Even though it is one of the most overlooked countries in South America, Colombia is one of the best places to visit on the continent. This country is endowed with dense rainforests, a wide variety of wildlife, rich culture, delicious food, picturesque towns, and plenty of exciting parties. With so much to see and do, a time in Colombia promises to be unforgettable. For travelers visiting the country for the first time, here are some activities to do for an overview of the country.
10 Explore Cartagena
Cartagena has for a long time been a popular city for tourists in Colombia due to its interesting history, thriving businesses, vibrant nightlife, and impressive architecture. Just walking through the streets of this city is an interesting thing to do as one will be met with friendly locals, plenty of cafés and restaurants to sit in and enjoy a meal or drink, and a wide range of tourist attractions. The Walled City in Cartagena is a must-see as it sheds more light on the colonial history of this area. Getsemani is another interesting part of the city worth checking out as it has plenty of things to enjoy, from interesting paintings to cafés, restaurants, and vibrant night spots.
9 Visit Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is a great place in Colombia to enjoy outdoor adventures. The park is endowed with beautiful white sand beaches, dense jungles, and several beachside resorts that bring visitors close to all the adventures. Activities to enjoy here include - hiking, camping, and swimming on the beach. The park’s wildlife is also amazing and worth checking out.
8 Go Bird Watching
The dense rainforests of Colombia are endowed with plenty of birds which is why bird-watching is so popular in the country. With over 1,884 species of birds and still counting, Colombia is the country with the most bird species in the world. Santa Marta Mountains, Amacayacu National Park, and Antioquia Rainforest are some of the best places in the country to watch these beautiful winged creatures. Some of the most popular bird species to see in Colombia include - Andean Condor, hummingbirds, and Great Black Hawks.
7 Taste Colombian Coffee
Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee, so it would make sense for one to get a taste of the country’s coffee when visiting. Colombian coffee stands out for its rich aroma and flavor, and its secret lies in the arabica beans from which the coffee is made. This has made Colombian coffee one of the most beloved in the world. There are plenty of cafes all over the country that serve Colombian coffee, and visitors should also check out one of the numerous coffee plantations in the country to fully enjoy this top food product of the country.
6 Attend A Carnival
Carnivals are popular in Colombia as the people love to party. There are plenty of carnivals held in various parts of Colombia throughout the year, and each is worth visiting. The Barranquilla Carnival is the oldest and the most popular in the country. Held every year from late February to early March, this event displays the best of Colombian culture through dancing and different entertaining performances. The Flower Festival held every August is also popular as it features unique displays of flower artworks and great music. There are many other carnivals to attend around the country, and each comes with something unique to enjoy.
5 Eat The Food
Colombian food is rich in flavors and colors. The country’s cuisine features culinary flavors from different cultures, including Amazonian, African, and Spanish. One must-try food in Colombia is Arepas which is made from corn and filled with cheese or fried egg. Changua and Lechona are other delicious food to try out in Colombia. But there’s more, and each is worth trying out.
4 Relax At San Andres Island
San Andres Island is the go-to destination in Colombia for relaxation. This picturesque Caribbean island comes features some of the best white sand beaches, beachfront restaurants, hotels, and several other interesting attractions to keep guests entertained at all times. Swimming, boating, scuba diving, and cave exploration are some activities one can do here.
3 Visit Mount Monserrate, Bogotá
Mount Monserrate is a popular tourist spot in the capital city of Colombia. Positioned at an elevation of more than 3,000 m above sea level, this mountain features a 17th-century church, restaurants, and shops. Many people come here to see the church, and the mountain is also a great place to get the best views of the city of Bogotá. Watching the sunset on this mountain is also a favorite thing to do here.
2 Learn About The History In The National Museum of Colombia, Bogotá
There are plenty of museums in Colombia, but the National Museum of Colombia is the best place to learn about the history of the country. Within the museum is a wide range of collections that shed light on the country’s heritage and history. At this museum, one will find artworks, remains of early Colombian inhabitants, and many other objects that span different periods of the country’s history.
1 Learn How To Dance Colombian-Style Salsa
Colombian-style Salsa is often considered one of the easiest to learn as it does not involve complicated moves. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Colombian salsa is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires faster leg movements and several intense tricks and lifts to make it more entertaining. This skill is definitely something worth taking home from Colombia, and there are many salsa studios and schools around the country to learn this interesting dance style. Most of these schools only need 10 - 12 hours to get students ready to dish out some amazing salsa moves at a club with a partner.