If you've been planning to visit Colombia for a while, now with summer here - this is your sign. Let’s find out some vacation spots that Colombia has to offer:
All You Need To Know For Your Colombian Trip
Is Colombia Safe?
Colombia’s undeniable beauty captivates visitors with its amazing landscapes, rich coffee traditions, incredible biodiversity, vibrant culture, and delicious gastronomy. However, it’s also true that some still hold misconceptions regarding the safety in the country. This is a common myth Colombians are eager to dispel.
Colombia’s security has significantly improved. As with any travel destination- travelers should keep an eye on their belongings, and avoid places with higher risks.
Requirements For Entry Into Colombia
These are some of the documents required for non-nationals to entry into Colombia:
Valid passport
Medical insurance
Round trip ticket
Check-Mig, a form that allows travelers to register all their information related to the trip)
Yellow Fever Vaccine Certificate
What Is the Colombian Weather Like?
Colombia is one of the few countries in the world that does not have distinct weather seasons. This is due to its proximity to the Equator, which results in less significant temperature variations than other regions. Nonetheless, Colombia presents two seasons: wet and dry.
Seasons vary by region. The summer or dry season typically occurs from December to May, while the rainy or wet season is from June to November.
Protip: The rainy season doesn't mean it will rain every day. If you're planning a trip during this time, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast as your departure date gets closer.
5 Destinations To Visit In Colombia
Choosing the top vacation destinations in Colombia was difficult due to the country's diverse range of places to visit. Therefore, let us help you explore some amazing spots that we're sure you'll love:
Caribbean Region
Tayrona National Park
One of the most popular destinations for both tourists and locals is Tayrona National Natural Park, a Caribbean Colombian gem located in the foothills of Sierra Nevada in the Magdalena Department.
Tayrona Park is a marvelous place where various ecosystems coexist, including beaches, mangroves (manglares), and lagoons. Likewise, it is the ideal destination for the following activities:
Enjoy a relaxing time on Tayrona's crystal-clear, golden sand beaches.
Make the most of your time by exploring the park's top hiking routes.
Unlike other parks in Colombia, Tayrona offers a great opportunity to camp within the park.
Tayrona is a paradise for photographers who want to capture its wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
With approximately 396 bird species in the park, birdwatching lovers will find this the ideal place to pursue this passion.
Temperature: 25°C-40°C
Humidity Levels: From 75% to 90%
How to Get to Tayrona National Park?
From Santa Marta: If you're traveling to Tayrona National Park, the easiest way to get there is from Santa Marta, whether by air or land. Once in Santa Marta, you can take a 1-hour bus ride from the Terminal de Transportes or a 1.5-hour boat trip from the Santa Marta Marina Seaport.
From Other Towns: If you are in Palomino, you can take a bus heading to Santa Marta that will leave you at El Zaino, the park’s main entrance. You can also opt for a more private way to get to Tayrona, by taking a taxi or hiring a private shuttle service.
On the other hand, in Minca, colectivos (shared taxis) can take you to Mamatoco (bus stop), where you can catch another bus or taxi to the park’s main entrance.
Recommendations
To prevent accidents, all hiking routes have been authorized in advance by the park administration.
Single-use bottles are not allowed in the park.
You must respect the park's four ancestral indigenous groups: Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa, and Arhuaco.
The park authorities and Indigenous groups agreed to close Tayrona Park three times a year to give the park a rest.
If you would rather sleep in a more comfortable lodging, we invite you to check on The Journey Hostel Tayrona.
Cabo de la Vela
A place where the desert meets the sea harmoniously is Cabo de la Vela, a destination located in La Guajira Department. Cabo de la Vela is also the destination for passionate and venturous souls who want to dive into the rich ancient culture of the region.
Once you're in Cabo de la Vela, there are several activities you can enjoy:
Reach Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point in South America. There, you can also slide on the Taroa Dunes.
Enjoy its crystal-clear waters.
Climb Pilón de Azúcar, a significant hill in Cabo de la Vela, where you can be amazed by the Caribbean Sea.
Given the trade winds in this area, practicing kitesurfing is a must for extreme sports lovers.
Visit the Manaure salt mines. You can do this stopover before or after visiting Cabo de la Vela.
Temperature: 25°C-35°C
Humidity Levels: From 50% to 60%
How to Get to Cabo de la Vela?
From Riohacha and Other Cities: Whether by air or land, to get to Cabo de la Vela, you must arrive in Riohacha first.
Once in Riohacha, in front of the Terminal de Transportes, you will find vehicles that will take you on a 1.5-hour trip to Uribia, the final destination before arriving at Cabo de la Vela. When you get to Uribia, you will take another vehicle for a final 2-hour trip.
There is also a more direct way to reach Cabo de la Vela. In Riohacha, rent a pickup truck that will take you there in approximately a 3-hour drive.
Recommendations
Apply a lot of sunscreen and insect repellent.
Be aware that access to potable water is limited, so try to carry enough water to stay hydrated.
Before reaching your destination, stop in the nearby towns to purchase enough food.
Make sure to book your return transportation with the same company or people who provided the initial transport.
Please consider hiring a local guide if it is within your means.
Be mindful of and show respect for the Wayuu indigenous culture.
Andean Region
El Cocuy National Natural Park
Surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks and vast moorlands (páramos), El Güican, Cocuy, and Chita is one of the most remarkable natural parks in Colombia. This park is located between Arauca, Boyacá, and Casanare Departments, specifically north of the the Colombian Andes Eastern’s Range. Here, you can explore the thermal floors found in the country.
El Cocuy is a magical place that offers a wide variety of activities including:
Hiking: There are various hiking trails available, each varying in duration and level of difficulty.
Exploring Fauna and Flora: El Cocuy is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species and animals such as pumas, spectacled bears, white-tailed deer, and saínos.
Scientific Research: The park is well-known for its scientific significance and discoveries. Therefore, it is quite common to find environmental educational activities.
Documenting Wildlife: El Cocuy is the type of place you'd want to remember like a cherished memory. For this reason, whether you're a passionate or amateur photographer, this is the place for you.
Temperature: -3°C- 23°C
Humidity Levels: From 60% to 80%
How to Get to El Cocuy National Natural Park?
From Bogotá: You can take a 9-hour or 12-hour bus trip from the Terminal de Transporte El Salitre to El Cocuy or Güican. Once you arrive in these towns, you can take a pickup truck to the park for an hour or two.
From Tunja: You can also drive for approximately a 4-hour or 6-hour trip to the park.
H4: Recommendations
To access this destination, it’s required to first register in the park's official jurisdiction between El Cocuy and Güican.
The park entrance is open from 6:00 to 8:00 AM, and closing hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.
We recommend that you purchase medical insurance.
You are not allowed to sleep in the park. So, we advise spending the night at El Cocuy or Güican.
We recommend carrying the appropriate mountain gear and hiring a local guide to climb these mountains.
Remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated.
Please be respectful and mindful of the U'wa indigenous culture.
Guatapé
Guatapé, located in Antioquia Department, is a highly popular town near Medellín. Known for its vibrant heritage and charming atmosphere, this destination is a must-visit spot for travelers.
Undoubtedly, the top things to do include climbing the 700 steps of Piedra del Peñol, a 200-meter-high monolith formation, and strolling through its vibrant streets. Additionally, in the vicinity of Guatapé, there are other options for activities, including:
Practice aquatic sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing, and paragliding.
Enjoy the scenic waterfalls as you hike and observe the various bird species in the area.
Purchase a boat tour on the Embalse de Peñól-Guatapé (lake).
Temperature: 14°C-25°C
Humidity Levels: From 60% to 80%
How to Get to Guatapé?
From Medellín: Arriving in Guatapé is a straightforward journey. By catching a bus from the Terminal de Transporte del Norte in Medellín, you can reach this destination in about two hours.
Recommendations
During peak times like holidays and weekends, the town tends to be very crowded. To avoid any inconvenience, we suggest checking the bus timetable to secure your ticket. Similarly, if you choose to drive, aim to arrive at a convenient time to secure a parking spot.
Make sure to check the weather app before visiting the town, as December through April are the months with the highest levels of rainfall.
Pacific Region
Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park
Also considered a Pleistocene refuge, Uramba Bahía Málaga is more than an ordinary park; it is an ecotourism destination in the Valle del Cauca Department. As a result of the joint work of other national natural parks and five local community councils, this area was declared a national natural park on August 4th, 2010, to preserve aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Uramba Bahías Málaga’s Park never ceases to amaze, from June to October, travelers can witness a one-kind experience: humpback whale-watching and whale-breeding.
Temperature: 18°C-33°C
Humidity Levels: From 80% to 90%
How to Get to Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park?
From Cali: Cali is 3 hours away from the park. We recommend taking a bus at Cali’s Terminal de Transportes or renting a car.
From Other Cities: You can take a direct flight to Buenaventura; however, there aren't frequent flights. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Cali and then to Buenaventura.
Once in Puerto de Buenaventura, you can take a boat (lancha) to the park in a 1-hour trip.
Recommendations
Don’t contaminate the park
Get a lockjaw vaccination
Apply a lot of sunscreen and insect repellent
Hire a certified tour agency
Carry your first-aid kit
The whale-watching boat must have authorization from the Park Division of the Ministry of Environment (División de Parques del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente).
Bonus Plus
As mentioned before, choosing a top 5 was quite a challenge. So, here is an added bonus:
Salento
Did you know that Salento served as one of the inspirations for the film Encanto? And with good reason, Salento is among the most charming town in the country. This place is one of the Coffee Cultural Landscape gems, located in the Quindío Department and surrounded by the Colombian Andes Central Range.
If you can travel by either land or air, you have the option to reach Pereira or Armenia and then continue to Salento. So if you have the opportunity to visit, don't pass it up.
Temperature: 18°C- 25°C
Humidity Levels: 60%-80%
Now that you know how beautiful Colombia can be, come and experience it for yourself during these summer vacations.
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