Discovering Colombia: 5 Enchanting Places You Must Visit

Discovering Colombia:

5 Enchanting Places You Must Visit

In addition to its friendly people, delicious coffee, and passionate soccer culture, Colombia is renowned for its incredible diversity and hidden gems. If you're planning to visit Colombia soon, be sure to explore these amazing spots that will make you feel like you're part of an enchanted tale.

1. Caño Cristales

📍   Location: Serranía de la Macarena National Park, Meta.

📆   Best time of the year to visit: June to November.

Also know as the "River of Five Colors" or the "Liquid Rainbow", Caño Cristales is a unique river known for its amazing landscape with vibrant colors visible during certain months of the year. These colors come from aquatic plants that you can see though the clear water when flourishing, creating a natural spectacle. 

The best time to visit Caño Cristales is between July and October, when the plant are in their most vivid state. However, you could still see it at the end of May and beginning of November. It's best to avoid visiting on April due to the rainy season in the area. 

2. Lost City

📍   Location: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena.

📆   Best time of the year to visit: December to March.

The Lost City is known as one of the best treks in South America. Built by the Tairona people more than 1,000 years ago in the depths of the Sierra Nevada jungle, this ancient archaeological site offers an opportunity to admire the diverse flora and fauna along the trail, connect with nature, and interact with indigenous communities.

The best time to visit the Lost City is during the dry season, from December to March, when rainfall is minimal and trekking conditions are ideal.

3. Guatapé

📍   Location: Guatapé, Antioquia.

📆   Best time of the year to visit: December to March.

This picturesque village is known for its vibrant colors and a stunning 721-foot-high rock formation called "El Peñón de Guatapé." Though the lake is man-made, this area provides a breathtaking scenic atmosphere with picturesque views and a variety of activities, including boat rides and hiking to the top of El Peñol for panoramic vistas.

As with the Lost City, the best time to visit Guatapé is during the dry season, between December and March.

4. Salento

📍   Location: Salento, Quindío.

📆   Best time of the year to visit: June to September and December to March.

Salento is known for its charming colorful streets, coffee farms experiences, and access to the magical Cocora Valley, where you can hike among the world's tallest palm trees. In addition to enjoying the local food and take a bunch of pictures on the vibrant streets, you could also visit a coffee farm to learn about the entire process of coffee, from planting to final roasting. 

The best time to visit Salento to do outdoor activities are from early June to early September and December to March.

5. Cocora Valley

📍   Location: Salento, Quindío.

📆   Best time of the year to visit: June to September and December to March.

This valley is known for the enchanting landscape that offers filled with Colombia's national tree, the wax palms. This place hosts wax palms that can reach up to 196 feet in height. This stunning place is perfect for hiking, biking, horse riding, or even paragliding. It also offers a serene and mystical atmosphere perfect for capturing amazing photos.

The best time to visit Cocora Valley is during dry months from early June to early September and December to March.

These are just a few of the most beautiful places that can make your visit to Colombia an unforgettable experience. With such rich biodiversity, each region of Colombia has countless incredible experiences to offer. What are you waiting for? Come explore more of Colombia’s magical places!