The main regions to visit in Colombia
Discover the sites and places to visit
Our favorite places in Colombia
Amazonia
At the gateway to Brazil and Peru, the Colombian Amazon and its mythical scenery offer a wide range of holiday possibilities: discover the tropical flora (Heliconias, giant water lilies, ceibas...), observe the fauna (marmosets, macaws, freshwater dolphins...) for nature lovers, adventure above the canopy, kayak between lakes and forest for sports enthusiasts, meet with Indian communities with ancestral cultures or relax in harmony with nature.
Its capital, Leticia, built on the banks of the Amazon in 1867 with the jungle in the background, is not lacking in charm. As lively as it is, it remains above all an ideal starting point for exploring the region Interactive presentation of the Amazon region.
Medellin & Antioquia
This department is located in north-western Colombia, stretching from the Andes to the Caribbean coast. Its capital is Medellin, the second-largest urban area after Bogotá and certainly the country's most dynamic city. You can also visit sites such as el Peñol, or the villages of Guatape and Santa Fé de Antioquia. You'll discover one of Colombia's most beautiful regions, well known for the friendliness and warmth of the Paisa people Interactive presentation of the Antioquia region.
The Atlantico
Located in northern Colombia, Atlántico is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the departments of Bolivar and Magdalena. It is the most densely populated region in the country. Before the continent was discovered by Europeans, the territory was inhabited by indigenous peoples, whose warriors were considered the bravest. The region's main attraction is undoubtedly the Barranquilla festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year Interactive presentation of the Barranquilla Carnival.
Bogota and surroundings
Located in the center of the country, this area is the cradle of the Muisca culture. The political, economic and cultural capital of Colombia, Santa Fé de Bogota, lies at an altitude of 2,600 metres at the foot of the eastern Andes mountain range. Today, Bogotá is a vast metropolis of almost 8 million inhabitants, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Let yourself be carried away by the pulsating rhythm of the busetas, the atmosphere of the Paloquemao market, or the bohemian atmosphere of the Candelaria, the colonial district Interactive presentation of the Cundinamarca region.
The Boyaca
Declared independent in 1813, the Boyaca region was the cradle of the Muisca people. Although its capital is Tunja, Villa de Leyva is undoubtedly the region's most interesting stop-off point. An area with an interesting archaeological past, you can take advantage of the opportunity to observe some magnificent dinosaur fossils found and preserved on site. The towns of Raquira and Monquirá are sure to be on your agenda when visiting this magnificent region Interactive presentation of the Boyaca region.
Cartagena de Indias
Capital of the Bolivar region, Cartagena de Indias is a colonial city on Colombia's Atlantic coast. Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, this magnificent city was for almost three centuries a stronghold of the Spanish empire. Today, Cartagena de Indias is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are the fortifications surrounding the city. The port of Cartagena was a strategic location for trade relations with Spain, and its military fortifications were part of the most complete defense system in South America Interactive presentation of Cartagena de Indias.
Los LLanos
The Los LLanos region is characterized by immense rivers flowing into the Amazon or Orinoco, to the east of the Andes. These are pristine areas, home to a small, scattered population. They are generally farmed and almost always travelled on horseback. The town of Villavicencio, the only town with a decent infrastructure in the region, represents the border of Los LLanos. The Wild West feeling is guaranteed! Interactive presentation of the Llanos.
César
Located in the north-east of Colombia, this region with its strong indigenous culture lives from agriculture, cattle breeding and mining. Founded in the 16th century, Valledupar, the department's capital, is also the capital of Vallenato. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Guajira to the north (both home to large indigenous communities) and by the Andes and Venezuela to the west, it is also Colombia's leading cotton producer and a region still untouched by mass tourism. Every year, during the last week of April, Valledupar hosts the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata (Vallenata Legend), one of Colombia's best-known and most popular folklore events.
The Pacific Coast
Colombia's 1,300 km-long Pacific coast is a richly varied area that will delight nature and ecotourism enthusiasts with its parks and nature reserves. Choco is the ideal starting point for enjoying wild beaches and hiking through the jungle, while observing tropical flora and fauna. Locally, the warm waters off Ñuqui and Bahia Solano attract humpback whales, which come here to breed every year between June and October. Diving enthusiasts can explore the seabeds of Gorgona and Malpelo, home to coral, schools of colourful fish and sea turtles.... The region is also ideal for surfing, sport fishing and birdwatching Interactive presentation of the Pacific.
Darién
Straddling Panama and Colombia, the Darién region marks the boundary between Central and South America. On the Colombian side, Darién lies in the department of Choco. This isolated region is an area of marshes, beaches and forests, steeped in Afro-Caribbean culture. With its deserted beaches and tropical forests, it's a real little corner of paradise. Away from the beaten track, between hiking, discovering the local flora and fauna, watching Cana turtles or lazing on a deserted beach, it's a new world still isolated from tourism that we invite you to discover!
La Guajira
Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Venezuela, the Guajira Peninsula is characterized by colorful deserts and immense beaches. To discover this off-the-beaten-track destination, meet the Wayuus Indians (deeply rooted in their traditions and values), visit the Manaure salt flats or Los Flamencos Sanctuary, hike in the oasis of Macuira National Park, or kite surf off Punta Gallinas Interactive presentation of the Guajira desert.
Huila & Cauca
Listed as a World Heritage Site since 1995, the San Agustin Archaeological Park is an extraordinary place, with hundreds of upright statues. This region will also seduce you with the village of Silvia and its picturesque weekly market, where you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the local culture of the Guambianos.
Not far away, the white town of Popayan nestled in the lush green meanders of the Valle del Cauca, at an altitude of 1,737 metres, is the epitome of colonial charm, with its picturesque alleyways and pretty cobbled squares. Finally, the archaeological treasure trove of Tierradentro will plunge you several hundred years into the past as you discover these mysterious underground tombs harbouring many secrets.. Interactive presentation of the San Agustin region.
Caribbean Islands
The archipelago off the coast of Cartagena, with its white sandy beaches, exotic landscapes and translucent waters, will delight beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Nearly 30 islands form a protected natural marine park, home to coral, marine plants, mangroves and a host of exotic fish, making it one of the richest ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea. On site, you can enjoy a swim, visit the San Martin aquarium, taste freshly caught lobster or explore the seabed..
Sierra Nevada and Tayrona Park
Situated in northern Colombia, on the Atlantic coast, the Magdalena is a densely populated region of 1.4 million inhabitants. Set in a heavenly bay, Santa Marta, a mytic port, is one of Colombia's oldest settlements. Simon Bolivar's last home, this friendly little town is the ideal starting point for an immersion in the heart of the Tayrona National Park, as well as for a trek to the Lost City, land of the Kogi Indians of the Sierra Nevada. The exuberant vegetation of Minca and the fishing village of Taganga are also well worth a visit Interactive presentation of the Magdalena region.
Le Meta
The department of Meta is one of the largest in Colombia. This agricultural region, still relatively isolated from modern Colombia, boasts magnificent landscapes and a rich and varied flora and fauna. Comprising three zones, a mountainous area in the west, the Amazon rainforest in the south and the vast "llanos" plains in the center, its territory boasts no less than sixteen different ecosystems made up of plains, savannahs, Andean forests and high plateaus with a cold climate. It offers immense virgin spaces and the most beautiful river in the world... Caño Cristales, which puts on its best show after the rainy season, taking on 5 different colors: yellow, blue, green, black and red.
Mompox
Santa Cruz de Mompox, whose historic center is a World Heritage Site, is a colonial town on the banks of the Rio Magdalena, famous for its Baroque churches and goldsmith's workshops renowned for their fine silver filigree jewelry.
Although Mompox played a fundamental role in the history of Colombia (it was the first town to declare independence from Spain), time seems to have stood still here today. Isolated between the 2 rivers, only the Holy Week festivities disturb the tranquillity of its inhabitants Interactive presentation of Santa Cruz de Mompox.
Nariño and Putumayo
Far from the tourist circuit, the departments of Nariño and Putumayo, bordering Ecuador, are full of wonders. The Nariño town of Ipiales is home to the famous Lajas Cathedral, built into the cliffs of the Andes, while the town of Pasto, at the foot of the Galeras volcano, is a must-see. The Cocha lagoon is a miniature version of Lake Titicaca, located 24 km from Pasto on the road to Amazonia. La Corota, a small island in the middle of the lagoon, is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The town also hosts the Black and White Carnival in January Interactive presentation of the Nariño region.
Le Norte Santander
Norte de Santander is bordered to the north and east by Venezuela, to the south by the departments of Boyacá and Santander, and to the west by the César river. Its capital, Cúcuta, has become an important economic and commercial center thanks to its natural resources and geographical location.
Norte Santander has been the birthplace of many famous Colombians, such as Francisco de Paula Santander (precursor of independence), Camilo Daza (precursor of Colombian aviation), Virgilio Barco (ex-president of the Republic) and José Eusebio Caro (important writer and founder of the Conservative Party), as well as Fabiola Zuluaga (considered the best tennis player in the country).
The coffee region
The "Coffee Triangle" is one of Colombia's must-sees. Characterized by its coffee plantations stretching as far as the eye can see, against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the Eje Cafetero comprises the departments of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas. It is here, on the high Andean plateaus of western Colombia, that almost 10% of the world's coffee is grown, at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,800 m. Hiking in the Cocora Valley, trekking in the Nevados park, discovering coffee growing in a finca, horseback riding.. Interactive presentation of the coffee region.
San Andres & Providencia
The Caribbean archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina is a paradise island of warm, crystal-clear waters, sunny blue skies, tropical forests, pirate legends and friendly inhabitants living in colorful houses... This hilly island, simply held back by the coral reef, is an absolute dream in the heart of the ocean. The richness and beauty of its seabed have earned it the title of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It deserves its nickname of "the flower of the ocean" Interactive presentation of San Andres Island.
Le Santander
With its impressive landscapes, typical villages and powerful rivers, the department of Santander is a privileged destination. Perched on a promontory overlooking the valley of the Suarez River, Barichara is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the country; on your return from a sporting excursion in the area, you're sure to appreciate the peace and quiet of this pleasant little town, where several Colombian telenovelas were filmed. San Gil is the ideal starting point for rafting and canoeing. Finally, the impressive Chicamocha canyon is home to majestic waterfalls and untamed nature.
The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is one of South America's most beautiful and impressive mountain ranges. The El Cocuy National Park, whose highest peak is Ritacuba Blanco (5,330 m), is attracting an increasing number of hikers. A number of trekking trails allow you to explore the region, with its grandiose landscapes, glacial lakes, diverse vegetation and snow-capped peaks
The Tolima
In the heart of the Andes, this region lies between Bogotá and the coffee-growing region. Its capital Ibagué is known for its warm climate and gastronomic specialties such as Tamale (a recipe cooked in banana leaves) or Lechona (stuffed suckling pig). It is also a city with an important musical tradition in Colombia, as witnessed by the annual Festival and National Reign of Folklore.
Amazonia
Medellin & Antioquia
The Atlantico
Bogota and surroundings
The Boyaca
Cartagena de Indias
Los LLanos
César
The Pacific Coast
Darién
La Guajira
Huila & Cauca
Caribbean Islands
Sierra Nevada and Tayrona Park
Le Meta
Mompox
Nariño and Putumayo
Le Norte Santander
The coffee region
San Andres & Providencia
Le Santander
The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
The Tolima
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From Guaviare to San Agustin: Archaeological Colombia tour
Romantic getaway tour in Colombia
