When you’ve any preconceived notions about what Colombia is or isn’t, visiting this astonishing nation will throw you for a loop. As soon as related to the drug commerce and violent cartels, Colombia and its outdated Hollywood photos are giving option to a rustic that’s preferrred for studying salsa, exploring colonial cities, and swimming with dolphins.
Although some vacationers are hesitant about visiting Colombia, locals will all the time remark, “The only risk is wanting to stay.” They acknowledge the nation’s turbulent previous however spotlight its new child attractiveness. This sentiment factors to how the present Colombian journey expertise is a minimum of charming.
This nation of quaint cities, historic intrigue, and elegant nationwide parks is simply ready to be found. Boasting a number of the lesser-known Latin American sights, little-visited architectural treats, sweeping landscapes, scorching salsa, and the perfect boutique motels in South America, Colombia packs an actual punch on your all-important adventure-filled getaway.
Under, we have a look at locations that tour operators have discovered to be probably the most rewarding journey locations in Colombia – one of many world’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Whether or not you’re into journey sports activities, flamboyant fiestas, architectural wonders, or unique wildlife encounters – a brand new, magnetic Colombia is asking.
1. Cartagena: Colombia’s flagship metropolis
It’s a no brainer why guests to Colombia select Cartagena as their prime vacation spot. They’re drawn by town’s historic Previous City district, an irresistible maze of cobblestone streets brimming with stately colonial church buildings, convents, and mansions relationship again to the Seventeenth century. Including to the alluring combine, different colonial-era constructions have been painstakingly reworked into all method of refined motels, stylish eating places, and scorching nightclubs – changing the district right into a magnet for worldwide vacationers.
One other inviting characteristic of Previous City is its six miles of a centuries-old stone wall encircling the historic quarter; the wall was constructed to guard the district from pirate assaults and overseas invaders. Thankfully, a lot of this metropolis inside a metropolis stays splendidly preserved.
As additional safety, standing on a hill above the Previous Metropolis is the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress – the best citadel ever constructed by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. In its day, the fort was impregnable, resisting all makes an attempt to storm it. As we speak, this huge fortification is a part of the Cartagena UNESCO World Heritage Web site, whose ramparts, tunnels, and parapets are explored by historical past buffs and vacationers alike.
After a full day of deep diving into Previous City’s historic edifications, streets, eating places, and retailers, guests can head to one in every of its well-known salsa golf equipment to witness and take part on one of many nation’s most vital cultural expressions – and have a ton of enjoyable within the course of. Spend the night time at a famed Previous City salsa nightclub like Casa Havana or Donde Fidel, the place effort, fairly than method, is all that issues!
Elegant Cartagenian lodging
Colombia’s crown jewel on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging mix timeless colonial character with luxurious fashionable consolation.
Positioned inside the walled metropolis are quite a few smaller, high-end boutique motels comparable to Casa Pestagua, Casa San Agustin, and Resort Boutique Anandá, in addition to the bigger Sofitel Santa Clara. Our favourite is Casa San Agustin. You too are certain to search out it a surprising instance of a top-tier lodge serving up the right stability of rest and cultural immersion inside Previous City.
San Agustin consists of three homes “re-designed as an ode to our past and with an eye for the future,” evoking Colombian heritage in each element but coupled with fashionable luxurious for probably the most demanding traveler. Picket-beamed ceilings and wall frescos infuse one’s stick with the appeal of San Agustin’s Seventeenth-century beginnings because the breeze off the Caribbean Sea wanders over the white-washed partitions.
Nonetheless, different opulent Cartegena motels are located outdoors town’s historic heart alongside its scenic shoreline. Accommodations just like the InterContinental Cartagena and Karibana Seashore and Golf Resort artfully merge streamlined, up to date structure with coastal-inspired decor for a luxuriant seaside resort expertise with quick access to Cartagena’s historic Previous City.
For vacationers searching for each authenticity and indulgence, Cartagena’s luxurious lodging provide not simply lavish locations to remain, however gateways to town’s wealthy tradition and scenic magnificence.
2. Bogota: The place modernity meets custom
A thriving, fashionable South American metropolis of 8 million, the Colombian capital of Bogota provides nightlife, tradition, and music in spades.
Because the beating coronary heart of Bogota is the La Candelaria district, no go to to the capital could be full with out spending a while on this vibrant quarter of brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored Artwork Deco buildings. On this historic district, even probably the most non-descript corners are adorned with a number of the world’s coolest road artwork, which is sure to vary your maybe jaded notion of graffiti.
However greater than road murals, a wealth of top-tier artwork galleries and museums await discovery in La Candelaria. First amongst these is the Botero Museum, the place you’ll marvel on the fantastical work of the nation’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Close by, you’ll strike it wealthy when discovering a museum of gold and, simply past, a priceless assortment of charming pre-Colombian artifacts.
Different corners of town’s cultural scene are additionally exploding, together with stately theatrical productions, cutting-edge movie festivals, and booming live performance arenas the place musicians following within the footsteps of one-time residents Shakira, Juanes, and Fonseca combine pop, rock, and conventional cumbia into a brand new Colombian musical type.From the colourful cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to the thumping techno-nightlife of Parque de la 93, Bogota provides sights, sounds, and pleasures for all tastes, ages, and pursuits.
Refined lodging in Bogota
The colourful capital of Colombia, Bogotá offers discerning vacationers with an excellent selection of upscale lodging, offering each elegant consolation and sensible sophistication, in addition to glorious service.
Nestled amidst town’s bustling city setting, these fashionable stays superbly meld into the busy city setting whereas additionally deeply connecting to native tradition. A spotlight of those motels is they supply respite from the big-city hustle and bustle, whether or not located towards Bogota’s inexperienced foothills, like Casa Medina, or situated within the pulsating Zona Rosa leisure district, comparable to Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia.
For a high-end keep within the metropolis’s historic Candelaria district, Resort de La Opera is an genuine jewel and our favourite. Due to its location within the metropolis’s colonial coronary heart, La Opera permits friends to discover the beginnings of Colombia, in addition to Bogota’s wealthy heritage. Set in a restored colonial constructing that oozes historical past, the lodge’s rooms characteristic traditional decor with all the fashionable comforts. On the lodge’s two onsite eating places, guests savor true Colombian and Mediterranean eating. Superb for city explorers, Resort de la Opera guarantees an distinctive keep in Bogotá’s most charming district.
Why keep wherever else apart from this or different high-end lodging within the Colombian capital; ones that completely pair refreshing city journey and indulgent rest.
3. Cali: “The world capital of salsa”
Southwest Colombia’s main metropolis has seen a colourful inflow of individuals all through its historical past, from the indigenous peoples to the arrival of the Spanish throughout colonial rule and the African slaves that got here to work the sugarcane plantations within the 18th century. The native caleños couldn’t be prouder of their blended heritage, which brings cultural aptitude and elegance to each nook of town, qualities which are the residing embodiment of Cali’s well-known vitality.
By day, Cali provides a great deal of these worthwhile experiences, together with these within the San Antonio barrio, or Previous Cali, now the trendy place for budding bohemians. Colonial homes have been reworked into fashionable cafés, hipster bars have sprung up, and stylish eating places at the moment are the norm. On the cobbled streets, musicians strum salsa favorites and artists promote their wares. Saunter as much as the 18th-century church the place {couples} sit and benefit from the metropolis views. For the larger image, climb even additional up the hill to the big statue of Christ the Redeemer for panoramic views over the sprawling metropolis beneath.
However it’s at night time when Cali actually takes off. That is once you’ll quickly get the texture of this sultry metropolis by exploring its up-and-coming eating places, stylish bars, cafés, and sassy salsa venues throughout city. The dynamic neighborhood of Granada, an space flush with the perfect eating places on the town, is a superb location to begin in for drinks and dinner earlier than winding up on La Sexta (sixth Avenue) and hitting the golf equipment.
Salsa could be the key draw for guests, however you don’t should be a dance ground diva to fall in love with this dynamic metropolis of enjoyable and aptitude.
Upbeat Cali motels
As increasingly more well-heeled vacationers are flocking to the “salsa capital of the world,” to accommodate these globetrotting friends, Cali is seeing a rising variety of luxurious motels – ones combining historic appeal with fashionable class and personalised service.
Towards the backdrop of scenic mountainsides, these high-end properties of recent sophistication and refined style mix with the energetic cultural character of town.
Posh lodging like The Spiwak and Casa San Agustín are strategically situated away from the enterprise heart, although near main sights comparable to town’s hip retrofitted historic districts, a classy restaurant row, and animated nightlife the place salsa tradition takes heart stage.
Although town itself is understood for being pumped with vitality, inside these lodge settings a peaceable environment reigns. Company can loosen up and reinvigorate at these upscale lodging, availing themselves of serene courtyards, world-class spas, and infinity swimming pools to die for.
Finishing an expertise in pure indulgence, lavish rooms and suites of those retreats come full with all of the bells and whistles, from fashionable decor to luxurious linens. In-house eating excellence is one other characteristic value spotlighting, as connoisseur cooks present a brand new culinary expertise, mixing native flavors with worldwide delicacies.
Among the most snug and complicated lodging in Cali, these luxurious choices are ideally set for rest and concrete journey, encapsulating the eagerness and vigor of this vibrant Colombian metropolis.
Every little thing you might want to plan your journey in 2024
4. The Espresso Triangle: Beautiful countryside and a fascinating conventional lifestyle
It’s well-known that Colombia virtually runs on espresso, which is why its producing a number of the greatest espresso on the planet is a supply of nice pleasure and delight. Owing to fertile mountain hillsides that ship excellent soil and barely cooler temperatures, the final word situations for bean cultivation have blessed Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Espresso Triangle), an space spanning three of the nation’s departments rising Colombia’s magic arabica beans.
Within the triangle, enquiring vacationers are invited to take a deep dive into espresso tradition by means of fascinating day excursions and homey in a single day stays provided by family-run fincas (farms).
However, there’s much more to the area than a group of intriguing espresso plantations. An vital nook of Colombia’s well-known Espresso Triangle is Cocora Valley. Actually, that is what nearly each customer actually comes right here to see.
This peaceable valley is a conservation space for the famed Quindío wax palm tree. Strewn like large matchsticks throughout the panorama, these impossibly tall palm timber (the tallest on the planet) can develop as much as 200 ft excessive. The Cocora Valley subsequently invitations you to find these superb timber through its many footpaths or discover the superb valley on horseback.
Surrounded by breathtaking Andean surroundings and fertile countryside, the close by city of Salento definitely suits in with the colourful but peaceable panorama. Stroll down the primary road previous an excellent palette of vibrant crimson doorways, yellow balconies, blue banisters, purple window frames and pink eaves. Inside these stunning colonial homes, artisans are busy at work making all method of knickknacks utilizing conventional strategies. Leisurely walks in regards to the city might be mixed with close by espresso farm excursions and tastings in addition to explorations of the countryside on foot or horseback.
Prime-tier lodging within the Espresso Triangle
Whereas Colombia’s espresso triangle is understood for its rolling mountain landscapes and fragrant espresso plantations, the realm additionally provides a wide range of upscale lodging offering a compelling mix of luxurious and nature.
Extremely-extravagant hotel-haciendas within the area embrace the Buenavista Hacienda and Hacienda Bambusa. Nearer to the picturesque city of Salento is one other excellent lodge: the Kawa Mountain Retreat. It’s located in a privileged space the place mountains, palm forests, espresso fincas, and the river of this enchanting space meet. The mountain retreat provides friends full immersion in nature, with the additional benefit of reaching the scenic city of colourful colonial homes in lower than a 5-minute stroll.
An instance of environmental sustainability, the lodge was designed and developed with natural architectural processes in thoughts; discovering inspiration from its distinctive and numerous flora, framed inside the espresso triangle area. The retreat has all of the amenities of a pastoral, but elegant architectural house providing its friends an intimate reference to the pure setting, coupled with luxurious service.
5. Fashionable Medellín: Past the stereotypes
Although Medellin was as soon as often called the world’s most harmful metropolis, this former narco epicenter of the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar has been reworked into a contemporary metropolis that punches effectively above its weight.
As we speak, it’s simple to see why Medellin has earned the title of “The Most Livable City in South America;” it’s simple to get round in, blessed with a number of the greatest climate on the planet, über pleasant, and arguably much more enjoyable than the capital metropolis.
The town’s preferrred local weather signifies that there’s no excuse for staying pent up inside. By day, guests can get out and discover the El Centro district, the actual heartbeat of present-day Medellín. There, you’ll uncover the complete Plaza Botero full of larger-than-life bronze sculptures of native icon Fernando Botero. To realize an excellent deeper understanding of town’s previous, lose your self in an eye-opening graffiti tour by means of the once-dreaded/now-applauded Comuna 13 barrio.
It’s assured that after profiting from Medellin’s excellent local weather, limitless actions, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll end up wanting to stay round for weeks on finish.
Uncover Medellin’s most interesting upscale lodging
Medellín’s exceptional transformation in recent times is mirrored in an explosion in upscale lodging characterised by their mix of luxurious, consolation, and native aptitude.
Main Medellín motels in themselves are sufficient to put in writing residence about. Trendy frontrunners like The Charlee Resort, Resort Marquee, Casa Mosaiko Primer Parque Laureles are situated in prime areas, such because the unique El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, the place they will proudly boast of stylish interiors, up to date facilities, and attentive workers.
Our decide of the litter is Resort Charlee, now a Poblado mainstay. The second you pull as much as Charlee, you received’t fail to be impressed by its up to date design. Coming into your lavish room, it will likely be troublesome to inform in the event you’re extra impressed by the swank furnishings or the gorgeous metropolis views. And although the lodge is surrounded by town’s most fascinating eating places, golf equipment, and bars, it would even be troublesome to tug your self away from Resort Charlee’s world-class facilities – ones like its rooftop Envy pool and bar, gymnasium, wellness heart, on-site eating, and extra.
6. San Andres & Providencia islands: Paradise discovered
Frankly, there isn’t an awesome deal Colombian about San Andres Island and its neighboring Providencia Island. Sitting manner out within the Caribbean Sea, the cheerful, laidback environment of those sister magnificence spots feels a bit extra Jamaican, if something. Virtually 500 miles from continental Colombia, there aren’t any direct flights from the mainland, which signifies that inhabitants are additional reduce off from the remainder of Latin America. Due to this, you received’t hear Colombian Spanish spoken right here, however fairly English Creole, relationship manner again to when the island was a British colony. As for the affable inhabitants, they go about their days residing a conventional lifestyle, seemingly bored with making the most of the beautiful fantastic thing about their island residence.
As gorgeous as these islands are—with their white sandy shores, leaning palms, aquamarine waters, and out-of-this-world snorkeling—there’s a heat native vibe and never a high-rise lodge in sight. San Andres and Providencia tick each field for a dream tropical-island getaway, simply don’t be delay by the journey to get there! Many individuals are…which is why it stays spectacularly remoted, untainted by tourism.
A go to to both is all about switching off from life’s worries, even forgetting what time of day it’s and easily embracing the right here and now. Spend your time discovering abandoned sandy coves and strolling the quiet shoreline of those sun-kissed patches of paradise.
Luxurious retreats within the San Andres & Providencia islands
On these islands many luxurious motels — ones just like the Nattivo Assortment Resort (San Andres) and Posada Candy Anashly (Providencia) — vacationers are impressed by the native tradition. All of their diverse areas pay tribute to the cultural richness of the island, incorporating parts that replicate San Andres’ and Providencia’s essence. Posh lodging “merge with luxury experiences to fulfill the purpose of providing a pause in the daily rhythm, allowing reconnection with what normally goes unnoticed, thus making the invisible visible.”
These motels provide a wide range of companies comparable to connoisseur eating places, swimming swimming pools, solariums, occasion rooms, gyms and Jacuzzis to supply a singular expertise within the islands.
Accommodations situated even within the heart of those intimate islands place you simply three minutes from the seaside, giving friends simple and fast entry to the encompassing sea.
7. Journey awaits within the Colombian Amazon
An often-overlooked gem, the Colombian Amazon is magnificent. It’s a vibrant mixture of the canopied rainforest, far-out wildlife, and age-old Indigenous communities that stay in concord with the jungle. For the roving traveler, this may add as much as an exciting jungle journey or just a peaceable nature retreat.
The distant city of Leticia is the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon area, which makes up a 3rd of the nation. Studded proper within the southern tip of the nation, Leticia waits ever able to welcome guests due to its small airport, a clutch of motels, and its place subsequent to the commanding Amazon River itself, the place motorized boat journeys to the jungle start.
As Leticia is a border city on the river, you’ll be able to discover the Colombian facet and in addition simply jump over to Brazil for much more discoveries. On both facet, you’ll seemingly encounter indigenous teams and absolutely discover the wildlife, a key spotlight to any time spent right here.
A mesmeric nature hike can have you getting up near a plethora of birdlife, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and armadillos; then too, there’s all the time the possibility of recognizing a Pink river dolphin, an icon of the Amazon! Rachet your journey experiences up a notch by paddling out on a nocturnal canoe safari, the place the soundtrack of the jungle is certain to awaken your senses and stir your soul.
A tangle of impossibly inexperienced rainforest, snaking rivers, and conventional communities, Colombia’s share of the Amazon jungle is a legendary land begging to be skilled.
Amazonian rainforest retreats
For nature lovers, journey seekers, or just these on the lookout for a soothing getaway, the Colombian Amazon provides snug lodging that enable unforgettable jungle experiences.
For probably the most adventurous vacationers seeking to escape deep into the rainforest, you’ll be able to select amongst a number of rustic but restful choices, together with the Calanoa Jungle Lodge, Omshanty Jungle Lodge, and the Eware Amazon Lodge. Adopting conventional Colombian design, these constructions are constructed from pure supplies like bamboo, wooden, and thatched palm leaves, whereas the straightforward but ample interiors are fitted with mosquito-netted beds, open-air showers, and enjoyable hammocks.
Nevertheless, probably the most comfort-filled lodging within the area are provided on the Waira Suites. Although this snug 4-star lodge is situated inside the Amazonian outpost city of Leticia, guided excursions into lush rainforests are supplied. On this manner—with out sacrificing fashionable city facilities—you’ll be able to discover the Amazon rainforest on guided wildlife-watching excursions to identify Pink dolphins, raucous monkeys, and brilliantly coloured unique birds whereas mountain climbing and canoeing.
Whether or not rustic or extra refined, the lodges within the Colombian Amazon provide unforgettable experiences for exploring this breathtaking and biodiverse area.
8. From seashores to jungles in Tayrona Nationwide Park
What’s Tayrona Nationwide Park? Assume palm-lined tropical seashores and secluded coves; image a paradise of rest towards the dramatic backdrop of the looming coastal mountains.
Established as a nationwide park over a half-century in the past, Tayrona has been protected ever since, drawing in guests with its verdant jungles and golden seashores. The traditional Tayrona civilization as soon as flourished right here, as might be glimpsed by means of primeval websites like La Ciudad Perdida – actually, “The Lost City.” This mini-Machu Picchu is so deeply entwined within the jungle that it requires a three- or four-day hike to get there. That is however one of many a number of causes Tayrona Nationwide Park is the right playground for historical past lovers, nature seekers, and wanna-be Indiana Jones adventurers.
One other string in its bow is the gathering of superb seashores that hug the shoreline of Tayrona. Golden sands strewn with monumental boulders backdropped by gently swaying palm timber bestow a real paradise setting.
You received’t discover any super-glam resorts right here; a part of the area’s attract is the country really feel of the lodging scene, made up of thatched cabanas perched on the shorefront or beneath the palm tree cover; nonetheless, a dose of luxurious is thrown in only for good measure. So, with a mélange of protected jungle, back-to-nature lodging, idyllic seashores, pre-Columbian websites, and limitless spots for blissful rest, look no additional than Tayrona Nationwide Park. It’s to not be missed.
Prime-tier eco-lodges in Tayrona Nationwide Park
For guests eager to expertise such beautiful magnificence on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a number of upscale lodges and motels can be found to accommodate your keep on this gorgeous park. Lodges comparable to Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos (pictured), Villa Playa Tayrona, Villa Maria and Senda Watapuy are there so that you can spend days chilling out on sun-kissed seashores or wandering alongside the jungle trails that edge the shoreline. Not simply rustic huts stripped all the way down to the mere fundamentals, these are upscale lodges possessing fashionable facilities, serving scrumptious meals, and offering attentive service whereas proudly exhibiting off their exceptional indigenous Colombian structure.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is a jungle retreat simply minutes from the primary Zaino entrance to Tayrona Park. Out of your room’s non-public terrace, you’ll not solely have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Rio Piedra River but additionally the snow-covered summits of the Sierra Nevada – the world’s highest coastal mountain vary; or chill on the pool or wander on all the way down to an unspoiled, white-sand seaside. The lodge is attended by 24-hour workers, its rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with piping scorching water, and the lodge’s on-site restaurant permits friends to dine within the restaurant with out having to drive.
Like the opposite luxurious lodges at Tayrona, Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is the perfect location for mates seeking to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about the river, sea, and gardens surrounding the lodge, {couples} on a romantic getaway, and individuals who desire a snug place to remain as they uncover Tayrona Park, one in every of Colombia’s pure jewels.
The takeaway…
With not solely the Andes and the Amazon, however golden seashores on two oceans, in addition to unbelievable meals, historic ruins, colonial cities, archaeological websites, artwork, cumbia, salsa and a lot extra, Colombia offers numerous alternatives for exploring and discovering.
And if all of the planning and coordination appears an excessive amount of to deal with, don’t fear. Journeys to Colombia are particularly doable by means of skilled tour operators who can design and handle your whole journey expertise. They’ll deal with the heavy lifting, so that you can provide all of your consideration to totally having fun with your journey.
Colombia has one thing for each traveler. From Cali’s scorching salsa to Cartagena’s character-filled streets, all of the substances of a enjoyable and rewarding journey are right here. Your subsequent journey simply is likely to be to this charming nation!
Alfonso Tandazo
Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established agency, specializing in custom-designed luxurious excursions in Ecuador, the Galapagos and all through the remainder of South America. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with the intention to increase your profile, please contact us.
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