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In South America, there is the only state that has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. If you understand what we are talking about, then information on the topic “Sights of Colombia” will be useful to you. There are many interesting places on the territory of the republic, which means that there will be no problems with what to see in Colombia.
What to see in Colombia first of all?
When planning a trip to Colombia, keep in mind that the official language there is Spanish. It is spoken by almost all locals, except for some Indian tribes. It is wise to rely on the recommendations of those people who have already been to South America.
1. City of Medellin
The city of Medellin or the “city of eternal spring”
It is the second largest in Colombia. Now the former mining town is the capital of the department of Antioquia, it is inhabited by 2.5 million people. Such areas as ferrous metallurgy and the textile industry are very well developed there. Why is the city of Medellin considered a tourist attraction in Colombia? Perhaps because it is very beautiful, colorful and has many interesting places. You can walk along the cobbled streets of the old quarters, admire the Spanish churches, rich villas. Between all this splendor, red brick barracks are also visible.
2. City of Cartagena
Skyscraper district in Cartagena
Its history, like that of most colonial settlements, is incredibly interesting, to some extent even confusing. It is also rich in both tragic and happy events. All this will be told to you by guides in Colombia, whose services it makes sense to use. What is there to see in Cartagena? Tourists are invited to get acquainted with the fortress-museum of La Concepción, the Maritime Museum, visit the Roman Theater or visit the fortress of San Julian. The attention of the guests of the republic is also attracted by the Punic Wall, the National Museum of Underwater Archeology. This is not the whole list of attractions in Colombia, concentrated in the described city.
3. City of Bogotá
Bogota city view from above
It is the capital and at the same time the largest settlement in the country. It was founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the site of a former Indian settlement of the Chibcha tribe. Bogota is distinguished from other cities in Latin America by the absence of monuments from the 16th-17th century. This is because the settlement has survived many wars, revolutions, armed uprisings. In this mode, he “lived” until the second half of the 20th century, it is not surprising that most of the historical buildings were destroyed. From the reviews of tourists you can find out something still remains. It is a neoclassical theater and a 17th century church. There are also unique museums displaying Impressionist, Cubist and even pre-Columbian gold.
4. Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas
A huge stone fort on the hill of St. Lazarus
It is one of the seven wonders of Colombia, located in Cartagena, protected by UNESCO. One of the best sights looks like a huge stone fort built on top of the hill of St. Lazarus. From the moment of its “birth” (16th century), the fortress was repeatedly expanded and strengthened. Perhaps it was thanks to this that she managed to withstand a large number of sieges, hostilities that dragged on until the beginning of the 19th century. Today it is not just a tourist attraction, but a venue for a variety of cultural events.
Official website: http://fortificacionescartagena.
5. National Tayrona Park
Untouched by civilizations, the coast of Tayrona National Park
It is located in a very beautiful place, namely on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, which is 30 km from the city of Santa Marta. In 1969, he was given the status of a protected heritage. The park area includes about 12 thousand hectares of jungle, sandy beaches with bays, coral reefs. The description of this place says that everything in it has been preserved almost intact. If you are one of those people who prefer to get out in the wild, then Tayrona Park is a great option. The fauna of this place is very diverse, which cannot but rejoice.
Official website: http://www.parquesnacionales.
6. Church of Las Lajas
Church of Las Lajas on a bridge in the mountains of Colombia
The cathedral is made in the Neo-Gothic style, it was built on a bridge in a mountainous area, and therefore it is amazingly beautiful. It is deservedly considered one of the 7 wonders of the described country. The location of the church was once thought to be haunted by evil spirits, but opinion about it changed when miracles began to happen. A feature of one of the main attractions is the presence of a rock icon, the dimensions of which are 3 by 2 m. First, a chapel was built next to it, then 2 temples, but even they could not accommodate everyone who wanted to pray. It was decided to connect the edges of the gorge with an arched bridge and build a church on it, which is now known as Las Lajas.
Feel the atmosphere of Colombia in this beautiful video!
7. El Peñón de Guatape
Road to unusual rock-stone with stairs
It is located between two small cities, each of which considers it its attraction. Once upon a time, the Indians of the Tahamis tribe lived there, they considered the rock sacred. Many reviews say that once the Batolito fish jumped out of the sea in order to protect people from the wrath of the gods living in heaven. In battle, her body petrified and turned into rock. Among the low hills, it rises alone, which is why it looks very impressive. The height is 220 m, and 2/3 of the stone is underground.
8. Caño Cristales River
Caño Cristales River or “River of Five Flowers” Mario Carvajal
This is a right tributary of the Losado River, which flows through the Serrania de la Macarena National Park to the east. Literally, the name of the described attraction of Colombia is translated as “crystal river”. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the flow of water is colored, and the spots do not mix with each other. The secret lies in the algae, the color of which directly depends on the temperature and season. They do not grow in a continuous layer, but in the form of islands, and not quite the usual shape. In spring they turn green, and closer to summer they turn red, retaining this color until the end of the year.
9. The Lost City of Ciudad Perdida
The ruins of the Lost City in the Colombian jungle Andrew Hyde
It is considered very ancient, once belonged to the Indians, and it is located in the north of Colombia. At one time it was the center of social and religious life of the Tayrons, but when the Spaniards arrived, everything was abandoned. The entrance to the city is hidden in the jungle, for this reason no one knew about it for a long time. You will enjoy a trip to Ciudad Perdida, because it is mysterious, abandoned. The city consists of squares, paved roads, agricultural terraces are hollowed out in the mountain slopes, having the appearance of wide layers. There are even stones with images carved on them.
10. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The green hills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
This is a mountain range located in the north of Colombia, namely on the coast of the Caribbean lowland. Its height is 5780 m, and it consists mainly of crystalline and metamorphic rocks, the slopes are represented by sedimentary rocks. The peaks are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The slopes from the northern part are covered with green forests, and from the southern side one can observe xerophytic light forests and shrubs. Don't know what to see in Colombia? Head to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and you won't regret it.
11. Museo del Oro Gold Museum
Exhibit of Museo Gold Museum- del oro
This landmark of Colombia is one of the richest museums in the world. Just think, about 300,000 pieces of jewelry belonging to the pre-Columbian era are stored within its walls. Despite the fact that it was opened back in 1968, only in 2004 did it become world famous. The building itself has three floors, on which all expositions are divided into groups according to themes. Many excursions in Colombia are directed to the Museo del Oro Gold Museum.
12. City of Leticia
Boats on the river in Leticia in the Amazon Eli Duke
It is the main tourist center in the eastern regions of the republic. It is located on the left bank of the Amazon, which is not far from the border of Peru and Brazil. The ratings of the described settlement are decent, perhaps because there is Monkey Island on its territory, more than 1000 individuals of these fidgets live there. It is important to know that 10 days before visiting Leticia, you must definitely get vaccinated against yellow fever.
13. San Agustin Stone Sculpture Park
San Agustin Stone Sculpture Archaeological Park
Where to go in Colombia? An interesting place is the archaeological park, located on the banks of the Magdalena River. It attracts attention with huge stone figures. Each of them depicts some kind of god, animal, person. Some of them date back to the 6th century BC. To date, about 500 sculptures have been found, differing in style of decoration and time of manufacture. In their form, they are very similar to the idols of Easter Island, which is located in Chile.
14. Tekendama Falls
The graceful Tequendama waterfall on the Bogota River
The uniqueness of this Colombian landmark lies in the height of the direct fall of the water. The gorge in which it flows narrows towards the place of the cliff, due to which there is a strong pressure. It is noteworthy that in December the channel dries up completely, if you visit Colombia at the end of the year, you may not catch the waterfall.
15. San Andres and Providencia Islands
Clear waters of San Andres and Providencia Islands
These areas of land are inhabited by the Raysalians, who are descendants of the English Puritans. The locals speak Raisal Creole, but it is gradually being replaced by Spanish and English. Where to go in Colombia on the islands of San Andres and Providencia? The main local attraction is the oldest Baptist church in all of Latin America in La Loma.
16. Rosario Archipelago
Panorama of the Archipelago del Rosario National Park
It is located 40 km from the city of Cartagena, the area occupies about 120 thousand acres. This is the only underwater park in all of Colombia, and it consists of 38 islands, differing both in size and shape. Many of them are privately owned. The islands of land are covered with mangroves, and sandy beaches are stretched on the shores. This is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, the water temperature is usually between 24-29 degrees Celsius.
17. Los Nevados National Natural Park
View of Mount Montserrat
Don't know what to see in Colombia in 1 day? And climb 2.8 thousand meters above sea level and 500 meters above the city, incredible impressions are guaranteed. This can be done on a cable car or monorail. If you are not afraid of difficulties, then you can climb on foot, looking at expressive sculptural groups along the way. They depict the last hours of Christ's life on Earth, including his crucifixion, resurrection.
19. House Museum of Simon Bolivar (Quinta de Bolivar)
House-museum of the famous liberator of Colombia Msorel
This place is considered one of the main attractions of Colombia, because it allows you to learn how Bolivar influenced the history of the state. It is not difficult to guess that the museum is located in the house where the leader of the struggle for the independence of the Spanish colonies used to live. The expositions are represented by items of clothing, weapons, documents and other personal belongings of a political figure.
Official website:http://www.quintadebolivar.
20. Lake Guatavita
Lake Guatavita in the crater of an extinct volcano
The reservoir has an almost round shape, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, namely at an altitude of 3100 m. Are you thinking about what is so interesting to see in Colombia? Go to the lake, about which there are many legends. It is believed that the gold of ancient leaders is safely hidden by the water mass.
21. Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
Inside Zipaquira's underground salt cathedral
This Catholic church, to put it mildly, is unusual, it is located underground, namely in a salt mine. 75% of the walls of the building, carved into halite rock, consist of salt. Services are held in the church on Sundays. In 2007, this landmark of Colombia was recognized as the most important in the state. In addition to the cathedral itself, the complex includes a museum of mineralogy, mining of natural minerals. The attention of tourists is attracted by a hall with a lake, there is even a three-dimensional theater and souvenir shops on the territory. The whole complex has 4 levels, the salt cathedral is on the second.
Official website:http://www.catedraldesal.gov.co/
22. Bogotá Cathedral
Bolivar Square in front of Bogota Cathedral
It was once consecrated in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and is located on the main square called Plaza Bolivar. What to visit in Colombia? We answer – the Cathedral, standing on the site where the first stone church was erected at the end of the 16th century. After 2 centuries, it was rebuilt, acquired the features characteristic of classicism. The chapel houses the sarcophagus of the founder of the city.
23. National Capitol Building
Facade of the National Capitol Building
It is located on Bolivar Square, in the capital of the republic. It houses the Colombian Congress. The interiors are decorated with frescoes by Santiago Martinez. They feature famous political figures.
24. Jose Celestino Botanico Garden
Corner of the Jose Celestino Mutiz Botanical Garden Alberto Castillo Aroc
This is an interesting place in Bogota, the garden was opened in 1781, when King Carlos III ruled. The project was created by the joint efforts of the architect Villanueva and the botanist Gomez Ortega. The site occupies 8 hectares of land, about 850 varieties of plants grow on it, a huge number of trees, shrubs, and different species. There is even an artificially constructed waterfall on the territory of the garden.
25. Malpelo Island
Terrible and impregnable island of Malpelo
This place is also known as the Shark Capital. It is a small stone cliff that sticks out in the middle of the ocean. It lacks any vegetation, however, despite this, the object is included in the World Heritage List. The value is not the island itself, but what surrounds it, or rather, who. We are talking about an incredible number of marine life. The most striking representatives are all kinds of sharks, as well as porpoises, manta rays, moray eels, etc. The island is a refuge for rare inhabitants of the open sea.
Sights of Colombia: what else to visit in Colombia?
As we can see, the state in the northwest of South America has something to show its guests. By the number of peoples, languages they use, the country is considered one of the richest. As a continuation of the theme of what to visit in Colombia, I would like to introduce you to other interesting places.
26. Tierradentro
Mountains in Tierradentro National Archaeological Park
In terms of its archaeological significance, it ranks second in the republic. In itself, it is an archaeological park, it gained popularity due to the presence of crypts located deep underground. They belong to the pre-Columbian era. The entrances to them are oriented to the west, there is also a spiral staircase, the main chamber is at a depth of 5-8 m, it is surrounded by additional, smaller ones. The walls are “decorated” with geometric, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic drawings. Ancient people applied them using red, black and white coloring composition.
27. Convento de la Popa convent
Inside the convent of the Convento de la Popa Munigarro
It is located on a hill 150 m high, this is the highest point of the city. The literal translation of the name of the shrine sounds like “monastery of the stern”, which is due to the similarity of the hill with the stern of the ship. A more massive structure replaced a small wooden chapel that had previously stood on a hill. Now in the chapel of the monastery you can see the image of the Virgin Mary Candelaria, who is considered the heavenly patroness of the city. Still thinking about what to see in Colombia? From the top of the hill on which the nunnery stands, amazing views open up.
28. El Joselito Carnival in Barranquilla
El Joselito Carnival Celebration in Barranquilla Carnaval.com Studios
One can say about him that he is unlike anything else, incredibly funny, sexy, implies a lot of very strange characters. Everyone who has ever been to such an event, or taken part in the action, agrees that in all of South America this is the most original and fun holiday.
29. Coffee cultural landscape of Colombia
Picturesque coffee plantations in Colombia
This is a rural area of the Paisa region. The bulk of Colombian coffee is grown and produced there. On the territory there is a national park and a museum of coffee culture, a national park of agricultural culture.
30. Flower Fair in Medellin (Feria de las Flores)
Siyeteros porters parade at John Jairo Estrada
A unique event in which people move with chairs on their backs, on which are attached large decorations made from natural flowers. It takes place in the first half of August and gathers a large audience. Hotels in Colombia, restaurants, travel agencies are also preparing for the event.
Having decided to go to Colombia, provided that your trip is properly organized, you will definitely not regret it. The country gladly welcomes each of its guests, opening up an interesting world of sights, natural monuments, ceremonial events in which you can take part.
Read also about the best sights of Paraguay and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of America !
