If you want to see some spectacular sights in Colombia, there are several places to visit. Here are a few: Cano Cristales, Valle de Cocora, and Los Nevados National Park. There are also plenty of museums and cultural sights to see. If you are traveling alone, you can visit all of these places and see the country’s most beautiful sights by car. But, if you are planning a vacation for a group of people, don’t forget to bring some of your favorite travel companions!
Valle de Cocora
The coffee triangle region is a unique combination of hot, tropical coastal regions and emerald-green hills of the Coffee Triangle. Bogota, the country’s third-highest capital, boasts several snow-capped mountains, a pristine lake, and many other attractions. The country’s tourism industry is the most diverse in the world, and Colombia has something to offer every type of traveler.
The national tree of Colombia is the wax palm, and there is no better place to view them than in the lush green landscape of Colombia’s Cocora Valley. Visitors can take in the landscape on several different modes of transportation, including horseback riding, Jeep tours, or a six-hour hike. The valley is filled with natural beauty, which is why it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Colombia.
A day spent hiking in the valley is an experience you’ll never forget. This Colombian national park is relatively inexpensive, even by international standards. Admission to the park costs only COP3,000 per person, so you can spend up to 18 hours exploring it. However, a day in Cocora may not be cheap; a small bottle of rum can cost as much as $20. It’s also a good idea to pack rubber boots and a lightweight rain jacket. madisonsdish.com
Ciudad Perdida
If you’re planning to visit Colombia, you should definitely include Ciudad Perdida on your itinerary. This ancient city was built by the Tayrona people around 800 AD, but was forgotten once the Spaniards arrived. Only in the 1970s were the remains of the city discovered again, and the town’s ruins can only be reached on foot. The five-hour trek through lush rainforest will test your endurance and make you want to stay at a hotel nearby!
This ancient city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 5 or six-day trek is required to reach this site, which is populated with ruins of an ancient city. The city is one of the top tourist attractions in Colombia, and is a must-see for any trip. The ruins are spectacular and should not be missed! To get there, book a tour in advance. https://forum.cs-cart.com/user/179106-madisonsdish/
Cano Cristales
If you love rivers, you must visit Cano Cristales. The emerald green water of this river is absolutely breathtaking. You can also swim in its clear, turquoise water and take in the incredibly diverse plant life. The Cano Cristales national park is located near the small town of La Macarena. It’s best to visit this national park from July to November, when the sub-aquatic plants in the area bloom. The rest of the year, they regenerate and soak up the sun.
The ecosystem of Cano Cristales is so vast that it only supports a limited number of visitors. To ensure its health, more park officials must be employed to keep it clean. The pandemic has also provided a rare opportunity for the park authorities to reduce the number of visitors. The disease has also allowed the region to prioritize its health, and 10 ecotourism trails have reopened.
Los Nevados National Park
In the Cocora Valley, Los Nevados National Natural Park is a volcanic park in the country’s south-central region. Its peaks reach up to 2,500 metres, and the park is known for its hiking trails. It also boasts snow-capped peaks. There are four official access points to the park, including the town of Manizales, which is a popular destination for tourists. However, most travelers prefer the less-busy town of Salento, which is only about three kilometers from the park’s official entrance.
The Los Nevados National Park is dominated by five snow-capped volcanoes and a staggering diversity of ecosystems. You’ll find high-altitude cloud forests and paramo vegetation here, as well as wetlands and lunar landscapes. You’ll find rare species of animals, plants, and trees in the park, as well as a variety of birds. Taking a trip to Los Nevados is a surefire way to experience one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Colombia.
Carnaval de Barranquilla
Barranquilla is home to one of the world’s largest carnivals – the Carnaval de Barranquilla. This four-day street party attracts international and domestic tourists. The vibrant parades feature costumes and musical performances from Colombian and Caribbean origins. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the festivities, although admission to the carnival may be expensive.
The Barranquilla Carnival is the second largest pre-lenten celebration in the world. This colorful, cosmopolitan festival is located on the northern coast of Colombia. It is the country’s fourth-largest city and is an eclectic melting pot of cultures. In fact, the city’s carnival has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
While the celebrations in Barranquilla can be a bit crowded, they are a unique experience. The parade starts on a Saturday and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. For the past decade, the parade has taken place on Highway 40. Recently, it has moved to other streets, including Olaya Herrera avenue and 43rd Street. In addition to the floats, there are national and international singers on board. As the parade has become increasingly popular, spectators now sit in palcos instead of on foot.
Santuario de Las Lajas
If you have never been to the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Las Lajas, this must-see attraction in southern Columbia should be on your bucket list. The church is located in the municipality of Ipiales in the Nario Department and is situated in a canyon along the Guáitara River. This stunning setting makes the Santuario de Las Lajas one of the 10 best tourist attractions in Colombia.
Located in the southwest of Colombia, Santuario de Las Lajas has stunning architecture and numerous legends involving the Holy Virgin Mary. Located on a 130-foot bridge over the Guaitara river, the church is less than seven miles from the Ecuadorian border. Worshipers built the beautiful structure from 1916 to 1953, and it boasts an ornate ceiling and cascada.
The road from Ipiales to Popayan is a scenic and decent road. A taxi will cost about $15-20, depending on the distance. Getting to this beautiful mountain town from the city of Bogota will only take you about 2 hours. If you are traveling solo, it would be best to leave your car in Ipiales, as it is not recommended at night.
Monserrate
You must visit Mount Monserrate while visiting Colombia. It is a place of spiritual importance and has been a part of Colombian culture since pre-Colombian times. Today, it is a significant religious symbol. The view from Monserrate is truly awe-inspiring. You can take a cable car ride up the mountain to experience the view. If you’re traveling with children, consider taking a cable car. If you’re looking for an easier way to experience the view, there’s also a funicular railway. However, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, the cable car is your best bet.
The mountain is over 3,152 meters high, making it one of the highest points in Bogota. This mountain serves as a sacred place of pilgrimage, and the 17th century church on top features a shrine to the local saint, El Senor Caido. There are also several restaurants and cafes on the mountain that you can enjoy. If you’re visiting Bogota, Monserrate is definitely worth visiting.
Cartagena’s Old Town
Visitors to Cartagena will find enough sights and activities to keep them busy for several days. You can spend your days visiting museums and galleries, or take a stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets. You can even climb the city walls in the Old Town. You can also try some delicious seafood at the Cafe Del Mar in El Centro, and enjoy the nightlife at one of the many nightclubs.
You’ll also want to check out the local art market, or Bazurto, just outside the walled city. This bustling market has everything you’d expect to see in a tourist town. Many locals consider it noisy, dirty, and chaotic, but it’s worth checking out. If you’re looking for some souvenirs, head over to El Paraiso, a popular gift shop.
There are many other museums to visit, including the Spanish Inquisition Museum. The Catedral was completed around 1770, and features a stone door inlaid with a shield-shaped emblem. You can also view relics of torture, including the equipment used on victims during interrogations. While some of the items were removed from display as of 2015, the museum remains an important place to visit.