From Coffee Tours to Climbing a 7,000-Foot Rock: 7 Essential Experiences in Colombia

From the lush jungles of the Amazon to the vibrant coastal city of Cartagena, Colombia offers a wealth of unforgettable destinations. It’s a place where your list of activities will likely grow longer after your visit than before you arrived.

Historically, this South American nation faced challenges—particularly related to various drug cartels—that may have discouraged travelers, but today its appeal is soaring. You’ll find an abundance of activities centered on sustainable tourism, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity in flora and fauna. However, its remote ecosystems aren’t the only attraction: Colombia is actively welcoming remote workers to its urban centers with friendly policies (such as the digital nomad visa), leading to increased recognition for its high-quality dining, art scenes, and nightlife.

Here are seven experiences you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to Colombia.

1. Discover Guatapé

A two-hour bus journey east of the vibrant city of Medellín takes you to Guatapé, a charming town (or pueblo) nestled in the Andean mountains. Marvel at the colorful buildings and take note of the vivid paintings known as zocalos that adorn the lower walls, depicting animals, vehicles, and scenes from daily life. While these artworks serve as beautiful decorations, they also symbolize the goods and services provided by the locals.

The main attraction of Guatapé is La Piedra del Peñol, a towering 7,000-foot rock that was first ascended by Luis Eduardo Villegas López, Pedro Nel Ramírez, and Ramón Díaz in 1954, drawing visitors ever since. Climbing has become significantly easier over the years, thanks to approximately 700 steps built into the side of the rock formation. For around $20, you can purchase a ticket at the entrance to access the staircase leading to two stunning viewing platforms at the top. The breathtaking views of the surrounding waterways are worth the effort, and you’ll get a great workout—what more could you ask for?

2. Dance the night away in Cali

Salsa music is the heartbeat of Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Originating in New York with influences from Cuban and Puerto Rican dance, this genre made its way to Cali in the late '60s and early '70s, filling the clubs, parks, and streets with its infectious rhythms. You might try to resist the compelling clave beats that beckon dancers to the floor, but once you're here, it's time to rise—you’re in the Capital de la Salsa.

Cali-style salsa is danced on the first count, blending elements from pachanga, charanga, and boogaloo. If these terms are new to you, don’t worry—salsa lessons are plentiful and easily accessible if you ask around. For a more social salsa experience, head to bars like Zaperoco Bar and MalaMaña Salsa Bar, where you can sip a drink one moment and hit the dance floor the next.

3. Embark on a Colombian coffee tour

As the world’s third-largest coffee exporter (after Brazil and Vietnam), Colombia plays a significant role in the coffee trade. Before you leave, make sure to indulge in a cup of this essential beverage. While Juan Valdez cafés—Colombia’s answer to Starbucks—can be found in most towns and cities, for a more personal experience, venture into central Colombia.

The departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío form the UNESCO-recognized coffee-growing region. Take a coffee farm tour in Cocora Valley with sustainable operators like Finca El Ocaso to learn how coffee is cultivated and harvested, while meeting the dedicated individuals behind the process. This is the ideal way to appreciate the mild, slightly fruity flavor of Colombia’s coffee, which has become a global staple.

4. Discover Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring

Medellín is a vibrant destination that boasts mild temperatures year-round, offering a wealth of activities for both day and night. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes, it appeals to both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts. You can immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Comuna 13 neighborhood—once known for drug trafficking in the '80s and '90s, now thriving with art and culture—and spend your afternoon hiking in the Parque Arvi nature reserve. The culinary scene is equally diverse, featuring upscale restaurants like Elcielo and Carmen, where you can find innovative takes on traditional Colombian dishes, or savor a bandeja paisa at a local eatery.

One of the best times to experience the City of Eternal Spring is during the Feria de las Flores, a celebration of the region’s rich flower-growing heritage that draws thousands of visitors. (Did you know Colombia is the second-largest flower exporter in the world, after the Netherlands?) For ten days in August, Medellín transforms with concerts, parties, and parades filling the downtown and major streets. Keep an eye out for silleteros, impressive flower displays carried by farmers on their backs.

5. Experience bird-watching

As noted in Dinogo’s birding beginner guide, “Once you start bird-watching, no street, sky, or forest ever appears the same.” This rings especially true in Colombia, where over 1,900 bird species fill its diverse landscapes. It holds the title of the most bird-biodiverse country in the world, featuring remarkable sights like the bright orange-beaked Bogotá rail and the striking calls of the screaming piha (just as loud as you can imagine).

Bird-watching in Colombia often means simply opening a window with binoculars in hand. However, venturing to specific regions can uncover more elusive species. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range is a bird haven unlike any other, boasting 36 species (and 55 subspecies) unique to the area. Colombia’s section of the Amazon also hosts some extraordinary birds, including the pompadoured Amazonian umbrellabird and the red-throated caracara.

6. Experience the essence of old Colombia in Cartagena

With dance music echoing through the streets, unpredictable humidity that can bring sudden rain, and the sounds and scents of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is a sensory experience. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife in the city center and the narrow, art-laden streets of the Getsemani neighborhood, it also holds remnants of Colombia’s past as one of the first cities in the Americas established by the Spanish.

In Plaza de la Paz, numerous walking tour guides with umbrellas offer insightful walks through historically significant sites, including the impressive seven miles of stone wall that has protected the city for over 400 years. Other essential locations, like Plaza de la Aduana, reflect Cartagena’s complex history as a major port for enslaved individuals. This former marketplace serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of enslaved Africans on Colombian culture, influencing everything from languages to the diverse heritage of the people.

7. Discover the eerie, enchanting, and wonderfully strange creatures of the Amazon

Approximately ten percent of the Amazon—yes, that Amazon—extends into Colombia, totaling around 187,000 square miles, or 35 percent of the nation. This significant area defines Colombia’s southern Amazon region, which includes the Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo, and Vaupés departments. The remarkable variety of species found here is a key factor in Colombia’s status as a global leader in plant, fish, and bird diversity.

Travelers flock from around the globe to witness captivating sights like pink dolphins, vibrant macaws, and glossy-eyed caimans, along with many species native to the river and rain forest. With the looming threat of climate change impacting this delicate area, exploring this ecosystem can provide a fresh perspective on environmental fragility. Numerous operators can guide you into the wilderness, but consider choosing a tour with Yoi Eco Tours or Ecodestinos, which collaborate closely with Amazon Indigenous communities to promote environmental conservation.