From Bogotá to Cartagena: a tour of the best places in Colombia
Colombia is a country full of contrasts and wonders, from its vibrant cities to its paradisiacal beaches and mountainous landscapes. A tour from Bogotá to Cartagena will take you through some of the most impressive and diverse destinations in the country. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Colombia.
Bogotá: The Capital of Colombia
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a dynamic metropolis that combines modernity with rich history. Begin your tour in the historic center, La Candelaria, where you can explore cobblestone streets filled with colonial houses, museums and historical sites. Don't miss the Gold Museum, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, and the Botero Museum, where you can admire the works of famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
Climb Cerro de Monserrate to get panoramic views of the city and enjoy a walk along its trails. Bogotá is also known for its food scene, so be sure to try typical Colombian dishes such as tumba paisa and ajiaco at the city's many restaurants and markets.
Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral
An hour's drive from Bogotá is Zipaquirá, a city famous for its impressive Salt Cathedral . This architectural marvel is built inside a salt mine and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. The underground cathedral is a masterpiece that combines art, architecture and spirituality. A tour of its tunnels and chapels will leave you amazed by the ingenious use of salt as a construction material.
Now we move to the city of eternal spring
Medellin:
Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring for its pleasant climate, is an example of urban transformation. This vibrant city is famous for its innovative transportation system and public spaces, such as Parque Explora and the Botanical Garden. The Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero, with its sculptures by the artist Fernando Botero, are mandatory stops for art lovers.
Don't miss the metrocable, a cable car that offers spectacular views of the city and connects to the Biblioteca España, a symbol of Medellín's urban renaissance. Comuna 13, once known for its violence, is now an example of change and offers fascinating tours of street art and local culture.
Guatapé and the Peñol Stone
From Medellín, a day trip to Guatapé is a must. This colorful city is known for its painted skirting boards, which adorn homes and shops with vibrant designs. The main attraction in the area is the Piedra del Peñol, a huge granite monolith that can be climbed by a staircase of 740 steps. The view from the top is stunning, with the Guatapé Reservoir and its many islands and peninsulas in view.
Cali: The World Capital of Salsa
Cali is famous for its vibrant nightlife and passion for salsa. Known as the Salsa Capital of the World, Cali offers countless places where you can learn to dance and enjoy live music. Visit the San Antonio neighborhood, a historic area with cobblestone streets and a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
The Cali Fair, held at the end of December, is one of the city's largest events, attracting visitors from all over the world with parades, concerts and dance competitions. In addition, Cali offers access to beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park.
Tayrona National Natural Park
Continuing towards the Caribbean coast, the Tayrona National Natural Park is one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Colombia. This park combines tropical jungle, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Playa Cristal and Bahía Concha are some of the most popular beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun.
The park is also home to a great diversity of fauna and flora, and offers numerous hiking trails that take you through lush forests to archaeological ruins such as Pueblito, an ancient Tayrona indigenous settlement.
Santa Marta: History, sun and beach
Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, is a destination that combines history and beach. Explore the historic center, where you will find the Cathedral of Santa Marta and the Tairona Gold Museum. The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the last residence of Simón Bolívar, is another point of historical interest.
From Santa Marta, you can easily access the beaches of Tayrona Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, where indigenous communities live and preserve their ancestral traditions.
Cartagena:
Finally, arrive in Cartagena, one of the most charming cities in Colombia. Its walled city, with its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the Getsemaní neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant street art.
Cartagena is also famous for its beaches, such as Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, and the Rosario Islands , an archipelago with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
A tour from Bogotá to Cartagena will allow you to experience the best of Colombia, from its vibrant urban life to its stunning natural landscapes. Each destination on this trip offers something unique, whether it's the history and culture of Bogotá, the innovation of Medellín, the energy of Cali, or the paradisiacal beaches of Cartagena.
Plan your trip in advance , keep an open mind and get ready to discover the wonders of this incredible country.
Colombia awaits you with open arms
If you want to know more about our destinations, take a look at our blog: Baquianos Travel