Colombia – South America and its Best Places to Visit

Officially the Republic of Colombia is a country in South America, including oceanic islands near Nicaragua’s Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. It is divided into 32 departments. The Capital District of Bogota is its largest city. It is a famous city for tastings and tours.
The name “Colombia” originates from an Italian navigator Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo). Later this name was adopted by the Republic of Colombia.CC

Colombia covers an area of 1141748 square kilometers with a population of around 52 million. Its cultural heritage, language, religion, cuisine, and art, reveal a mix of Spanish colony and cultural elements from Europe and the Middle East. Spanish is its official state language, while 65 other languages are spoken here, including English.

Best Places to Visit in Colombia

If you are planning to visit Colombia and you don’t have information about it. Then don’t worry because this article will give you all the information about the best places, unique things to see, and delicious dishes of Colombia.

Medellin- The Best Thing to See

Medellin, was once know as a dangerous city, but it left its past behind is is now one of the best cities to visit in Colombia.

Also called the City of Eternal Spring and is famous for contributing a significant portion of the country’s coffee, fruit, and flowers. This city features a beautiful cable car connection, fruit markets, Museo de Casa de la Memoria (a tasteful homage), Comuna 13, and EI Poblado, where you can enjoy many restaurants.

You can find a lot of street art and urban culture in this city

Cartagena de Indias – Discover Beautiful and Historical Places

It’s a historic walled city, colonial destination, and crown jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Its walls are centuries-old with colorful colonial architecture, beautifully restored restaurants, and luxury hotels. Best things to do in Cartagena, for me definetely the islands. you can stay over night or just rent a boat for a day. Number 2 on my list would be the Graffiti Tour or street art in Getsemani. In the evening you should pass by Plaza de la Trinidad. Bocagrande , Castillogrande and Laguito are he more modern part of the city

Looking for a Paradise Island to rest a couple of days try :

• Tierra Bomba Island

• Mucura Islan

• Baru Island

Eje Cafetero ( Coffee Axis) – Coffee Triangle

Coffee Axis is the world’s 3rd largest coffee beans producers. It is home to growing coffee plantations and recently opened its functions for tourists, tastings, and farm stays. It offers an eloquent scene to see how a humble cherry turns into a bean. The tiny resort town of Salento is its most attractive place to visit, and you can also get a way to Cocora Valley, the home of the tallest palm trees

Tayrona National Park – Paradise of Beaches

It is a protected park with the best beaches in Colombia and is famous for its beautiful palm-shaded covers and crystal-clear coastal lagoons. It is the best destination for snorkeling near La Piscina beach and Cabo San Juan.

Bogota – Columbia’s Capital

It is the largest City of Colombia with more than eight million people. A city where not only past and present meet but also a mix of diffenrent cultures.

Here you can see the historic center of La Candelaria with impressive buildings, cultural attractions such as the Museum of Gold, and wealthier North Bogota.

You like Flea Markets ? Don’t miss the one in Usaquen ( Sundays and Pupblic Holidays)

The Lost City (Cuidad Perdida) – The Lost City Trek

A city Concealed deep in teh mountains of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marte. It has about 170 stone terraces , plazas and streets and was only re-discovered in 1972.

Did you know that the city is older than Machu Picchu in Peru ?

The only way to reach to the city is to walk. Its a 45km hike which takes 4-5 days. Its not an easy hike as it goes over several rivers and some steep climbs. Furthermore you need to be able to cope with the humidity as ell as heat ,rain and a lot of insets.

Guatape – Colombia’s Colorful Town & Piedra del Penol

Guatape , which means ” stone and water” is a beautiful small Andean Village. Featured by tiny streets and colorful houses. t is the best town to see in Colombia. Guatape is rightin the middle of the coffee district, so take some time to relax and enjoy the view and the city at one of the small coffeeshops or restaurants with a nice cup of coffee.

To have an amazing view of the surroundings, including the lake and its islands, climb la Piedra del Penon. A 220m high Granit stone, only 10 min or 2 km away from Guatape.

Nuqui – Paradise of Nature lovers

A facinating destination which rich flora and fauna. If you are here between July and November , you can do whale watching.

Some other Places to Visit in Colombia

•   Providencia Island
•   Mompox
•   La Guajira Peninsula
•   Hacienda Nápoles
•   Caño Cristales
•   Cali, Colombia’s Salsa Capital
•   Jardin
•   Jerico
•   Villa de leyva
•   Raquira
•   Guadalupe

Best & Traditional Dishes to Eat in Colombia

Some of the popular and traditional dishes and foods you should definitely try once you are there :

Arepas

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a potato and chicken soup of the highland region. Usually made with chicken, three kinds of potato and a special local herb called ” guasca or guascas”. Furhermore, it can contain cream milk, capers and corn.

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a dish prepared from rice, minced meat, chorizo, arepa, red beans, fried egg, chicharron, morcilla, and sweet plantain served on one plate. It is also famous along with ajiaco.

Lulada (Lulo Drink)

Lulada (Lulo Drink) is prepared from a unique fruit Lulo which is only growing in Colombia with orange peel and green pulp. Its drink is known as Lulada, a traditional and smoothie-like drink. You can also try it with agudiente or vodka

Sancocho

A traditional soup which you can find in many different latin American countires .

Sancocho is a traditional dish including chicken, beef, or pork, yuca and corn.

Some other dishes include:

Empanadas

Fritanga

Arroz con Pollo

Pan de Bono

Obleas

Cocadas

Chocolate Santaferano

Limonadas de Coco