Planning a trip to Colombia? Whether you’re drawn to magical towns, cultural festivals,
lush jungles, or Caribbean beaches, Colombia offers something unforgettable for every
traveler. From community-based projects in Medellín to trekking through the Amazon, here
are 12 experiences that capture the heart and soul of Colombia.

Visit Community Projects in Medellín

See a different side of Medellín by visiting projects like Moravia, Constellaciones, the
Embera Bead Project, or Mi Barrio Mi Sueño. These grassroots initiatives use art, culture,
and entrepreneurship to transform neighborhoods. It’s an inspiring way to understand
Medellín’s resilience while supporting local communities.

Visit Community Projects in Medellín

See a different side of Medellín by visiting projects like Moravia, Constellaciones, the
Embera Bead Project, or Mi Barrio Mi Sueño. These grassroots initiatives use art, culture,
and entrepreneurship to transform neighborhoods. It’s an inspiring way to understand
Medellín’s resilience while supporting local communities.

Visit a Cacao Farm

Love chocolate? Discover where it begins. A visit to a cacao farm in Colombia takes you
through the process of growing, harvesting, and turning cacao into rich chocolate. With
tastings along the way, it’s a sweet, hands-on journey you won’t forget.

Follow the Magdalena River Journey

The Magdalena River is Colombia’s lifeline, flowing from the Andes to the Caribbean Sea.
Start in Puracé National Park, visit historic towns like Honda and Mompox, then take a
riverboat to Barranquilla. Along the way, you’ll step into the world of Nobel Prize-winning
author Gabriel García Márquez, who drew inspiration from these river landscapes.

Walk Through the Story of Cumbia

Cumbia is Colombia’s national rhythm, and its story is woven into the country’s history. Visit
El Banco, known for its lively festivals, and San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African
town in the Americas. Here you’ll discover how African, Indigenous, and Spanish traditions
came together to create one of the world’s most iconic music styles.

Hike Tayrona National Park

One of the best things to do in Colombia is hike Tayrona National Park, where the jungle
meets the Caribbean. Picture white-sand beaches, palm-fringed trails, and crystal-clear
waters — perfect for both adventurers and those looking to relax.

Discover the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

Older than Machu Picchu, the Lost City trek is a true bucket-list adventure. Over 4–5 days,
you’ll cross rivers, hike through jungle, and pass Indigenous villages before arriving at the
incredible stone terraces of this ancient site hidden in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Dance Salsa in Cali & Celebrate the Petronio Festival

Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali is pure rhythm. Take a salsa class, join locals
on the dance floor, or catch a live show. If you visit in August, don’t miss the Petronio
Álvarez Festival, where Afro-Pacific music, traditional dishes, and Colombia’s ancestral drink
viche take center stage.

Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Just outside Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a masterpiece carved into an
underground salt mine. This spiritual and architectural wonder is unlike anything else in
Colombia — and one of the country’s most unique attractions.

See the Wax Palms of Salento & San Félix

The Cocora Valley near Salento is world-famous for its towering wax palms — Colombia’s
national tree. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to San Félix, where you’ll find
the same breathtaking landscapes with far fewer crowds.

Visit Barichara, Colombia’s Most Beautiful Town

With cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views over the Chicamocha
Canyon, Barichara is often called the most beautiful town in Colombia. It’s the perfect place
to slow down, enjoy local crafts, and soak up colonial charm.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest from Leticia

Fly to Leticia, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon. Here you can take canoe rides, meet
Indigenous communities, and spot pink dolphins, macaws, and other rare wildlife. It’s one of
the most immersive nature experiences in the country.

Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do in
Colombia

From the rhythm of Cumbia to the magic of the Amazon, Colombia is a destination filled with
unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, nature, or history,
these 12 highlights will help you discover the real Colombia.
Ready to start planning? At Puracé Travel Colombia, we design private, tailor-made tours
that connect you with authentic culture, nature, and communities.