Colombia was once a dangerous country, well-known for its thriving cocaine business and its infamous and international criminal, Pablo Escobar. But times have changed and the country that nobody wanted to go to, has now become an up-and-coming, popular travel destination.
Top 5 Places
- Bogota – Bogota is the capital city of Colombia. It sits at a higher altitude, making the temperature a little cooler than places near the coast. There is plenty to see and do in this big city. Check out some of the street art, popular neighborhood La Candelaria or a few of the many museums.
Street art in Bogota. - Medellin – This big city is a favorite for many foreigners. It offers a variety of things to do, such as shopping, nightlife, fun day trips, hiking and even paragliding. The city offers a different delicious restaurants and markets that sell fresh, exotic fruits from the country.
- Salento – This quaint town is tucked away in the Colombian Andes region. Here you can relax and visit small coffee plantations to see how they make some of the freshest, richest coffee in South America. Another big draw is the Valle de Cocora, which can be accessed by driving ten minutes out of town. Here you will find some of the tallest palm trees in the world! The view is breathtaking
Colorful streets in old town, Cartagena. and accompanied by a five hour hike through the valley.
- Cartagena – If you are looking for a Caribbean experience, Cartagena is where you want to go. The buildings are colorful, the weather is hot and you are right by the Caribbean sea. Take a trip to a nearby island, such as Isla Baru, and see differentfish and sea creatures by snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Santa Marta- This busy, Caribbean city holds many exciting adventures and excursions for travelers and expats. From Santa Marta, many travel to the very famous, Tayrona National Park and explore this beautiful oceanfront area. Another popular activity is the Lost City Trek, a multi-day hike through the Colombian jungle. You’ll get lots of exercise and also amazing photographs.
Food and Drinks
- Arepas: If you are in Colombia, then you have no choice but to try an arepa – a traditional food from Colombia and Venezuela. This warm, soft bread is made from ground maize. You can use it to make a sandwich, add toppings or even eat it plain.
- Bandeja Paisa: This traditional platter of food consists of a variety of foods, including plantains, beans and pork. It’s a lot – so make sure you are hungry!
- Aguardiente – This liquor may not be for everyone, but it is a staple of Colombia. If you are going out dancing, many people drink Aguadiente to help get the party started.
- Guarapo – For those with a sweet tooth, try this sugarcane beverage. It’s great to drink on a hot day, to cool you down and give you a pick-me-up.
Must-Do Activities
- Just Dance: You can’t be afraid to get your groove on here in Colombia. Dancing and music are big and Colombia has some amazing nightlife to enjoy. Try going to a club or party, such as Andres Carne de Res in Bogota. This place goes from a decorative steakhouse to a giant dance party within seconds.
- Enjoy the Tropics: Colombia has a variety of climates, but many foreigners enjoy its warm, tropical weather close to the Caribbean Sea. There are a lot of nice places to enjoy near the coast, as well as small islands in the sea.
- Learn Some History: There’s a lot to learn about Colombia! Especially considering how much has changed in recent years. Expand your knowledge by visiting a museum or going on a tour. For those curious what happened to Colombia’s biggest criminal, you can take a Pablo Escobar tour in Medellin to see his neighborhood, learn what happened and see what has changed.
Living La Vida Expat 