The 4 Best Places to Visit in Colombia

Places to Visit in Colombia in 2021

Some of the best places to visit in Colombia are Bogota, the verdant Coffee Region, and the Caribbean coast with the famous colonial city of Cartagena. To discover Colombia fully, you’ll need to visit a couple of places that represent its various landscapes and local cultures.

Due to the country’s favorable weather, the best time to visit Colombia is at any time of the year! Keep in mind that the weather changes depending on the places you’re visiting. It is cooler and rainier in Bogota, which is 8,660 feet above sea level. In contrast, it is hot and humid in Cartagena, which is only 7 feet above sea level. Avoid visiting Colombia during Christmas and New Years’ – high demand causes hotels, and flights to be fully booked out. Apart from those holidays, you can visit the places in Colombia at any time comfortably.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature admirer, passionate about history or architecture, Colombia is for you. We have plenty of Colombia tour options, featuring big cities, quaint colonial towns, and vast national parks. Below check out our expert recommended places to visit in Colombia in 2021.

1. Bogota, Colombia

Why Visit Bogota

First on our list for the best places to visit in Colombia is the proud capital, Bogota. There are over 7 million people living in this cosmopolitan city. It’s a place where old meets new, giving you a chance to learn about the unique history of its first inhabitants and to observe how it developed over the long years into the bustling and modern city it is today. Enjoy a tour of Bogota’s top attractions.

You can start exploring the colonial part of La Candelaria with the famous Monserrate Hill and Gold Museum. Then, end in the modern, sophisticated Zona Rosa located in the northern part of Bogota, where you can enjoy the best restaurants and boutique shops.

Best Time to Visit Bogota

One of the reasons why Bogota is one of the best places to visit in Colombia is due to its fantastic weather. Bogota is situated at a very high altitude, which influences the weather conditions. All year-round, you can expect the same average temperature of around 62’F and a mix of sun and rain every day. That is why no matter what time of year you decide to travel to Bogota, the weather differences won’t be significant.

How to Get to Bogota

Since Bogota is the capital with the largest international airport in the country, it receives many direct flights from the U.S. and Europe. Direct flights operate from Miami, Orlando, Washington D.C., New York, Houston, Los Angeles. If you fly from Europe, the best flights will be from Madrid or Frankfurt to get direct connections.

Recommended Bogota Tours

The Highlights of Colombia to San Agustin Tour
The Colombia Botanical Tour

2. The Coffee Region, Colombia

Why Visit The Coffee Region

If you are a nature lover, then the Coffee Region in Colombia is one of the best places to visit. You’ll see endless landscapes of mountains, volcanoes, coffee, and plantain plantations. It’s a famous area of Colombia located in a triangle of three cities: Manizales, Armenia, and Pereira.

You can start your day in the Coffee Region with a cup of aromatic Colombian coffee enjoyed on a terrace of one of the fincas (hacienda type hotel). Later you can visit a coffee plantation or do some trekking or horseback riding in picturesque Cocora Valley.

Best Time to Visit the Coffee Region

The Coffee Region tends to be warmer and sunnier than Bogota; however, it is quite rainy, which makes the vegetation incredibly lush and green. If you want to avoid a lot of rain during your travels, choose July and August, which tend to be drier months.

How to Get to the Coffee Region

There are a couple of direct flights per day that connects Bogota with Pereira, Manizales, or Armenia in just over an hour. Whichever airport city you choose as your starting point, you will need to drive around 20-40 minutes to get to one of the typical country hotels that are located outside of the Colombian cities.

Recommended Coffee Region Tours

The Colombia Gourmet Tour
The Colombia Coffee Region Tour

3. Medellin, Colombia

Why Visit Medellin

Nicknamed “The Land of Eternal Spring,” Medellin is one of the most visited places in Colombia by American tourists looking for exciting nightlife, modern architecture, and pleasant weather. Some years ago, Medellin was named the most innovative city in the world due to its interesting transformation period. The city that was once known for drug crimes and civil war became a beautiful place of impressive architecture, art galleries, and modern developments. If you choose to visit Medellin, you can opt for different day tours outside of the city to nearby colonial towns, coffee plantations or lakes, and mountains.

Best Time to Visit Medellin

With all-year-round spring-like temperatures, you cannot choose a bad time to visit Medellin. Rain might occur, but the sun will shine for you for sure as well! July or August hosts a Flower Festival if you want to see some local festivities full of colors, music, and dances.

How to Get to Medellin

There are direct flights from Bogota to Medellin almost every two hours during the day, and a plane ride takes just over an hour. If you land at an international airport, you will have to travel around 40 minutes to get to the city center. There are a couple of direct flights to Medellin from Dallas, Miami, JFK, Washington-Dulles, Houston. There is even a direct flight from Toronto, Canada.

Recommended Medellin Tours

The Colombia Botanical Tour

4. Cartagena, Colombia

Why Visit Cartagena

Last on our list of the best places to visit in Colombia is Cartagena. Who doesn’t dream about sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean? Cartagena has it all: sun, sea, sand, breeze, seafood, exotic fruit, and beautiful colors of colonial buildings. This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the most romantic places for honeymooners and the best spot to go if you enjoy diving or snorkeling. Of course, you cannot miss visiting the so-called Walled City – the historical part of town with colonial buildings. However, if you have more time, enjoy the nearby Rosario Islands or famous Baru Island. Clear and turquoise waters are what you are going to enjoy the most in that part of Colombia.

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

All year round except New Year’s time unless you want to welcome New Year on the coast and don’t mind full hotels and more tourists around.

How to Get to Cartagena

Various cities in Colombia offer direct flight connections to Cartagena. It can also be connected internationally with Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, JFK, or even Toronto in Canada.

Recommended Cartagena Tours

The Colombia Coffee & Caribbean Tour
The Colombia Gourmet Tour

Learn More about the Places to Visit in Colombia

Contact a Travel Expert for more information on the best places to visit in Colombia. Whether you’re looking to escape to the countryside or stay in the city, there’s a destination in Colombia perfect for you.