If you’ve any preconceived notions about what Colombia is or isn’t, visiting this astonishing nation will throw you for a loop. Once related to the drug commerce and violent cartels, Colombia and its outdated Hollywood photographs are giving method to a rustic that’s supreme for studying salsa, exploring colonial cities, and swimming with dolphins.
Though some vacationers are hesitant about visiting Colombia, locals will all the time 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 a minimum of fascinating.
This nation of quaint cities, historic intrigue, and elegant 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 lodges in South America, Colombia packs an actual punch on your all-important adventure-filled getaway.
Below, we take 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 you’re into journey sports activities, flamboyant fiestas, architectural wonders, or unique wildlife encounters – a brand new, magnetic Colombia is looking.
1. Cartagena: Colombia’s flagship metropolis
It’s a no brainer why guests to Colombia select Cartagena as their high vacation spot. They’re drawn by town’s historic Old Town district, an irresistible maze of cobblestone streets brimming with stately colonial church buildings, convents, and mansions courting again to the Seventeenth century. Adding to the alluring combine, different colonial-era buildings have been painstakingly remodeled into all method of subtle lodges, stylish eating places, and scorching nightclubs – changing the district right into a magnet for worldwide vacationers.
Another inviting function of Old Town 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. Fortunately, a lot of this metropolis inside a metropolis stays splendidly preserved.
As additional safety, standing on a hill above the Old City 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. Today, this large fortification is a part of the Cartagena UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose ramparts, tunnels, and parapets are explored by historical past buffs and vacationers alike.
After a full day of deep diving into Old Town’s historic edifications, streets, eating places, and retailers, guests can head to one in all its well-known salsa golf equipment to witness and take part on one of many nation’s most essential cultural expressions – and have a ton of enjoyable within the course of. Spend the night time at a famed Old Town salsa nightclub like Casa Havana or Donde Fidel, the place effort, moderately than approach, 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.
Located throughout the walled metropolis are quite a few smaller, high-end boutique lodges reminiscent of Casa Pestagua, Casa San Agustin, and Hotel Boutique Anandá, in addition to the bigger Sofitel Santa Clara. Our favourite is Casa San Agustin. You too are certain to search out it a surprising instance of a top-tier lodge serving up the right steadiness of leisure and cultural immersion inside Old Town.
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. Wooden-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.
Still, different opulent Cartegena lodges are located outdoors town’s historic heart alongside its scenic shoreline. Hotels just like the InterContinental Cartagena and Karibana Beach and Golf Resort artfully merge streamlined, modern structure with coastal-inspired decor for a luxuriant seaside resort expertise with quick access to Cartagena’s historic Old Town.
For vacationers in search of each authenticity and indulgence, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging provide not simply lavish locations to remain, however gateways to town’s wealthy tradition and scenic magnificence.
2. Bogota: Where modernity meets custom
A thriving, trendy South American metropolis of 8 million, the Colombian capital of Bogota provides nightlife, tradition, and music in spades.
As the beating coronary heart of Bogota is the La Candelaria district, no go to to the capital can be full with out spending a while on this vibrant quarter of brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored Art Deco buildings. In this historic district, even essentially the most non-descript corners are adorned with a few of the world’s coolest avenue artwork, which is sure to vary your maybe jaded notion of graffiti.
But greater than avenue 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 famous artist, Fernando Botero. Nearby, you’ll strike it wealthy when discovering a museum of gold and, simply past, a priceless assortment of fascinating pre-Colombian artifacts.
Other corners of 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 provides sights, sounds, and pleasures for all tastes, ages, and pursuits.
Refined lodging in Bogota
The vibrant capital of Colombia, Bogotá gives discerning vacationers with an impressive selection of upscale lodging, offering each chic consolation and good sophistication, in addition to wonderful service.
Nestled amidst town’s bustling city surroundings, these trendy stays superbly meld into the busy city surroundings whereas additionally deeply connecting to native tradition. A spotlight of those lodges 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, Hotel de La Opera is an genuine jewel and our favourite. Thanks to its location within the metropolis’s colonial coronary heart, La Opera permits company 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 function traditional decor with all the fashionable comforts. At the lodge’s two onsite eating places, guests savor true Colombian and Mediterranean eating. Ideal for city explorers, Hotel de la Opera guarantees an distinctive keep in Bogotá’s most fascinating district.
Why keep anyplace else apart from this or different high-end lodging within the Colombian capital; ones that completely pair refreshing city journey and indulgent leisure.
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 town, qualities which can be the dwelling embodiment of Cali’s well-known vitality.
By day, Cali provides a great deal of these worthwhile experiences, together with these within the San Antonio barrio, or Old Cali, now the modern place for budding bohemians. Colonial homes have been remodeled into fashionable cafés, hipster bars have sprung up, and fashionable eating places are actually 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 large statue of Christ the Redeemer for panoramic views over the sprawling metropolis under.
But it’s at night time when Cali actually takes off. This is if you’ll quickly get the texture of this sultry metropolis by exploring its up-and-coming eating places, stylish 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 must be a dance flooring diva to fall in love with this dynamic metropolis of enjoyable and aptitude.
Upbeat Cali lodges
As an increasing number of well-heeled vacationers are flocking to the “salsa capital of the world,” to accommodate these globetrotting company, Cali is seeing a rising variety of luxurious lodges – ones combining historic allure with trendy class and personalised service.
Against the backdrop of scenic mountainsides, these high-end properties of contemporary sophistication and refined style mix with the full of life cultural character of 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 town’s hip retrofitted historic districts, a stylish restaurant row, and animated nightlife the place salsa tradition takes heart stage.
Though town itself is thought for being pumped with vitality, inside these lodge settings a peaceable environment reigns. Guests can loosen up and reinvigorate at these upscale lodging, availing themselves of serene courtyards, world-class spas, and infinity swimming pools to die for.
Completing an expertise in pure indulgence, lavish rooms and suites of those retreats come full with all of the bells and whistles, from fashionable decor to luxurious linens. In-house eating excellence is one other function value spotlighting, as gourmand cooks present a brand new culinary expertise, mixing native flavors with worldwide delicacies.
Some of essentially the most snug and complex lodging in Cali, these luxurious choices are ideally set for leisure and concrete journey, encapsulating the eagerness and vigor of this vibrant Colombian metropolis.
Everything you could plan your journey in 2024
4. The Coffee Triangle: Stunning 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 greatest espresso on the planet is a supply of nice pleasure and delight. Owing to fertile mountain hillsides that ship excellent soil and barely cooler temperatures, the final word circumstances for bean cultivation have blessed Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Coffee Triangle), an space spanning three of the nation’s departments rising Colombia’s magic arabica beans.
In the triangle, enquiring vacationers are invited to take a deep dive into espresso tradition via fascinating day excursions and homey in a single day stays provided by family-run fincas (farms).
Notwithstanding, there’s much more to the area than a set of intriguing espresso plantations. An essential nook of Colombia’s well-known Coffee Triangle is Cocora Valley. In reality, that is what nearly each customer actually comes right here to see.
This peaceable valley is a conservation space for the famed Quindío wax palm tree. Strewn like large matchsticks throughout the panorama, these impossibly tall palm bushes (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 bushes 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. Walk down the primary avenue previous an excellent palette of vivid purple 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 may be mixed with close by espresso farm excursions and tastings in addition to explorations of the countryside on foot or horseback.
Top-tier lodging within the Coffee Triangle
While Colombia’s espresso triangle is thought for its rolling mountain landscapes and fragrant espresso plantations, the world additionally provides a wide range of upscale lodging offering a compelling mix of luxurious and nature.
Ultra-extravagant hotel-haciendas within the area embody the Buenavista Hacienda and Hacienda Bambusa. Closer 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 provides company 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 various flora, framed throughout the espresso triangle area. The retreat has all of the amenities of a pastoral, but elegant architectural area providing its company an intimate reference to the pure surroundings, coupled with luxurious service.
5. Modern Medellín: Beyond the stereotypes
Though Medellin was as soon as referred to as the world’s most harmful metropolis, this former narco epicenter of the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar has been remodeled into a contemporary metropolis that punches effectively above its weight.
Today, 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 greatest climate on the planet, über pleasant, and arguably much more enjoyable than the capital metropolis.
The metropolis’s supreme 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 actual heartbeat of present-day Medellín. There, you’ll uncover your entire Plaza Botero full of larger-than-life bronze sculptures of native icon Fernando Botero. To acquire a good deeper understanding of town’s previous, lose your self in an eye-opening graffiti tour via the once-dreaded/now-applauded Comuna 13 barrio.
It’s assured that after benefiting from Medellin’s excellent local weather, infinite actions, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll end up wanting to stay round for weeks on finish.
Discover Medellin’s best upscale lodging
Medellín’s outstanding transformation lately is mirrored in an explosion in upscale lodging characterised by their mix of luxurious, consolation, and native aptitude.
Leading Medellín lodges in themselves are sufficient to jot down house about. Stylish frontrunners like The Charlee Hotel, Hotel 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 chic interiors, modern facilities, and attentive workers.
Our decide of the litter is Hotel Charlee, now a Poblado mainstay. The second you pull as much as Charlee, you gained’t fail to be impressed by its modern design. Entering your lavish room, it will likely be troublesome to inform in case you’re extra impressed by the swank furnishings or the gorgeous metropolis views. And although the lodge is surrounded by town’s most fascinating eating places, golf equipment, and bars, it is going to even be troublesome to tug your self away from Hotel Charlee’s world-class facilities – ones like its rooftop Envy pool and bar, gymnasium, wellness heart, on-site eating, and extra.
6. San Andres & Providencia islands: Paradise discovered
Frankly, there isn’t an incredible deal Colombian about San Andres Island and its neighboring Providencia Island. Sitting manner out within the Caribbean Sea, the cheerful, laidback environment of those sister magnificence spots feels somewhat extra Jamaican, if something. Almost 500 miles from continental Colombia, there are not any direct flights from the mainland, which signifies that inhabitants are additional reduce off from the remainder of Latin America. Because of this, you gained’t hear Colombian Spanish spoken right here, however moderately English Creole, courting manner again to when the island was a British colony. As for the affable inhabitants, they go about their days dwelling a conventional lifestyle, seemingly bored with benefiting from the beautiful great thing about their island house.
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 delay 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.
Luxury retreats within the San Andres & Providencia islands
On these islands many luxurious lodges — ones just like the Nattivo Collection Hotel (San Andres) and Posada Sweet Anashly (Providencia) — vacationers are impressed by the native tradition. All of their assorted areas pay tribute to the cultural richness of the island, incorporating parts that mirror 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 lodges provide a wide range of providers reminiscent of gourmand eating places, swimming swimming pools, solariums, occasion rooms, gyms and Jacuzzis to supply a singular expertise within the islands.
Hotels situated even within the heart of those intimate islands place you simply three minutes from the seaside, giving company simple and fast entry to the encircling sea.
7. Adventure 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 reside in concord with the jungle. For the roving traveler, this may add as much as an exhilarating 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 lodges, 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 possibly can discover the Colombian aspect and likewise simply jump over to Brazil for much more discoveries. On both aspect, you’ll possible encounter indigenous teams and absolutely 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 all the time the possibility 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 in search of a soothing getaway, the Colombian Amazon provides snug lodging that permit unforgettable jungle experiences.
For essentially the most adventurous vacationers seeking to escape deep into the rainforest, you possibly can 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 buildings are constructed from pure supplies like bamboo, wooden, and thatched palm leaves, whereas the straightforward but ample interiors are fitted with mosquito-netted beds, open-air showers, and enjoyable hammocks.
However, essentially the most comfort-filled lodging within the area are provided on the Waira Suites. Though this snug 4-star lodge is situated throughout the Amazonian outpost city of Leticia, guided excursions into lush rainforests are supplied. In this fashion—with out sacrificing trendy city facilities—you possibly can discover the Amazon rainforest on guided wildlife-watching excursions to identify Pink dolphins, raucous monkeys, and brilliantly coloured unique birds whereas mountaineering and canoeing.
Whether 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 National Park
What is Tayrona National Park? Think palm-lined tropical seashores and secluded coves; image a paradise of leisure 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 historical Tayrona civilization as soon as flourished right here, as may be glimpsed via 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. This is however one of many a number of causes Tayrona National Park is the right playground for historical past lovers, nature seekers, and wanna-be Indiana Jones adventurers.
Another 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 bushes bestow a real paradise setting.
You gained’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 infinite spots for blissful leisure, look no additional than Tayrona National Park. It’s to not be missed.
Top-tier eco-lodges in Tayrona National Park
For guests eager to expertise such beautiful magnificence on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a number of upscale lodges and lodges 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 all the way down to the mere fundamentals, these are upscale lodges possessing trendy facilities, serving scrumptious meals, and offering attentive service whereas proudly exhibiting off their outstanding indigenous Colombian structure.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is a jungle retreat simply minutes from the primary Zaino entrance to Tayrona Park. From your room’s personal 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 sit back on the pool or wander on all the way down to an unspoiled, white-sand seaside. The lodge is attended by 24-hour workers, its rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with piping sizzling water, and the lodge’s on-site restaurant permits company to dine within the restaurant with out having to drive.
Like the opposite luxurious lodges at Tayrona, Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is the best location for associates 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 need a snug place to remain as they uncover Tayrona Park, one in all Colombia’s pure jewels.
The takeaway…
With not solely the Andes and the Amazon, however golden seashores on two oceans, in addition to unimaginable meals, historic ruins, colonial cities, archaeological websites, artwork, cumbia, salsa and a lot extra, Colombia gives 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. Trips to Colombia are particularly doable via 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 completely 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 substances 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 wish to be a visitor blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog so as to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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