In my initial one-year travel plan for Latin America, Colombia (🇨🇴) wasn’t on the list. However, when Ecuador unexpectedly canceled its visa-free entry policy, I made a last-minute decision to visit Colombia instead. Little did I know that this country would capture my heart in ways I never imagined.
Here’s a quick rundown of my top 10 favorite experiences from my two unforgettable months in Colombia:
1. **Learning Spanish**
I spent two weeks in Medellín and another week in San Rafael immersing myself in Spanish lessons (check out my detailed recommendations in earlier posts). After just three weeks, I was conversing confidently during my travels. Knowing Spanish not only opens doors but also doubles the joy of exploring South America.
2. **Hot Springs at 4,000 Meters ♨️**
Nestled at an altitude of 4,000 meters, surrounded by active volcanoes and blessed with natural hot springs, this experience is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you simply can’t miss. There’s only one hotel in the area, and I highly recommend staying for at least two nights. Despite the elevation, the lush vegetation surprised me, and I didn’t feel any altitude sickness at all.
3. **Salento – Home of the World’s Tallest Palm Trees**
This charming town boasts the tallest palm trees on the planet. While Cocora Valley is famous, La Carbonara offers an even more breathtaking experience. The journey there is rough—only accessible by Jeep—but it’s absolutely worth the bumpy ride.
4. **Staying at a Coffee Plantation Near Manizales**
Imagine spending your days surrounded by coffee fields, learning about the art of coffee cultivation. My guide to this magical experience is already written, so be sure to check it out!
5. **Panoramic Views in a Secluded Valley**
One of my favorite accommodations throughout the trip was a stunning villa nestled in a valley, offering panoramic views of the entire landscape. It wasn’t exactly glamping—it was wild, cool, beautiful, and soul-soothing. Search for Chami Glamping on Booking.com; the 140-square-meter villa comes complete with a jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation.
6. **Hiking Through Colombia’s Green Wonders**
Colombia’s natural beauty is unparalleled. From lush forests to majestic mountains, the country feels like a giant green canvas. Hiking is the perfect way to immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes.
7. **Gold Museum and Botero Museum**
These are must-visit museums in Bogotá! Who can resist the allure of gold? And who wouldn’t fall in love with Fernando Botero’s whimsical art? Both museums are treasures that no visitor should miss.
8. **Relaxing on Tayrona’s Pristine Beaches**
Located just an hour by boat from Santa Marta, Tayrona National Natural Park offers some of the Caribbean Sea’s most stunning beaches. Staying overnight at the eco-friendly hotel within the park adds an extra layer of magic to the experience.
9. **Cartagena – A City of Dreams**
Gabriel García Márquez found inspiration in Cartagena, and I went searching for his footsteps. Sip coffee in the cafes he frequented or stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend hotel. The city’s shops offer the finest (and priciest) goods I encountered in Colombia, and don’t forget to indulge in the incredible Caribbean seafood feast!
10. **Exploring the Coffee Triangle**
Colombia’s unique climate makes it a paradise for coffee lovers. With distinct dry and rainy seasons, ideal temperature variations, abundant sunlight, perfect altitudes, and plentiful rainfall, the region produces some of the world’s best coffee beans. I took tours in both Manizales and Salento, each offering its own charm and leaving me thoroughly impressed. By the way, if birdwatching is your passion, this is the ultimate destination 🐦.
Colombia truly exceeded all my expectations, and I can’t wait to return!
