Colombia is becoming a hot destination and I’ve been lucky enough to see it happen first hand. Every year, Tim and I try to make it down to visit family with many people wondering what is so wonderful about Colombia. And each time we are faced with bold beautiful colors, magical landscapes, and delicious foods. These photos will make sure that your bucket list includes “travel Colombia.”
40 pictures to convince you that you need to Travel Colombia
Antioquia and cauca viejo
Antioquia is know for some of Colombia’s most beautiful mountainscapes and Colonial architecture. White walled houses are adorned with brightly colors doorways as intricate woodwork and charming balconies give the streets personality. If you plan to travel Colombia, make sure this is on your list of places to visit! Your instagram followers will thank you.
Regional Tip
A trip to Antioquia is not complete without a horseback ride and make sure you save room for traditional food, like the Bandeja paisa!
Barranquilla
Home to the famous Carnaval de Barranquilla, this coastal town is full of rhythm, dancing, and beaches! You will find great seafood dishes, warm and welcoming people, and dance parties that go until sunrise. Anyone doing research to travel Colombia will see Barranquilla and Carnaval as a top recommendation.
Cartagena and Santa Marta
Not far from Barranquilla are 2 of Colombia’s most well known cities, Cartagena and Santa Marta. The coastal cities are destinations for Colombians as well as out of country visitors looking to experience a slower way of life and some sunshine as the travel Colombia.
Cartagena’s personality is laid back and refined with historic cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and kissed by sunshine. The city offers so much that there is something for everyone. The historic Old City offers monasteries and convents that have been converted into hotels as well as a buzzing night life. You can easily watch a street band set the mood from a rooftop bar as the city comes alive with the rhythm of drums and maracas. If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation where the sun dances on the sand, Cartagena has beautiful blue waters that are waiting for you.
Regional Tip
Islas del rosario are a popular destination for divers. located 45 mins from cartagena, The Rosario Islands are integrated by 28 islands, all of them form a national park created to protect one of the most important coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean Coast.
Eje Cafetero - The coffee axis
Colombia’s coffee axis is made up of 3 departments (Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindio) each peppered with coffee along majestic mountain sides. And lets be honest, there is something really awesome about being able to see, from soil to sip, the journey that coffee takes.
Check out our guides to the Coffee Axis:
Guide to Risaralda Here
Guide to Caldas Here
Guide to Quindio Here
Colorful, musical, and delicious
No matter what part of Colombia you visit, you will find colors, music, rhythms, and delicious flavors. People dance in the streets to the beat of drums. Colorful and historic city centers welcome you with the promise of whispered stories about pirates and history. And tropical climates give you the gift of fruits you’ve never seen before but dream of after your first taste.
Planning your trip? Bring a guide with you!
As you plan your trip, keep in mind when the best time to visit is! If these pictures have sparked your wanderlust, start booking your flights! Even though researching ahead of time is the way to go, we recommend bringing a guidebook along with you. Here are some of our favorites to help you travel Colombia.
PIN IT HERE!
Colombia is quite the picturesque destination. I visited Cartagena a few years back and it was an amazing trip. It was so great I’ve considered moving there. Thanks for showing the beauty of this country.
I’ve heard there are quite a few expats in Cartagena now! We’ve looked at moving there too.
Your pictures are truly spectacular and do a great job at inspiring people to visit Colombia!
Thank you, Sarah! Glad you enjoyed them.
Ah this looks so colourful! Im so sorry i missed colombia on my recent south america trip! need to go back!
That just means that you can spent more time there and realllly plan your trip out!
WOW I love this post! Such great pictures and galleries. It really makes me want to go to Colombia ASAP. I traveled before in Central America but hasn’t been to South America yet. Colombia can be a great starting point.
<3 If you like Central America, you will LOVE South America!
Great pictures – love the underwater shot …more of those, please!
Thanks!