100 Reasons to Visit Colombia

Colombia, at the northern tip of South America, is a country of lush rain forest, towering mountains and coffee plantations. It's amazing at how much the negative/dangerous stereotype about Colombia exists throughout the world. It's not as dangerous as you think. Although, Colombia has had a shaky past, things are different now. The crime rates have dropped significantly, and there has been a huge decrease in violence. The dramatic change can be credited to former President Alvaro Uribe and very motivated officials who have gone through great measures to fight crime and make Colombia a safe place for tourists. Here are 100 reasons to visit Colombia.

  1. 1

    The most beautiful river in the world!

    For most of the year Caño Cristales looks like a usual river. A miracle happens between September and November when the river becomes multicolored. Actually, its is colored with 5 colors (red, green, black, yellow and blue), this is why it is usually called “The River of five Colours”.

  2. 2

    The People & Hospitality

    Locals are friendly and usually very accepting of foreign tourists. Colombia has a unique mix of ethnic cultures, ranging from indigenous African roots to Spanish settlers. This combination creates some of the nicest and best looking people on the planet.

  3. 3

    Isla de Providencia

    Isla de Providencia or Old Providence is a mountainous Caribbean island part of the Colombian department of Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina and the municipality of Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, lying midway between Costa Rica and Jamaica. Providencia's maximum elevation is 360 m above sea level.

  4. 4

    Tayrona National Natural Park

    The Tayrona National Natural Park is a protected area in the Colombian northern Caribbean region and within the jurisdiction of the Department of Magdalena and 34 kilometres from the city of Santa Marta.

  5. 5

    San Andrés

    San Andrés is a coral island in the Caribbean Sea. Historically tied to England, and politically part of Colombia, San Andrés and the nearby islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina form the department of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.

  6. 6

    For Sun and Sand

    Colombia’s North West coast is located on the Caribbean. With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water it is perfect for a beach holiday.

  7. 7

    For a great cup of coffee

    Source: hubimg.com

    If you just want to get away somewhere quiet with lots of great walking trails and beautiful scenery you cannot miss out on the coffee region of Colombia.

  8. 8

    Incredible Architecture

    The country has done a fantastic job of preserving its Spanish colonial architectural heritage.

  9. 9

    To learn to dance

    If you are a beginner and want to learn to salsa dance it is a great and economical place to learn. Medellin, a city that becomes a favorite to many travelers has many salsa bars where beginners are welcome.

  10. 10

    Bogotá, the Colombian capital

    Source: nyt.com

    Bogotá, the Colombian capital, has risen as a model of urban renewal. Renovated public spaces, a new mass-transport system, a burgeoning dining scene, and the Gold Museum are the primary reasons to visit the city.

  11. 11

    Gold Museum, Bogotá

  12. 12

    Valle de Cocora

    Source: golf.clickon.co

    Near Salento experience an amazing day hiking in the Valley de Cocora up to the hills through the cloud forest where hundreds of colourful hummingbirds have their home.

  13. 13

    Monserrate

    Monserrate is a mountain that dominates the city center of Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. It rises to 3,152 metres above the sea level, where there is a church with a shrine, devoted to "El Señor Caído".

  14. 14

    Cartagena

    Source: thetig.com

    Caribbean city of colonial influence will shock you with variety of colours.

  15. 15

    Lake Guatavita

    Source: darkrambler.com

    Lake Guatavita is located in the Cordillera Oriental of the Colombian Andes in the municipality of Sesquilé, in the Almeidas Province, Cundinamarca department of Colombia, 35 miles north-east of Bogotá.

  16. 16

    The amazing, confusing and cheap range of delicious fruits and vegetables available everywhere.

    Whenever you look you have fresh fruit and juice sellers.

  17. 17

    Bogotá Botanical Garden

    The José Celestino Mutis botanical garden is Colombia's biggest botanical garden. It serves both as a recreation and research center with an emphasis on Andean and Páramo ecosystems.

  18. 18

    The Music

    Colombians love music and dancing, which is easily addictive. Once to soak into the hot rhythms, all your troubles will go away.

  19. 19

    Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

    The fortress was begun in 1536. It was significantly expanded in 1657. It was built in a triangular shape on top of the hill, with eight batteries and a garrison of 20 soldiers and 4 gunners. Its name was given in honour of Philip IV of Spain.

  20. 20

    It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world

    Source: pinimg.com

    The landscapes in Colombia are breathtaking.

  21. 21

    Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

    The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground in a Halite mountain near the town of Zipaquirá, in Cundinamarca.

  22. 22

    Poetic Language

    Spanish in Colombia is melodic, clear and poetic.

  23. 23

    Plaza Santo Domingo

  24. 24

    Medellin is the most innovative city in the world

    Medellin was voted in 2013 as the most innovative city in the world in a competence sponsored by The Wall Street Journal and Citi, beating other major cities in the world like Tel Aviv and New York.

  25. 25

    Rosario Islands

    Source: pinimg.com

    The Islas del Rosario, also referred to as Corales Islas del Rosario, is an archipelago located off the coast of Colombia, approximately 100km from Cartagena. It is one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia.

  26. 26

    Colombia has the 2nd largest canyon of the world

    Chicamocha Canyon (in Spanish el cañon del chicamocha) is the second largest canyon in the world (just after Colorado canyon in the US).

  27. 27

    Colombian National Museum

    The National Museum of Colombia is the National Museum of Colombia housing collections on its history, art, culture.

  28. 28

    Colombia has one of the most romantic and historical cities in the Caribbean

  29. 29

    Bolívar Square

    The Bolívar Square is located in the heart of the historical area of Bogotá. It has a statue of Simón Bolívar sculpted in 1846 by the Italian Pietro Tenerani, which was the first ever public monument in the city.

  30. 30

    Colombia has a huge statue in honor of its superstar Shakira

    Shakira was born in Colombia in the city of Barranquilla which located in Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Their citizens feel so proud of her that a statue was built in her honor to commemorate her successful musical career.

  31. 31

    CONVENTO DE LA POPA

  32. 32

    Colombia is one of the happiest country in the world!

    Source: gobeyond.sg

    According to a poll by WIN/ Gallup International Association in 2012 and 2013, Colombia took first place on the “Global Barometer of Hope and Happiness”, which surveyed individuals in 54 countries

  33. 33

    Quinta de Bolívar

    Source: www.expedia.com

    The Quinta de Bolivar is a colonial house in Bogota, that served as a residence to Simon Bolivar in the capital after the war of independence. It is now used as a museum dedicated to Bolivar's life and times.

  34. 34

    The Festivals

    Attending a festival in Colombia is an absolute necessity if you want to experience the people and the culture. The Carnaval de Barranquilla leads the pack as the best one in the country and is only rivaled by the festival in Rio de Janeiro as the best festival in the world.

  35. 35

    93 Park

    93 Park or 93rd Street Park is a commercial and recreational park located over the 93 Street in the north of Bogota. Is one of Bogota's most popular shopping, night club and restaurant areas.

  36. 36

    The Food

    Source: i.imgur.com

    Colombia has some rare and delicious cuisine that you can't find anywehere else in the world. The arepas, corn patties filled with meats and chesses are a must everywhere you go and are as common as french fries.

  37. 37

    National Coffee Park

    The National Coffee Park is a theme park located in the department of Quindío, 4 km south-west of the town of Montenegro and 11 km west of the departmental capital city Armenia.

  38. 38

    The Nightlife

    Colombia is known for its extravagant nightlife, bars, clubs, and restaurants. The entertainment is top-notch, the people are friendly, and the Women are amazingly beautiful.

  39. 39

    Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá

    The Archbishopric Cathedral of Bogotá is a Roman Catholic cathedral located at the eastern side of Bolívar Square in Bogotá.

  40. 40

    Location

    Source: www.vidiani.com

    Colombia is very close to the United States and Canada and is a new and exciting opportunity for any traveler. Flights to Colombia are generally inexpensive and are only a couple hours from most North American International airports.

  41. 41

    Festival of the Flowers

    The festival is the most important social event for the city and there is a pageant, automobiles, a Paso Fino horse parade and many musical concerts.

  42. 42

    El Cabo de la vela, La Guajira

    Source: www.flickr.com
  43. 43

    Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

    The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is an isolated mountain range separated from the Andes chain that runs through Colombia. Reaching an altitude of 5,700 m just 42 km from the Caribbean coast, the Sierra Nevada is the world's highest coastal range.

  44. 44

    Desierto de la Tatacoa

  45. 45

    Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

    La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is an hacienda or quinta built in the 17th century, famous for being the death place of Simón Bolívar on December 17, 1830. At that time, the estate produced rum, honey and panela.

  46. 46

    Parque Tayrona

  47. 47

    Azufral

    Azufral is a volcano located in the department of Nariño in southern Colombia, 12 km west of the town of Túquerres. Its name derives from the Spanish word for sulfur, azufre.

  48. 48

    Horse Riding

    San Agustin, the primary location for pre-Columbian ruins and archaeological sites, is the perfect region for horse riding. San Agustin is a UNESCO world heritage site and is particularly well known for its monoliths.

  49. 49

    Nevado del Ruiz

    The Nevado del Ruiz, also known as La Mesa de Herveo, or Kumanday in the language of the local pre-Columbian indigenous people, is a volcano located on the border of the departments of Caldas and Tolima.

  50. 50

    The Guajira Peninsula

    Source: panoramio.com

    The Guajira peninsula at the northern end of South America has a very unique landscape in that the desert and sea are side by side. This part of the country is inhabited by the Wayuu people, one of Colombia’s largest ethnic groups, but is also famous for the flamingos that live there.

  51. 51

    Tierradentro

    The park is located 100 km away from the capital of the Department, Popayán.

  52. 52

    Biodiversity

    Colombia is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. It has 1.865 bird species, 471 mammal species, 715 amphibious species, 524 reptile species, 1.357 freshwater fish species, 3.019 kinds of diurnal butterflies, 41.000 sorted plant species out of 250.000 presently known.

  53. 53

    Tequendama Falls

    The Tequendama Falls is a 132m high waterfall on the Bogotá River, located about 30 km southwest of Bogotá in the municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama.

  54. 54

    Amazing Adventures

    The incredible thing about Colombia is that you can do basically any type of desirable and life affirming activity. From rappelling down waterfalls, to paragliding, to spelunking, to scuba diving, to swimming with pink river dolphins, to exploring lost cities.

  55. 55

    Shopping @ Las Bóvedas

    Las Bóvedas are a structure in the Old City of Cartagena in Colombia, attached to the walls. The Caribbean Sea is visible from the top of the structure. They were built as dungeons.

  56. 56

    Great Customer Service

    In every shop or restaurant you enter, people greet you with a smile. They go out of their way to make sure you are enjoying your meal or finding exactly what you need in their shop. They pay great attention to their customers and it makes the whole travelling in Colombia experience that much better.

  57. 57

    Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

    The Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum is a public aquarium and maritime museum located in the Inca Inca Cove off the Rodadero beach in Santa Marta.

  58. 58

    Something for everyone!

    Whether your idea of a perfect holiday is relaxing on a beautiful beach, trekking in the mountains, exploring the jungle, discovering very colourful and typical little villages or enjoying big city life, you’ll find all this and more in Colombia. Wherever you go in Colombia, children are welcome. Many restaurants have playgrounds or offer kids activities.

  59. 59

    El Volador hill

    The Metropolitan Regional Natural Park Cerro El Volador is the largest natural park located within the metropolitan area of Medellíin.

  60. 60

    The only risk is you want to stay more

    It is not coincidence that the country’s slogan is “the only risk is you want to stay” because that happens quite often. After you visit this country and seeing all its wonders you won’t want to leave!

  61. 61

    Aburrá Valley

    Aburrá Valley, is the natural basin of the Medellín River and one of the most populous valleys of Colombia in its Andean Region with near 4 million inhabitants in its biggest urban agglomeration: The Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley.

  62. 62

    The Beer

    The local brands are Poker, Aguila, Club Colombia, Costeña, all brewed by the same company, named Bavaria.

  63. 63

    Los Katíos National Park

    Los Katíos National Natural Park is a protected area located in northwest Colombia which covers about 720 km². The elevation ranges between 50 m and 600 m.

  64. 64

    The Cowboys

  65. 65

    Maloka Museum

    The Maloka Museum is an interactive science museum located in Bogotá. Visitors interact with a wide variety of exhibits that explore topics in Science and Technology.

  66. 66

    Fantastic infrastructure to get things done

    Colombia is the perfect place to come on a ‘workation’. Every city has a free-to-enter University where you can use the library and Wi-Fi. Mobile internet is very popular and works very well in every big city. And travelling is really easy to organise and the busses are modern and comfortable.

  67. 67

    Estadio Jaime Morón León

    Source: optasports.com

    Estadio Jaime Morón León formerly known as Estadio Pedro de Heredia is a multi-use stadium in Cartagena de India. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 16,068 people and was built in 1958.

  68. 68

    It’s a Hidden Gem…for now

    Travelers are always searching for “off the beaten path” and more “authentic” experiences. This leads to more interactions with the wonderful locals, and more insights into the real Colombia.

  69. 69

    Capitolio Nacional

    Source: wikimedia.org

    Capitolio Nacional is a building on Bolivar Square in central Bogotá, the construction of which began in 1876, by order of president Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera, and was not concluded until 1926. It houses both houses of the Congress of Colombia.

  70. 70

    Barichara

    Take a 45-minute bus ride from San Gil to the picturesque town of Barichara. This beautiful pueblo, with its cobblestone streets, colonial churches, and quaint cafés, makes a wonderful day-trip destination.

  71. 71

    Torre Colpatria

    Torre Colpatria is a 50-story skyscraper located at the downtown area in Bogotá. It is the second tallest building in the country and the fifth-tallest in South America.

  72. 72

    Ciudad Perdida

    Source: moon.com

    Dating from the 9th Century, Ciudad Perdida’s ruins were hidden for centuries beneath thick vegetation until grave-robbers discovered the site in 1973.

  73. 73

    Matecaña City Zoo

    Source: tripadvisor.com

    The Matecaña City Zoo is located in Pereira, Colombia, the work of the Society of Public Improvements Pereira, who on January 26, 1951, through a management buy the 17 hectares of farm Matecaña.

  74. 74

    Sleep in hammocks

  75. 75

    Nutibara sculpture park

    Sculpture Park is a sculpture garden at the foot of Nutibara Hill in Medellín and the first of its kind in the country.

  76. 76

    The purchasing of minutes (yes, time) is possible!

  77. 77

    Calima Lake

    Calima Lake is the largest artificial lake in Colombia with an area of 70 km². It is located in the municipality of Darién in the Valle del Cauca Department. The lake is part of a hydroelectric project for generating power for the department.

  78. 78

    There is always street entertainment at the traffic lights

  79. 79

    Hacienda Nápoles

    Source: wikimedia.org

    Hacienda Nápoles is the luxurious estate built and owned by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia, and 180km east of Medellin. The estate covers about 20 km² of land.

  80. 80

    Saying ‘buenas’ multiple times a day to strangers becomes part of your daily ritual

  81. 81

    Planetarium of Bogotá

    The Planetarium of Bogotá is a cultural center and planetarium located in the International Center of Bogota, within Independence Park. Its observatory is South America's largest cupola.

  82. 82

    Fruit-filled Cholado

  83. 83

    Galeras

    Source: planetark.org

    Galeras is an Andean stratovolcano in the Colombian department of Nariño, near the departmental capital Pasto. Its summit rises 4,276 metres above sea level.

  84. 84

    Typical Wayuu bags in Cartagena

    Source: www.newsner.com
  85. 85

    Nevado del Huila

    Source: interlatin.com

    Nevado del Huila at 5,364 metres, is the highest volcano located in Huila Department, Tolima and Cauca Departments. It is visible from the city of Cali.

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    The Sunsets

  87. 87

    Piedras del Tunjo Archaeological Park

    Source: tripadvisor.com

    Piedras de Tunjo is an important archaeological park established on a natural rocky shelter 40 km west of Bogotá in the city of Facatativá. In ancient times it used to be the shore of a large lake flooding the Savannah of Bogotá.

  88. 88

    Cheap manicures, pedicures and haircuts.

  89. 89

    Guadalupe Hill

    Guadalupe Hill is a hill located in Downtown Bogotá. Next to the mountain of Monserrate.

  90. 90

    Organic food

    The food in Colombia is delicious and natural. Everywhere you can find an amazing variety of delicious tropical fruits, and everything is completely organic. In fact, when it comes to food quality, Colombia is far ahead of most developed countries in the world.

  91. 91

    Pico Cristóbal Colón

    Source: epicful.com

    Pico Cristóbal Colón is the highest mountain in Colombia, with an estimated height of 5,700 metres. It is also the fifth most prominent in the world. The nearest peak that is higher is Cayambe, some 1,288 kilometres away.

  92. 92

    Low Prices

    Colombia is still a country where you will get a lot for your money. For a few dollars or euros a person can eat like a king and enjoy the amazing local specialties. Not to mention about the low price of most goods and services wherever you go.

  93. 93

    Lake Otún

    Lake Otún is a small lake in the Nevados National Park, in the Risaralda department of Colombia. It located at an altitude of 3,900 m and has an area of 1.5 square kilometres.

  94. 94

    History and Culture of Colombia

    Since the 16 century, the culture of Colombia is an amazing mix between Native American, African and European cultural influence. This is what makes the country so colourful and charming!

  95. 95

    Nevado del Tolima

    Nevado del Tolima is a stratovolcano located in Tolima Department, Colombia, south of Nevado del Ruiz volcano. The steep-sided, glacier-clad Nevado del Tolima volcano contrasts with the broad profile of Nevado del Ruiz volcano to the north.

  96. 96

    Ritacuba Blanco

    Source: summitpost.org

    Ritacuba Blanco is the highest peak of Cordillera Oriental, in the Andes Mountains of Colombia.

  97. 97

    Los Flamencos Sanctuary

    Los Flamencos Sanctuary has been a designated wildlife sanctuary since 1977. It is located in the Guajira Peninsula of Colombia's Caribbean Region. Its main attraction is the American flamingoes, and their nests that can reach 60 cm high.

  98. 98

    Puracé

    Puracé is a stratovolcano located in the Puracé National Natural Park in the Cauca Department. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia.

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    Lake Iguaque

    Lake Iguaque is a lake located in the Boyacá Department of Colombia. The lake and the surrounding area was declared a Flora and Fauna Sanctuary in 1977.

  100. 100

    Chiles

    Source: interlatin.com

    Chiles is a volcano on the border of Colombia and Ecuador. It lies 3 kilometres south-east of the volcano Cerro Negro de Mayasquer, and the two peaks are considered part of the same Chiles-Cerro Negro volcanic complex.

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