In the event you’ve any preconceived notions about what Colombia is or isn’t, visiting this astonishing nation will throw you for a loop. As soon as related to the drug commerce and violent cartels, Colombia and its previous Hollywood photos are giving strategy to a rustic that’s preferrred for studying salsa, exploring colonial cities, and swimming with dolphins.
Although some vacationers are hesitant about visiting Colombia, locals will at all times remark, “The only risk is wanting to stay.” They acknowledge the nation’s turbulent previous however spotlight its new child attractiveness. This sentiment factors to how the present Colombian journey expertise is at least fascinating.
This nation of quaint cities, historic intrigue, and stylish nationwide parks is simply ready to be found. Boasting a few of the lesser-known Latin American points of interest, little-visited architectural treats, sweeping landscapes, scorching salsa, and the perfect boutique inns in South America, Colombia packs an actual punch to your all-important adventure-filled getaway.
Beneath, we have a look at locations that tour operators have discovered to be essentially the most rewarding journey locations in Colombia – one of many world’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Whether or not you’re into journey sports activities, flamboyant fiestas, architectural wonders, or unique wildlife encounters – a brand new, magnetic Colombia is asking.
1. Cartagena: Colombia’s flagship metropolis
It’s a no brainer why guests to Colombia select Cartagena as their prime vacation spot. They’re drawn by the town’s historic Outdated City district, an irresistible maze of cobblestone streets brimming with stately colonial church buildings, convents, and mansions relationship again to the Seventeenth century. Including to the alluring combine, different colonial-era constructions have been painstakingly reworked into all method of refined inns, fashionable eating places, and scorching nightclubs – changing the district right into a magnet for worldwide vacationers.
One other inviting characteristic of Outdated City is its six miles of a centuries-old stone wall encircling the historic quarter; the wall was constructed to guard the district from pirate assaults and overseas invaders. Fortuitously, a lot of this metropolis inside a metropolis stays splendidly preserved.
As additional safety, standing on a hill above the Outdated Metropolis is the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress – the best citadel ever constructed by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. In its day, the fort was impregnable, resisting all makes an attempt to storm it. At present, this huge fortification is a part of the Cartagena UNESCO World Heritage Web site, whose ramparts, tunnels, and parapets are explored by historical past buffs and vacationers alike.
After a full day of deep diving into Outdated City’s historic edifications, streets, eating places, and outlets, guests can head to one in every of its well-known salsa golf equipment to witness and take part on one of many nation’s most vital cultural expressions – and have a ton of enjoyable within the course of. Spend the evening at a famed Outdated City salsa nightclub like Casa Havana or Donde Fidel, the place effort, quite than method, is all that issues!
Elegant Cartagenian lodging
Colombia’s crown jewel on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging mix timeless colonial character with luxurious trendy consolation.
Situated throughout the walled metropolis are quite a few smaller, high-end boutique inns reminiscent of Casa Pestagua, Casa San Agustin, and Resort Boutique Anandá, in addition to the bigger Sofitel Santa Clara. Our favourite is Casa San Agustin. You too are certain to seek out it a shocking instance of a top-tier lodge serving up the proper steadiness of rest and cultural immersion inside Outdated City.
San Agustin consists of three homes “re-designed as an ode to our past and with an eye for the future,” evoking Colombian heritage in each element but coupled with trendy luxurious for essentially the most demanding traveler. Picket-beamed ceilings and wall frescos infuse one’s stick with the allure of San Agustin’s Seventeenth-century beginnings because the breeze off the Caribbean Sea wanders over the white-washed partitions.
Nonetheless, different opulent Cartegena inns are located exterior the town’s historic heart alongside its scenic shoreline. Accommodations just like the InterContinental Cartagena and Karibana Seashore and Golf Resort artfully merge streamlined, modern structure with coastal-inspired decor for a luxuriant seaside resort expertise with easy accessibility to Cartagena’s historic Outdated City.
For vacationers searching for each authenticity and indulgence, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging provide not simply lavish locations to remain, however gateways to the town’s wealthy tradition and scenic magnificence.
2. Bogota: The place modernity meets custom
A thriving, trendy South American metropolis of 8 million, the Colombian capital of Bogota presents nightlife, tradition, and music in spades.
Because the beating coronary heart of Bogota is the La Candelaria district, no go to to the capital could be full with out spending a while on this vibrant quarter of brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored Artwork Deco buildings. On this historic district, even essentially the most non-descript corners are adorned with a few of the world’s coolest road artwork, which is certain to alter your maybe jaded notion of graffiti.
However greater than road murals, a wealth of top-tier artwork galleries and museums await discovery in La Candelaria. First amongst these is the Botero Museum, the place you’ll marvel on the fantastical work of the nation’s most famed artist, Fernando Botero. Close by, you’ll strike it wealthy when discovering a museum of gold and, simply past, a priceless assortment of fascinating pre-Colombian artifacts.
Different corners of the town’s cultural scene are additionally exploding, together with stately theatrical productions, cutting-edge movie festivals, and booming live performance arenas the place musicians following within the footsteps of one-time residents Shakira, Juanes, and Fonseca combine pop, rock, and conventional cumbia into a brand new Colombian musical type.
From the colourful cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to the thumping techno-nightlife of Parque de la 93, Bogota presents sights, sounds, and pleasures for all tastes, ages, and pursuits.
Refined lodging in Bogota
The colourful capital of Colombia, Bogotá supplies discerning vacationers with an excellent alternative of upscale lodging, offering each elegant consolation and sensible sophistication, in addition to glorious service.
Nestled amidst the town’s bustling city atmosphere, these trendy stays fantastically meld into the busy city atmosphere whereas additionally deeply connecting to native tradition. A spotlight of those inns is they supply respite from the big-city hustle and bustle, whether or not located towards Bogota’s inexperienced foothills, like Casa Medina, or situated within the pulsating Zona Rosa leisure district, reminiscent of Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia.
For a high-end keep within the metropolis’s historic Candelaria district, Resort de La Opera is an genuine jewel and our favourite. Because of its location within the metropolis’s colonial coronary heart, La Opera permits visitors to discover the beginnings of Colombia, in addition to Bogota’s wealthy heritage. Set in a restored colonial constructing that oozes historical past, the lodge’s rooms characteristic basic decor with all the trendy comforts. On the lodge’s two onsite eating places, guests savor true Colombian and Mediterranean eating. Ideally suited for city explorers, Resort de la Opera guarantees an distinctive keep in Bogotá’s most fascinating district.
Why keep wherever else apart from this or different high-end lodging within the Colombian capital; ones that completely pair refreshing city journey and indulgent rest.
3. Cali: “The world capital of salsa”
Southwest Colombia’s main metropolis has seen a colourful inflow of individuals all through its historical past, from the indigenous peoples to the arrival of the Spanish throughout colonial rule and the African slaves that got here to work the sugarcane plantations within the 18th century. The native caleños couldn’t be prouder of their combined heritage, which brings cultural aptitude and magnificence to each nook of the town, qualities which might be the residing embodiment of Cali’s well-known vitality.
By day, Cali presents a great deal of these worthwhile experiences, together with these within the San Antonio barrio, or Outdated Cali, now the trendy place for budding bohemians. Colonial homes have been reworked into trendy cafés, hipster bars have sprung up, and stylish eating places at the moment are the norm. On the cobbled streets, musicians strum salsa favorites and artists promote their wares. Saunter as much as the 18th-century church the place {couples} sit and benefit from the metropolis views. For the larger image, climb even additional up the hill to the big statue of Christ the Redeemer for panoramic views over the sprawling metropolis under.
Nevertheless it’s at evening when Cali actually takes off. That is once you’ll quickly get the texture of this sultry metropolis by exploring its up-and-coming eating places, fashionable bars, cafés, and sassy salsa venues throughout city. The dynamic neighborhood of Granada, an space flush with the perfect eating places on the town, is a good location to start out in for drinks and dinner earlier than winding up on La Sexta (sixth Avenue) and hitting the golf equipment.
Salsa would be the key draw for guests, however you don’t need to be a dance ground diva to fall in love with this dynamic metropolis of enjoyable and aptitude.
Upbeat Cali inns
As an increasing number of well-heeled vacationers are flocking to the “salsa capital of the world,” to accommodate these globetrotting visitors, Cali is seeing a rising variety of luxurious inns – ones combining historic allure with trendy class and customized service.
Towards the backdrop of scenic mountainsides, these high-end properties of recent sophistication and refined style mix with the full of life cultural character of the town.
Posh lodging like The Spiwak and Casa San Agustín are strategically situated away from the enterprise heart, although near main points of interest reminiscent of the town’s hip retrofitted historic districts, a stylish restaurant row, and animated nightlife the place salsa tradition takes heart stage.
Although the town itself is understood for being pumped with vitality, inside these lodge settings a peaceable ambiance reigns. Friends can chill out and reinvigorate at these upscale lodging, availing themselves of serene courtyards, world-class spas, and infinity swimming pools to die for.
Finishing an expertise in pure indulgence, lavish rooms and suites of those retreats come full with all of the bells and whistles, from trendy decor to luxurious linens. In-house eating excellence is one other characteristic value spotlighting, as gourmand cooks present a brand new culinary expertise, mixing native flavors with worldwide delicacies.
A number of the most comfy and complicated lodging in Cali, these luxurious choices are ideally set for rest and concrete journey, encapsulating the eagerness and vigor of this vibrant Colombian metropolis.
Every part you could plan your journey in 2024
4. The Espresso Triangle: Gorgeous countryside and a fascinating conventional lifestyle
It’s well-known that Colombia virtually runs on espresso, which is why its producing a few of the finest espresso on the planet is a supply of nice pleasure and pleasure. Owing to fertile mountain hillsides that ship good soil and barely cooler temperatures, the final word circumstances for bean cultivation have blessed Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Espresso Triangle), an space spanning three of the nation’s departments rising Colombia’s magic arabica beans.
Within the triangle, enquiring vacationers are invited to take a deep dive into espresso tradition by way of fascinating day excursions and homey in a single day stays supplied by family-run fincas (farms).
However, there’s much more to the area than a set of intriguing espresso plantations. An vital nook of Colombia’s well-known Espresso Triangle is Cocora Valley. The truth is, that is what virtually each customer actually comes right here to see.
This peaceable valley is a conservation space for the famed Quindío wax palm tree. Strewn like big matchsticks throughout the panorama, these impossibly tall palm timber (the tallest on the planet) can develop as much as 200 toes excessive. The Cocora Valley due to this fact invitations you to find these wonderful timber through its many footpaths or discover the wonderful valley on horseback.
Surrounded by breathtaking Andean surroundings and fertile countryside, the close by city of Salento definitely matches in with the colourful but peaceable panorama. Stroll down the primary road previous a superb palette of shiny crimson doorways, yellow balconies, blue banisters, purple window frames and pink eaves. Inside these lovely colonial homes, artisans are busy at work making all method of knickknacks utilizing conventional strategies. Leisurely walks concerning the city will be mixed with close by espresso farm excursions and tastings in addition to explorations of the countryside on foot or horseback.
High-tier lodging within the Espresso Triangle
Whereas Colombia’s espresso triangle is understood for its rolling mountain landscapes and fragrant espresso plantations, the realm additionally presents quite a lot of upscale lodging offering a compelling mix of luxurious and nature.
Extremely-extravagant hotel-haciendas within the area embrace the Buenavista Hacienda and Hacienda Bambusa. Nearer to the picturesque city of Salento is one other excellent lodge: the Kawa Mountain Retreat. It’s located in a privileged space the place mountains, palm forests, espresso fincas, and the river of this enchanting space meet. The mountain retreat presents visitors full immersion in nature, with the additional advantage of reaching the scenic city of colourful colonial homes in lower than a 5-minute stroll.
An instance of environmental sustainability, the lodge was designed and developed with natural architectural processes in thoughts; discovering inspiration from its distinctive and numerous flora, framed throughout the espresso triangle area. The retreat has all of the amenities of a pastoral, but elegant architectural area providing its visitors an intimate reference to the pure atmosphere, coupled with luxurious service.
5. Trendy Medellín: Past the stereotypes
Although Medellin was as soon as generally known as the world’s most harmful metropolis, this former narco epicenter of the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar has been reworked into a contemporary metropolis that punches nicely above its weight.
At present, it’s simple to see why Medellin has earned the title of “The Most Livable City in South America;” it’s simple to get round in, blessed with a few of the finest climate on the planet, über pleasant, and arguably much more enjoyable than the capital metropolis.
Town’s preferrred local weather signifies that there’s no excuse for staying pent up inside. By day, guests can get out and discover the El Centro district, the true heartbeat of present-day Medellín. There, you’ll uncover the complete Plaza Botero stuffed with larger-than-life bronze sculptures of native icon Fernando Botero. To realize a fair deeper understanding of the town’s previous, lose your self in an eye-opening graffiti tour by way of the once-dreaded/now-applauded Comuna 13 barrio.
It’s assured that after taking advantage of Medellin’s good local weather, countless actions, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll end up wanting to stay round for weeks on finish.
Uncover Medellin’s most interesting upscale lodging
Medellín’s exceptional transformation in recent times is mirrored in an explosion in upscale lodging characterised by their mix of luxurious, consolation, and native aptitude.
Main Medellín inns in themselves are sufficient to put in writing dwelling about. Trendy frontrunners like The Charlee Resort, Resort Marquee, Casa Mosaiko Primer Parque Laureles are situated in prime areas, such because the unique El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, the place they’ll proudly boast of stylish interiors, modern facilities, and attentive employees.
Our choose of the litter is Resort Charlee, now a Poblado mainstay. The second you pull as much as Charlee, you received’t fail to be impressed by its modern design. Getting into your lavish room, it is going to be troublesome to inform when you’re extra impressed by the swank furnishings or the gorgeous metropolis views. And although the lodge is surrounded by the town’s most fascinating eating places, golf equipment, and bars, it should even be troublesome to drag your self away from Resort Charlee’s world-class facilities – ones like its rooftop Envy pool and bar, fitness center, wellness heart, on-site eating, and extra.
6. San Andres & Providencia islands: Paradise discovered
Frankly, there isn’t an excellent deal Colombian about San Andres Island and its neighboring Providencia Island. Sitting method out within the Caribbean Sea, the cheerful, laidback ambiance of those sister magnificence spots feels a little bit extra Jamaican, if something. Nearly 500 miles from continental Colombia, there aren’t any direct flights from the mainland, which signifies that inhabitants are additional reduce off from the remainder of Latin America. Due to this, you received’t hear Colombian Spanish spoken right here, however quite English Creole, relationship method again to when the island was a British colony. As for the affable inhabitants, they go about their days residing a standard lifestyle, seemingly bored with cashing in on the beautiful great thing about their island dwelling.
As gorgeous as these islands are—with their white sandy shores, leaning palms, aquamarine waters, and out-of-this-world snorkeling—there’s a heat native vibe and never a high-rise lodge in sight. San Andres and Providencia tick each field for a dream tropical-island getaway, simply don’t be postpone by the journey to get there! Many individuals are…which is why it stays spectacularly remoted, untainted by tourism.
A go to to both is all about switching off from life’s worries, even forgetting what time of day it’s and easily embracing the right here and now. Spend your time discovering abandoned sandy coves and strolling the quiet shoreline of those sun-kissed patches of paradise.
Luxurious retreats within the San Andres & Providencia islands
On these islands many luxurious inns — ones just like the Nattivo Assortment Resort (San Andres) and Posada Candy Anashly (Providencia) — vacationers are impressed by the native tradition. All of their diverse areas pay tribute to the cultural richness of the island, incorporating components that replicate San Andres’ and Providencia’s essence. Posh lodging “merge with luxury experiences to fulfill the purpose of providing a pause in the daily rhythm, allowing reconnection with what normally goes unnoticed, thus making the invisible visible.”
These inns provide quite a lot of providers reminiscent of gourmand eating places, swimming swimming pools, solariums, occasion rooms, gyms and Jacuzzis to supply a singular expertise within the islands.
Accommodations situated even within the heart of those intimate islands place you simply three minutes from the seaside, giving visitors simple and fast entry to the encompassing sea.
7. Journey awaits within the Colombian Amazon
An often-overlooked gem, the Colombian Amazon is magnificent. It’s a vibrant mixture of the canopied rainforest, far-out wildlife, and age-old Indigenous communities that dwell in concord with the jungle. For the roving traveler, this may add as much as an exciting jungle journey or just a peaceable nature retreat.
The distant city of Leticia is the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon area, which makes up a 3rd of the nation. Studded proper within the southern tip of the nation, Leticia waits ever able to welcome guests because of its small airport, a clutch of inns, and its place subsequent to the commanding Amazon River itself, the place motorized boat journeys to the jungle start.
As Leticia is a border city on the river, you may discover the Colombian facet and likewise simply jump over to Brazil for much more discoveries. On both facet, you’ll seemingly encounter indigenous teams and certainly discover the wildlife, a key spotlight to any time spent right here.
A mesmeric nature hike could have you getting up near a plethora of birdlife, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and armadillos; then too, there’s at all times the prospect of recognizing a Pink river dolphin, an icon of the Amazon! Rachet your journey experiences up a notch by paddling out on a nocturnal canoe safari, the place the soundtrack of the jungle is bound to awaken your senses and stir your soul.
A tangle of impossibly inexperienced rainforest, snaking rivers, and conventional communities, Colombia’s share of the Amazon jungle is a legendary land begging to be skilled.
Amazonian rainforest retreats
For nature lovers, journey seekers, or just these on the lookout for a soothing getaway, the Colombian Amazon presents comfy lodging that permit unforgettable jungle experiences.
For essentially the most adventurous vacationers seeking to escape deep into the rainforest, you may select amongst a number of rustic but restful choices, together with the Calanoa Jungle Lodge, Omshanty Jungle Lodge, and the Eware Amazon Lodge. Adopting conventional Colombian design, these constructions are constructed from pure supplies like bamboo, wooden, and thatched palm leaves, whereas the easy but ample interiors are fitted with mosquito-netted beds, open-air showers, and enjoyable hammocks.
Nevertheless, essentially the most comfort-filled lodging within the area are supplied on the Waira Suites. Although this comfy 4-star lodge is situated throughout the Amazonian outpost city of Leticia, guided excursions into lush rainforests are offered. On this method—with out sacrificing trendy city facilities—you may discover the Amazon rainforest on guided wildlife-watching excursions to identify Pink dolphins, raucous monkeys, and brilliantly coloured unique birds whereas climbing and canoeing.
Whether or not rustic or extra refined, the lodges within the Colombian Amazon provide unforgettable experiences for exploring this breathtaking and biodiverse area.
8. From seashores to jungles in Tayrona Nationwide Park
What’s Tayrona Nationwide Park? Suppose palm-lined tropical seashores and secluded coves; image a paradise of rest towards the dramatic backdrop of the looming coastal mountains.
Established as a nationwide park over a half-century in the past, Tayrona has been protected ever since, drawing in guests with its verdant jungles and golden seashores. The traditional Tayrona civilization as soon as flourished right here, as will be glimpsed by way of primeval websites like La Ciudad Perdida – actually, “The Lost City.” This mini-Machu Picchu is so deeply entwined within the jungle that it requires a three- or four-day hike to get there. That is however one of many a number of causes Tayrona Nationwide Park is the proper playground for historical past lovers, nature seekers, and wanna-be Indiana Jones adventurers.
One other string in its bow is the gathering of wonderful seashores that hug the shoreline of Tayrona. Golden sands strewn with monumental boulders backdropped by gently swaying palm timber bestow a real paradise setting.
You received’t discover any super-glam resorts right here; a part of the area’s attract is the country really feel of the lodging scene, made up of thatched cabanas perched on the shorefront or beneath the palm tree cover; nonetheless, a dose of luxurious is thrown in only for good measure. So, with a mélange of protected jungle, back-to-nature lodging, idyllic seashores, pre-Columbian websites, and countless spots for blissful rest, look no additional than Tayrona Nationwide Park. It’s to not be missed.
High-tier eco-lodges in Tayrona Nationwide Park
For guests eager to expertise such beautiful magnificence on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a number of upscale lodges and inns can be found to accommodate your keep on this gorgeous park. Lodges reminiscent of Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos (pictured), Villa Playa Tayrona, Villa Maria and Senda Watapuy are there so that you can spend days chilling out on sun-kissed seashores or wandering alongside the jungle trails that edge the shoreline. Not simply rustic huts stripped right down to the mere fundamentals, these are upscale lodges possessing trendy facilities, serving scrumptious meals, and offering attentive service whereas proudly displaying off their exceptional indigenous Colombian structure.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is a jungle retreat simply minutes from the primary Zaino entrance to Tayrona Park. Out of your room’s non-public terrace, you’ll not solely have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Rio Piedra River but in addition the snow-covered summits of the Sierra Nevada – the world’s highest coastal mountain vary; or relax on the pool or wander on right down to an unspoiled, white-sand seaside. The lodge is attended by 24-hour employees, its rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with piping sizzling water, and the lodge’s on-site restaurant permits visitors to dine within the restaurant with out having to drive.
Like the opposite luxurious lodges at Tayrona, Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is the perfect location for buddies seeking to benefit from the pure great thing about the river, sea, and gardens surrounding the lodge, {couples} on a romantic getaway, and individuals who desire a comfy place to remain as they uncover Tayrona Park, one in every of Colombia’s pure jewels.
The takeaway…
With not solely the Andes and the Amazon, however golden seashores on two oceans, in addition to unbelievable meals, historic ruins, colonial cities, archaeological websites, artwork, cumbia, salsa and a lot extra, Colombia supplies numerous alternatives for exploring and discovering.
And if all of the planning and coordination appears an excessive amount of to deal with, don’t fear. Journeys to Colombia are particularly doable by way of skilled tour operators who can design and handle your total journey expertise. They’ll deal with the heavy lifting, so that you may give all of your consideration to totally having fun with your journey.
Colombia has one thing for each traveler. From Cali’s scorching salsa to Cartagena’s character-filled streets, all of the components of a enjoyable and rewarding journey are right here. Your subsequent journey simply is perhaps to this fascinating nation!
Alfonso Tandazo
Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established agency, specializing in custom-designed luxurious excursions in Ecuador, the Galapagos and all through the remainder of South America. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog so as to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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