at all times remark, “The one threat is wanting to remain.” They acknowledge the nation’s turbulent previous however spotlight its new child attractiveness. This sentiment factors to how the present Colombian journey expertise is a minimum of fascinating.

This nation of quaint cities, historic intrigue, and elegant nationwide parks is simply ready to be found. Boasting among the lesser-known Latin American sights, little-visited architectural treats, sweeping landscapes, scorching salsa, and the most effective boutique motels in South America, Colombia packs an actual punch on your all-important adventure-filled getaway.

Beneath, we have a look at locations that tour operators have discovered to be probably the most rewarding journey locations in Colombia – one of many world’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Whether or not you’re into journey sports activities, flamboyant fiestas, architectural wonders, or unique wildlife encounters – a brand new, magnetic Colombia is asking.  

1. Cartagena: Colombia’s flagship metropolis

It’s a no brainer why guests to Colombia select Cartagena as their prime vacation spot. They’re drawn by the town’s historic Previous City district, an irresistible maze of cobblestone streets brimming with stately colonial church buildings, convents, and mansions relationship again to the Seventeenth century. Including to the alluring combine, different colonial-era buildings have been painstakingly remodeled into all method of subtle motels, stylish eating places, and scorching nightclubs – changing the district right into a magnet for worldwide vacationers.

One other inviting characteristic of Previous City is its six miles of a centuries-old stone wall encircling the historic quarter; the wall was constructed to guard the district from pirate assaults and overseas invaders. Fortuitously, a lot of this metropolis inside a metropolis stays splendidly preserved.

As additional safety, standing on a hill above the Previous Metropolis is the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress – the best citadel ever constructed by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. In its day, the fort was impregnable, resisting all makes an attempt to storm it. At the moment, this large fortification is a part of the Cartagena UNESCO World Heritage Web site, whose ramparts, tunnels, and parapets are explored by historical past buffs and vacationers alike.

After a full day of deep diving into Previous City’s historic edifications, streets, eating places, and retailers, guests can head to certainly one of its well-known salsa golf equipment to witness and take part on one of many nation’s most vital cultural expressions – and have a ton of enjoyable within the course of. Spend the evening at a famed Previous City salsa nightclub like Casa Havana or Donde Fidel, the place effort, fairly than method, is all that issues! 

Elegant Cartagenian lodging

Colombia’s crown jewel on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging mix timeless colonial character with luxurious fashionable consolation.

Positioned inside the walled metropolis are quite a few smaller, high-end boutique motels reminiscent of Casa Pestagua, Casa San Agustin, and Resort Boutique Anandá, in addition to the bigger Sofitel Santa Clara. Our favourite is Casa San Agustin. You too are positive to search out it a shocking instance of a top-tier lodge serving up the proper stability of leisure and cultural immersion inside Previous City.

San Agustin consists of three homes “re-designed as an ode to our previous and with a watch for the long run,” evoking Colombian heritage in each element but coupled with fashionable luxurious for probably the most demanding traveler. Wood-beamed ceilings and wall frescos infuse one’s stick with the attraction of San Agustin’s Seventeenth-century beginnings because the breeze off the Caribbean Sea wanders over the white-washed partitions.

Nonetheless, different opulent Cartegena motels are located exterior the town’s historic middle alongside its scenic shoreline. Resorts just like the InterContinental Cartagena and Karibana Seaside and Golf Resort artfully merge streamlined, modern structure with coastal-inspired decor for a luxuriant seaside resort expertise with quick access to Cartagena’s historic Previous City.

For vacationers searching for each authenticity and indulgence, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging supply not simply lavish locations to remain, however gateways to the town’s wealthy tradition and scenic magnificence. 

2. Bogota: The place modernity meets custom

A thriving, fashionable South American metropolis of 8 million, the Colombian capital of Bogota provides nightlife, tradition, and music in spades.

Because the beating coronary heart of Bogota is the La Candelaria district, no go to to the capital can be full with out spending a while on this vibrant quarter of brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored Artwork Deco buildings. On this historic district, even probably the most non-descript corners are adorned with among the world’s coolest avenue artwork, which is certain to vary your maybe jaded notion of graffiti.

However greater than avenue murals, a wealth of top-tier artwork galleries and museums await discovery in La Candelaria. First amongst these is the Botero Museum, the place you’ll marvel on the fantastical work of the nation’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Close by, you’ll strike it wealthy when discovering a museum of gold and, simply past, a priceless assortment of fascinating pre-Colombian artifacts.

Different corners of the town’s cultural scene are additionally exploding, together with stately theatrical productions, cutting-edge movie festivals, and booming live performance arenas the place musicians following within the footsteps of one-time residents Shakira, Juanes, and Fonseca combine pop, rock, and conventional cumbia into a brand new Colombian musical kind.
From the colourful cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to the thumping techno-nightlife of Parque de la 93, Bogota provides sights, sounds, and pleasures for all tastes, ages, and pursuits. 

Refined lodging in Bogota

The colourful capital of Colombia, Bogotá gives discerning vacationers with an impressive selection of upscale lodging, offering each chic consolation and good sophistication, in addition to wonderful service.

Nestled amidst the town’s bustling city atmosphere, these fashionable stays fantastically meld into the busy city atmosphere whereas additionally deeply connecting to native tradition. A spotlight of those motels is they supply respite from the big-city hustle and bustle, whether or not located towards Bogota’s inexperienced foothills, like Casa Medina, or situated within the pulsating Zona Rosa leisure district, reminiscent of Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia.

For a high-end keep within the metropolis’s historic Candelaria district, Resort de La Opera is an genuine jewel and our favourite. Due to its location within the metropolis’s colonial coronary heart, La Opera permits company to discover the beginnings of Colombia, in addition to Bogota’s wealthy heritage. Set in a restored colonial constructing that oozes historical past, the lodge’s rooms characteristic traditional decor with all the fashionable comforts. On the lodge’s two onsite eating places, guests savor true Colombian and Mediterranean eating. Supreme for city explorers, Resort de la Opera guarantees an distinctive keep in Bogotá’s most fascinating district.

Why keep anyplace else aside from this or different high-end lodging within the Colombian capital; ones that completely pair refreshing city journey and indulgent leisure. 

3. Cali: “The world capital of salsa”

Southwest Colombia’s main metropolis has seen a colourful inflow of individuals all through its historical past, from the indigenous peoples to the arrival of the Spanish throughout colonial rule and the African slaves that got here to work the sugarcane plantations within the 18th century. The native caleños couldn’t be prouder of their combined heritage, which brings cultural aptitude and magnificence to each nook of the town, qualities which are the residing embodiment of Cali’s well-known vitality.

By day, Cali provides a great deal of these worthwhile experiences, together with these within the San Antonio barrio, or Previous Cali, now the trendy place for budding bohemians. Colonial homes have been remodeled into fashionable cafés, hipster bars have sprung up, and stylish eating places at the moment are the norm. On the cobbled streets, musicians strum salsa favorites and artists promote their wares. Saunter as much as the 18th-century church the place {couples} sit and benefit from the metropolis views. For the larger image, climb even additional up the hill to the large statue of Christ the Redeemer for panoramic views over the sprawling metropolis beneath.

However it’s at evening when Cali actually takes off. That is while you’ll quickly get the texture of this sultry metropolis by exploring its up-and-coming eating places, stylish bars, cafés, and sassy salsa venues throughout city. The dynamic neighborhood of Granada, an space flush with the most effective eating places on the town, is a good location to begin in for drinks and dinner earlier than winding up on La Sexta (sixth Avenue) and hitting the golf equipment.

Salsa would be the key draw for guests, however you don’t need to be a dance ground diva to fall in love with this dynamic metropolis of enjoyable and aptitude. 

Upbeat Cali motels

As increasingly more well-heeled vacationers are flocking to the “salsa capital of the world,” to accommodate these globetrotting company, Cali is seeing a rising variety of luxurious motels – ones combining historic attraction with fashionable class and personalised service.

In opposition to the backdrop of scenic mountainsides, these high-end properties of recent sophistication and refined style mix with the vigorous cultural character of the town.

Posh lodging like The Spiwak and Casa San Agustín are strategically situated away from the enterprise middle, although near main sights reminiscent of the town’s hip retrofitted historic districts, a classy restaurant row, and animated nightlife the place salsa tradition takes middle stage.

Although the town itself is understood for being pumped with vitality, inside these lodge settings a peaceable environment reigns. Visitors can chill out and reinvigorate at these upscale lodging, availing themselves of serene courtyards, world-class spas, and infinity swimming pools to die for.

Finishing an expertise in pure indulgence, lavish rooms and suites of those retreats come full with all of the bells and whistles, from fashionable decor to luxurious linens. In-house eating excellence is one other characteristic value spotlighting, as gourmand cooks present a brand new culinary expertise, mixing native flavors with worldwide delicacies.

Among the most comfy and complex lodging in Cali, these luxurious choices are ideally set for leisure and concrete journey, encapsulating the eagerness and vigor of this vibrant Colombian metropolis. 

All the things it’s essential plan your journey in 2024

4. The Espresso Triangle: Gorgeous countryside and a fascinating conventional lifestyle

It’s well-known that Colombia virtually runs on espresso, which is why its producing among the finest espresso on this planet is a supply of nice pleasure and delight. Owing to fertile mountain hillsides that ship excellent soil and barely cooler temperatures, the final word situations for bean cultivation have blessed Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Espresso Triangle), an space spanning three of the nation’s departments rising Colombia’s magic arabica beans.

Within the triangle, enquiring vacationers are invited to take a deep dive into espresso tradition via fascinating day excursions and homey in a single day stays supplied by family-run fincas (farms).

However, there’s much more to the area than a set of intriguing espresso plantations. An vital nook of Colombia’s well-known Espresso Triangle is Cocora Valley. In reality, that is what nearly each customer actually comes right here to see.

This peaceable valley is a conservation space for the famed Quindío wax palm tree. Strewn like big matchsticks throughout the panorama, these impossibly tall palm bushes (the tallest on this planet) can develop as much as 200 toes excessive. The Cocora Valley subsequently invitations you to find these superb bushes through its many footpaths or discover the superb valley on horseback. 

Surrounded by breathtaking Andean surroundings and fertile countryside, the close by city of Salento definitely suits in with the colourful but peaceable panorama. Stroll down the primary avenue previous a superb palette of vibrant crimson doorways, yellow balconies, blue banisters, purple window frames and pink eaves. Inside these stunning colonial homes, artisans are busy at work making all method of knickknacks utilizing conventional strategies. Leisurely walks concerning the city might be mixed with close by espresso farm excursions and tastings in addition to explorations of the countryside on foot or horseback.  

High-tier lodging within the Espresso Triangle

Whereas Colombia’s espresso triangle is understood for its rolling mountain landscapes and fragrant espresso plantations, the world additionally provides quite a lot of upscale lodging offering a compelling mix of luxurious and nature.

Extremely-extravagant hotel-haciendas within the area embrace the Buenavista Hacienda and Hacienda Bambusa. Nearer to the picturesque city of Salento is one other excellent lodge: the Kawa Mountain Retreat. It’s located in a privileged space the place mountains, palm forests, espresso fincas, and the river of this enchanting space meet. The mountain retreat provides company full immersion in nature, with the additional benefit of reaching the scenic city of colourful colonial homes in lower than a 5-minute stroll.

An instance of environmental sustainability, the lodge was designed and developed with natural architectural processes in thoughts; discovering inspiration from its distinctive and various flora, framed inside the espresso triangle area. The retreat has all of the amenities of a pastoral, but elegant architectural area providing its company an intimate reference to the pure atmosphere, coupled with luxurious service. 

5. Trendy Medellín: Past the stereotypes

Although Medellin was as soon as often known as the world’s most harmful metropolis, this former narco epicenter of the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar has been remodeled into a contemporary metropolis that punches properly above its weight.

At the moment, it’s straightforward to see why Medellin has earned the title of “The Most Livable Metropolis in South America;” it’s straightforward to get round in, blessed with among the finest climate on the planet, über pleasant, and arguably much more enjoyable than the capital metropolis.

Town’s supreme local weather signifies that there’s no excuse for staying pent up inside. By day, guests can get out and discover the El Centro district, the actual heartbeat of present-day Medellín. There, you’ll uncover the complete Plaza Botero full of larger-than-life bronze sculptures of native icon Fernando Botero. To realize an excellent deeper understanding of the town’s previous, lose your self in an eye-opening graffiti tour via the once-dreaded/now-applauded Comuna 13 barrio.

It’s assured that after benefiting from Medellin’s excellent local weather, infinite actions, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll end up wanting to stay round for weeks on finish. 

Uncover Medellin’s most interesting upscale lodging

Medellín’s exceptional transformation lately is mirrored in an explosion in upscale lodging characterised by their mix of luxurious, consolation, and native aptitude.

Main Medellín motels in themselves are sufficient to put in writing residence about. Fashionable frontrunners like The Charlee Resort, Resort Marquee, Casa Mosaiko Primer Parque Laureles are situated in prime areas, such because the unique El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, the place they’ll proudly boast of stylish interiors, modern facilities, and attentive workers.

Our choose of the litter is Resort Charlee, now a Poblado mainstay. The second you pull as much as Charlee, you received’t fail to be impressed by its modern design. Coming into your lavish room, it is going to be troublesome to inform in case you’re extra impressed by the swank furnishings or the beautiful metropolis views. And although the lodge is surrounded by the town’s most fascinating eating places, golf equipment, and bars, it’ll even be troublesome to tug your self away from Resort Charlee’s world-class facilities – ones like its rooftop Envy pool and bar, fitness center, wellness middle, on-site eating, and extra. 

6. San Andres & Providencia islands: Paradise discovered

Frankly, there isn’t an important deal Colombian about San Andres Island and its neighboring Providencia Island. Sitting method out within the Caribbean Sea, the cheerful, laidback environment of those sister magnificence spots feels just a little extra Jamaican, if something. Nearly 500 miles from continental Colombia, there aren’t any direct flights from the mainland, which signifies that inhabitants are additional lower off from the remainder of Latin America. Due to this, you received’t hear Colombian Spanish spoken right here, however fairly English Creole, relationship method again to when the island was a British colony. As for the affable inhabitants, they go about their days residing a conventional lifestyle, seemingly bored with making the most of the beautiful fantastic thing about their island residence.

As beautiful as these islands are—with their white sandy shores, leaning palms, aquamarine waters, and out-of-this-world snorkeling—there’s a heat native vibe and never a high-rise lodge in sight. San Andres and Providencia tick each field for a dream tropical-island getaway, simply don’t be delay by the journey to get there! Many individuals are…which is why it stays spectacularly remoted, untainted by tourism.

A go to to both is all about switching off from life’s worries, even forgetting what time of day it’s and easily embracing the right here and now. Spend your time discovering abandoned sandy coves and strolling the quiet shoreline of those sun-kissed patches of paradise. 

Luxurious retreats within the San Andres & Providencia islands

On these islands many luxurious motels — ones just like the Nattivo Assortment Resort (San Andres) and Posada Candy Anashly (Providencia) — vacationers are impressed by the native tradition. All of their assorted areas pay tribute to the cultural richness of the island, incorporating components that replicate San Andres’ and Providencia’s essence. Posh lodging “merge with luxurious experiences to satisfy the aim of offering a pause within the every day rhythm, permitting reconnection with what usually goes unnoticed, thus making the invisible seen.”

These motels supply quite a lot of companies reminiscent of gourmand eating places, swimming swimming pools, solariums, occasion rooms, gyms and Jacuzzis to supply a novel expertise within the islands.

Resorts situated even within the middle of those intimate islands place you simply three minutes from the seaside, giving company straightforward and fast entry to the encircling sea. 

7. Journey awaits within the Colombian Amazon

An often-overlooked gem, the Colombian Amazon is magnificent. It’s a vibrant mixture of the canopied rainforest, far-out wildlife, and age-old Indigenous communities that stay in concord with the jungle. For the roving traveler, this will add as much as an exciting jungle journey or just a peaceable nature retreat.

The distant city of Leticia is the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon area, which makes up a 3rd of the nation. Studded proper within the southern tip of the nation, Leticia waits ever able to welcome guests due to its small airport, a clutch of motels, and its place subsequent to the commanding Amazon River itself, the place motorized boat journeys to the jungle start.

As Leticia is a border city on the river, you may discover the Colombian aspect and likewise simply jump over to Brazil for much more discoveries. On both aspect, you’ll seemingly encounter indigenous teams and absolutely discover the wildlife, a key spotlight to any time spent right here.

A mesmeric nature hike can have you getting up near a plethora of birdlife, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and armadillos; then too, there’s at all times the possibility of recognizing a Pink river dolphin, an icon of the Amazon! Rachet your journey experiences up a notch by paddling out on a nocturnal canoe safari, the place the soundtrack of the jungle is certain to awaken your senses and stir your soul.

A tangle of impossibly inexperienced rainforest, snaking rivers, and conventional communities, Colombia’s share of the Amazon jungle is a legendary land begging to be skilled. 

Amazonian rainforest retreats

For nature lovers, journey seekers, or just these on the lookout for a calming getaway, the Colombian Amazon provides comfy lodging that permit unforgettable jungle experiences.

For probably the most adventurous vacationers trying to escape deep into the rainforest, you may select amongst a number of rustic but restful choices, together with the Calanoa Jungle Lodge, Omshanty Jungle Lodge, and the Eware Amazon Lodge. Adopting conventional Colombian design, these buildings are constructed from pure supplies like bamboo, wooden, and thatched palm leaves, whereas the easy but ample interiors are fitted with mosquito-netted beds, open-air showers, and enjoyable hammocks.

Nevertheless, probably the most comfort-filled lodging within the area are supplied on the Waira Suites. Although this comfy 4-star lodge is situated inside the Amazonian outpost city of Leticia, guided excursions into lush rainforests are offered. On this method—with out sacrificing fashionable city facilities—you may discover the Amazon rainforest on guided wildlife-watching excursions to identify Pink dolphins, raucous monkeys, and brilliantly coloured unique birds whereas climbing and canoeing.

Whether or not rustic or extra refined, the lodges within the Colombian Amazon supply unforgettable experiences for exploring this breathtaking and biodiverse area. 

8. From seashores to jungles in Tayrona Nationwide Park

What’s Tayrona Nationwide Park? Assume palm-lined tropical seashores and secluded coves; image a paradise of leisure towards the dramatic backdrop of the looming coastal mountains.

Established as a nationwide park over a half-century in the past, Tayrona has been protected ever since, drawing in guests with its verdant jungles and golden seashores. The traditional Tayrona civilization as soon as flourished right here, as might be glimpsed via primeval websites like La Ciudad Perdida – actually, “The Misplaced Metropolis.” This mini-Machu Picchu is so deeply entwined within the jungle that it requires a three- or four-day hike to get there. That is however one of many a number of causes Tayrona Nationwide Park is the proper playground for historical past lovers, nature seekers, and wanna-be Indiana Jones adventurers.

One other string in its bow is the gathering of superb seashores that hug the shoreline of Tayrona. Golden sands strewn with monumental boulders backdropped by gently swaying palm bushes bestow a real paradise setting.

You received’t discover any super-glam resorts right here; a part of the area’s attract is the country really feel of the lodging scene, made up of thatched cabanas perched on the shorefront or beneath the palm tree cover; nonetheless, a dose of luxurious is thrown in only for good measure. So, with a mélange of protected jungle, back-to-nature lodging, idyllic seashores, pre-Columbian websites, and infinite spots for blissful leisure, look no additional than Tayrona Nationwide Park. It’s to not be missed. 

High-tier eco-lodges in Tayrona Nationwide Park

For guests eager to expertise such beautiful magnificence on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a number of upscale lodges and motels can be found to accommodate your keep on this beautiful park. Lodges reminiscent of Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos (pictured), Villa Playa Tayrona, Villa Maria and Senda Watapuy are there so that you can spend days chilling out on sun-kissed seashores or wandering alongside the jungle trails that edge the shoreline. Not simply rustic huts stripped all the way down to the mere fundamentals, these are upscale lodges possessing fashionable facilities, serving scrumptious meals, and offering attentive service whereas proudly displaying off their exceptional indigenous Colombian structure.

Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is a jungle retreat simply minutes from the primary Zaino entrance to Tayrona Park. Out of your room’s non-public terrace, you’ll not solely have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Rio Piedra River but in addition the snow-covered summits of the Sierra Nevada – the world’s highest coastal mountain vary; or relax on the pool or wander on all the way down to an unspoiled, white-sand seaside. The lodge is attended by 24-hour workers, its rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with piping sizzling water, and the lodge’s on-site restaurant permits company to dine within the restaurant with out having to drive.

Like the opposite luxurious lodges at Tayrona, Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is the best location for buddies trying to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about the river, sea, and gardens surrounding the lodge, {couples} on a romantic getaway, and individuals who need a comfy place to remain as they uncover Tayrona Park, certainly one of Colombia’s pure jewels.

The takeaway…

With not solely the Andes and the Amazon, however golden seashores on two oceans, in addition to unimaginable meals, historic ruins, colonial cities, archaeological websites, artwork, cumbia, salsa and a lot extra, Colombia gives numerous alternatives for exploring and discovering.

And if all of the planning and coordination appears an excessive amount of to deal with, don’t fear. Journeys to Colombia are particularly doable via skilled tour operators who can design and handle your whole journey expertise. They’ll deal with the heavy lifting, so that you may give all of your consideration to completely having fun with your journey.

Colombia has one thing for each traveler. From Cali’s scorching salsa to Cartagena’s character-filled streets, all of the components of a enjoyable and rewarding journey are right here. Your subsequent journey simply may be to this fascinating nation!

Alfonso Tandazo

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established agency, specializing in custom-designed luxurious excursions in Ecuador, the Galapagos and all through the remainder of South America. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with the intention to increase your profile, please contact us.

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