Regardless of the destructive stereotypes, Colombia has been gaining in recognition amongst vacationers, each digital nomads and vacationers trying to find culture-rich holidays alike.
Colombian cultural heritage is the primary draw and is mirrored in native structure, museums, galleries, festivals, and meals. The world-famous espresso plantations and the various landscapes are different issues that lure so many vacationers.
There may be merely so much to see and do. So on the subject of planning your itinerary, you would possibly want a tip or two. If you wish to keep away from the apparent vacationer spots like we do, here’s a record of 8 unimaginable hidden gems to go to in Colombia in 2024.
Punta Gallinas, La Guajira
Set on the northernmost tip of the South American continent, Punta Gallinas is a novel panorama that can please any type of journey lover. It’s a slightly difficult vacation spot to succeed in however effectively price a day journey or an in a single day keep.
You should have the chance to get in contact with the native Wayuu tribe and study their tradition. And you may even stick with them in a ranchería – the Wayuu conventional settlement.
The huge desert mixed with the ocean as a backdrop makes an excellent spot to look at the sundown. Because of the distant location, stargazing right here can be at one other stage.
The Volcano de Lodo El Totumo
Are you vacationing in Cartagena and serious about spicing it up a bit? Then take a day journey to the Volcano de Lodo El Totumo. Nonetheless, don’t anticipate a daily volcano with lava and ashes, however slightly a tiny crater with lukewarm mud you possibly can bathe in. It’s enjoyable plus the minerals contained within the mud have therapeutic properties.
After your wellness session, you possibly can wash in a close-by lagoon and get again to actuality rejuvenated and with lifetime recollections.
Canyon del Güejar, Mesetas
Positioned by the gates of Serranía de la Macarena, Canyon del Güejar was stored inaccessible for a very long time attributable to guerrillas. And although it’s protected to go to in the present day, it’s nonetheless one of many best-kept secrets and techniques in Colombia.
It’s surrounded by virgin forests, waterfalls, and 50-meter-high rock formations. A tremendous approach to discover these three marvels is by rafting the Güejar River. The journey takes about 5 hours and isn’t harmful. Nonetheless, to get essentially the most out of it, we advocate you’re taking a guided tour.
Tayrona Nationwide Park, Palomino
Colombia can be house to some implausible seashores, and the perfect ones could be present in Tayrona National Park, akin to Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes, and La Piscina. They function crystal-clear waters, powder-white sand, and interesting boulders. On high of that, they aren’t often crowded, so you’ll really feel like this piece of paradise belongs to you.
Tayrona Nationwide Park additionally boasts various ecosystems. Tropical rainforests stuffed with unique fauna and flora, mangroves, or vibrant coral reefs? You select. In the event you get bored with stress-free on the seashore, you possibly can set off exploring them by means of numerous climbing trails.
In the event you want to keep in a single day, there are many lodging choices, together with campsites, eco-friendly lodges, and even hammock inns.
Las Lajas Sanctuary
It’s believed that the Virgin Mary appeared on the location within the mid-18th century. To commemorate the miracle, Las Lajas was constructed and is in the present day usually visited by worshipers and pilgrims. Regardless of its historic significance, it has nonetheless managed to remain off the vacationer means. And is subsequently an excellent forgotten cultural monument so as to add to your journey plans.
This Gothic church towers over a rocky gorge and is surrounded by lush greenery, offering spectacular views and an excellent setting to take a couple of images. However don’t keep simply exterior. The interiors of the sanctuary additionally function some fascinating non secular work, statues, and altars.
Misplaced Metropolis, Santa Marta
Nestled deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Lost City are stays of a pre-Columbian metropolis that was constructed by the indigenous Tayrona individuals. It had been deserted for lengthy and was found accidentally within the Seventies. As we speak, this archaeological website presents a glimpse into the Tayrona civilization.
Getting there isn’t as straightforward, although. You want at the least 4 days to traverse the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is just about a jungle. Nonetheless, it’s the right alternative to reconnect with nature and meet native cultures.
Tatacoa Desert
Tatacoa Desert is one other of Columbia’s hidden gems recognized for its distinctive sand formations coated in shades of purple and gray, gorgeous trails, and extraordinary stargazing alternatives.
It’s divided into two most important zones – the purple zone (Cuzco) and the grey zone (Los Hoyos). Every of them offers completely different surroundings, a number of climbing trails, and viewpoints.
You’ll be able to handle to go to them each inside the identical day. Simply don’t overlook to convey some water and snacks as there isn’t a choice to purchase something there.
Caño Cristales
In the event you’re already in Mesetas, you would possibly as effectively need to go to Caño Cristales. It’s nestled on the southern aspect of Serranía de la Macarena and to get there, it’s a must to hike for a couple of hours, which makes this location sacred solely to essentially the most devoted adventurers. In trade, you’ll be rewarded with a surroundings like no different.
Caño Cristales is usually nicknamed the “River of 5 Colours” for the intense purple algae that bloom there. Its magnificence attracts guests from world wide, and you may change into considered one of them.
Once more, we advocate you’re taking a tour. Not solely will it make your go to a lot smoother, however additionally, you will get some helpful details about the realm and native historical past.