9 Reasons to Visit Colombia
If you haven’t yet been I hope you’ll add Colombia as a “must see” destination to your travel wish list.
Colombia is now a go-to destination in Latin America. While they face economic hardship and loss, the people of Colombia live life to the fullest. Majestic landscapes and views are waiting to get explored, and your next vacation will be everything you have dreamed it would be and more!
When I first visited Colombia I was pleasantly surprised to discover how quickly this country touched my heart. It’s hard to explain unless you experience the richness yourself. Colombia is one of the few countries I cried for when I left.
Colombia is oozing with culture, beautiful cities, and mouthwatering cuisine. So, let’s discover the top 9 reasons to visit Colombia and book your next trip today! (I’m only scratching the surface here.)
1. The Amazon
Colombia is a diverse country with unique ecosystems, endangered animals, and coastlines. However, the ultimate adventure lies in the Amazon. The river in Amazon is an impressive 4225 miles, with 212 mammal species and 195 reptile species for your viewing pleasure.
The Amazon shares the rainforest with Brazil and Peru, and the river is the second largest in the world. You can explore the tropical jungle by zip-lining through the trees or hiking the many trails. This is the ultimate adventure for explorers seeking a unique experience.
2. Adventure and wildlife
Colombia has a wide range of recreational activities for the thrill-seeker or simply family fun. Find your niche through windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and so much more! If you are just interested in the sights, lay on the beach with mountainous views and a cocktail in hand. There is fun for all ages and groups.
Colombia has countless butterflies, flowers, mammals and amphibians to view and learn about. They even have 1,865 different bird species, the second-highest number globally. If you are fortunate enough to travel to Colombia between June and November, you could witness hundreds of birds, turtles, and whales as they migrate through the Colombian Pacific Coast.
3. National Parks
Colombia has a wealth of natural areas with various fauna and flora, climates, and soils. There are 59 protected areas and are as follows:
- 43 National Natural Parks
- 12 Fauna and Flora Sanctuaries
- 2 National Natural Reserves
- 1 Unique Natural Area
- 1 Road Park
Adventure through one of the many natural areas. Go hiking, mountain climbing, or zip lining and take in the majestic scenery surrounding you. Discover native species that you’ve never seen before. You’ll leave Columbia with an appreciation for the world around you and a zest for life.
4. Celebrations
There is one thing that Colombians know how to do – celebrate! In August, when the wind picks up, attend the Wind & Kite Festival, or visit the Carnaval de Barranquilla, which is a colorful and action-packed festival.
Colombians don’t miss an opportunity to get together and party. They host the Barranquilla Carnival in February and Medellin Flower Fair in August. The people come together to celebrate Colombian culture and are very welcoming to guests wanting to celebrate the festivities.
5. Villages and Colombian metropolitan
Colombia is booming with lively and growing cities that it would be impossible not to dance and move your feet in the streets. Bogotá and Medellín are up and coming Colombian cities where you can shop till your drop and experience rich culture and nightlife.
Don’t forget the surrounding villages! The Villa de Leyva is full of history and culture. Opt for a stroll around Salento and admire the bahareque architecture surrounded by forested hills. Jardin is located 83 miles from Medellín and hasn’t been tainted by tourism, with caves and waterfalls in the area to explore.
6. Colombian people
We admire Colombians for their love of family, heritage, and culture. They grow up striving to keep their traditions alive and sharing how wonderful it is with the world. Their influences include Afro-Colombians, who have African ancestors that came to Colombia with sounds from their homeland.
Colombians are authentic to their culture. They welcome visitors and need for marking their place in this world.
7. Colombian cuisine
Foodies! This one is for you. Thanks to Colombia’s altitudes and climate, farmers can grow various crops year-round. They make delicious, home-cooked meals with their home-grown fresh foods. Stop by local restaurants and street stalls for authentic Colombian food.
Colombian cuisine is influenced by Argentina, Spain, Italy, and France cultures. Grab a street-style Arepa or Bandeja Paisa for an explosion of diverse flavors. Don’t forget to have a cup of the world’s best Colombian coffee!
8. Coastlines and oceans
Colombia has a coastline on two oceans – the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Locals not only feed themselves from fishing, but the oceans are essential to their economy due to ships passing through the country.
The beautiful, tranquil beaches offer many exciting activities, such as cliff jumping, waterskiing, surfing, and whale watching. Go snorkelling in the reefs or explore the endless freshwater lagoons, making Colombia the ultimate destination for a beach vacation.
Is diving your vice? Explore the famous Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, a haven for angelfish, corals, starfish, and a wealth of other vibrant creatures.
9. Music and dance
One thing we know about Colombians is that they can move! Colombia is nicknamed the “Salsa Capital of the World”. You can take a swing on the dance floor with a traditional salsa or learn the Joropo, a dance similar to the Waltz that originated in the eastern plains.
Find a local spot and listen to Porro; lively military marching music. It’ll get your soul moving in no time. The Champeta is a dance and music style greatly inspired by their African heritage on the Caribbean coast. Dance alone or with a partner for this provocative dance style.
Final thoughts
Colombia is a stunning country that anyone who visits will fall in love with. The sites, activities, culture, and cuisine will leave you invigorated and inspire you to return to this beautiful land. Don’t miss out on a romantic getaway or family adventure. The people of Colombia are warm and welcoming, and you will instantly feel as though you are part of the community.
Book Your Stay in Colombia
Search, compare and book hotels & rentals at the best prices that are sourced from a variety of platforms including Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more. You can move the map to search for accommodations in other areas and also use the filter to find restaurants, purchase tickets for tours and attractions and locate interesting points of interest!
Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq. is co-Founder of World Footprints, a social impact travel storytelling content hub she runs with her husband, Ian, that has been recognized as Best Social Impact Travel Media Company by CEO Monthly. She is an award-winning travel and business journalist, global public speaker, and 3-time TEDx speaker. Tonya regularly shares her insights on career transitions, DEIA in travel and the transformative power of travel to audiences all over the world. Recognized as Black Travel Journalists of the Year—an honor she shares with Ian, Tonya contributes her time and leadership to several boards and commissions in the travel community including SATW, The Explorers Club (DC), North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and JourneyWoman. Tonya has been appointed to the Maryland Tourism Development Board by Gov. Wes Moore.