South America has the only country that has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. If you understand what we are talking about, then information on the topic “sights of Colombia” will be useful to you. There are many interesting places on the territory of the republic, which means that there will be no problems with what to see in Colombia.
What is the first thing to see in Colombia?
When planning a trip to Colombia, keep in mind that Spanish is the official language there. It is spoken by almost all the locals, except for some Indian tribes. It is reasonable to rely on the recommendations of those people who have already visited South America.
1. The city of Medellin
The city of Medellin or the “city of eternal spring”
It is the second largest in Colombia. Now the former mining town is the capital of the department of Antioquia, it is inhabited by 2.5 million people. Such areas as ferrous metallurgy and the textile industry are very well developed there. Why is the city of Medellin considered a landmark in Colombia? Perhaps because it is very beautiful, colorful and there are many interesting places in it. You can walk along the cobbled streets of the old quarters, admire the Spanish churches, rich villas. Between all this splendor, the red brick barracks are also visible.
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2. The city of Cartagena
The skyscraper district in Cartagena
Its history, as well as that of most colonial settlements, is incredibly interesting, to some extent even confusing. It is also rich in both tragic and happy events. All this will be told by guides in Colombia, whose services it makes sense to use. What can be interesting to see in the city of Cartagena? Tourists are invited to explore the fortress-museum of La Concepcion, the Maritime Museum, visit the Roman Theater or visit the fortress of San Julian. The Punic Wall, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, also attracts the attention of the guests of the republic. This is not the whole list of attractions in Colombia, concentrated in the described city.
3. The city of Bogota
View from the height of the city of Bogota
It is the capital and at the same time the largest settlement in the country. It was founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the site of a former Indian settlement of the Chibcha tribe. Bogota is distinguished from other Latin American cities by the absence of monuments from the 16th-17th century. This is because the settlement has experienced many wars, revolutions, and armed uprisings. He “lived” in this mode until the second half of the 20th century, it is not surprising that most of the historical buildings were destroyed. From the reviews of tourists, you can find out something is still left. It is a neoclassical theater and a 17th-century church. There are also unique museums featuring Impressionist paintings, Cubist painters, and even pre-Columbian gold.
4. Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas
A huge stone fort on the hill of St. Lazarus
It is one of the seven wonders of Colombia, located in Cartagena, protected by UNESCO. One of the best attractions has the appearance of a huge stone fort built on top of St. Lazarus Hill. Since its “birth” (16th century), the fortress has been repeatedly expanded and strengthened. Perhaps it was thanks to this that she managed to withstand a large number of sieges, military operations that dragged on until the beginning of the 19th century. Today it is not just a tourist attraction, but a venue for a wide variety of cultural events.
Official website: https://fortificacionescartagena.com
5. Tyrone National Park
The pristine coast of Tyrone National Park
It is located in a very beautiful place, namely on the Caribbean coast, which is 30 km from Santa Marta. In 1969, it was awarded the status of a protected heritage. The park area includes about 12 thousand hectares of jungle, sandy beaches with coves, coral reefs. The description of this place says that everything in it has been preserved almost intact. If you are one of the people who prefer to relax in the wild, then Tyrone Park is a great option. The fauna of this place is very diverse, which is good news.
Official website: https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
6. Las Lajas Church
Las Lajas Church on a bridge in the mountains of Colombia
The cathedral is made in the Neo-Gothic style, it was built on a bridge in a mountainous area, and therefore is surprisingly beautiful. It is deservedly considered one of the 7 wonders of the described country. It was once believed that the location of the church was inhabited by evil spirits, but the opinion about it changed when miracles began to happen. A special feature of one of the main attractions is the presence of a rock icon, the size of which is 3 by 2 m. First, a chapel was built next to it, then 2 temples, but even they could not accommodate everyone who wanted to pray. It was decided to connect the edges of the gorge with an arched bridge and build a church on it, which is now known as Las Lajas.
Feel the atmosphere of Colombia in this beautiful video!
7. The rock of El Penon de Guatape
The road to the unusual rock is a stone with a ladder
It is located between two small towns, each of which considers it its own landmark. The Tahamis Indians once lived there, they considered the rock sacred. Many reviews say that once the Batolito fish jumped out of the sea in order to protect people from the wrath of the gods living in the sky. In battle, her body turned to stone and turned into a rock. It stands alone among the low hills, which is why it looks very impressive. The height is 220 m, and 2/3 of the stone is underground.
8. The Cano Cristales River
The Cano Cristales River or the “river of five colors” by Mario Carvajal
We are talking about the right tributary of the Lozado River, which flows through the Serrania de la Macarena National Park to the east. Literally, the name of the described landmark of Colombia translates as “crystal river”. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the water flow is colored, and the spots do not mix with each other. The secret lies in algae, the color of which directly depends on the temperature and time of year. They do not grow in a continuous layer, but in the form of islands, and not quite the usual shape. In spring, they turn green, and turn red closer to summer, retaining this color until the end of the year.
9. The Lost City of Ciudad Perdida
The Ruins of a Lost City in the Colombian Jungle by Andrew Hyde
It is considered very ancient, once belonged to the Indians, and it is located in the north of Colombia. At one time it was the center of the social and religious life of the Tyrones, but when the Spaniards came, everything was abandoned. The entrance to the city is hidden in the jungle, for this reason, no one knew about it for a long time. You will enjoy a trip to Ciudad Perdida because it is mysterious, abandoned. The city consists of squares, paved roads, and agricultural terraces hollowed out in the mountain slopes, which look like wide strata. There are even stones with images carved on them.
10. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The green hills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
This is a mountain range located in the north of Colombia, namely on the coast of the Caribbean lowland. Its height is 5780 m, and it consists mainly of crystalline and metamorphic rocks, the slopes are represented by sedimentary rocks. The peaks are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The slopes from the northern part are covered with green forests, and from the southern side you can observe xerophytic woodlands, shrubs. Don’t know what to see in Colombia? Go to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range and you will not regret it.
11. Museo del Oro Gold Museum
Exhibit of the Museo del Oro Gold Museum
This landmark of Colombia is one of the richest museums in the world. Just think about it, about 300 thousand pieces of jewelry belonging to the pre-Columbian era are stored within its walls. Despite the fact that it was opened back in 1968, it was only in 2004 that it gained worldwide fame. The building itself has three floors, on which all expositions are divided into groups by subject. Many excursions in Colombia are directed specifically to the Museo del Oro Gold Museum.
12. The city of Leticia
Boats on the river in Leticia in the Amazon Eli Duke
It is the main tourist center in the eastern regions of the republic. It is located on the left bank of the Amazon, near the border of Peru and Brazil. The ratings of the described settlement are decent, perhaps because there is an Island of Monkeys on its territory, where more than 1000 individuals of these fidgets live. It is important to know that 10 days before visiting Leticia, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever.
13. San Agustin Stone Sculpture Park
The territory of the Archaeological Park of stone sculptures of San Agustin
Where to go in Colombia? An interesting place is the archaeological park, located on the banks of the Magdalena River. He attracts attention with huge stone figures. Each of them depicts some kind of god, animal, or human. Some of them date back to the 6th century BC. Today, about 500 sculptures have been found, differing in design style and production time. In their shape, they are very similar to the idols of Easter Island, which is located in Chile.
14. Tekendama Waterfall
The elegant Tequendama Waterfall on the Bogota River
The uniqueness of this Colombian landmark lies in the height of the direct drop of water. The gorge in which it flows narrows to the place of the cliff, due to which there is a strong pressure. It is noteworthy that in December the riverbed dries up completely, if you visit Colombia at the end of the year, you may not find the waterfall.
15. The islands of San Andres and Providencia
The clear waters of the island of San Andres and Providencia
These land areas are inhabited by the Raisalese, who are descendants of the English Puritans. The locals speak Raisal Creole, but it is gradually being replaced by Spanish and English. Where to go in Colombia on the islands of San Andres and Providencia? The main local attraction is the oldest Baptist church in Latin America in La Loma.
16. The Rosario Archipelago
Panorama of the Archipelago del Rosario National Park
It is located 40 km from the city of Cartagena, the area covers about 120 thousand acres. This is the only underwater park in the whole of Colombia, and it consists of 38 islands that differ in both size and shape. Many of them are privately owned. The islets of land are covered with mangroves, and sandy beaches are spread on the shores. This is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, the water temperature is usually at 24-29 degrees Celsius.
17. Los Nevados National Nature Park
The natural landscape of Los Nevados National Park
There are 55 national parks on the territory of the described state, so Los Nevados occupies the third place in terms of attendance. The area of this landmark of Colombia is 583 km, and the elevation differences range from 2600-5321 m above sea level. The photos in this area are incredible. On the territory of the park there is the highest active volcano, the largest lake with an area of 1.5 km2, the depth of which reaches 70 meters.
Official website: https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
18. Mount Montserrat
View of the Montserrat Mountain
Don’t know what to see in Colombia in 1 day? And climb 2.8 thousand meters above sea level and 500 meters above the city, an incredible experience is guaranteed. You can do this on a suspended cable car or monorail. If you are not afraid of difficulties, then you can climb on foot, examining expressive sculptural groups along the way. They depict the last hours of Christ’s life on Earth, including his crucifixion and resurrection.
19. Simon Bolivar House Museum (Quinta de Bolivar)
The House Museum of the famous liberator of Colombia Msorel
This place is considered one of the main attractions of Colombia, because it allows you to learn about how Bolivar influenced the history of the state. It is not difficult to guess that the museum is located in the house where the leader of the struggle for independence of the Spanish colonies used to live. The expositions are represented by items of clothing, weapons, documents and other personal belongings of a political figure.
Official website: https://www.quintadebolivar.gov.co
20. Lake Guatavita
Lake Guatavita in the crater of an extinct volcano
The reservoir has an almost circular shape, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, namely at an altitude of 3100 m. Are you thinking about what is so interesting to see in Colombia? Go to the lake, about which there are many legends. It is believed that the gold of the ancient leaders is safely hidden by the water mass.
21. Salt Cathedral of Sipakira
Inside the underground salt Cathedral of Sipakira
This Catholic church, to put it mildly, is unusual, it is located underground, namely in a salt mine. 75% of the walls of the building, carved into the galite rock, consists of salt. Services are held in the church on Sundays. In 2007, this landmark of Colombia was recognized as the most important in the territory of the state. In addition to the cathedral itself, the complex includes a museum of mineralogy and mining of natural origin. The attention of tourists is attracted by a hall with a lake, there is even a three-dimensional theater and souvenir shops on the territory. The whole complex has 4 levels, the salt cathedral is on the second.
Official website: https://www.catedraldesal.gov.co
22. Bogota Cathedral
Bolivar Square in front of Bogota Cathedral
It was consecrated in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and is located on the main square called Plaza Bolivar. What to visit in Colombia? The answer is the Cathedral, standing on the site where the first stone temple was erected at the end of the 16th century. After 2 centuries, it was rebuilt, acquired features characteristic of classicism. The sarcophagus of the founder of the city is located in the chapel.
23. The National Capitol Building
The facade of the National Capitol building
It is located on Bolivar Square, in the capital of the republic. The Congress of Colombia is sitting in it. The interior is decorated with frescoes, the author of which is Santiago Martinez. They depict famous political figures.
24. The Garden of Botanico Jose Celestino
Corner of the Botanical garden of Jose Celestino Mutis Alberto Castillo Aroc
This is an interesting place in Bogota, the garden was opened in 1781, when King Carlos III ruled. The project was created jointly by architect Villanueva and botanist Gomez Ortega. The site occupies 8 hectares of land, it grows about 850 varieties of plants, a huge number of trees, shrubs, and of different breeds. There is even an artificially constructed waterfall on the territory of the garden.
25. Malpelo Island
The formidable and impregnable island of Malpelo
This place is also known as the “Shark Capital”. It is a small stone cliff that sticks out in the middle of the ocean. There is no vegetation on it, however, despite this, the object is included in the World Heritage List. The value is not the island itself, but what surrounds it, or rather who. We are talking about an incredible number of marine life. The most prominent representatives are all kinds of sharks, as well as porpoises, manta rays, moray eels, etc. The island is a refuge for rare inhabitants of the open sea.
Sights of Colombia: What else to visit in Colombia?
As we can see, the state in the north-west of South America has something to show its guests. According to the number of peoples and the languages they use, the country is considered one of the richest. As a continuation of the topic of what to visit in Colombia, I would like to introduce you to other interesting places.
26. Tierradentro
Mountains in the Tierradentro National Archaeological Park
In terms of its archaeological significance, it occupies the second place in the republic. It is an archaeological park in itself, it has gained popularity due to the presence of crypts located deep underground. They belong to the pre-Columbian era. The entrances to them are oriented to the west, there is also a spiral staircase, the main chamber is at a depth of 5-8 m, it is surrounded by additional, smaller ones. The walls are “decorated” with geometric, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic drawings. Ancient people applied them using a red, black and white coloring compound.
27. Convent of the Convento de la Popa
Inside the Convent of the Convento de la Popa Munigarro
It is located on a hill with a height of 150 m, this is the highest point of the city. The literal translation of the name of the shrine sounds like “the monastery of the stern”, which is due to the similarity of the hill with the stern of the ship. A more massive structure replaced the small wooden chapel that stood on the hill earlier. Now in the chapel of the monastery you can see the image of the Virgin Mary Candelaria, who is considered the heavenly patroness of the city. Are you still thinking about what to see in Colombia? There are amazing views from the top of the hill on which the convent stands.
28. Carnival El Joselito in Barranquilla
Celebrating the carnival of El Joselito in Barranquilla Carnaval.com Studios
We can say about him that he is unlike anything, incredibly funny, sexy, implies the presence of a large number of very strange characters. Everyone who has ever been to such an event, or taken part in the action, agrees that this is the most peculiar and fun holiday in all of South America.
29. Colombia’s Coffee cultural landscape
Colombia’s picturesque coffee plantations
This is an area of the Paisa region, which is a rural area. The main part of Colombian coffee is grown and produced there. On the territory there is a national park and a museum of coffee culture, a national park of agricultural culture.
30. Flower Fair in Medellin (Feria de las Flores)
Siyeteros bearers parade at the John Jairo Estrada Flower Fair
A unique event during which people move with chairs on their backs, on which large ornaments made of fresh flowers are fixed. It takes place in the first half of August and attracts a large audience. Hotels in Colombia, restaurants, and travel agencies are also preparing for the event.
If you decide to go to Colombia, provided you organize your trip correctly, you will definitely not regret it. The country is happy to welcome each of its guests, opening up an interesting world of sights, natural monuments, and festive events in which you can take a direct part.
Read also about the best sights of Paraguay and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of America!
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