Colombia Things to Do

  Metrocable
by surgeondryhog
 
  • Metrocable
      Metrocable
    by surgeondryhog
  • taking a volcano mud bath
      taking a volcano mud bath
    by hanspeter_W.
  • indigenous tapir
      indigenous tapir
    by richiecdisc
  • Plaza de Caycedo
      Plaza de Caycedo
    by mircaskirca
  • Marimonda characters
      Marimonda characters
    by mircaskirca
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Colombia

26.

La Candelaria and Downtown   Bogotá

La Candelaria and Downtown, Bogotá

 60 Reviews  For anyone interested in art, Museo Botero has to be very top of the list of things to do in Bogotá. The magnificent 208-piece collection was donated by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero... 

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27.

Old City   Cartagena

Old City, Cartagena

 1 Review  The old city is encircled by walls that are 12 foot in height. Inside you willl find restaurants, a plaza with a statue of Simon Bolivar the liberator. You will also see beautiful flowers hanging over... 

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28.

Monserrate   Bogotá

Monserrate, Bogotá

 25 Reviews  Cerro de Monserrate is the main symbol of Bogotá. This peak of 3.160m is a famous religious site though many come for its spectacular view. On the top of the mountain is a church with a statue of the... 

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29.

Plaza de Bolivar   Cartagena

Plaza de Bolivar, Cartagena

 1 Review  Parque Simon Bolivar. This park is homage to Simon Bolivar who liberated Cartagena. During the day the park is full of people drinking coffee and watching the world go by. Plenty of people selling... 

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30.

Plaza Bolivar   Bogotá

Plaza Bolivar, Bogotá

 31 Reviews  The obvious highlight of Plaza de Bolivar is Catedral Primada. The largest of Bogota's churches has a storied past of destruction be it by poor construction or earthquake but what stands today dates... 

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31.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas   Cartagena

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena

 2 Reviews  The Fort San Felipe is an amazing fort, build around 1639 and completed in 1789. The fort guarded the people of Cartagena from pirates. Great views of the city from the top of the fort. You can take a... 

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32.

Gold Museum   Bogotá

Gold Museum, Bogotá

 20 Reviews  Bogota's Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) houses the finest collection of pre-Columbian gold in the world, boasting 33.000 individual pieces, from simple earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and figurines... 

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33.

Plaza de la Inquisicion   Cartagena

Plaza de la Inquisicion, Cartagena

 2 Reviews  Inquisition Palace was built around 1770 for the Inquisition Tribunal. You can take a tour with a guide or you can walk around on your own. The tour guides wait inside and when you pay your entrance... 

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34.

National Museum   Bogotá

National Museum, Bogotá

 10 Reviews  This is the museum for all Colombians, and when I went there, there were several schoolchildren enjoying the exhibits. The museum has a collection of more than 20,000 objects that are symbols of... 

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35.

Convent of San Pedro Claver   Cartagena

Convent of San Pedro Claver, Cartagena

 1 Review  San Pedro Claver church was founded by the Jesuits in the early part of the 17th century. The church was originally named San Ignacio de Loyola (founder of the Jesuits) and was later renamed San Pedro... 

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36.

Daytrips   Bogotá

Daytrips, Bogotá

 5 Reviews  It is relatively easy to visit the Salt Cathedral by public transportation. Ask at your hotel for exact directions but in general one takes the very efficient Trans-Millenio bus system to Portal... 

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37.

Monumento a las India Catalina.   Cartagena

Monumento a las India Catalina., Cartagena

 1 Review  You will find this monument at the bus station just outside the wall. However the people of Cartagena want it moved as they say it is not fully appreciated by the locals. The monument is a beautiful... 

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38.

Presidential Palace   Bogotá

Presidential Palace, Bogotá

 4 Reviews  I read that it might be a little tricky having pictures taken by the gate of the Presidential Palace, but I tried anyway. The guards were okay with it and just told me to do it quickly...they are... 

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Salento & the Zona Cafetera

by richiecdisc

The Zona Cafetera is the place most travelers to Colombia envision when they think of the country whether the know it or not just as Juan Valdez is the mustachioed image of its inhabitants. Cocaine may have grabbed all the headlines but coffee is a buzz that's not only legal but malleable. While it's the everyday drink of the common man it doubles easily as the posh beverage of the elite who can afford it. But those verdant green hills encircling you are not just good for growing beans, there are trails to be trekked and villages to be explored. One such town is wonderful Salento. Full of colorful paisa architecture, it is pleasant in its own right but serves well also as the jumping off point to nearby nature reserves, coffee plantations, and towering palms. Though still primarily the domain of Colombian tourists, backpackers are a steady part of the mix that will likely grow...

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a real Colombian destination: Santa Marta

by richiecdisc

Santa Marta is a study in contrast. On one hand, it is very much a major tourist destination and even that is two-pronged. It is one of the most popular beach resorts for Colombians who flock to enjoy its easy access sand and surf, waterfront restaurants, and affordable accommodation. It is also a hub for international backpackers intent on enjoying some of Colombia's most desirable sights like Tayrona National Park and the trek to La Ciudad Perdida. But it is also America's oldest city though in its current state of disrepair one could be forgiven for retaining such romantic notions for its nearby rival Cartagena, which has been much better preserved. All that seems to be changing with renovation of any remaining colonial architecture under way but you can't fix what has been torn down so you cannot expect Santa Marta to regain its glorious past intact. No, it will always be a bit of a...

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Popayán

by richiecdisc

In a country filled with colonial gems, Popayán stands out even in Colombia. While it may lack the cobblestone streets of Villa de Leyva, hilly perspective of Barichara, and mixed tropical flair of Cartagena, it has an amazingly large assemblage of perfectly preserved chalk-white colonial buildings interspersed with a fine collection of churches. That it became the most important stop on the trading route between Cartagena and Quito is only more impressive in light of a storied history ravaged only too often by earthquakes. But La Ciudad Blanca or White City is more than its history. It is a thriving and authentic city that takes great pride in its past but embraces the future without losing sight of its present day stature as an up and coming tourist center for the southwest of Colombia. As the country rightfully grows into one of the continents most popular destinations, Popayán will...

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El Cocuy National Park

by richiecdisc

Long off limit due to a high concentration of guerrilla occupation,El Cocuy National Park had a bit of a mystical cult reputation for those wanting to explore its considerable charms but standing on the outskirts of this forbidden land. Though only established as a national park in 1977, the vast and varied park of over 1000 square miles has been the draw of human awe much longer with 15 peaks over 5000 meters, the largest glaciated region in South America above the Equator, and a diverse species of flora and fauna befitting its varying terrain from over 5000 to 600 meters. Ironically, no sooner did it gain national park status and visitation became impossible due to the aforementioned occupation.Of course, places of such incredible beauty will gain notoriety no matter how remote and difficult to visit. Perhaps its inaccessibility is what helps create such strong desire in the first...

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Barichara

by richiecdisc

Colombia is blessed with a plethora of atmospheric colonial towns but none more stunningly gorgeous than quiet little Barichara . It has the same white-washed simple buildings with requisite wooden balconies and its share of beautiful old churches as you might find elsewhere but what sets it apart is its hilly topography. The vantage points gained by climbing a few hills make for great photographic opportunities. Add to that one of the most pleasant main squares found anywhere in South America and a few choice eateries and you have a recipe for a very satisfying step into the past. Those steps are not so hard of the feet either. Unlike colonial rival Villa de Leyva whose streets are made of large cobblestone, Barichara's empty streets are made of larger flat rocks that looks nearly as scenic but surely make strolling around the town that much more a joy.

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the trek to La Ciudad Perdida

by richiecdisc

La Ciudad Perdida has not only a rich and lengthy history but a storied recent past as well. Though settlement in the vicinity dates back perhaps a far as the 7th century and the actual structures' construction to between the 11th and 14th, the “Lost City” was just that until the early 1970s when local grave-robbers happened upon the jungle-strewn ruins of the indigenous Tayrona people. The terraced structures that remain incredibly well-preserved even today were mere platforms on which the wooden thatched homes of the Tayrona were built.Even after its “discovery,” the area was far from settled and remained in a state of turmoil first with grave-robber gangs fighting over the spoils and then with cocaine cartels using the perfect growing conditions and inaccessibility to their best advantage. This was in great conflict with its tourist development and in the early years of this, a few...

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Villa de Leyva

by richiecdisc

Though no longer the hidden gem Colonial town of yore, Villa de Leyva remains not only one of Colombia's can't miss attractions but also one of its most charming if not totally unspoiled destinations. For the well-healed it has perhaps the greatest variety of eating/nightlife options outside of the big cities and one would be hard-pressed to not be impressed with its plethora of white-washed Colonial buildings set on seemingly endless cobblestone streets. With its proximity to Bogota it is no wonder it can be overrun on weekends with the capital's inhabitants looking for a piece of a rapidly disappearing simpler time but if you time your visit for mid-week, you should find the town every bit as charming if a bit more expensive than in its less glorified if more glorious past. However you slice it, Villa de Leyva awaits.

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Tayrona National Park's Magnificent Beaches

by richiecdisc

Rightfully one of Colombia's most popular destinations, Tayrona National Park is most closely associated with breathtaking coastal scenery but the park encompasses 12 hectares of land with some of it rain forest close to 1000 meters and lowlands of brown desert-like hills. Most who visit only see the park's hallmark beaches shaded by towering coconut palms and perhaps a brief climb to indigenous Tayrona ruins in the most accessible highlands so the misconception of the park is easy to understand. To be fair, these areas are more than enough to warrant a visit to this stunning piece of paradise and it is easy enough to get lost doing just that for a number of days.

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Bogotá

by richiecdisc

Bogotá. The most dangerous city in South America. The kidnapping capital of the world. Say what you like about the capital of Colombia but quiet and unassuming it is not. Reputations are funny things though and rarely are entities able to live up to them. This bodes well for what is otherwise one of the nicest of South American capitals and while perhaps not the very safest, certainly not more dangerous than many others. Can you walk around in the middle of the night irrespective of the neighborhood? No, but that could be said of any number of cities, big or small around the world. Is it a good idea to flash your wealth like a royal flush? No, everyone knows a player is always best keeping his cards to himself. Talking to strangers again? Didn't your mother warn you against exactly this very thing?Bogotá like all big cities, especially those in South America, requires a bit of caution...

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Cartagena

by richiecdisc

Immortalized though admittedly not referred to directly by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in “Love in the time of Cholera,” Cartagena de Indias may not be immediately recognized by those who come expecting the dilapidated colonial architecture, colorful slave quarters, and rat-infested sewers of the author's time. But make no mistake, despite a restoration that would make the destroyed WWII countries of Europe proud, it manages to ooze at least some of the sensuality and still much of the vitality of Marquez's novel. As romantic as a less pristine vision of Cartagena may be, there is little denying just how gorgeous a city it has grown to be. It is heralded as the most beautiful in all of South America and it is easy to see why, with fairy tale balconied colonial gems strewn with bougainvilleas at every turn. It's no wonder it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Fun things to do in Colombia

Top 3 Hotels in Colombia

Embassy Suites Hotel Bogota-Rosales  Bogotá

 2 Reviews and 86 Opinions  Hotel location was perfect. 30 minutes from airport, Great location, with Great reaturant accross... 

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Casa El Carretero  Cartagena

 109 Opinions

 Hotels in Cartagena

Cali Plaza  Cali

 8 Reviews and 66 Opinions  My husband and I stayed at Cali Plaza Hotel while visiting family in Cali. We enjoyed the hotel an... 

 Hotels in Cali

509 Hotels in Colombia
 
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Reviews and photos of Colombia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Colombia sightseeing.

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Things to Do: Cities in Colombia
  1. Bogotá Things to Do
  2. Cartagena Things to Do
  3. Cali Things to Do
  4. Santa Marta Things to Do
  5. Barranquilla Things to Do
  6. Isla de San Andrés Things to Do
  7. Medellín Things to Do
  8. Parque Tayrona Things to Do
  9. Medellín Things to Do
  10. Popayán Things to Do
  11. Villa de Leiva Things to Do
  12. Salento Things to Do
  13. San Andrés Things to Do
  14. Manizales Things to Do
  15. Taganga Things to Do
  16. Bucaramanga Things to Do
  17. Isla de Providencia Things to Do
  18. Cartagena Things to Do
  19. Ciudad Perdida Things to Do
  20. Mompós Things to Do
  21. Zipaquirá Things to Do
  22. San Agustín Things to Do
  23. Palmira Things to Do
  24. Isla Gorgona Things to Do
  25. Guatapé Things to Do
  26. Armenia Things to Do
  27. Cartagena Things to Do
  28. Pasto Things to Do
  29. San Gil Things to Do
  30. Silvia Things to Do
  31. Cocuy Things to Do
  32. Capurganá Things to Do
  33. Leticia Things to Do
  34. Tunja Things to Do
  35. Barichara Things to Do
  36. Manzanillo del Mar Things to Do
  37. Santa Fe Things to Do
  38. Las Lajas Things to Do
  39. Ipiales Things to Do
  40. Tolù Things to Do
  41. Naranjal Things to Do
  42. Laguna La Cocha Things to Do
  43. Anapoima Things to Do
  44. El Cocuy Things to Do
  45. Tabio Things to Do
  46. Pereira Things to Do
  47. Ibagué Things to Do
  48. Columbia Things to Do
  49. Ráquira Things to Do

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Popular Regions in Colombia

Departamento de Cundinamarca Things to Do  Departamento de Bolívar Things to Do  Departamento del Magdalena Things to Do  Intendenciade San Andrés y Providencia Things to Do  Departamento del Valle del Cauca Things to Do  Departamento de Antioquia Things to Do  Departamento del Atlántico Things to Do  Departamento del Cauca Things to Do  Departamento de Boyacá Things to Do  Departamento del Quindío Things to Do  Departmento de Santander Things to Do  Departamento de Nariño Things to Do  Departamento de Caldas Things to Do  Departamento del Huila Things to Do  Departamento de La Guajira Things to Do  Departamento del Chocó Things to Do 

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Q:  Hola Travelers - I'm planning a three week trip to Colombia. What is the cheapest way to fly from Bogota to Cali, from Cali to... 

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A: bookmarking 

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