Out of the Beaten Tracks places to visit in Colombia
Explore Colombia's hidden gems, from the Guajira desert to serene Apolinar's marsh.
Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail
Colombia boasts a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-path locales, ripe for discovery by the intrepid traveler looking to scribe their own adventure tale. Let’s embark on a journey where the WiFi is weak but the coffee is strong, and the memories are even stronger.
Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Bahía Solano
Nested in the department of Chocó, Bahía Solano is a spectacle of nature with lush jungles and pristine beaches. Here, whale-watching becomes a casual pastime as humpbacks breach majestically offshore. Not a place for luxury seekers, but heaven for eco-warriors.
Nuquí and the Chocó Region
If you fancy surfing with a side of biodiversity, Nuquí is your spot. This area is a biodiversity hotspot, meaning you’ll likely be sharing your beach towel with an array of wildlife. Don’t worry; they’re friendly locals.
The Desert of La Guajira
Cabo de la Vela
Cabo de la Vela is a remote desert oasis where the desert meets the Caribbean Sea. Kitesurfing is the game, and the Wayuu people, with their vibrant crafts, are your hosts.
Punta Gallinas
Further off is Punta Gallinas, the northernmost tip of South America. Here, sand dunes cascade into the sea. It’s not the end of the world, but you can see it from here.
Caño Cristales: The River of Five Colors
The Best Time to Visit
Caño Cristales is the river that escaped from paradise, flaunting hues that put your average rainbow to shame. Visit between July and November for nature’s light show sans the bulbs.
Getting to Caño Cristales
You’ll need a bit of grit to reach this masterpiece. A flight to La Macarena and then a guided tour is your ticket. Remember, no swimming; just admiration.
Amazonian Adventures
Leticia and the Triple Frontier
Leticia sits cozily where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil converge. This is the place to sample three cultures with one fork and get Amazonian in the most literal sense.
Amacayacu National Park
Nearby Amacayacu National Park is an emerald kingdom of biodiversity. Here, pink dolphins don’t just exist in your most creative dreams – they’re as real as the piranhas (which, by the way, taste great grilled).
The Archaeological Wonders of San Agustín
The San Agustín Archaeological Park
Home to over 500 monoliths, tombs, and statues, this park is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma, smothered in mystery sauce. It’s like Easter Island and Stonehenge had a love child in Colombia.
The Mystery of the Ancient Statues
Who carved these stoic rock faces and why? Theories abound, but one thing is clear – ancient Colombians had a flair for the dramatic and the artistic.
The Serranía de la Macarena
Untouched Natural Beauty
This mountain range isn’t just a backdrop for your next profile picture. It’s a living, breathing ecological wonder and the proud parent of Caño Cristales.
Trekking Opportunities
Lace-up for some serious trekking. Here, the trails are less traveled, and the air is as pure as bottled water – except it’s free and doesn’t come in plastic.
The Lost City: Ciudad Perdida
The Challenging Trek to Ciudad Perdida
The five-day hike to Ciudad Perdida isn’t for the faint of heart, but the ruins of the Tayrona civilization are a rich reward. Forget Machu Picchu; this is exclusivity stamped with Mother Nature’s seal of approval.
The History of the Tayrona Civilization
The Tayrona were sophisticated and fashionable, with a penchant for city building in challenging locales. Their lost city is now your bucket list item.
Colombia’s Coffee Region
Filandia: A Quaint Coffee Town
Filandia is the town that Starbucks dreams are made of. Here, coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a way of life, and life, my friends, is good.
Exploring the Cocora Valley
Cocora Valley is the land of the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree and the sky-high supermodel of the plant world. The valley is not just a pretty place; it’s a green statement piece.
Mompox: A Colonial Time Capsule
The Historical Significance of Mompox
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mompox plays the timeless charm card, and it plays it well. It’s the town that time forgot, but you definitely shouldn’t.
Discovering Mompox’s Charm
Mompox is not stuck in the past; it is the past. Stroll through its streets, and you’ll feel like you’re an extra in a historical drama, minus the corsets and wigs.
The Island of Providencia
The Unspoiled Caribbean Paradise
Providencia is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, where the beaches are postcard-perfect, and the reggae beats are always fresh. It’s the island life you’ve fantasized about.
Snorkeling and Diving in Providencia
With a coral reef that’s part of the third-largest barrier reef system, the underwater world is your Technicolor playground here. Dive in; the water’s fine.
Conclusion: Embracing Colombia’s Diversity
Travel responsibly as you tread lightly through Colombia’s lesser-known havens. After all, the true traveler leaves only footprints and takes only memories – preferably, the unforgettable kind.