9 incredible hikes to experience in Colombia

With breathtaking landscapes ranging from snow-capped Andean summits to idyllic white sand beaches, it’s no wonder Colombia offers an abundance of hiking trails to discover.

Hiking can be a sweaty challenge in the humid lowlands and a strenuous adventure in the mountainous national parks, but there’s truly no better way to immerse yourself in this stunning terrain than by trekking.

After years of conflict in rural regions, the demobilization of key armed groups has opened up access to trails in once-inaccessible areas of Colombia. While some paths are marked, many are not, making the guidance of a local expert essential for safe exploration of the delicate ecosystems and cultural nuances.

Exploring the trails reveals a different side of Colombia. Beyond its vibrant cities and lively music, this country boasts mesmerizing archaeological treasures, unique wildlife, and breathtaking high-altitude vistas.

1. Ciudad Perdida Trek

Top jungle hike40km (24.8 miles) round trip, 5 days, moderate difficulty

Adventurers of all kinds flock to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek, Colombia's most enchanting pathway. This legendary journey rivals Peru’s Inca Trail, yet while the iconic fortress attracts crowds, the hidden city nestled in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains remains relatively untouched.

Accessing the ancient stronghold of the Tairona people requires a five-day trek, which deters casual hikers. With visitor numbers still recovering from the pandemic, now is the perfect time to embark on this adventure. The trek is a challenging, sweat-inducing journey through dense jungle, with refreshing swimming holes and cozy hammocks draped with mosquito nets offering much-needed respites along the way.

On the fourth day, a daunting ascent of 1,200 stone steps leads you to the tranquil grounds of this 32-hectare city, where jungle vines embrace the remarkably intact remnants of circular stone terraces, plazas, and storehouses once inhabited by over 4,000 people.

Access to Ciudad Perdida is only possible through an organized trek, so make arrangements for your tour in Santa Marta. All trekking companies and guides are local, ensuring that your contributions directly benefit the communities you traverse along the journey.

2. Nevado del Tolima Summit

Top high-altitude hike58.5km (36.3 miles) round trip, 4 days, difficult

Snow-capped peaks may surprise you in the tropics, but that’s exactly what awaits in Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados. This park features a cluster of volcanic peaks soaring to 5000m (16,400ft) from the lush hills of Colombia’s primary coffee region, attracting trekkers and mountaineers eager to tackle its demanding high-altitude landscapes.

At 5200m (17,060ft), Nevado del Tolima stands as the second tallest volcano in the area and the highest peak accessible to climbers. Following several incidents, access to the south face is now off-limits. The remaining route to the summit presents a tough and technical climb, spanning 58.3km (36.3 miles) and intended only for those with prior mountaineering experience. Equipment like ropes, ice axes, harnesses, and crampons may be necessary for the upper sections.

Beginning in Valle Cocora, the trail ascends steeply through the park's iconic landscape of Quindío wax palms, eventually transitioning into the distinct Andean ecosystem known as paramo. This grassy shrubland is sprinkled with spiky, slow-growing frailejón plants, which are said to resemble the silhouette of a hooded monk.

As you climb higher, shimmering lakes, glaciers, and views of the perfectly conical crater of Tolima enhance the sense of adventure as you strive toward the summit. Upon conquering Tolima, take in the vistas of the gently smoking peak of the highly active Volcán Ruiz, the tallest in the park, and revel in the grandeur of the experience.

For a milder introduction to the park, consider a three-day trek up to the snowline at approximately 4600m (15,091ft). While you’ll forgo the exhilarating final ascent, you’ll avoid the need for climbing ropes, ice axes, and other technical gear. To dodge the heaviest rainfall, aim to hike in January or February, but be aware that poor weather can occur year-round—trekking poles are strongly advised.

3. Cueva del Esplendor

Top waterfall hike23km (14 miles) round trip, 7 hours, moderate difficulty

The town of Jardín, located near Medellín, enchants visitors with its charming streets adorned in vibrant colors, but there’s more than just coffee sipping in the plaza. For a more adventurous day, set out for the town's premier hiking spot – the cavern known as Cueva del Esplendor.

This lengthy day hike begins on the western outskirts of Jardín, ascending into the picturesque rolling hills and farmland that characterize Colombia’s coffee-growing region in the Andean foothills. The muddy trails meander past babbling streams and weave through lush forests, so sturdy hiking boots and careful footing are essential. Watchful hikers might catch glimpses of rare bird species like the orange-breasted tanager finch flitting through the treetops.

Upon reaching the cavern, it quickly becomes apparent why this rock fissure is dubbed the Cave of Splendor. As your eyes adjust to the dim light, you’ll be captivated by the sight of a powerful cascade of foamy water pouring from the ceiling into a pool below. The cave is situated on private property, so an entry fee is required, and access is limited to a certain number of visitors each day.

4. Cocora Valley Hike

Best hike for enchanting landscapes15km (9 miles) round trip, 6 hours, moderate difficulty

While Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados is known for its volcanic peaks, there are also plenty of easier trails to explore in the nature reserves just beyond the park’s boundaries.

Accessed by the iconic Willy Jeeps that traverse between Valle Cocora and the town of Salento, the region's most celebrated day hike ascends hillsides, providing stunning views over the whimsical Quindío wax palms, Colombia's national tree, that line the valley floor.

Take a moment to rest and snap some photos at the Reserva Natural Acaime La Casa de Los Colibríes (a hummingbird sanctuary), but don’t forget to capture images of the palms, which can grow up to 60m (200ft) tall, topped with a sparse cluster of leaves reminiscent of trees from a Dr. Seuss story. Also, keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-eared parrot, which finds habitat in the valley.

5. El Pulpito del Diablo Trail

Best hike for breathtaking views22.3km (13.8 miles) round trip, 12 hours, moderate difficulty

Packed with numerous stunning mountain peaks and a multitude of crystal-clear glacial lagoons, Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy is Colombia's hidden gem. Here, you’ll experience the country’s high-altitude landscapes at their most spectacular—offering a striking contrast to the lush rolling hills and tropical jungles that characterize much of the national landscape.

Located in the far eastern part of the country near the border with Venezuela, and over 10 hours by road from Bogotá, this breathtaking national park is genuinely remote. However, concerns regarding tourism's environmental impact have led to the closure of many hiking trails. Fortunately, one of the best treks—the out-and-back hike to El Pulpito del Diablo—remains accessible, though all hikers must be accompanied by a guide.

Reaching elevations of 4765m (15,633ft), this trek requires a few days for acclimatization to help your lungs adjust to the altitude. Beginning on the western edge of the national park, the trail ascends to the brink of a stunning glacier, with the imposing El Pulpito del Diablo (Devil’s Pulpit) monolith towering above you like a sheer vertical slab. While touching the glaciers is prohibited, you will reach the snowline on this trek, which rewards you with magnificent views across the park's stark alpine tundra and brilliant blue moraine lakes.

6. El Camino Real

Top easy hike9km (5.6 miles) one way, 1 hour, easy

Mountain adventures aren’t the only hiking options in Colombia. Just a 30-minute drive from the adventure hub of San Gil, the charming town of Barichara, located in the heart of Santander department, features a stone-paved trail that gently descends through a picturesque valley to the tranquil village of Guane.

The Camino Real, originally built by the indigenous people of this region, is a historic hiking path that has been used for centuries, offering increasingly expansive views over the cactus-studded valley and the surrounding mountains with each step.

Before you begin your hike, take some time to admire the sturdy traditional whitewashed buildings of Barichara, many of which date back to the colonial era and were constructed from compressed sand and clay. The trail starts at the town's edge, and once you arrive in Guane, you can either catch a bus back to your starting point or continue on to San Gil.

7. La Chorrera Waterfall

Top day hike from Bogotá6.4km (4 miles) round trip, 3 hours, easy

A highlight among hikes near Bogotá, the trail to La Chorrera Waterfall follows a segment of the Camino Real, which was constructed during Spanish colonization to connect Bogotá with Villavicencio, located about 100km (62 miles) to the south.

This leisurely yet easy-to-navigate path is surrounded by a lush expanse of cloud forest, rich with bromeliads and the melodies of chirping birds. However, the true reward is at the end: La Chorrera, standing at 590m (1935ft), is Colombia’s tallest waterfall, cascading down seven tiers over a limestone cliff draped in moss and lichen, ultimately plunging into a serene pool.

Although the hike isn’t particularly challenging, it’s advisable to spend a couple of days acclimatizing in Bogotá beforehand to adjust to the altitude of over 2400m (7874ft). Don't forget to bring a waterproof jacket and prepare to get wet, as the waterfall is frequently enveloped in clouds that release bursts of rain onto the lush vegetation below.

8. Cañaveral to El Cabo San Juan de Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Top beachside hike8km (5 miles) one way, 2 hours, easy

Home to some of Colombia’s most stunning beaches, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona features pristine white sands bordered by lush jungle and crystal-clear waters. While there are several inland hiking options within the park, the premier route is the coastal trek from Cañaveral (reachable by minivan from the eastern entrance at El Zaíno).

This trail meanders past a series of beautiful tropical coves, combining muddy paths, sandy trails, and wooden boardwalks, leading to El Cabo San Juan de Guía, where two picturesque beaches with hammocks strung between palm trees provide a perfect spot to relax overnight if you choose to extend the hike over two days.

As you stroll along the coastline, keep an eye out for playful cotton-top tamarin monkeys—an introduced species that flourishes in this environment—as well as basilisk lizards that can sprint across the water's surface.

Due to extremely strong rip currents, swimming is not safe at most of the beaches along this hike, but you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean once you reach your final destination.

9. Tierradentro Mountain Circuit

Top archaeological hike12km (7.5 miles), 8 hours, moderate

Discover underground tombs and striking stone sculptures on this demanding hike through the lush mountains of Parque Arqueológico Tierradentro in southern Cauca, which you can explore at your own pace without a guide.

Before you set off, make sure to visit the museum at the park entrance to learn about the enigmatic civilization that once thrived here and left behind fascinating traces of their culture.

The hike ascends to the significant ruins at Alto de Segovia, where you can venture down spiral staircases into some tombs and marvel at the stunning geometric wall paintings. Continuing further into the mountains, the loop follows unpaved paths and quiet country roads, passing three additional groups of tombs and a statue on a plateau before meandering back to the park entrance.

Don't forget to bring a flashlight, as some of the more isolated tombs lack lighting.