Colombia holidays

What can you find in Colombia that you won’t find elsewhere?

Breathtaking and diverse landscapes await, from rolling dense rainforest and towering peaks, to remote ecosystems and beautiful golden sands. Colombia’s lush zona cafeteria not only boasts undulating coffee plantations but staggering nature too - towering palms (growing to 200ft tall) of the Cocora Valley, mist-swaddled hills and vibrantly colourful exotic birds. While you may have heard of Bogota and Medellin’s booming cosmopolitan culture, a hike through the Sierra mountain range unveils Ciudad Perdida - an ancient city older than Peru’s famous Machu Picchu. Then there’s Colombia’s secret weapon, Tayrona National Park, offering extraordinary wildlife and untouched, postcard worthy beaches.

Who is Colombia best for?

First off, Colombia holidays offer opportunities for nature lovers who can revel in megadiverse biodiversity – the country is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after Brazil. Experience this in the Llanos region, where you can sweep through the wetlands on horseback, or embark on jungle hikes through Tayrona National Park, where bird watchers will be spoiled for choice with around 300 species to discover. Further south, coffee lovers and adventure seekers can find respective highs in the coffee region, where coffee cupping meets jeep drives and white-water rafting. Each of Colombia’s cities warrant an entire trip on their own. The lofty capital of Bogota is brimming with cultural pleasures, from La Candelaria’s cobbled streets to cosmopolitan Zona Rosa and its creative dining destinations. In Medellin not only can you explore innovative museums but you can also learn about Colombia’s social development through fun and insightful graffiti tours.

The best ways to discover Colombia

For sensory impact, first time visitors should head straight to the walled city of Cartagena where you can stroll through its UNESCO-listed streets full of flower-filled terraces and romantic plazas. After rum tastings and horse-drawn cart rides, escape the heat to the Rosario Islands to snorkel among sea turtles and laze on hot white sands. Twelve days will allow you to not only discover the idyllic Caribbean shores, but the country’s exuberant nature embedded in the verdant coffee region. Go coffee tasting in private farms and enjoy jeep drives on nature trails. For a contrast you could combine this area with buzzing Bogota or marry one great wilderness with another by including a visit to the Tayrona National Park - the perfect combo for nature lovers. Spend time on gorgeous remote beaches spotting native monkeys, lizards and different bat species, or if you’re feeling adventurous, embark on an Indian Jones-esque hike to Ciudad Perdida, a sacred Tayrona city hidden in the Sierra Nevada jungle.

A special experience in Colombia

Head to Cartagena where the city pulsates with salsa - learn the hip swings and sultry movements with an expert. Practise the basics before you hit the dancefloor - after an hour or so (and a couple of mojitos), you’ll soon be ready to join one of the coolest local clubs where salsa was practically born. Fuel up on aguardiente-infused cocktails and put your new moves to work.