The Best Places to Go in Colombia

Cartagena

Cartagena has seen a resurgence in tourism interest over the past few years, and it's easy to see why: With decent weather year round, it's a great destination any time of the year. And it's also extremely affordable.

What to Do: Eat, drink, shop, take a sunset sail, check out the local beaches, go to the famous Cafe Havana for dancing, ride on a "chiva" bus, walk around and take in the beautiful architecture, drive to El Totumo (mud bath volcano) and stop in the village beach town Manzanillo, and take a day trip (or stay a night) to the nearby Rosario Islands.

Where to Stay: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia.

Where to Eat: Marzola Parrilla Argentina.

(Photo: dgarkauskas via flickr/CC Attribution)

Santa Marta Area

Santa Marta is a beautiful coastal beach town with fabulous food, shops, and bars.

And about an hour from Santa Marta is a pristine national park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tayrona National Park, that's perfect for a remote getaway. While most people would qualify this as a day trip from Santa Marta, it is worth staying inside the national park as it has an abundance of hikes, beaches, and natural wonders to discover.

Also in the mountain range you will find a "Lost City." The trek is one of the most breathtaking and must-do hikes in Colombia. The city is the largest found built by the Tayrona people who disappeared during the Spanish conquest.

What to Do: The Lost City is best reached via a guided trek, like this one offered by G Adventures. After the tour, stay a few nights inside the Tayrona National Park and relax on the beach or go on a few less intense excursions. Give yourself a few days on either end in Santa Marta and explore the coastal town with island vibes.

Where to Stay: Hotel Boutique La Casa del Piano (Santa Marta) and Playa Koralia (Tayrona National Park).

Where to Eat: Restaurante Lamart (Santa Marta).

(Photo: Eli Duke via flickr/CC Attribution)

Bogota

Colombia's sprawling capital offers a unique mix of sites, history, politics, and cuisine. Since Bogota is where most international flights land, it's a great place to spend a few days on either end of your Colombian vacation.

What to Do: Go to the top of Mount Monserrate for incredible views of the city, go to the markets, take the street Graffiti tour, take a ghost tour, go to the Gold Museum, eat at many of the city's fabulous restaurants, take a day tour to Zipaquira's Salt Cathedral and the colonial town of Villa de Leyva.

Where to Stay: Hotel Augusta.

Where to Eat: Andres Carne de Res and dos gatos y Simone.

(Photo: "Nino" Eugene La Pia via flickr/CC Attribution)

Medellin

What was once Pablo Escobar's stomping grounds is now the second largest city in Colombia. Medellin is the heart of Colombia's coffee industry and bustling universities.

What to Do: Take a Pablo Escobar history tour, go to the Cerro Nuitbara viewpoint, visit the sculpture garden Parque de las Esculturas, visit coffee farms, head to the cloud forest in nearby Manizales, and take the metro cable up to Parque Arvi.

Where to Stay: Art Hotel Boutique.

Where to Eat: Carmen and Restaurante Itaca.

(Photo: Deutsche Welle via flickr/CC Attribution)

San Andres & Providencia Islands

You'll find the archipelago geographically close to Nicaragua but with English history and island culture. San Andres is the largest of the island group and thus has the most to do, while Providencia offers isolated and pristine beaches and coral reefs.

What to Do: Explore Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park and La Piscinita (West View) in San Andres. Don't miss Crab Cay and McBean Lagoon National Natural Park in Providencia.

Where to Stay: Hotel Casablanca (San Andres) and Deep Blue (Providencia).

Where to Eat: Restaurante La Regatta (San Andres) and Caribbean Place Donde Martin (Providencia).

(Photo: Eugenio Celedon via flickr/CC Attribution)

Cali

Like Medellin, Cali was once a dangerous city for both locals and travelers, but now this vibrant city is once again welcoming travelers. From colonial architecture to active volcanoes, Cali and its surrounding areas are a must-see for any Colombian vacation.

What to Do: Dance at any of the clubs (Cali is the salsa capital of Colombia), visit a sugarcane plantation, take a swim in the Pance River, check out the city's botanical gardens, or take a road trip to San Agustin or Popayan, go to an active volcano in Pasto, and discover ancient tomb sites at Parque Arqueologico, a few hours drive away.

Where to Stay: San Antonio Hotel Boutique.

Where to Eat: Platillos Voladores and Bocados.

(Photo: Alexander Schimmeck via flickr/CC Attribution)