One of Colombia’s coasts does touch the Caribbean, but the rest of its unique biomes are what truly impress. Desert, tropical rainforest, páramo, it’s all there. The sites that people frequent have the expected tourist infrastructure for a smooth vacation fine-tuned for relaxation. This country still maintains its mystery though.
Some sites have just begun to open up to travel. Others require journeying down secret paths travelers can only discover by way of their own curiosity. To call this destination an alternative to a vacation in the Caribbean would be an understatement. It has its own unique merits that deserve to be explored.
Here are 20 stunning photos taken by travelers in Colombia (that give the Caribbean a run for its money).
20 Colorful pools swirl together at Caño Cristales
Visitors who skip the sunscreen and bug spray can take a dip in these rainbow pools at Serranía de la Macarena, according to CNN. This keeps the river’s diverse life thriving. The colorful spectacle is only visible for a few months and reaches its peak between June and November.
19 Romantic streets in Cartagena brighten up the day
A mix of colonial and Italian architecture in the streets of Cartagena bring Europe to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The groups that inhabit the city make it even more colorful by representing cultures from across the ocean. Walking through the city is a brief introduction to Colombia’s special blend of life.
18 Cartagena's beaches aren't bad either
The forested edges of Cartagena recede to reveal golden sand beaches. Then come the blue Caribbean waves. It does have a piece of the Varadero reef, but that’s not the only surprise in store for snorkelers. Lounging in the sun or lying back in the shallows works too.
17 Medellín's lake-filled neighborhood softens the city's rough image
Forgetting the origins of Pablo Escobar in Medellín is a hard ask, but beautiful locations like the Guatapé Reservoir help. Pure freshwater brushes up against narrow stretches of land. It’s a key inland area for water sports like jet skiing. However, what we most appreciate is the view from above.
16 Tequendama Falls takes a stunning drop through the cliffs
Staggered stone shelves lead down into a slim valley at Tequendama Falls. Each level is cushioned with a slender strip of forest. The actual waterfall is squeezed out from a narrow gorge at the top before dropping. A hotel turned museum is one of the few buildings in the area.
15 Architecture along the Colombian border is on another level
Building a bridge across a rocky river gorge is daring enough, but throwing a chapel on top does make things more interesting. It wasn’t in the original plan though, according to Atlas Obscura. After multiple people experienced miracles while crossing, the Las Lajas Sanctuary went into construction.
14 Horses make navigating untraveled landscapes easy
Horseback is a viable option for getting around much of Colombia’s wilderness. There are forest tours that’ll lead guests through landscapes that would’ve seemed inaccessible before. Going for a ride through town or along lakes like the tourist in this photo is another relaxing way to pass the time.
13 Hammocks are supersized out in the jungle
The Casa Elemento hostel is responsible for huge, square hammocks that hang off the edges of surrounding cliffs in Minca. There are more to be found attached to giant trees in the jungle. These beautiful views of mountains and valleys come in at less than $50, according to Booking.com's rates.
12 All that water dries up in the west
Clay canyons make up the sweeping expanse of Tatacoa Desert. Getting some time alone is easy out here with plenty of desert and few people. At night, it turns into an ideal spot for some stargazing. None of the lights or noises of the city can interrupt the skies here.
11 Palm trees in Colombia cast a tall shadow over those in the Caribbean
These gangly palm trees in the Valley of Cocora are the tallest in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Mist creeps in from the mountains during Colombia’s foggy seasons, setting a kind of eerie scene for the silhouetted giants. This unique landscape is both peaceful and unnerving.
10 Alien landscapes in the Sumapaz Páramo are unlike most places
This ecosystem looks so bizarre because it only appears in the Andes, according to The Bogotá Post. Páramos lie above the trees and below the snowy mountains. Strange species of plants thrive in this low-oxygen and high humidity area. The particular páramo shown here is near Bogotá.
9 All the colors of the rainbow come out in Guatapé
It seems that the crew in charge of painting couldn’t bear to limit this town to a fixed palette. Instead, they chose a mix of bold colors that make the streets radiate with joy. The cheery designs on the staircase seen in this photo extend to the everyday buildings too.
8 No one worries about sharks on a Rio Don Diego tube ride
The Don Diego river in Santa Marta cuts through Colombia’s northern forests. Tubes take visitors on a lazy journey downstream while wildlife flashes past. According to Unique Colombia, howler monkeys and exotic birds are some of the animals that you’ll see. Take a nature trek for a closer look.
7 The height of these crisscrossing staircases rivals most volcanos
Colombia does have its own volcanos, but they’re quite different from the ones you’ll find on islands in the Caribbean. So instead, we give you this huge rock called El Peñol. It’s strange, it’s tall, and climbing its long staircases ends in a breathtaking view of all of Guatapé.
6 This section of the Ring of Fire sees eternal winter
When we said that the volcanos are a little different in Colombia, we were talking about the snow. Colombia is typically a country used to escape the cold up north. However, high up in the mountains, the snow still comes down. Hikers can use this peak to escape the heat instead.
5 Tairona Lost City sits at the center of a forest
Not many tourists make the trek to this pre-Colombian city older than Machu Picchu. CNN states that “visitors… must be accompanied by a licensed guide” which comes in handy on the arduous journey. The site consists of stone terraces that are still frequented by descendants of the Tairona people.
4 Coastal shipwrecks take the place of reefs
Colombia’s coasts made up part of the Spanish trade route. Ships came and went all throughout the centuries with a few falling prey to the chaotic waves. Or to pirates. Now relics of their adventures remain buried at the bottom of the sea for divers to explore.
3 Natural sculptures set the scene on the secluded Guajira
Most of the Guajira peninsula is a desert that culminates in a long coast of unblemished beaches. The rocky decorations vary by location. In some areas, they turn into low cliffs for a seat above the sea. Getting a section of land to yourself isn't difficult in this remote place.
2 God of the Sea Poseidon declares Colombia's waters worthy
Off the coast of San Andres Island, Greek god Poseidon brandishes his mighty trident as schools of adorable fish shimmy past. Divers needn’t worry. Grab the trident for a couple of photos and you’ll still make it out alive. Tropical sea life will keep entertainment levels high after the meet-up.
1 Gentle waters in Taganga attract plenty of boats
This beach is located in the more populated city of Santa Marta. Some would consider the actual beach a tourist trap. However, it’s still ripe for water sports activities, and the nearby boardwalk is fun to explore. It’s also home to an amazing landmark on our list, the Lost City.