Colombia
Forget everything you thought you knew about Colombia. Colombia has blossomed into one of the most inviting and interesting countries to travel in South America. The people are friendly, the prices are cheap, and there is an incredible variety of trekking, climbing, ecosystems and landscapes to discover. From trekking in Los Nevados to climbing at La Mojarra, there is so much to discover.
Top Spots in and near Colombia
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Santa Marta, Colombia
Trek to La Ciudad Perdida (Lost City of Teyuna)
4.529.2 miLa Ciudad Perdida is a stunning and challenging 47km hike deep in the Colombian jungle to a remote ancient city perched on a steep mountainside and surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. The hike is typically a 5 Day journey which can only be taken with registered guide companies. There are 4 ...Read more -
Salento, Colombia
Hike Valle De Cocora in Colombia
5.09.3 mi / 1000 ft gainHow to get there: From the nearby town of Salento, 4WDs leave from the main square whenever there are enough people to fill it. Note, if you want to stand on the bumper of a jeep for the ride, be towards the end of the line so you can snag one of those spots. The ride is approximately 20 minutes....Read more -
Guatapé, Colombia
Climb the Rock of Guatapé
The most popular attraction near Guatape, you can pay $18,000 COP to climb the 740 steps up to the top of the rock. Your effort will be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and lake, which stretches to the horizon. After that exercise, you'll be able to chill out with some...Read more -
Guatape, Colombia
Visit Guatapé
Guatape is a vibrant town of craftsmen and artisans a short day trip from Medellin. Wander the colorful streets and admire the unique painted depictions of local life that can be found on nearly every building in the main part of town.Besides just walking around town, there is a zipline on the wa...Read more -
Cartagena, Colombia
Explore Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Reaching the Castillo is easy. Just a short walk from the walled city (where most people stay), you can explore this fortress that protected Cartagena for centuries. You can wander the fortresses extensive tunnel system, see views of the entire city, or take an audio tour.Read more -
Barichara, Colombia
Explore Barichara
Barichara is a sleepy little town outside of San Gil. Wander the cobblestone streets and walk out to the viewpoint on the top of the town for magnificent views of the valley below. A great way to spend an afternoon if you're staying in San Gil (just jump on a bus at the station or ask your hostel).Read more -
Santa Marta, Colombia
Hike to El Cabo de San Juan
2.5 mi / 196.9 ft gainThere are multiple possibilities to start this hike, to combine it with longer treks and to stay overnight. I will describe the route that I took, but you should definitely take into consideration to stay in the park for a night or two. Take a bus and let them drop you off at the East Entrance of...Read more -
Suesca, Colombia
Climb the Suesca Rocks
5.0The Rocas de Suesca are well known for their climbing opportunities. But also if you don't come fully equipped, there are plenty of possibilities to explore the rocks and caves. While driving into town, you will see a couple of climbing and outdoor companies. This is where you want to leave the c...Read more -
Salento, Colombia
Explore the Coffee Valley
2 mi / 984.3 ft gainAt the first glance it looks like one big jungle, but the more you walk through it, the more you see the system, different parcels for different coffee plants and a number of different plants, fruits and vegetables. The coffee Valley between Salento and Armenia features so many different activiti...Read more -
Villavieja, Colombia
Camp and Stargaze in the Tatacoa Desert
The easiest access to the Tatacoa desert is via Neiva and Villavieja. There is also a short cut north of Neiva, but keep in mind that this is a 30km dirtroad. Technically Tatacoa is not really a desert, but a dried out tropical forest. Once you get there, you will immediately see the desert's...Read more -
Curiti, Colombia
Hike and Swim at Balneario Pescaderito
5.05 mi / 328.1 ft gainThe start of this hike is ~2 miles from the city center of Curiti. Once you get to the start of the hike, you will see the first swimming hole (and you might see some locals playing around here). You will start walking on the right side of the river where you can see a small path leading up and c...Read more -
Santa Marta, Colombia
Hike to Cerro Kennedy
13.9 mi / 5813.6 ft gainThe hike begins at approximately 632m and climbs up to 2,400m in the Sierra Nevadas de Santa Marta. As with most hikes in Colombia, the trail is a rough and rocky road. It's a steady uphill through many different types of environments. Along the way you'll come across dense rainforest, waterfalls...Read more -
Minca, Colombia
Hike to Pozo Azul
4.3 mi / 620.1 ft gainThis hike starts on the main road, passing through the town. Continue on the main road out of the city and follow this path for about 40min when you will encounter a sign pointing towards the Hotel Pozo Azul. Turn left here and follow the path until you get to a hanging bridge. You can see the wa...Read more -
Santa Sofía, Colombia
Hike the Paso del Angelo
2 mi / 328.1 ft gainThe layout of this hike reminds of Zion's famous Angels landing. It is much shorter, but won't disappoint you in terms of views. The start of the hike is approximately 3 miles out of the town of Santa Sofia. There is no sign for the hike at the starting point, just a sign that says private proper...Read more -
Villavieja, Colombia
Get lost in the Cuzco Labyrinth
1 mi / 328.1 ft gainThe hike starts across the street from the Observatory, just when you arrive in the Tatacoa desert. Walk up to the little restaurant, just behind it you can spot the stairs that are leading down into the labyrinth. There is an official hiking path that guides you through the labyrinth and back u...Read more -
Barichara, Colombia
Walk the Camino Real from Barichara to Guane
6.2 miThe Real is about a 10km hike, beginning in Barichara, and ending in the town of Guane. It winds along the hillsides and along a beautiful canyon; a cobblestone path bordered by stone walls and lush green countryside. Originally built by the indigenous Guane people, it was most recently restored ...Read more
