Colombia Has Arrived and Then Some
Colombia spent years working to change a narrative that had nothing to do with what the country actually is to visit. That work has paid off. The country now draws travelers from around the world who come for the architecture of Cartagena, the innovation of Medellin, the coffee landscapes of the Eje Cafetero, and the biodiversity of a country that packs more ecological variety into its borders than almost any other on earth.
Cartagena: The Caribbean Coast at Its Most Beautiful
Cartagena's walled old city is one of the best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking its streets at night, when the heat softens and the bougainvillea glows in the lamplight, is genuinely magical. The hotel scene within the walls has grown considerably, with properties like the Casa San Agustin and Sofitel Legend Santa Clara offering colonial character at a high standard. The Rosario Islands, accessible by boat, offer a quick escape to turquoise Caribbean water.
Medellin: South America's Most Interesting City
Medellin's transformation over the past two decades is one of the most remarkable urban stories in the world. The city has reinvented itself through design, transport innovation, and a cultural energy that is palpable the moment you arrive. The El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods have excellent restaurants and a genuine neighborhood feel. The cable car to the hillside comunas offers both extraordinary views and context for the city's history.
The Coffee Region: Slowdown and Scenery
The Eje Cafetero, covering the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio, is one of the most visually distinctive landscapes in South America. Bamboo forests, wax palm valleys, and working coffee farms spread across steep Andean hillsides. Several fincas in the region have been converted into exceptional boutique accommodation. The wax palms of the Cocora Valley near Salento are among the most otherworldly landscapes in the Americas.
Practical Notes
Colombia is best visited between December and March or June through August when rainfall is lowest. The country is large enough that a proper itinerary needs at least ten days to do justice to more than one region. Domestic flights are reliable and affordable.
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