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The Best Cities in Colombia for a Road Trip

Colombia has always had an alluring charm.

By Andrea MolinaPublished 2 years ago 6 min read
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Colombia, like most Latin countries, has always had an alluring charm. It’s famously known for its warm locals, amazing sights, lush tropical forests, and Caribbean beaches.

Due to the wide array of interesting things to do and gorgeous places to see, visitors from around the world frequent this South American country year-round.

If you’re planning to visit and explore Colombia, a road trip is a perfect way to experience the full beauty of the country.

Whether you have a week or a month on your hands, we’ve compiled a guide that will help you maximize your trip. However, for you to really enjoy your time, you need to spare a minimum of two weeks for this road adventure.

Enjoy the food, culture, people, and scenic drives while following this destination flow map.

Destination #1: Cali

Start your road trip with the salsa capital of the world.

Minimum stay: 3 days

What to do: Though Cali is known for salsa dancing, there are a lot of other things to do here other than dancing to the rhythm of infectious Latin beats. You can visit local museums or cultural heritage sites, watch a world-class theater performance, spend a day in the zoo, and gorge on amazing local cuisines.

Here are a few activities you should include in your itinerary:

  • Drop by La Ermita church and try raspao.
  • See the giant monument of El Cristo Rey.
  • Visit the Zoológico de Cali.
  • Have a stroll in Barrio San Antonio.
  • Watch a live salsa performance in Delirio.
  • Hit up the salsa bars of the city.
  • Visit the Calima Gold Museum, La Tertulia Museum, and La Merced Archaeological Museum.

Destination #2: Bogota

A ten-hour road trip from Cali is the capital city of Colombia -- Bogota.

Minimum stay: 3 days

What to do: Don’t be intimidated by its title. Though it’s the capital city, you’ll find that behind all the bustle is a place that’s rich in history, culture, and flavors. It has dozens of attractions, a variety of activities, world-class architecture, and countless restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s going to be difficult to see and do everything that this place has to offer in a matter of days, but we’ll try to highlight the unmissable.

Below are a few must-do activities when in Bogota:

  • Join a free walking tour.
  • Bike around Simon Bolívar Metropolitan Park.
  • Discover local cuisines while touring Parque 93.
  • Visit Botero Museum, Gold Museum, and the International Emerald Museum.
  • Walk around Plaza de Bolivar.
  • Ride a cable car going up the Cerro Monserrate.
  • Buy a souvenir in Usaquén Market.

Destination #3: Medellin

A nine-hour drive from Bogota is the capital of the Antioquia province -- Medellin, also known as the City of Eternal Spring.

by Moiz K. Malik on Unsplash

Minimum stay: 3 days

What to do: Though the place was once called the murder capital of the world, it has drastically transformed itself into a modern, innovative, and thriving city. Its violent and tumultuous past has now been replaced with sunshine, greenery, and vibrant pueblos. Currently sprawling in Medellin are interesting museums, lush parks and plazas, bustling street markets, colorful neighborhoods, and a lively nightlife scene.

Below are a few things you shouldn’t miss while you’re in the city:

  • Join a free walking tour.

  • Explore the neighborhoods of Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras.

  • Visit Medellin’s Botanical Gardens.
  • Eat local delicacies in Mercado del Rio.
  • Ride a cable car going up Parque Arvi.
  • Party at Parque Lleras.
  • Walk around Plaza Botero and take pictures with the 23 voluptuous bronze statues scattered around the space.
  • Take a day trip to Guatape, a neighboring resort town.
  • Check out El Castillo Museo y Jardines, Museo Pablo Escobar, Museo Antioquia, and Museo Casa de la Memoria.

The next destination has, by far, the longest travel time on our list. On the bright side, the next three cities are only a few miles away from each other -- approximately just a two-hour drive from one another.

But think of it this way, you’ll end your trip on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, where there’s unlimited sunshine, white sand, and clear beach waters. Sounds great, right?

Destination #4: Cartagena

A long twelve- to fourteen-hour drive from Medellin is the majestic port town of Cartagena -- formerly known as Cartagena de Indias.

by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

Minimum stay: 2 days

What to do: Beautiful, colorful, and romantic are three words that people often use to describe Cartagena. They’re not wrong. The city is home to Colombia’s most picturesque area, which locals refer to as the Old Town. It’s a well-preserved colonial city that’s famous for its enchanting ambiance, cobblestone streets, brightly colored houses, and historic sites.

Here is a list of top activities to do in the city:

  • Explore the Walled City.
  • Witness the sight of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.
  • Spend a day at the many pristine beaches.
  • Ride a Chiva bus and experience the city’s nightlife scene.
  • Eat amazing seafood and local dishes at La Cevichería.
  • Enjoy a volcanic mud bath in El Totumo.
  • Stroll around Mercado de Bazurto.
  • Visit the neighborhood of Getsemani.
  • Take pictures with Colombia’s famous fruit ladies, Las Palenqueras.
  • Shop for souvenirs in Las Bovedas.

Destination #5: Barranquilla

A two-hour drive from Cartagena is the bustling port town of Barranquilla. It’s home to the second largest carnival in the world, Carnaval de Barranquilla.

Minimum stay: 2 days

What to do: Though the city is a bit industrial, it still has some hidden charms -- large parks and plazas, numerous shopping outlets, fresh seafood, breathtaking castles, and grand churches.

Below are the top things to do in Barranquilla:

  • Eat authentic costeño cuisine at Narcobollo.
  • Have a long walk on the lakeside promenade of Gran Malecón del Rio.
  • Visit Zoológico de Barranquilla.
  • Stop by Queen Mary Cathedral.
  • Check out Museo del Caribe and Museo Mapuka.
  • Have lunch at a beautifully restored castle called Castillo de Salgar.
  • Shop to your heart’s content at Buenavista Mall.

Destination #6: Santa Marta

Last on our list and a two-hour drive from Barranquilla is Colombia’s premier beach destination -- Santa Marta.

by Luis Vidal on Unsplash

Minimum stay: 2 days

What to do: Since it’s located in the coastal region of the country, most activities will revolve around the Caribbean waters. But there are still equally exciting activities you can do beyond the coastal area of the city.

  • Wander around the city’s historical center.
  • Go on a boat excursion and explore nearby beach islands.
  • Go scuba diving, sailing, sunbathing, and swimming.
  • Explore the small village of Taganga.
  • Visit Minca, a small town located up the mountains.
  • Trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida).
  • End your trip by spending a day at Tayrona National Park.

Colombia is full of sights to see and things to do. Hopefully, this will encourage you to take a road trip around the country.

Join a Singles Vacation Tour

If you don’t want to bother yourself with planning a road trip across Colombia, consider joining a singles vacation tour.

You get to explore the major cities of the country and at the same time meet gorgeous Colombian women who are looking for serious and long-term relationships.

Andrea Molina, Professional Matchmaker and Dating Consultant

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About the Creator

Andrea Molina

Professional Matchmaker and Dating Consultant for Colombian Woman

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