Sailing off the coast of Santa Marta. No, Colombia is nothing like Netflix’s Narcos—there’s so much more to this extraordinary land than Escobar’s chalky legacy. That being said, Colombia is all too aware of the stereotypes: its hectic past, the scars of violence, drugs, civil war, and the political instability that mars its name. The South American country, however, has miraculously reconstructed itself and worked hard to rebuild its infrastructure, to rise like a phoenix from the still-swirling ashes of unrest, and to welcome visitors with warmth instead of fear.
Today, Colombia successfully defies preconceived notions one by one. While there are still parts of Colombia in which safety is a concern, the bulk of the country feels remarkably welcoming. In fact, improved security at home and shifting perspectives abroad have sparked unparalleled growth in the tourism industry: according to the Embassy of Colombia, in the past decade, Colombia’s annual visitors have skyrocketed at rates four times the global average.
When you visit Colombia, leave expectations at customs and come with an open mind. Be prepared to be surprised by the fiery, uptempo pulse of the cities, the allure of its palm-dotted coast, and the resilience, passion, and hospitality of its people. The following four destinations—from the electric nightlife in Medellin to the misty, coffee-covered hillsides of Manizales—are well-worth consideration when planning a trip to this ever-evolving locale.
1. Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park
Drew Zieff
The capital of the region of Magdalena, Santa Marta is a classic stop on the backpacker’s Colombian itinerary. The city itself—while undergoing its own cultural rebirth, with exciting new restaurants and local businesses popping up on previously deserted streets—won’t keep you busy for more than a couple days, but it does serve as a perfect base camp to explore the surrounding areas, especially Tayrona National Park, Minca, and La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City).
What to Do
Hit the high seas for a relaxed day on the water, go snorkeling in the Caribbean, and get a unique glimpse of Tayrona National Park from offshore. Most visitors storm the park by foot—checking it out from a breezy boat is decidedly more relaxing.
Where to Stay
Due to an expensive entrance fee and the long walk-in from the main entrance, overnights are recommended in Tayrona National Park—accommodations range from luxurious ecohabs to gnarly hammocks lined up in dormitory style rows at Cabo San Juan. Though Tayrona seems like paradise, crowds, muddy trails, and stifling heat can converge on the unsuspecting hiker. Regardless, Tayrona is still worth checking out.
In Santa Marta proper, check out La Brisa Loca for the night—a cheap, clean, and comfortable hostel with a bustling common area. It’s the perfect place to meet fellow travelers.
2. The Caribbean Coast
Drew Zieff
Craving some beach time? Colombia’s Caribbean coast is heaven—especially if you’ve had a wild weekend. Push east past Tayrona National Park and the crowds start to thin out. Disconnect beachside, take a dip in the pool, swing in a hammock, drink straight out of a coconut—doesn’t sound half bad, right?
What to Do
The surfing here isn’t exactly world class, but warm Caribbean waters and a lack of crowds make the Santa Marta coastline attractive to surfers traveling through Colombia. And who knows—maybe you’ll strike gold if the conditions line up!
Where to Stay
If "roughing it" isn’t your idea of a vacation, be sure to stop by the inimitable Cayena. The boutique, family-run, 6-room villa is just a stone’s throw from the ocean. The Cayena’s luxurious, comfortable rooms are more simple than opulent, and the food is nothing short of phenomenal. Expect dishes like pan-seared steaks and freshly caught spiny lobsters family-style around a long, polished wooden table. Plus, the Cayena has arguably the best pool in all of Colombia—a tiled work of art and a veritable life saver when the Caribbean sun is high overhead.
Just next door to the Cayena is La Brisa Tranquila, an option better suited for solo travelers and backpackers. Cheap hammocks, dorm beds, and private rooms are available at the renowned hostel, and the restaurant/bar offers fairly-priced, tasty food and drinks in a fun, laid back communal setting. Plus, there’s a decent beach break right out front for surfers, and boards can be rented just down the beach.
3. Manizales
Drew Zieff
Simply flying into Manizales—a city perched high in the coffee-cultivation hub of a country defined by its java production—is a trip. Banking through steep mountains shrouded by gnarled jungle, you’ll get your first glimpse of rows of coffee plants that defy the law of gravity. Once you’re on the ground, you’ll meet farmers who do the same, clinging to near-vertical hillsides, buckets full of ripe red coffee "cherries" strapped along their bellies.
What to Do
Take a coffee tour with Hacienda Venezia, and you’ll gain an appreciation for the history of coffee, as well as the arduous process of coffee production.
Don’t leave Manizales without stopping by the nearby Recinto del Pensamiento ecological reserve to take a tour and learn all about the various species of trees, orchids, and hummingbirds native to the region. The hummingbird exhibit alone is worth the visit—make sure to bring your camera!
Where to Stay
The quirky, sprawling main house of Hacienda Venezia is a portal into the past: antique bed frames, faded photographs, and traditional architecture contribute to the old-time ambience, while the service is impeccable and the family-style meals hearty and delicious. There’s also a hostel on the extensive property for those traveling on a budget.
4. Medellín
Drew Zieff
No trip to Colombia would be complete without a stop in Medellín. Colombia’s second biggest city after Bogotá, Medellín’s a cultural hotbed and gastronomic utopia without that sense of claustrophobia that’s so common in major cities. Mountains surround the Aburrá Valley, making even the city’s tallest skyscrapers seem minute, and giving the sprawling metropolis an unmistakable ambiance.
What to Do
The free walking tour of Medellín is a fantastic way to gain an understanding of how Colombia’s past commingles with its present. Knowledgeable guides lead small groups through downtown, stopping at often overlooked historical landmarks and providing historical context to the bustling city.
There’s no skiing in Medellín, but gondolas abound. Riding the Metrocable gondolas—a 2004 addition to Medellín’s public transportation network that helps to shuttle locals up the city’s steep hillsides—supplies a bird’s eye view of the action as you glide over neighborhoods thumping with music and bustling with everyday life in the big city.
Where to Stay
One of the highest-rated hostels in Medellin, the Black Sheep is walking distance from a grocery store, the metro (which is simple to navigate), and not-to-be-missed nightlife—while still being in a quiet, safe neighborhood.
Originally written by RootsRated for Craghoppers.
Featured image provided by Drew Zieff