Top Travel Destinations in Colombia

Colombia has got to be one of the most beautiful countries to vacation to. There are endless amounts of activities, sightseeing locations, and exquisite monuments to admire. If you’re looking to take a trip where you can relax and unwind, yet explore and wander, then Colombia is the place for you. There really is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Throughout our travels through Colombia, we made some unforgettable memories. However, booking a trip to Colombia can actually be overwhelming because there is so much to see and do. So, it’s hard to know where to start while travel planning. Well, to help alleviate some of that stress, I thought I would write a quick post about the top travel destinations. These are all things I would highly recommend seeing or doing while you’re soaking up the beautiful views of Colombia. 

Tequendama Falls

If you’re a nature lover, then this site is for you. While at the falls, we saw the most beautiful, panoramic views. From inside the museum, we got to gaze upon the 433 foot high Tequendama Falls. It was so amazing to see how wonderful nature is. We learned that the architect of the museum crafted the building to complement the organic beauty of the falls surrounding it, which is so cool.

El Penol Rock

Okay, brace yourselves. This has to be one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever done. El Penol Rock is a 65 million-year-old granite rock located in the town of El Penol. It sits 7,000 feet above sea level at its highest peak. And, wait for it, it has 740 steps carved into it that take you roughly 700 feet from the base to the top. That’s right, I said 740 steps! This was definitely a challenge, but once we got to the top, the climb was worth it. The views were unforgettable. 

The Shrine of Our Lady of Las Lajas

If you like colorfully dressed llamas and beautiful architecture, then exploring the Shrine of Our Lady of Las Lajas is for you. It’s a Roman Catholic Basilican church that sits on the border of Ecuador and Columbia on a 130ft bridge, which was built over the Guaitara river. We took a cable car across the valley, which had us suspended 2,000 feet above the ground. So, you definitely have to be comfortable with heights! However, we were able to see the most amazing views of the shrine. 

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

It’s no surprise that the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of Colombia’s most famous churches. It’s actually a  former salt mine that’s located about 600 feet underground. Everything in the cave is carved out of salt, I mean how cool is that? It’s such a unique and spiritual experience that you have to see it to believe it! This cathedral will forever be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

El Totumo

To all my adventurous people, who don’t mind getting a little dirty, this is a must-see attraction for you! The El Totumo Mud Volcano is a mud volcano located in northern Colombia. It’s the smallest volcano in Colombia, which is crazy because while standing next to it, it seemed gigantic. This is a super popular tourist destination because it’s known for its healing mud bath. Most people go out of the way to come and see the volcano from the city.

Cartagena

The city of Cartagena, known as the Walled City, is full of gorgeous scenic views. We spent most of our time wandering the city visiting all the local shops. We visited the Callejón Angosto, Flag Street, and saw all of the murals. A must-see was the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, which had the best view of the city. This spot is packed with so much history and culture. We had some super fun adventures in Cartagena, and I would 100% visit again. 

The Rosario Islands

The beautiful Rosario Islands are a must-see while traveling through Colombia. They are located right off the coast and make for a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is so much to look at including white sands, crystal blue waters, and underwater coral reefs that extend west from the Island of Baru. The Rosario Islands were declared a National Park to preserve the coral reefs and the ecosystems, which is amazing. The goal is to also protect the seagrass, mangroves, and sea animals that live within the coral reefs.

Any of these top destinations will guarantee a good time and unforgettable memories. I know we made our fair share of them. Colombia is an amazing country. The people, the culture, and not to mention the breathtaking landscape, make this country the perfect vacation getaway. 

I hope this helped alleviate some of the stress that can come with planning a trip. Especially in a location where there is so much to see and do. If anything, I hope it has inspired you to want to explore Colombia and all the beautiful sights and activities it has to offer.