Overview to Colombia: Travel Guide and Tourist Information

  Colombian Color

Despite its reputation, Colombia is far from a no-go area for backpackers. With both a Caribbean and North Pacific coastline, vast expanses of jungle and National Park inland, and a wealth of cultural riches, it continues to reward travelers.

In terms of beach-going, the Parque Nacional Tayrona, to the north of the country, offers some of the best stretches going in the whole of South America. A little to the west lies the UNESCO recognized town of Cartagena in all its magisterial grandeur.

In the same area, the ruins of La Ciudad Perdida rightly rival Machu Picchu in terms of antiquated wonder and yet attract remarkably few visitors in comparison. Epic six-day hikes start out from the town of Santa Marta, and are more than worth the exertion.

To the south (past the narrow stretch of land that joins South America with Panama and the rest of Central America) and the large city of Medellin can be found. Once here, the capital of Bogota is just a few hours’ drive away.

Swathed in colonial architecture, and boasting a good arts scene, Bogota proves more interesting than its questionable reputation suggests. La Candelaria, by far the most beautiful part of town, contains a number of gorgeous churches and spacious plazas.

To the south of Bogota, Colombia’s part of the Amazon spreads out. And, ultimately, Colombia is to jungle trekking what it is to backpacking in South America – a fantastically rewarding and underused introduction. 

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