Colombia: the gateway to South America

Written by: Aleesha Sharma, Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 8 May 2026

Situated in South America, Colombia straddles the equator with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the north. In recent years, the country has gone through a remarkable transformation. With so much to offer – flora, fauna, culture, history, and scenery – it's no wonder it's emerging as one of the world's most exciting travel destinations.

As one of the lesser-known locations in Latin America, visitors will always be met with the warmest of welcomes. Synonymous with colour, vibrancy, and fun, the mix of Latino and Caribbean culture means music and entertainment are always filling the streets.

Colombia is also the most biodiverse country in the world per square kilometre, home to an astonishing 51,000 species, which make up 10% of the world's biodiversity. It boasts over 4,000 orchid species and more bird species than anywhere else in the world, with 1,900 recorded, including the iridescent hummingbird that can only be found in the Americas.

So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out about the best-kept secret in South America.

In this guide, we'll cover:

• Culture, coastline & colonial towns
• The best places to visit in Colombia:
  • Bogotá
  • Medellín
  • Cartagena
  • The Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero)
  • Barichara
  • Villa de Leyva
  • Tayrona National Park
• Attractions & things to do in Colombia:
  • Tejo
  • The Cocora Valley
  • Hike the Camino Real
  • The Salt Cathedral
  • Coffee cupping
  • Feria de las Flores Flower Festival
• When to visit Colombia:
  • Climate
  • Peak season & events
• Colombian cuisine
• Travel tips for Colombia

For those seeking a culturally immersive travel experience packed with mesmerising colonial architecture and stunning coastlines, Colombia really does have it all. As the only country in South America with Caribbean (north) and Pacific (west) coastlines, you'll find evidence of this diversity throughout your trip. Historically, many cities established by the Spanish functioned more like islands with little communication between them, which means there are distinct cultures in different cities and regions. No matter where you go, there is always a zest for life.

Culture enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the walled streets of Cartagena, the cable cars in Medellín, the street art at Comuna 13, the historic district of La Candelaria, Colombia's famous coffee region, and the vibrant food scene with its Andean and Caribbean influences. The cloud forest of the Cocora Valley deserves a special mention, as it's often regarded as one of the most unique and memorable experiences for travelers in Colombia.

Colombia's breathtaking architecture further adds to its overall beauty and impact, truly making it a bucket-list-worthy destination. You won't be disappointed with the vast array of sites on offer: Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled old town, Salento's colourful colonial style, Villa de Leyva's whitewashed colonial architecture, and Bogotá's La Candelaria district which is characterised by charming colonial buildings.

Climate

Due to its location on the equatorial line, there are no seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter), but there are drier and wetter periods. The best time to visit Colombia is during the dry season in December–March or July–August. Visits outside of these months are manageable, but if you can, avoid visiting in the wettest seasons (April–May and October–November).

Be aware that the Caribbean coast is 30° Celsius/86° Fahrenheit all year round, while Medellín (20–28° Celsius/68–82° Fahrenheit), the Andes, and the Amazon have a milder climate year-round. Coffee enthusiasts may wish to visit in March–May or September–November to have a better chance of witnessing the entire coffee production process.

Peak season & events

The peak travel period in Colombia is December and January, as the weather is optimal. The second busiest travel period is July and August, during the second dry season of the year, which offers a mid-year escape for travelers and families.

There are key events throughout the year that can also influence tourism in Colombia. These include:

• Carnival of Negros y Blancos, January: the Black and White Carnival celebrates cultural unity and is one of the biggest events in Colombia. It was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
• Carnival of Barranquilla, February/March: one of the most important cultural celebrations in the country that takes place over the four days leading up to Lent. It was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and an Intangible Cultural Heritage, by UNESCO.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week), March/April: a religious festival that lasts for a week in tribute to the Passion of Jesus Christ. As many Colombians travel during this time, hotels and transportation are typically more expensive.
• Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), August: taking place across ten days, the Flower Festival is one of the largest horticultural events in the world. It attracts over 30,000 people from across Colombia and beyond, making August one of the busiest times to visit.
• Cartagena independence celebrations, November: this week-long event marks the day of independence for Cartagena after 10 years of rebellion against Spain.

• Packing: it's best to pack with all types of weather in mind, as you'll be traveling through different climatic zones. This includes lighter clothes, layers for altitude, and warm clothing for the evenings when the temperature can drop sharply.
• Currency: the local currency in Colombia is COP (Colombian Peso). We recommend changing your money to COP in advance to avoid airport rates.
• Safety: Colombia is generally a very safe country, however it's always advisable to take safety precautions no matter where you travel. This includes not sharing private information (such as your accommodation details) and always being aware of your surroundings.
• Getting around: most visitors rely on a mix of domestic flights and local transport (e.g. buses and taxis) to get around Colombia. Travelers who join a tour will benefit from planned travel arrangements such as private transport.
• Basic Spanish: it's always useful to learn some basic words and phrases to enhance your trip and help you connect with locals.