5 Reasons To Fall In Love With Colombia

In Colombia, the kindness of the locals radiates from within. They welcome visitors with open arms because they delight in meeting new people and love being able to share their favorite things about the country. It’s not uncommon to have people shout out “Welcome to Colombia” or “Have a good time!” as they drive past you in the street. Everyone wants you have a great experience, see the best things, and eat the most delicious food. And they’re more than happy to share their insider tips on the best places to go. 

Most notable is the transformation of Medellín. It was declared “the most innovative city in the world” by the Urban Land Institute in 2013. Domestic and international students, as well as entrepreneurs and businesses are flooding to the area, making it a standout innovation hub in South America.  Talented people are moving in to enjoy great business facilities, as well as modern plazas, contemporary artworks, an impressive botanical garden, and a metro rail system that has been rated as one of the best in the world. It’s an exciting time to visit or live in Medellín. 

If you like music, dancing, and generally having a good time, then Colombia is the place for you. Salsa dancing is particularly popular – and these parties can go all night long. Also, try to catch the Barranquilla Carnival (which takes place 40 days before Holy Week) if you can. It’s four days of parties on par with the Carnivale festivities in neighboring Brazil.

To say that Colombia is a pretty country would be an understatement; it contains some of the most breathtaking and diverse natural environments in the world. A large section of the land is covered with lush Amazon rainforest but it’s the coastal areas that are particularly exciting. The coral barrier reef located near the San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands northeast of Cartagena, is one of the largest in the world and offers crystal clear turquoise green water, as well as a wide variety of marine flora and fauna. Plus, this area is home to the famous Blue Wall, which is a must for experienced divers. If you prefer to stay above water, take a boat trip off the Pacific Coast during July and December for a glimpse of the humpback whales that congregate in this area and you might be lucky enough to see hundreds of these majestic creatures swimming in their natural habitat. It’s also worth making time to explore the relatively untouched Tayrona National Park, in the north of the country, as its coastal landscape, complete with bouncy palm trees and scenic beaches, is the stuff of dreams.

Travelers looking for something really unique should head to the natural phenomenon that is Caño Cristales, which is a bit off the beaten path but worth the effort. This stunning river in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park is often referred to as the “river of five colors” because it transforms into a spectacular array of yellow, blue, green, red and black hues during June and November. Similarly, breathtaking is the Tatacoa Desert in central Colombia, a breathtaking section of arid landscape that is the perfect place for hiking, bike riding and stargazing. Finally, the Serranía de Chiribiquete mountain ranges in the northwest are the largest protected area in the country and one of the most untouched sections of wilderness in the world. Recently declared a UNESCO world heritage site, it features incredible giant rock formations and rock paintings that go back 20,000 years and is largely closed to tourists – but you can book a flying tour with a specialist operator for a glimpse of this magical landscape from above.