Who hasn't heard of Colombia? Of the magnificent colonial city of Cartagena de Indias, located in the Caribbean Sea? Of its paradisiacal beaches and its warm and welcoming population? Or of its eventful and tragic past? This country located in the extreme north of South America is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is still a territory preserved from mass tourism and has managed to preserve its authenticity as well as the wild beauty of its different landscapes. To give you a taste of it and make you want to fly to this magnificent country, here is a selection of 10 activities that you can only do in Colombia!
1- Sleep in the Kogi indigenous community
The Kogi community is a native people from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in the north of Colombia. It is the highest coastal massif in the world, with mountains that reach 5,775 meters above sea level. The Kogis call themselves the "big brothers" because they believe they have a mystical knowledge and perception of nature that is superior to any other people, whom they call the "little brothers". The habits, rituals and traditions of the community have changed very little since before the colonial era. By staying with them, you will live a moving and authentic experience reserved for certain travelers. Indeed, access to their villages is strongly controlled by the Mamo, the authoritative figure of each community.
2- Watch the pink dolphins of the Amazon
Flying over a green ocean that seems to go on forever, then landing in the middle of the lungs of the planet: welcome to the Amazon! This region is full of surprises for travelers and watching the pink dolphin in the Amazon River is one of the most fun! The pink dolphin, also called boto, is an endemic species, only present in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Being able to reach 2,80 m and weigh 150 kg, the one that remains the biggest freshwater dolphin is playful and curious. Note that it is particularly active at sunset!
3- Explore the mysterious ruins of the disappeared civilization of San Agustin
The San Agustin archaeological park is a set of 300 megalithic religious and funerary sculptures that are particularly aesthetic and that testify to the great creativity of those who made them. Of animal, human or abstract forms, they are located in a wild landscape in the heart of the Andes Mountains, in the department of Huila in Colombia. They were built by a pre-Hispanic civilization today disappeared and which knew its apogee between the 1st and the 8th century of our era. Inscribed in the World Heritage of the Unesco since 1995, these sublime sculptures are older than Machu Picchu.
4- Watch humpback whales from Gorgona Island, a former maximum security prison
Every year, from June to October, humpback whales reach the waters of the Colombian Pacific during their annual migration that sees them give birth to their calves. Gorgona Island is the ideal place to observe them. Located at 35 km from the Colombian coast, it is reached after a 1h30 boat trip from Guapi. The island is also home to many species of birds, reptiles, monkeys and many other mammals. For 26 years and until 1986, Gorgona Island was a high security prison for the most dangerous criminals of Colombia! They lived there in terrible conditions. Now only the walls remain, where the jungle and humidity have taken over. Today, Gorgona Island is a park and a natural reserve and one of the best places to observe, swim and dive with humpback whales.
5- Enjoy dozens of exotic fruits, in juice or whole
Colombia has a great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. This allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of foods, including the following fruits: grenadelle, lulo, soursop, mangosteen, cherimoya, gulupa, passion fruit, pitaya, barbadine, borojo, curuba, guava, feijoa, pink apple, cape gooseberry, and star fruit. You are spoilt for choice to satisfy your hunger, refresh yourself or fill up with vitamins. Colombia is a paradise of exotic fruits.
6- Tasting the best coffee in the world
During the 1980s and 1990s, Colombian coffee was internationally recognized as the best coffee in the world. Coffee cultivation is widespread throughout the country, from the north to the south of the territory. More than 36,000 coffee farms produce coffee of different varieties that can be adapted to all tastes: full-bodied, light, fruity, acidic, etc. Moreover, during the peace treaty in Colombia, former coca leaf farmers converted to coffee thanks to the new opportunities linked to the economy and tourism. During a trip, it is impossible to miss a visit to a farm, to better understand the culture of coffee, participate in tastings and exchange with producers. These are fascinating life stories that will be told to you!
7- Take a walk among 70 meter high palm trees in the Cocora Valley
The wax palm is Colombia's national tree and the Cocora Valley is the most popular place to see them. They stand more than 70 meters high and seem to defy the sky. The Cocora Valley is located in the heart of a coffee region, in the center of the country. It is also famous for hosting nests of Andean condors, the largest bird in the world. Hiking among these giant trees and green landscapes, as well as observing birds such as the Andean condor and hummingbirds, is a breathtaking and memorable experience. If you prefer to be away from the crowds, the Carbonera Valley and the Samaria Forest are excellent options to observe the wax palms in a more intimate atmosphere and away from the tourists.
8- Visit the incredible river of 5 colors: Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales is also called "the river that escaped from paradise" or "the most beautiful river in the world", thanks to its 5 colors: red, green, blue, black and yellow. Forbidden to the public for years because of the armed conflict in Colombia, the Serranía de la MacarenaNational Natural Park
de la Macarena opened its doors in 2014. It is a paradise for animal watching as well as hiking. Between June and November, aquatic plants and the endemic algae named Macarenia clavigera, bloom underwater and give the waterway its characteristic colors. This is a sight to see at least once in a lifetime!
9- Trek to the breathtaking Lost City
The Lost City, or Teyuna as it is called by the locals, is an ancient religious site probably founded around the year 800 by the Tayrona indigenous community, whose descendants are the Kogis. Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this ancient pre-Columbian city was abandoned during the Spanish conquest to protect it from attacks. It was then rediscovered in the 1970s by plunderers of indigenous burials. To reach it, it is necessary to walk during at least 3 days in the heart of the forest, during a magnificent trek marked by meetings with the local indigenous people.
10- Make several stays in 1
Colombia is a destination that adapts to all tastes. It has paradisiacal beaches on the Pacific Ocean and in the Caribbean Sea, two deserts with red and intense sand, and the magnificent Amazonian forest. You can hike in the heart of high mountain landscapes, in the tropical forest and through imposing canyons. You can see famous archaeological remains and enjoy wandering through cosmopolitan, lively cities and charming colonial villages.
Colombia never ceases to surprise its visitors. It is the 2e country in terms of biodiversity in the world, after Brazil. Its people are warm and welcoming and will always make you feel welcome! It is a destination that attracts more and more travelers, while remaining authentic and preserved. A South American territory not to be missed.
