The Flavor of Colombia Through Its Most Beautiful Cities and Landscapes
1 de December de 2023
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and you would be surprised by all the wonders that its territory harbors, many of which you may not know. This country contains a large part of the Amazon rainforest, but also Caribbean beaches, desert areas, and cosmopolitan cities. If you are planning to visit Colombia, you cannot overlook some of its main cities, such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena de Indias. We will tell you what to do in each of them and also other nearby must-see excursions.
In front of you, you have a country to discover. Its cities, landscapes, gastronomy, and people will undoubtedly make you want to return again.
Discover Bogotá, the Charm of the Capital
Bogotá is a city with a frantic pace of life that, it seems, does not stop even to sleep. However, the streets of La Candelaria, its historic center, can bring you tranquility in an instant. All walks start at Plaza Bolívar, the most important square in the Colombian capital, surrounded by relevant buildings such as the Primada Cathedral, the National Capitol, and the Palace of Justice.
In the heart of La Candelaria, colorful streets with graffiti await you, charming squares like the Chorro de Quevedo, and museums like the Gold Museum or the Botero Museum. After touring the neighborhood, ascend to the Monserrate hill that awaits you at 3,152 meters high with the most beautiful views of the city and dozens of craft stalls.
Bogotá’s fantastic location in the heart of the country will allow you to explore other fascinating environments very close by. From the capital, you can easily reach the department of Boyacá, a rural region with idyllic landscapes such as the Ocetá moor or the Tota lagoon. Fall in love with Villa de Leiva and Monguí, two of the most impressive towns in this region. Another of the most surprising landscapes less than 300 km from Bogotá is the Tatacoa desert. To get to know this arid environment that seems from another planet, it is best to reach Neiva, a warm and festive city.
Visit Cartagena de Indias, the Most Tropical Experience
The coastal character has nothing to do with that of the capital. Discover it in this jewel of the Colombian Caribbean: Cartagena de Indias. It is the most tourist destination in the country, a picturesque and photogenic city in every corner to tour as a couple or with friends. Its colonial air will transport you several centuries back as you admire the colorful facades and doors inside the wall. The warm climate of Cartagena will not prevent you from being conquered by enclaves such as the Plaza de los Coches, the Plaza de la Aduana, or the Castillo de San Felipe. Sunset in Cartagena is lived with special effusiveness in the famous Café del Mar.
You cannot leave without trying coastal specialties such as egg arepa and patacón with shrimp, both very easy to get at street stalls.
And if you still want more, take advantage of being in Cartagena de Indias to visit the nearby city of Santa Marta. This coastal town is a step away from the Tayrona National Park, an environment where the beach and the jungle coexist and is also the habitat of different ethnic groups in the area. From Cartagena, it is very easy to get to know Barranquilla, home to one of the most famous carnivals in Latin America. If you travel in the months of February/March, it is a must-see. Beach lovers cannot miss the Rosario, Barú, or Múcura islands, marine paradises very close to Cartagena to relax under the sun.
Get Ready for Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring
A journey through Colombia would not be complete without visiting Medellín, the city of eternal spring. Its temperate climate all year round encourages you to enjoy it outdoors. Get to know it at your own pace, but do not overlook some of the main points of interest such as the busy Carrera 70 located in the Laureles neighborhood, one of the most lively and colorful areas of the city, and also El Poblado Park or Pueblito Paisa. Located on Nutibara hill, the latter recreates a typical town in the region. Other must-see stops are Barefoot Park, where visitors can walk barefoot through it, or Comuna 13, with a great story of overcoming behind it. Move comfortably by metro or cable car, as Medellín has one of the most modern transport networks in South America.
Finally, do not forget to taste the most emblematic dishes of Medellín. The bandeja paisa (composed of ripe banana, avocado, ground meat, pork rinds, egg, chorizo, beans, and arepa) is undoubtedly the most characteristic dish of the antioqueña capital. You will also like the cheese-stuffed arepa. Better if it’s freshly made!
In addition, Medellín’s nightlife is to be lived. El Poblado or Carrera 70 are some of the areas with the most atmosphere, full of bars where you can dance reggaeton, salsa, or vallenato. Do not forget that this city has produced great music artists such as Karol G, Maluma, and J Balvin!
The capital of the department of Antioquia is the ideal starting point to tour other traditional municipalities in the region such as Guatapé or Jardín. Not many kilometers from Medellín, you will also find the iconic coffee farms. Discover the coffee region through towns like Salento, which will welcome you with an explosion of color, and beautiful places like the Cocora Valley. In this, you can take pictures with hundreds of wax palms that rise slender almost touching the sky.
If you are planning to visit Colombia and have an urban spirit, consider this 9-night itinerary in Colombia that proposes visiting the main cities. Explore Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena de Indias on a tailor-made trip that you will never forget. This complete tour designed by Betterfly will make you fall in love with Colombia and its cities. They are three carefully selected destinations for those who want to know the most urban facets of the neighboring country. With this travel program, you will not have to worry about anything so you can concentrate on enjoying a friendly and welcoming country that will receive you with open arms.
You may also like
