Let me tell you about my first sunrise in Cartagena. I was jet-lagged, drinking tinto from a street vendor, when those pastel colors hit the colonial buildings. That moment? Pure magic. Colombia grabs you by the senses and never lets go. Forget those old stereotypes – this place is bursting with life, and I'm here to break down exactly what makes it special.
I've spent months traveling this country, from sweaty jungle treks to chilly Bogotá mornings. Got pickpocketed once in Medellín (totally my fault for flashing my phone in El Centro), but you know what? I'd go back tomorrow. Why? Because finding things to do and see in Colombia feels like discovering hidden treasure every single day. And I'm not just talking about the obvious stuff.
Bogotá's Rough-Edged Charm
Bogotá hits you hard – the altitude (2,640 meters!), the street art, the smell of roasted corn. It's not pretty everywhere, but man does it have character.
La Candelaria: Where History Bleeds Color
Wandering these cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope. Every wall tells a story. Botero's museum is free (Carrera 4 #11-41, open Wed-Mon 9am-7pm), but honestly? The real show is outside. Don't miss Chorro de Quevedo plaza at dusk when street performers take over.
| Spot | Address | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Museum | Cra. 6 #15-88 | Tue-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm | $4,000 COP (free Sun) |
| Grafitti Tour | Meeting at Parque de los Periodistas | Daily 10am & 2pm | Tip-based |
| Paloquemao Market | Av. 19 #25-04 | Daily 4:30am-4:30pm | Free entry |
Pro tip: Eat at La Puerta Falsa (Calle 11 #6-50). Their tamales and hot chocolate? Life-changing. Costs about $15,000 COP. Just don't go after dark – some side streets get sketchy.
Monserrate: Worth the Burn
That postcard view comes with pain. Walking up? Takes an hour and you'll feel the altitude. Cable car costs $21,000 COP roundtrip (Cra. 2 Este #21-48, Mon-Sat 6:30am-11:30pm). Go Tuesday when it's less crowded. The white church up top? Pretty but crowded. Real magic happens at sunset with the city lights waking up below.
Local Insight: Bogotá's weather is bipolar. Pack layers. One minute it's sunny, next you're soaked. Locals carry umbrellas year-round.
Cartagena: More Than Just Instagram Backdrops
Yeah, the walled city is gorgeous. But stay only there and you're missing half the story.
Walled City Secrets
Getsemaní (the graffiti neighborhood) has soul. Café del Mural (Calle de la Sierpe #29-89) does coffee workshops ($35,000 COP). Best time? Early morning before cruise crowds arrive. Street food alert: Grab a $3,000 COP arepa de huevo from Doña Magaly near Plaza Trinidad.
| Must-Do | Details | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Castillo San Felipe | Carrera 17, opens 8am-6pm | $25,000 COP entry |
| Palace of Inquisition | Plaza Bolívar, daily 9am-6pm | $20,000 COP |
| Bazurto Market | Go with local guide only | Tour $60,000 COP |
Personally found Bocagrande beaches overrated – crowded and meh water. But Playa Blanca? That's the stuff. Boat from Muelle de la Bodeguita ($50,000 COP roundtrip).
Rosario Islands Reality Check
Those "paradise island" photos? Often misleading. Many day tours pack you onto crowded beaches. Better to stay overnight. Isla Grande has backpacker vibes, Barú has luxury eco-lodges. Snorkeling is average – saw more plastic bags than fish last time.
Medellín: Where Transformation Happens
This city will surprise you. Spring weather year-round and smiles everywhere.
Comuna 13: More Than Graffiti
Take the metro to San Javier ($2,950 COP), then escalators up. The street art is incredible, but the real story is the resilience. Join a free walking tour (tip expected) and hear locals tell their stories. Avoid taking photos without permission – this isn't a zoo.
Transport Hack: Medellín's metro is spotless and safe. Grab a Civica card at any station. Buses integrate with the system – saves cash versus taxis.
Parque Arví: Cloud Forest Escape
Metrocable Line L from Acevedo station ($10,000 COP roundtrip). Trails open 9am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday. Guatape day trips? Overhyped unless you love climbing 700 stairs for views. Half the tour is just bus time.
Coffee Zone: Where the Magic Beans Grow
The Zona Cafetera smells like heaven. Literally. Coffee blossoms have this sweet scent that hits you in the valleys.
Salento & Cocora Valley
Jeep Willys from Salento's plaza leave hourly ($4,000 COP). Hike through those insane wax palms – tallest in the world. Trail gets muddy; wear proper shoes. Jeans? Bad idea. Saw some tourists sliding downhill like penguins.
| Coffee Farm | Location | Tour Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recuca | Calle 2 #5-37, Calarcá | Costume tasting experience | $28,000 COP |
| Ocaso | Km 6 vía Palestina, Salento | Modern sustainable methods | $25,000 COP |
| El Jordán | Vereda Buenos Aires, Armenia | Family-run, traditional | $15,000 COP |
Salento's artisan market is touristy but good for souvenirs. Try bandeja paisa at any fonda – mountain fuel food.
Caribbean Coast Raw & Real
Beyond Cartagena lies the real Caribbean. Fewer selfie sticks, more hammocks.
Tayrona National Park Truths
Closed every February for indigenous rituals. Other months, arrive EARLY (gates open 8am). Cabo San Juan beach takes 2 hours to hike to. That Instagram-perfect hammock spot? Costs $50,000 COP/night and gets packed. Arrecifes has better camping ($20,000 COP). Mosquito spray? Non-negotiable.
The Lost City Trek: Worth the Pain?
Ciudad Perdida is no walk in the park. 4-5 days, jungle humidity, river crossings. Tour companies: Expotur or Magic Tours ($1,200,000 COP all-inclusive). Saw a guy attempt it in flip-flops – disaster. But reaching those ancient steps at sunrise? Unforgettable. Better than Machu Picchu for crowd-free ruins.
Honestly? Some days I hated every sweaty step. But looking back? Best thing I did in Colombia.
Practical Stuff They Don't Tell You
Ok, real talk about planning your things to do and see in Colombia adventure:
When to Go (No Perfect Answer)
- Andes: Dry Dec-Mar (but crowded)
- Caribbean: Feb-Apr for less rain
- Amazon: July-Nov for lower water (better hiking)
I went in May – got soaked in Bogotá but had Cartagena beaches to myself. Trade-offs.
Safety: Don't Be Stupid
- Bogotá/Medellín centro after dark? Take Uber or Cabify
- Don't flash expensive gear in markets
- Night buses: choose reputable companies (Bolivariano, Berlinas)
- Scam alert: "Mustard spill" distraction thieves exist
Felt safer here than in Paris metro. Seriously.
Getting Around Without Tears
| Transport | Best For | Cost Sample | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights | Long distances (Bogotá-Cartagena) | $50-100 USD one-way | Viva Air is cheap but strict baggage rules |
| Buses | Regional routes (Medellín-Jardín) | $15-30 USD | Bring snacks – rest stops overpriced |
| Collectivos | Short hops (Salento-Cocora) | $1-5 USD | Departs when full – patience required |
Money Tip: ATMs limit withdrawals to 300,000-800,000 COP per transaction. Bank Davivienda usually highest limits. Credit cards accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas.
Eating Like a Local (Without Regrets)
Colombian food is hearty, not fancy. Street eats rule.
| Dish | What It Is | Where to Find | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajiaco | Chicken & potato soup (Bogotá) | La Puerta Falsa (Candelaria) | $15,000 COP |
| Arepa de Choclo | Sweet corn pancake | Any street stall | $2,000-5,000 COP |
| Lulada | Lulo fruit shake | Lulo stands (Cali) | $4,000 COP |
| Lechona | Stuffed pork (Tolima) | Plaza de Mercado (Ibagué) | $10,000 COP |
Honestly couldn't stomach hormigas culonas (big-butt ants) in Santander. Some things are too local for me.
Your Colombia Questions Answered
Let's tackle those real traveler questions:
How many days do I need?
Two weeks minimum. Bogotá (3d), Salento (3d), Medellín (3d), Cartagena/Tayrona (5d). Rushing means missing the vibe. Met a guy doing "7 cities in 10 days" – he looked dead inside.
Do I need Spanish?
In tourist zones? You'll manage. Deeper into countryside? Essential. Download offline Google Translate. Colombians appreciate "buenos días" before asking questions.
Is the water safe?
Major cities: mostly fine (I drank tap water in Medellín). Coastal towns? Stick to bottled. Food poisoning horror story: ate ceviche from a beach cart. Three days lost. Learn from my mistake.
What about altitude sickness?
Bogotá (2,640m) and Salento (1,895m) can hit hard. Coca tea helps ($1,000 COP in markets). Avoid alcohol first 24 hours. Saw a tourist puking at Monserrate – not pretty.
Visa stuff?
Most nationalities get 90 days on arrival. Immigration might ask for onward ticket – have proof ready. Overstays? $20-300 USD fines depending on duration.
Final thoughts? Colombia rewards the curious. Skip the all-inclusives. Wander local markets. Drink coffee with farmers. Dance salsa badly in Cali. Those moments – not just checking off things to do and see in Colombia – are what stick with you. Pack your patience and sense of humor. This place gets under your skin.
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