Colombia’s six distinct regions are prime for discovery, from coffee plantations to colonial cities, reefs, ancient ruins to the Amazon, and mountainous wildlands.
The secret is getting out: Colombia distills the best of South America into one country, with sacred archeological sites akin to Machu Picchu in Peru, biodiversity to rival Ecuador’s the Galápagos Islands, lush rain forests that extend down to Brazil, and the vibrant culture, energy, and culinary delights of its many metropolitan cities.
Colombia is a blueprint for how responsible tourism can transform a country. Colombia’s standing as the most biodiverse country per square mile globally (No. 1 for the bird, butterfly, and orchid species), coupled with its trekking, whitewater kayaking, rafting, and diving on two oceans, means it appeals to a wide variety of travelers.
Colombia is one of only 17 countries considered to be megadiverse. It has 98 different ecosystems across five regions: the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the Andean mountains, the Amazon, and the Orinoco River Basin.
Magdalena River in Colombia combines culture and nature
The first luxury river cruise in Colombia!
In late 2023, AmaWaterways will launch the first luxury river cruise on the scenic Magdalena River in partnership with Virtuoso’s on-site tour connection Metropolitan Touring. Itineraries are still in development, but the early word is that the 80-passenger, eco-friendly AmaMagdalena will sail eight-day itineraries packed with wildlife, village visits, and activities such as kayaking hiking, birdwatching, and more. Music, art, the world’s best chocolate, fine rums, and incredible biodiversity including 2,000 species of birds are among the many draws. Rudi Schreiner, the co-founder and President of Ama Waterways considers the Magdalena ‘the prime river in Latin America which combines culture and nature. When you book through a Virtuoso advisor, like Inspired Travel Designs you will receive extra shipboard credits.
Old town Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea
Cartagena a splendid coastal Colombian city
In the north, the Greater Colombian Caribbean includes the splendid coastal city of Cartagena. The 16th-century walled city and fortress are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old city, particularly the inner walled town, is the main attraction – it’s packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas, and mansions.
Historic Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartegena, Colombia
Stay at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. Built in 1621, the property was originally a convent that housed the Poor Clares before they were evicted in 1861. For over a century, this place witnessed history and served successively as a charity hospital, prison, and medical school. In 1995, it became the iconic Santa Clara hotel. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is full of stories. It offers the ideal combination of colonial architecture and French luxury. Its privileged location is close to the main tourist spots of Cartagena including the old town with loads of colorful street art and an authentic feel. Don’t forget, as a Virtuoso advisor I can VIP you at this hotel.
Bogota’s colorful neighborhood Los Martires
Bogotá Street Style to Wide-Open Moors and Valleys
Bogotá, the lively capital city lies in the region known as the Eastern Colombian Andes. It is known for its street art, markets spilling over with flowers, fruit, and crafts, and thriving nightlife. All this is set against the backdrop of the Andes’ rugged peaks. Situated at 2644 meters, Bogotá is a charming, yet hectic, mix of old and new. With a wealth of cozy cafes, interesting museums, and old churches, cosmopolitan Bogotá is full of surprises. Nearby are national parks in the páramo – a grassland ecosystem between the tree line and the snow line that’s home to endangered Andean condors and endangered Bogotá rails and mountain tapirs. What great day-trip choices!
Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogota
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina: This Bogota hotel boasts colonial-style elegance surrounded by urban excitement. It is a luxury boutique hotel with no two rooms alike. Intricate woodworks reflect the hotel’s eclectic blend of artisanal, traditional and contemporary. Discover the hotel’s spa; it is an urban oasis in the heart of Bogota. When you book through Inspired Travel Designs, we can give you the VIP treatment!
Amazonian Flora
Wild at Heart
For Amazon adventures, head to the country’s green heart, the Colombian Amazon-Orinoco. From Leticia, travelers can explore and learn about preserving the surrounding old-growth rainforest and Indigenous culture. The Amazon-Orinoco is home to some of the country’s most challenging white water, ancient petroglyphs, and animals ranging from capybaras and howler monkeys to giant anteaters and ocelots.
Among the region’s top draws, Caño Cristales, which has earned dueling nicknames – the “River of Five Colors” and “Liquid Rainbow” – in Serranía de la Macarena National Park. The spectacle is best between July and October, an eruption of technicolor display of vivid fuchsia, yellow, blue, and green. Depending on the weather and water levels, it may turn a completely different color one year to the next.
Caño Cristales
Cultural Kings
Andean culture comes alive in the Colombian Massif, a region housing the country’s largest rivers, impressive peaks, and volcanoes, and San Agustín Archaeological Park, which lays claim to the world’s largest necropolis.
Roughly four hours north lies Popayán, an important religious center founded in 1537. Called the White City for its whitewashed colonial architecture, the capital of the Cauca department serves as the base for day trips to the 15,600-foot Puracé volcano.
Coffee- and Wildflower-Rich Mountains
Coffee connoisseurs must visit Colombia for the lush mountain environment is conducive to a twice-a-year coffee harvest. Be sure to visit and/or stay at a coffee plantation for true immersion.
Most visitors start a few days in Medellín. In the 1980s and ’90s, Medellin had a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar’s infamous drug cartel). Since then Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. With its fine museums, parks, and architecture it’s easy to see why its popularity is increasing. At present, the city is the country’s capital of fashion and high-end cuisine.
Medellin’s Plaza Botero
Flavors of Forests and Sea
Rain forest meets the sea in the Colombian Pacific. Humpbacks migrate here from May through November to calve in its warm waters. Sea turtles lay their eggs on deserted beaches’ powdery sand. Fly into Cali, then head to the coastal communities of Guapi and Nuquí to catch the whales. Nuqui has started attracting attention for its hot springs, diving, empty beaches, and surf breaks.
Regardless of what draws you to Colombia, the locals’ generosity, pride, and welcomeness make a lasting impression.
Colombia is so diverse, its people so welcoming and the culture incomparable. Would you like to have a unique and amazing experience immersing yourself in Colombia’s wonders and beauty? Reach out to us here.