Colombia
 
 We enjoyed Colombia’s big cities like Cartagena and Medellin, but also became enchanted in small towns like Jardin and Salento, where time seemed to stand still and where watching the sunset in the mountains became all that mattered.
Find soul in this South American country rich in musical beats, stunning landscapes and reinvented cities. In Colombia, you can learn to dance the salsa, hike among the world’s tallest palm trees, swim in the Caribbean Sea and climb hundreds of steps up the Guatape monolith all in the same trip.
Explore 26 Travel Guides In Colombia
-   ![]()  25 Best Places to Eat (and Drink) in Medellin (Traveler’s Food Guide)Your restaurant guide to Medellin is here! Find the best places to eat in El Poblado, from elegant dinner spots to dessert shops, cafes and chic brunch restaurants. 
-   ![A woman holding a child looking out of a window]()  Casacol Apartment Hotel Review: A Modern Medellin Stay (Loma Verde)In my review of the Loma Verde luxury apartment hotel in Medellin, see why Casacol apartment-hotels are the best places to stay for short vacations or long-term rentals. 
-   ![]()  El Retiro Travel Guide: The Best Colombian Escape from MedellinFind out what to do with a day trip to El Retiro, Colombia’s hidden gem of a charming town with a relaxing vibe, lots of dining, nearby nature and Antioquian culture. 
-   ![A person holding a cup of coffee on a saucer]()  16 Best Cafes in Bogota for Colombian CoffeeWhere are the best specialty coffee shops in Bogota? Check out the must-visit cafes for Colombian coffee in the capital. 
-   ![Full cup of coffee from a Chemex brew in Pergamino Cafe]()  22 Best Cafes in Medellin (Poblado & Laureles)Where are the best cafes and coffee shops in Medellin? Here’s a list of the coolest spots for coffee in El Poblado and Laureles with the best menus, decor and spaces to hang out. 
-   ![]()  Essential Medellin Travel Guide (Best Things to Do)What are the best things to do in Medellin, Colombia? Check out our list of what to do and how to spend a vacation in this travel guide. 
-   ![]()  Where to Stay in Medellin: Safest Areas & Best AccommodationsWith so many options, where is best to stay in Medellin for your trip? Use this guide to learn the safest areas and best accommodation recommendations! 
-   ![]()  Best Things to Do in Medellin with Kids (Family-Friendly Guide)Can you travel in Medellin with kids? For the best things to do in this Colombian city with little ones, see this list of child-friendly things to do and see. 
-   ![A woman in a dress holding a black purse]()  14 Best Day Trips from Medellin (Culture and Activities)Where can you go with a day trip from Medellin? I recommend cultural towns, adventure activities, nature, hiking and coffee in this list of day-long experiences. 
-   ![]()  Is Medellin Safe for Travel in 2025? (From Our Experience)Are you wondering if Medellin is a safe travel destination? Find my safety tips, best areas to stay in and common scams in this safety guide. 
-   ![A cloudy sky over a city.]()  30 Things to Do in Bogota: Travel Guide & ItineraryWhat’s best to do on a trip to Bogota, and is Bogota safe? See our unique things to do in Bogota, where to stay, what to see in Bogota and the best cafes for Colombian coffee. 
-   ![A woman holding up a book on a rooftop with a view of a city.]()  A Santa Marta & Taganga Travel Guide for Any Type of TravelerShould Santa Marta or Taganga be on your Colombia itinerary? Our travel guide outlines top tips for where to stay, what to see and where to watch a beautiful beach sunset. 
-   ![Flowers in a wall in Colombia]()  Cartagena Travel Guide: Best Things to See and DoAn epic destination for a Colombia trip, here are our essential Cartagena travel tips for safety, solo travelers, the best times to visit, what to do and what to avoid. 
-   ![A woman is standing at the counter of a coffee shop.]()  Azahar Cafe Review: Authentic Colombian Roast in BogotaAzahar Cafe in Bogota, Colombia, is regarded as one of the top places to try an authentic Colombian roast in a beautiful cafe. 
-   ![A cup of coffee and a box of coffee beans on a wooden table.]()  Coffee Cultor Review: Try the NitroWe had the pleasure to visit Cafe Cultor in Bogota. We enjoyed trying the americano and espresso. By far, the most interesting drink we had was the nitro cold brew. 
-   ![A woman drinking coffee at a table.]()  Colo Coffee: A Taste of Colombia's Finest Coffee in BogotaDuring our trip to Bogota, we discovered the world of Colombian coffee at Colo Coffee. From its expert baristas to its carefully curated beans, see why we consider it the ultimate destination for coffee lovers in the city. 
-   ![A white building with a red door.]()  Plan a Trip to Santa Fe De Antioquia from MedellinIf you're looking for a unique and affordable vacation in South America, then look no further than the small town of Santa Fe de Antioquia. 
-   ![A view of a house with trees and mountains in the background.]()  Staying at Green Nomads Hostel Santa Fe De AntioquiaLooking for where to stay during your trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia, Colombia? Head into this guide for an accommodation recommendation. 
-   ![A person holding a cup of coffee next to a bag of coffee beans.]()  Pergamino Cafe Review: Medellin’s Best Spot for Coffee DrinksPergamino is the best place to have Colombian coffee in Medellin. See why the Pergamino cafes are essential stops for all coffee lovers in the city. 
-   ![Woman wearing a backpack looking at islands and lakes of Guatape Colombia]()  6 Best Things to Do in Guatape, ColombiaDiscover things to do on your day trip to Guatape or where to stay overnight with this list of things to do and what to see in Guatape for backpackers and travelers. 
-   ![A woman holding up a map on her cell phone.]()  The Best Free Walking Tour in Medellin (Real City Tours Review)The Real City Walking Tour in Medellin is top-rated and the best way to see the city with an expert guide! Learn what to know about taking this tour in downtown Medellin during your trip. 
-   ![A cobblestone street in colombia.]()  How to Get to Guatape From Medellin (Easy Guide)Going to Guatape from Medellin (or Medellin to Guatape) is one of the simplest day trips or short overnight trips! We’ve gone to Guatape from Medellin for a day trip and also for a weekend trip. Follow our step-by-step outline of how to reach Guatape from Medellin, by bus. 
-   ![A mural painted on the side of a building.]()  Medellin City Transformation Tour Review (What to Expect)For a way to learn more about Medellin’s past and the transformation of the city, check out a Transformation Tour during your trip. Here’s a review of the one we took with Epic Tours. 
-   ![Two men sitting at a table in a colorful building.]()  Jardin, Colombia Travel Guide: Colorful, Quiet and AuthenticTravel to Jardin to get a sense of a colorful, quiet and authentic town in Colombia. What are the best things to do and see on your trip? 
-   ![Palm trees on a mountainside in colombia.]()  Easy Travel Tips for a Trip in Salento, ColombiaWhat are the best things to do in Salento, Colombia? Breeze through this simple travel guide to find great ways to enjoy your exploration of this gorgeous destination in Quindio Province. 
-   ![A green valley with mountains in the background.]()  La Serrana Hostel Review: Backpacker Paradise in ColombiaLa Serrana charmed us from the beginning. Our first morning was something special when we awoke to a scene from a painting - rolling hills as far as the eye could see, steaming with morning mist. 
Our Best Travel Photos of Colombia
Browse Other Destinations
What are our favorite travel destinations? Our best places to travel are ones that have a bit of everything, from architecture and history to nature and adventure.
 
 -   ![Lake in Patagonia.]()  ArgentinaThere’s more to this giant country than its steak and wine, once you start exploring. From the peaks of Patagonia to the posh cafes of Buenos Aires, it’s hard to get bored in Argentina. 
-   ![A lighthouse sits on top of a grassy hill.]()  CanadaCanada is a wondrous destination for adventure lovers, history buffs, foodies and families. Check out our guides to awesome places in Canada for your next trip. 
-   ![The Chicago theater.]()  ChicagoWhat are the best things to see on a trip to Chicago? We’ll tell you the coolest places to take photos, along with a review on where to stay if you’re working remotely. 
-   ![A blue sky with white clouds.]()  Czech RepublicThe Czech Republic is like a gateway to Eastern Europe. In the capital of Prague, find tons of history from the ages of royalty to World War II and into the Soviet era, and wander through the unique Old City, where cultures and architecture blend together. 
-   ![A woman standing on a beach looking at the ocean.]()  The Dominican RepublicFind out what to see in the Dominican Republic North Coast with our North Coast itineraries featuring Cabarete and Sosua, and discover what to know about traveling in the DR regarding local tax, money, safety and backpacking. 
-   ![A large building with spires and spires.]()  EnglandThis is England, land of castles and countryside, and rugby and royalty. Get lost in London and feel out the hip scenes and the history. Then, take a train to get out of the cities and experience simpler life in villages, historic sites and nature. 
-   ![A view of tallinn, estonia at sunset.]()  EstoniaEstonia is a surprise, if anything. Where is this small country, credited for being the birthplace of Skype and Wise? Its mix of influences from Scandinavia and from the Baltic and Russian region make for a fascinating culture of innovation, progress and unique history. 
-   ![A narrow street in Guatemala with motorcycles parked in front of a volcano.]()  GuatemalaAs one of the most diverse countries in Central America, Guatemala is a favorite for backpacking, adventure, culture and food. With landscapes from volcanoes to jungle, and beaches to forest, Guatemala both packs a punch and never ceases to amaze travelers. 
-   ![A street in an asian city.]()  Hong KongFrom the towering skyscrapers and lively nightlife to the tranquil temples and lush green hills, there's something for everyone to do in Hong Kong. Come explore with us! 
-   ![A mountain road in iceland.]()  IcelandIceland is a land of many wonders, and it can be hard to know what to do when you visit. Here are some ideas for things to see and do while you're in the country. 
-   ![Cliffs of moher in ireland.]()  IrelandBeyond the Guinness pints and the countless characteristic pubs, and beyond the rain and the driving on the left, is spectacular untouched nature, locals who will always crack a joke and, well, lots of sheep. 
-   ![A variety of spices and spoons on a table.]()  IsraelKick back by the Mediterranean Sea with falafel or lose yourself in the narrow alleyways of one of the most historically-important cities on Earth. Check out how four cultures share Jerusalem’s Old City, and then spend the next day floating in the saltiest body of water in the world. 
-   ![A large yellow building with a fountain in front of it.]()  LatviaFrom the bogs to the beaches, there's so much to see in this laid-back and growing country. Check out our list of things to do in Latvia! 
-   ![The pyramid of chichen itza in mexico.]()  MexicoWhat we love about Mexico is the rich culture, full of soulful and joyous music, zesty cuisine, ancient history and bustling cities. This big country has enough unique destinations to keep you enchanted for months. 
-   ![The view from Kotor's Castle of San Giovanni]()  MontenegroI find Montenegro to be a worthwhile destination on a Balkans trip for its stunning scenery and fascinating history. This country is packed with nature, off-the-beaten path places and photo ops. 
-   ![The sky is blue.]()  Myanmar (Burma)The most undiscovered and alternative of any country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar (Burma) provides a genuine travel experience to travelers who want to get lost among ancient pagodas, lake villages and urban chaos. 
-   ![The sky is cloudy.]()  The NetherlandsLooking for inspiration for your next trip to the Netherlands? Check out our list of top things to do in the country, from exploring Amsterdam's canals to sampling local cuisine in Rotterdam and beyond. 
-   ![A red house with flowers in front of it.]()  New EnglandThe beautiful nature, laid-back towns and array of things to do in all four seasons make New England is a great choice for a couples, friends or family trip on the East Coast. 
-   ![]()  New JerseyLearn all about our favorite things to do in New Jersey, from historical sights to see and cities to explore, to the great opportunities of enjoying nature in the Garden State. 
-   ![The iconic Radio City building in Times Square, NYC.]()  New YorkLooking for the best authentic local tips for travel and exploring New York State? Check out the secret tips that only locals know, and how to maximize your trip budget. 
-   ![An aerial view of a city at night.]()  PeruFamed for Machu Picchu and its Incan ruins, there’s much more to Peru than meets the eye. Sit back with a drink and watch the sunset from the Pacific cliffs of the capital city Lima, and surf on sand dunes in Huacachina, from where the sand in your hair will serve as a souvenir for days. 
-   ![A narrow street in lisbon, portugal.]()  PortugalPortugal charmed us from the start, as we ventured through a maze of colorful alleyways in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto neighborhood and then took a road trip to the humble medieval villages and beautiful beaches. Try the wine and the seafood, and then go for a hike along the rocky coastline. 
-   ![The sky is blue.]()  SpainFamed for tapas, mountains, islands and art, in a variety of dramatic settings, Spain is somewhere to go back to, time and again. Just when you think you’ve gotten to know the country, you’ll learn there’s more to see. 
-   ![A green hill with trees on it.]()  Sri LankaIf you like scenery, flavorful food, friendly people and culture, this is a country for you. In Sri Lanka, we hiked epic mountains, climbed stairs to a sacred giant Buddha, tried Ceylon tea fresh from its source and laid back with fruit smoothies on the southern beaches. 
-   ![A group of people standing in a city at night.]()  TaiwanOff the beaten path, undiscovered places and natural beauty are all ways to describe travel in Taiwan. Travel for food, hiking and culture in one of the best destinations in Asia. 
-   ![A wooden building with a window.]()  VietnamVietnam is so diverse, and you'll never run out of things to do. Yes, travel in Vietnam is affordable, so you can get more for your money and try everything in sight. 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 