Colombia is one of the best countries to visit as a tourist. It is rushing into an excellent future that is full of peace and prosperity. The country has diverse landscapes, and you will find everything here, from beaches to jungles, mountains, and deserts.
Besides that, Colombia hospitality is one of the best things you will experience. The people are warm, welcoming, and friendly to tourists from everywhere. Just be sure to gather your Pre-Check Mig form and all related documents to enter the country with ease.
Once you do, here are the best cities to discover in Colombia.
Bogota
Of course, any list of Colombia will be incomplete without Bogota, as it is the capital of the country. The city is also known as the Athens of South America, and the cultural hub is La Candeleria, a historic downtown. Almost all travelers that visit Bogota visit this downtown to take in the rich history of the country.
Besides that, you have to visit the Museum of Gold, which is the top cultural attraction in the city. After that, you can head over to North Bogota if you want to visit the best restaurants and shops. You will never get tired of the urban sophistication and colonial charm of Bogota.
Cartagena
If you want to immerse yourself in fantastic history and idyllic beaches, then Cartagena should be on the top of your list. It is a Caribbean paradise that everyone falls in love with. If you are a history buff, you will love Cartagena’s Old Town, and the beach lovers will love the islands all around.
When you are in Cartagena, you should not miss out on the amazing seafood that the city has to offer, such as Pargo Frito or the ceviches. You can also take day trips to nearby islands to relax and recharge. While the nightlife is not as bursting as Bogota or Medellin, you will still find a lot to do here.
Medellin
Medellin is the second-largest city in Bogota and is also known as the City of Eternal Spring. If you want to make the most of your time here, you should start from Botero Plaza, visit the Museum of Antioquia, then make your way to the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, and finally Comuna 13. The city has many cable cars that link the settlements in the hills with the valley below.
Finally, you should not miss out on Medellin’s trendiest place, which is El Poblado. Over here, you will find the best boutique shops, restaurants, hotels, and much more. There is a lot to do in Medellin, which is why you might want to spend more than a day here.
The Lost City
If you want to hike to a lost city hidden deep inside the mountains, the Lost City four-day trek is ideal for you. The city was rediscovered in the 70s and is known to be occupied by Tayrona Indians between the eighth and fourteenth centuries. The Lost City is known to be the largest pre-Columbian settlement in the area.
Remember that if you want to visit this city, you will not be allowed to trek independently. You must go with an approved tour operator, who will offer a guide and meals for the trek. It is also not an easy trek because it is never flat, but the views are spectacular, and you will be treated to fantastic jungle views, ponds, and rivers throughout the way.
Manizales
Manizales is a beautiful city that is tucked inside the Andes Mountains and is between Bogota and Medellin. The city is filled with steep hills, coffee farms, big universities, and much more. Manizales has a hip and youthful atmosphere, which is why you will love visiting this place.
If you are here during the second week of January, you have to experience the Manizales Fair, which is a national cultural heritage. It has parades, bullfighting, the International Coffee Beauty Pageant, and much more. You can visit the Parque de Los Nevados and witness the snow-capped volcanoes to see the world’s only pink lava.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is the historic center of Colombia that is filled with endless colonial buildings. It is one of the oldest towns that Europeans found, and it lies on the Caribbean Coast. Of course, the best part about this city is the pristine beaches you will find everywhere.
If you love doing water sports and activities, you will love spending your time in Santa Marta. The seafood is amazing, and there is a lot to do on the beaches. You can also just lounge here and spend a relaxing day doing nothing but enjoying the beach.
Cali
Cali is one of the most charming up-and-coming cities you will find in Colombia. It is the world capital of salsa dancing, and the city has endless salsa bars for you to experience. If you want to go to the best salsa bar, visit the Juanchito neighborhood and go in with anyone.
So, if you are looking to have fun and wild nightlife, there is no better city than Cali to visit. There are also some fantastic restaurants in the city, and the Afro-Colombian cultural heritage will blow your mind away. The city is mostly overlooked by tourists who come to Colombia, but it is one of the top places.
Conclusion best cities to discover in Colombia
These are the top seven cities you need to visit when you are in Colombia. When you visit the country, you should leave behind anything you have heard of it before because Colombia is not the same as its history. It has recovered since its gangster days, and you will have a great time here. Be sure to have a valid passport, visa, and a Pre-Check Mig form to enter the country peacefully. Once you do, there are any gems to explore that you will fall in love with within no time.
When you are going to travel to Colombia and you are looking for a itinerary you can use our Colombia itinerary. You can use our itinerary as a basis or simple copy it.
