Colombia: A Country that Surprises |
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Galápagos, Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine, Iguazu Falls. These iconic, bucket-list destinations immediately bring a distinct image to mind, and they draw millions of travelers every year to Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
But what about the countries that don't have one singular, world-famous place to visit? For one, fewer tourists will travel there, and those who do tend to arrive with fewer expectations and without a checklist. And every time, they are rewarded with surprises along the way.
Colombia is that country. There is no singular, must-see, check-it-off-the-list destination. Given its storied past, tourism in Colombia is young (roughly 20 years), resulting in something rare in today's travel landscape: an experience impossible to put on a postcard.
Colombians are delighted to welcome you, and the spirit of the country resonates with every traveler. Adventurous families, honeymooners, friend trips, archaeology buffs and historians, birders and nature lovers - everyone comes back from Colombia raving about their experience.
You may have heard about Colombia's people, their warmth and hospitality, their stories, and their food! The music, like salsa, bachata, and reggaeton; their energy. The colors: Caribbean sunsets, flowers and birds, the colorful Colonial architecture of Cartagena, and the street art in Medellín. But seeing is believing, and Colombia has to be experienced to be understood.
We're hosting a Colombia webinar on October 22, where we seek to bring more life to Colombia's ineffable qualities. We'll share information on where to go, when, and why, and give selling tips and insight into The Colombian Trip's signature experiences.
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Colombia is a country without a highlight reel. Instead of mapping a trip around one must-see landmark, an itinerary here takes shape based entirely on your client's interests. Here is a high-level look at the primary regions and themes: |
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| The Cities
Medellín’s effortless cool and spirit of transformation. Bogotá’s museum, art, and food scene. Cartagena for its history and diverse cultural influences.
With plenty of international and domestic flight connections, these cities also serve as logistical anchors. |
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The Mountains
The Andes run through the Western half of Colombia. The coffee region is the most famous destination; a great place for families, with soft adventure like hiking and horseback riding.
Lesser known destinations in the Andes delight with ancient ruins and otherworldly landscapes. |
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| Small towns
Colonial outposts seemingly frozen in time, many of which are UNESCO world heritage sites. These charming towns can be found throughout the country, and invite travelers to slow their pace. Barichara, Villa de Leyva, and Salento are three of our favorites. |
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The Caribbean Coast
A microcosm of Colombia. Jungle and sea, snow-capped mountains and beaches, nature and culture, all in the same region.
This area is also rich in indigenous history and tradition, shrouded in mystery and characterized by La Cuidad Perdida. Pristine national parks, sleepy beach towns, coastal cities. |
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| The Pacific Coast
Off-grid, wild. The dense jungle touches the dark sand beaches. No paved roads, no luxury chains.
Superlative whale watching and surfing. Perfect for a digital detox, and for travelers who truly value adventure. |
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The Amazon
Colombia is rarely considered as an option for travelers looking for the Amazon. As such, the experience feels remote and adventurous, as the Amazon should.
Accessible through 2-hour flight from Bogotá. Lodges here are comfortable and rustic, fitting for the destination. |
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Colombia's charms aren't limited to the destinations themselves. Its location and tourism infrastructure make an advisor's life easy:
- International flights from North America are quick and easy (3-6 hours). Direct flights run from many cities in the US and Canada to Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
- Minimal time difference (GMT-5). Travelers from North America hit the ground running with no jet lag.
- Easy domestic connections. Internal flights are reliable and plentiful (and The Colombian Trip, our DMC partner, will book them on your behalf).
- Exceptional value. Colombia is one of the best-value countries in Latin America, with an average spend starting at $350 per person per day for a 3-star trip.
- Year-round destination. There is no bad time to visit. Destinations like Medellín (the "City of Eternal Spring") offer great weather year-round.
- Yes, Colombia is safe! Standard precautions apply in big cities, but travelers are consistently surprised by how comfortable they feel.
A great ground partner is what makes any country sing. We partner with The Colombian Trip because they have passion for their country, and delight in sharing it with advisors and travelers. Their local team makes expert recommendations - from the big ones (where to go), to the very small (which dish to order.) |
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Cabra on the road: Olivia is headed to Buenos Aires (Oct 26-30, Nov 7-14) and Rio de Janeiro (Nov 19-25). Email her to meet up over coffee or a meal!
Festive availability: There is still high season and festive availability at Errante Ecolodge, and on Anakonda Amazon Cruises. In recent weeks, our DMC partners have worked magic for 2026/2027 festive requests. Get in touch on behalf of your last-minute clients! |
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Our curated portfolio of DMCs and lodges represents what we love about Latin America. They are owner-run, locally-owned, sustainability-minded, and fun to work with. |
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The representation company dedicated to Latin America |
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