Despite the negative stereotypes, Colombia has been gaining in popularity among travelers, both digital nomads and tourists searching for culture-rich vacations alike.
Colombian cultural heritage is the main draw and is reflected in local architecture, museums, galleries, festivals, and food. The world-famous coffee plantations and the diverse landscapes are other things that lure so many travelers.
There is simply a lot to see and do. So when it comes to planning your itinerary, you might need a tip or two. If you want to avoid the obvious tourist spots like we do, here is a list of 8 incredible hidden gems to visit in Colombia in 2024.
Punta Gallinas, La Guajira
Set at the northernmost tip of the South American continent, Punta Gallinas is a unique landscape that will please any kind of adventure lover. It’s a rather challenging destination to reach but well worth a day trip or an overnight stay.
You will have the opportunity to get in touch with the local Wayuu tribe and learn about their culture. And you can even stay with them in a ranchería – the Wayuu traditional settlement.
The vast desert combined with the sea as a backdrop makes a great spot to watch the sunset. Thanks to the remote location, stargazing here is also at another level.
The Volcano de Lodo El Totumo
Are you vacationing in Cartagena and thinking about spicing it up a bit? Then take a day trip to the Volcano de Lodo El Totumo. Nevertheless, don’t expect a regular volcano with lava and ashes, but rather a tiny crater with lukewarm mud you can bathe in. It’s fun plus the minerals contained in the mud have therapeutic properties.
After your wellness session, you can wash in a nearby lagoon and get back to reality rejuvenated and with lifetime memories.
Canyon del Güejar, Mesetas
Located by the gates of Serranía de la Macarena, Canyon del Güejar was kept inaccessible for a long time due to guerrillas. And even though it’s safe to visit today, it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in Colombia.
It’s surrounded by virgin forests, waterfalls, and 50-meter-high rock formations. An amazing way to explore these three marvels is by rafting the Güejar River. The journey takes about 5 hours and isn’t dangerous. However, to get the most out of it, we recommend you take a guided tour.
Tayrona National Park, Palomino
Colombia is also home to some fantastic beaches, and the best ones can be found in Tayrona National Park, such as Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes, and La Piscina. They feature crystal-clear waters, powder-white sand, and fascinating boulders. On top of that, they aren’t usually crowded, so you will feel like this piece of paradise belongs to you.
Tayrona National Park also boasts diverse ecosystems. Tropical rainforests full of exotic fauna and flora, mangroves, or vibrant coral reefs? You choose. If you get tired of relaxing at the beach, you can set off exploring them through various hiking trails.
If you wish to stay overnight, there are plenty of accommodation options, including campsites, eco-friendly lodges, and even hammock hotels.
Las Lajas Sanctuary
It’s believed that the Virgin Mary appeared at the location in the mid-18th century. To commemorate the miracle, Las Lajas was built and is today often visited by worshipers and pilgrims. Despite its historical significance, it has still managed to stay off the tourist way. And is therefore a great forgotten cultural monument to add to your travel plans.
This Gothic church towers over a rocky gorge and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing impressive views and a great setting to take a few photos. But don’t stay just outside. The interiors of the sanctuary also feature some interesting religious paintings, statues, and altars.
Lost City, Santa Marta
Nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Lost City are remains of a pre-Columbian city that was built by the indigenous Tayrona people. It had been abandoned for long and was discovered by accident in the 1970s. Today, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Tayrona civilization.
Getting there isn’t as easy, though. You need at least 4 days to traverse the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is pretty much a jungle. However, it’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and meet local cultures.
Tatacoa Desert
Tatacoa Desert is another of Columbia’s hidden gems known for its unique sand formations covered in shades of red and grey, stunning trails, and extraordinary stargazing opportunities.
It’s divided into two main zones – the red zone (Cuzco) and the gray zone (Los Hoyos). Each of them provides different scenery, several hiking trails, and viewpoints.
You can manage to visit them both within the same day. Just don’t forget to bring some water and snacks as there is no option to buy anything there.
Caño Cristales
If you’re already in Mesetas, you might as well want to visit Caño Cristales. It’s nestled on the southern side of Serranía de la Macarena and to get there, you have to hike for a few hours, which makes this location sacred only to the most dedicated adventurers. In exchange, you will be rewarded with a scenery like no other.
Caño Cristales is often nicknamed the “River of Five Colors” for the bright red algae that bloom there. Its beauty draws visitors from around the world, and you can become one of them.
Again, we recommend you take a tour. Not only will it make your visit much smoother, but you will also get some valuable information about the area and local history.
