Published on April 30, 2017 by IBMT
At the very northern tip of South America, that nation of Colombia has beautiful, diverse, and distinctive places to visit – from the historical colonial cities to the spectacular natural parks, to the fabulous beaches. And while every visitor may have different interests and different vacation priorities, there are a number of amazing places that will appeal to practically everyone.
La Candelaria in Bogotá, Colombia
History comes alive in La Candelaria, the historic downtown neighborhood in Bogotá. There is an unmistakable colonial charm that takes tourists back to the beginnings of the nation. The famous Gold Museum (Museo de Oro) houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold works. For those who have time, the many churches scattered throughout the city centre are a marvel, especially La Tercera and La Iglesia de San Francisco.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
In the town of Zipaquira, famous for salt mines, the Salt Cathedral is a remnant of the commercial mining enterprises that once were. The cathedral is unique amongst others in the world, with a diverse mix of religion and architecture. Tourists are immediately impressed with the amazing engineering and construction work. As well, for the spiritually inclined, the religious connotation vividly highlights the importance for the miners.
Santa Cruz de Mompox
The town of Mompox is renowned for its culture and architecture. While the rest of Colombia has gradually modernized over the decades, Mompox looks very much like it was in colonial times. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 1540, and becoming a vital trading hub during Spanish rule. Mompox also became a safe haven for the Spaniards to stockpile gold and various other treasures, as protection from local pirates.
The Town of Barichara
The town of Barichara has been described as “the most beautiful town in Colombia“. The town offers a unique charm and quite the romantic atmosphere. Tourists are encouraged to visit the many artisan shops and to try out the regional delicacy – hormigas culonas – big-bottomed ants that are a source of pride in the Santander region. Also worthwhile is a climb to the Church of Santa Barbara atop a hill that overlooks the town.
Cabo de la Vela
A worthwhile visit, Cabo de la Vela is a long journey to the north Caribbean coast. This unique landscape is almost alien in appearance and the proud land of its indigenous inhabitants (the Wayuu). Cabo de la Vela is one of the most incredible, remote places sit in Colombia, with the most stunning views of the landscape, and beautiful beaches on the Caribbean. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the Wayuu culture.
The Coffee Region
Also known as the Coffee Triangle, Colombia’s coffee region is located in the Andes, where most of Colombia’s famous coffee is grown and produced. The region offers many options for tourism, including guided visits to coffee farms, where visitors can learn about coffee production. There are also opportunities for hiking and visiting local towns. For some, a planned tour of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle may be the perfect thing.