10 Unforgettable Experiences You Can Only Have in Colombia
If you’re dreaming of a trip that blends adventure, nature, culture, and warmth, Colombia is that rare destination that truly has it all. From the Caribbean coast to the Amazon rainforest, Colombia is packed with experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re exploring with friends, traveling solo, or seeking a private guided experience with Circling Colombia, here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Colombia that will leave you amazed, and probably planning your next trip before you even leave.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
The top 10 unique experiences you can only live in Colombia
Insider travel tips to help you make the most of your trip
How Circling Colombia can help you plan your dream adventure, safely and authentically
1. Discover Medellín’s Transformation and Creative Energy
Once a symbol of turmoil, Medellín now shines as one of Latin America’s most innovative cities. Ride the MetroCable over green hills, visit Comuna 13 to explore its street art and music culture, and experience firsthand the city’s transformation — a living example of resilience and reinvention.
2. Discover the World’s Best Coffee in the Colombian Andes
Forget coffee tastings in trendy cafés — here, you’ll sip it right where it’s grown.
In the Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero), you’ll walk through lush plantations, pick beans by hand, and learn the art of roasting from local farmers.
Don’t miss the Cocora Valley, home to the tallest palm trees in the world, and breathtaking hiking trails surrounded by hummingbirds and fog-covered mountains.
3. Go Island-Hopping in the Rosario Islands
Just off the coast of Cartagena, these coral islands are pure Caribbean paradise.
Spend your days snorkeling, sailing, and enjoying fresh seafood on private beaches with turquoise waters.
🌴 Best for couples or small groups. Circling Colombia arranges yacht tours and private boat experiences for a more exclusive island experience.
4. Witness the Rainbow River of Caño Cristales
Known as “the river of five colors,” Caño Cristales is one of nature’s most surreal wonders.
Located in La Macarena National Park, it glows in shades of red, yellow, and green thanks to an aquatic plant called macarenia clavigera.
This natural phenomenon only happens a few months a year and Colombia is the only place on Earth where you can see it.
5. Dance Salsa All Night in Cali
Cali isn’t just a city, it’s a rhythm.
Known as the World Capital of Salsa, this city pulses with music, joy, and contagious energy.
Join a local dance class or visit one of Cali’s legendary salsa clubs for a night you’ll never forget.
6. Witness Colonial Charm in Villa de Leyva and Barichara
These two towns are masterpieces of colonial architecture — Villa de Leyva with its vast plaza and whitewashed walls, and Barichara, known as Colombia’s prettiest village. Wander through their timeless streets, visit artisan workshops, and soak in the slow rhythm of rural life.
7. Spot Jaguars and Go Birdwatching in the Colombian Llanos
Stretching across Colombia’s eastern plains, the Llanos Orientales is one of South America’s last great wildernesses, a vast savanna where wildlife roams free.
This is where you can witness scarlet ibises taking flight at sunrise, capybaras lounging by the rivers, and if you’re lucky, even a jaguar crossing the grasslands.
The Llanos is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 300 bird species including herons, roseate spoonbills, and the striking Orinoco goose. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply love connecting with nature, the experience feels like stepping into a living documentary.
🌿 Tip: Circling Colombia partners with local eco-lodges and expert wildlife guides who help travelers safely explore private reserves where sightings of anacondas, giant anteaters, and jaguars are possible, all while supporting conservation.
8. Wander Through the Colorful Streets of Cartagena
Cartagena is the jewel of the Caribbean coast, a living postcard of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and ocean breezes. Walk through the walled city, discover its vibrant plazas, and explore Getsemaní, where murals and music fill every corner. End the day with a sunset over the sea and a refreshing rum tasting to feel the true spirit of the Caribbean.
9. Explore Bogotá’s History, Local Markets, and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Bogotá blends colonial charm with modern sophistication. Stroll through La Candelaria, visit the Gold Museum, and experience the colors and aromas of Paloquemao Market, one of the most authentic in South America.
Then, venture just outside the city to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a breathtaking underground temple carved into a former salt mine. It’s not just an architectural wonder — it’s a spiritual journey that reflects Colombia’s creativity and faith deep within the earth.
10. Hike Through the Jungle to Hidden Beaches in Tayrona
Where the Sierra Nevada mountains descend into the Caribbean Sea lies Tayrona National Park, a tropical sanctuary of jungle and beaches. Trek through dense forest trails to reach untouched shores like Cabo San Juan and La Piscina, surrounded by turquoise waters and towering palms. This sacred land, home to Indigenous Kogi and Arhuaco communities, offers a powerful connection to Colombia’s natural and spiritual essence.