The 10 Best Things to Do on a Colombia Holiday

September 25 • 2024

Planning a holiday to Colombia? Here we share our best things to do on our trip to Colombia; both the classic highlights and also more unusual, different things to see and do…

What does a holiday to Colombia offer?

Holidays in Colombia South America offer so much; from charming and colourful cities full of history, to lush green jungle, hiking in coffee plantations to paradise beaches. There is so much to discover on a trip to Colombia; certainly the must-sees but also get away from the crowds and be amazed at what you find.

What to do in Colombia?

With so much choice can be hard to know where to start or what to include in your tailor-made holiday, nevertheless we want to break it down and share our top tips. In this blog we share the very best things to do in Colombia, what to include and finally how to do it differently. Want to fly less? Read more about our slow-travel holiday to Colombia.

Contact our team to book your Colombia trip

1. Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin

An incredible example of how the once troubled past of Colombia has been turned into something positive and inspirational, albeit while still showing you the raw nature of its past.

Once known as the most dangerous barrio in Medellin where Pablo Escobar lived, the area has now been regenerated and is also an example of the hope and dreams of Colombian’s for the future. With a thriving community, start ups and community projects; for example home grown fruit and vegetables which are now sold to supermarkets and it’s own music genre that’s broken the US, you can meet the artists and people at the heart of this change. Because of the huge efforts to move the country forward, this area has become a shining example of how to learn from the past and better the future.

To really understand and appreciate the journey this country has been on, a visit Comuna 13 in Medellin should be included in every holiday to Colombia, especially if you really want to see and do things differently.

2. Cocora Valley in the Coffee Region

The Cocora Valley is a must-visit for any coffee lover. Likewise for avid walkers, the day-long hike in the valley is one of the best things to do in Colombia.

Just outside the quint town of Salento is the Cocora Valley; where you can indulge your passions for both coffee and hiking by taking an incredible trail through the cloud forest, rural farmland, lush jungle and past the tallest palm trees in the world which are a true wonder at altitude. Rather than just visiting the coffee plantation, a day hike here really gives you a chance to soak up the way of life here, regardless if you are a coffee drinker or not.

Therefore spend a day with your guide hiking through some truly spectacular scenery and finish with some delicious freshly brewed coffee on a plantation. A perfect day to show you the very best of Colombia and unquestionably one of our top days out here.

3. The Lost City Trek

For those who love an adventure, chiefly something more challenging while also getting away from the crowds…the lost city Trek is one of the best hikes in South America.

This lush green route takes you through thick jungle, passing into the land of Colombia’s oldest indigenous communities. However its not only a physical challenge, but a truly memorable cultural experience. Unlike other famous treks in South America (like the Inca trail Trek in Peru) you wont find the tourist masses here. Furthermore for large parts of the trek you may be lucky to barely see a handful of fellow trekkers.

You have choices; complete the 4 or 5 day option, and choose to have a private guide with you, or join a small group i.e for a more social experience. The trek is tough! During the climb be aware there are lots of steep parts and many steps, you will need a good level of fitness but the rewards are rich, especially if you love untouched scenery. You will be see some of the most spectacular views in Colombia, experience scenery and culture that you would otherwise miss, have the chance to swim in fresh rivers and feel the tranquility and untouched beauty of this amazing site. Finally, once the trek is complete why not treat yourself after and book a couple of nights in a luxury hotel as a reward for your efforts. Want to know how to include the Lost City Trek in your Colombia holiday? Well good news, we’ve just launched our Colombia Active Holiday, which includes the trek in all its glory!

4. Learn about Colombian Music

Interested to know more about the music scene of Colombia during your holiday? Colombia has a rich melting pot of cultures and the music here really represents this. Generally from Spanish, Indigenous and African communities, music produced and found in Colombia is a treat for the ears.

There are several festivals across the year which showcase some of the best music in the country; from the Barranquilla City Carnival, the Bambuco Festival and National Colombian Pasillo Festival. If your holiday dates don’t match to include a festival, there are certainly many opportunities to experience incredible Colombian music…from relaxing in a rooftop bar with a local guitarist playing to the crowd, to a street band, or an impromptu performance in a plaza with dancing and colours….music is everywhere in Colombia and you basically wont miss it.

Chances are you will return home from your holiday to Colombia as a fully fledged fan of the incredible music found here, particularly if you were lucky enough to experience a festival.

5. Medellin Flower Festival

If you are lucky enough to visit Colombia in August or just before, be sure to include the world famous Medellin Flower Festival. The festival which runs in the second week of August is a huge week long celebration of flowers from all around the region of Antioquia (Medellin is the capital) The vibrant festival is certainly worth including in your journey.

The flowers are seen as a tribute to women and therefore fertility and life itself. This gives the festival a far deeper meaning. and furthermore establishes it as one of the iconic events in the country. You will be treated to vivid colours, smells and displays of beauty from this famous festival. One of the best things about including this in your holiday to Colombia? Its not a tourist trip unlike similar events elsewhere, this is as genuine and exciting as it gets in Colombia and is subsequently one of our favourite things to do. Unquestionably this how you experience the country differently.

6. Relax in Barichara

Want to slow down your trip and but also soak up the views and local culture? Relax in the ‘most beautiful city in Colombia” Barichara. This quaint colonial town up in the mountains is basically a hidden gem of Colombia, and well worth spending some time in.

A visit to Barichara certainly gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in rich Colombian culture. Particularly through its beautiful historic buildings, relaxed vibe and tales of history your guide will talk you through. Get your trainers on and explore by foot, stopping off at tiny local cafes, delicious restaurants serving local food, and past white washed building with red tiled roofs.

Later enjoy the incredible views of the rich green countryside which surrounds this town, making for a perfect contrast against the colourful buildings and streets. For something really different and particularly a great alternative to the bustling cities, speak to us about including Barichara in your bespoke Colombia holiday.

7. Taste Arepas everywhere!

Obviously one of the best things to do in Colombia is try the local food. You know you are in Colombia when you are offered Arepas for breakfast lunch and dinner, likewise learning to cook them is a must. In some parts of Colombia these are corn based patty’s used in place of bread particularly in local homes.

Traditionally served with eggs and cheese for breakfast (albeit enjoyed any time of the day!) Apreas are served in most homes throughout the country. You will undoubtedly be making these when you return home from your holiday until you can return.

8. Cartagena and the Rosario Islands

Looking for things to do in the coastal areas of Colombia? Spend an evening on a rooftop terrace in Cartagena with a michelada (beer with lemon and salt) listening to live music with the lights of the old walled city around you. Certainly a perfect way to wrap up a day exploring this dreamy coastal city.

Cartagena has some must-see sights to explore; e.g the largest fort ever built by Spanish colonialists, the every trendy district of Getsemani, and large plazas which in the evening are filled with dancing and music. Cartagena is one of our favourite places in Colombia, and well worth taking some time in your holiday to explore at a slower pace. Regardless of how much time you have, be sure to eat and drink like a local and soak up the city in the evening time; particularly the sparkling lights and a vibrant buzz.

Looking to add some beach time onto your holiday to Colombia? The Rosario Islands are located a boat ride from Cartagena, and are particularly worth visiting. Explore the stunning Rosario Islands by private boat, later visiting untouched beaches of the Caribbean and snorkeling in clear warm waters. The archipelago is made up of 28 islands with reefs and are a protected National Park which makes this undoubtedly one of the highlights of a holiday.

After a busy holiday exploring all that Colombia has to offer, we can think of no better place to stop, slow down and relax than these gorgeous white sand beaches. Slow down your pace and appreciate this incredible country for a few days longer in complete paradise.

9. El Penon rock

Despite being a steep climb, we 100% suggest El Penon rock. Climb the 680 steps to the top of El Penon rock and visit the stunningly beautiful colourful town of Guatape from Medellin. At the very top of the Guatape rock you will experience one of the best views in Colombia. The rock is a true natural wonder, at over 2000 meters above sea level the panoramic views offered are well worth the fairly challenging climb. Lastly head back down and relax with a cold beer to toast your efforts.

10. Spend a day with an indigenous tribe

Spend an afternoon with an indigenous tribe near Tayrona and discover how they live and work while still following the traditions of their ancestors. Tayrona National Park is a fantastic place to hike; through rich vegetation, along rivers and discovering rare birdlife along the way.

Indeed including Tayrona in your holiday also offers the chance to have a deeper and more immersive understanding of one of Colombia oldest tribes; the Kogi Tribe. Furthermore with our guide you can visit a traditional Kogi village and walk freely meeting mothers who may welcome you into their homes and show you their way of life. The Kogi wear distinctive pure white clothes that are said to represent the Great Mother and purity of nature.

A really unique and memorable way to get a deeper appreciation of this incredible country, get away from the crowds and do things better and differently. This will be unlike anything else on your holiday.

Summary

As you can see, you will evidently not be short of amazing and unique adventures in Colombia. From hikes to beaches, from gastronomy to festivals, you will have the holiday of a lifetime on a bespoke holiday to Colombia. Finally, speak to our Colombia experts today about arranging your adventure in nature to this gem of country in South America. Read more about how to include as much as possible in a trip to Colombia on our Colombia highlights holiday, or if you’re thinking about planning a honeymoon to Colombia…read on.

Read more about our sustainable holidays and where to stay in B-Corp hotels in South America.

Looking to plan a holiday to Colombia and wondering what to do while you’re there? Contact our experts Sam and Sinead to chat about your travel wishes and they can design you a bespoke journey.