13 Unforgettable Colombia Travel Highlights from My 9-Week Adventure
I spent 9 weeks in Colombia—longer than anywhere else in recent years (aside from New York)—and I could have stayed even longer if not for Mexico beckoning. Reflecting on it, I'm stunned I nearly canceled; I would have missed countless incredible experiences. Colombia captured my heart, and from my extensive list of highlights, I've selected 13 standout travel moments to inspire your own journey. It ranked among my best trips ever. Though I was initially wary of safety as a solo female traveler, I never felt at risk.
Discover pristine beaches, charming Spanish-colonial towns, vibrant nightlife in Bogotá and Medellín, the world's freshest fruit, a profound Amazon awakening, ancient ruins in the Sierra Nevada, lifelong friendships, and enduring memories. I'll cover most destinations in detail soon, but first, here are my top Colombia travel highlights:
My Top Travel Moments in Colombia
1. Relaxing in Minca's Giant Hammock
The 'giant hammock' lured me to Minca, a serene Sierra Nevada village. This enormous hammock at Casa Elemento Hostel offers breathtaking mountain vistas after a steep 3-hour hike—a perfect afternoon retreat and one of my favorite Colombia moments. Minca delivered more magic: coffee finca tours, refreshing waterfalls, and artisanal beers.
Read more: Chasing Waterfalls in Minca
2. Trekking to the Lost City
Fascinated for years by this 4-day trek to pre-Columbian ruins in the Sierra Nevada, I doubted my endurance in 90°F jungle heat. But I completed it, creating one of my top Colombia highlights. Traversing stunning mountains, dense jungle, rivers, and indigenous villages—capped by 1,200 stairs—the ancient site exceeded expectations. A fantastic group made the grueling trails bearable.
3. River Tubing in Palomino
Palomino's beach drew me, but the Sierra Nevada-fed river stole the show. High ocean waves deterred swimming, yet the gentle river was ideal for tubing. A late-afternoon float amid lush jungle, birdsong, and golden-hour light was pure bliss.
Read more: Caribbean Vibes and a Giant Scare in Palomino
4. Bogotá Street Art Tour
Bogotá pleasantly surprised me. Many travelers breeze through, but I lingered, uncovering its treasures. Street art abounds, especially in historic La Candelaria. A free walking tour deepened my appreciation of its graffiti scene—essential for art lovers. My camera never rested.
5. Cartagena's Spectacular Sunsets
Cartagena boasts Colombia's best sunsets, viewed from Old City's walls or Bocagrande beaches. The city's colorful colonial architecture, flower-draped balconies, and ornate knockers inspired nearly 1,000 photos. I extended my stay twice, reluctant to leave this gem.
Read more: Cartagena: Colombia's Perfect Introduction
6. Kayaking the Amazon River
A spontaneous 8-day Amazon detour (via pricey flight) was worthwhile. Despite fewer wildlife sightings, kayaking among colossal trees and witnessing riverside life created lasting memories.
7. Savoring Colombia's Exotic Fruits
Colombia’s fruits were a revelation—many unknown to me. Street salads in Cartagena, cheap pineapple in Santa Marta, and Amazon exclusives like cupuaçu, anona, and granadilla thrilled my taste buds. Even familiar ones tasted superior.
8. Hiking Valle de Cocora
In Colombia's coffee heartland near Salento, Valle de Cocora stuns with 60-meter wax palms amid green hills and farms. The 4-hour hike was scenic and invigorating.
9. Coffee Plantation Tours in Quindío and Magdalena
A coffee aficionado, I explored fincas in the zona cafetera and Sierra Nevada's Finca La Victoria. Learning bean-to-cup processes, topped with fresh brews, was pure joy.
10. Timeless Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva, Colombia's loveliest colonial village, enchanted instantly with whitewashed homes, cobblestones, and a vast plaza anchored by a 1608 church. It feels untouched since 1572.
11. Beach Bliss at Playa Blanca
Among Caribbean beaches, Playa Blanca near Cartagena shone: 45 minutes away, its white sands and turquoise waters mesmerized me all day.
12. Botero's Art in Medellín and Bogotá
Colombia native Fernando Botero's 'voluminous' figures delight worldwide. Seeing originals at Bogotá's Botero Museum, Medellín's Museum of Antioquia, and Parque de Las Esculturas was a highlight for art enthusiasts.
13. Salsa Nights in Bogotá
Missing Cali's salsa schools, Bogotá's bars filled the gap. Dancing (amateurishly but joyfully) culminated at El Theatron, South America's largest LGBTQ+ club.
For more photos, see my Facebook album.
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