Cartagena's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is rich in history and culture. The city's colorful architecture and cobblestone streets make it a popular destination for visitors. Enjoy a tour of the city's historic landmarks, museums, and local boutiques.
The Rosario Islands are a group of islands located off the coast of Cartagena. Enjoy a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Snorkeling and diving are also popular activities here.
Tayrona National Natural Park is a picturesque park located on the Caribbean coast. Enjoy a relaxing day hiking through the park's lush tropical forests and discovering hidden natural waterfalls. The park's white-sand beaches and turquoise waters offer a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Minca is a small mountain town set amid rolling green hills and coffee plantations. Relax in a hammock and take in scenic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, or explore nearby waterfalls and hiking trails. Minca's cool climate offers a break from the heat of the coast.
Salento is a charming town known for its colorful architecture and coffee plantations. Take a coffee farm tour to learn about the region's coffee production, or hike the nearby Valle de Cocora to see the tallest palm trees in the world. The town's tranquil setting offers the perfect escape from bustling city life.
Medellin is a vibrant city known for its architecture, public art, and food scene. Visit the Botero Plaza to admire the work of Fernando Botero, or take the cable car to explore the city's hillside barrios. A visit to the nearby Guatape Rock and reservoir is also a must-see.
Santa Fe de Antioquia is a picturesque colonial town located on the banks of the Cauca River. The town is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and narrow streets, which create a charming and peaceful atmosphere. Stroll through the town to visit its many churches, museums, and artisan shops.
San Agustin Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southwestern Colombia. The park features numerous pre-Columbian stone sculptures and tombs, and is surrounded by lush tropical forest. Enjoy a guided tour of the park's highlights, or wander the park's trails at your own pace.
Popayan is known as the "White City" due to its many white colonial buildings. The city is home to numerous churches, museums, and plazas, which offer visitors numerous opportunities to relax and unwind. Popayan is also known for its regional cuisine, which features a variety of meat, rice, and vegetable dishes.
Cali is the salsa capital of the world, and visitors can enjoy live music and dancing throughout the city. Take a salsa lesson to learn the basics, or visit one of the city's famous salsa clubs to watch the experts in action. Cali is also known for its delicious Colombian cuisine and craft beer scene.
Travelers will need to consider a variety of transportation options during their trip to Colombia. The most popular options include flying between destinations or taking a private car. Domestic flights in Colombia are operated by Avianca, Latam and budget airline, VivaColombia. Car rental services are also available at various airports and in the larger cities. However, driving in Colombia can be challenging due to congested roads and unfamiliar traffic laws, so it is recommended that visitors rely on taxis, buses, and private tours. Local buses, called "chivas," provide an inexpensive way to travel between nearby towns and cities.
Estimated travel costs: Domestic flights ($60-$100), Private car hires ($80-$120), Taxis ($2-$15), Buses ($1-$10).
For those with more time, an excursion to the Cocora Valley is recommended. This valley boasts the tallest palm trees in the world and offers beautiful hiking opportunities. Those with less time should consider shortening their stay in Salento and skipping Santa Fe de Antioquia. Alternatively, they could skip San Agustin Archaeological Park if they have already visited other pre-Columbian sites in South America.
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is Cartagena's primary airport and is located 20 minutes (10.4 km) from the city center. Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is Cali's main airport and is located 25 minutes (20.5 km) from the city center. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) is Medellin's primary airport and is located 45 minutes (35 km) from the city center.