THE ULTIMATE COLOMBIAN BUCKET LIST:
The top 7 THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS
Updated December 2025
Walk Among the Worlds Tallest Palm Trees
If you Google “What to See in Colombia,” Valle de Cocora is going to be on every single list, and honestly, it deserves it. For me, it wasn’t just a top sight…it was the thing you cannot skip.
The closest town is Salento, a colorful, charming little place nestled high in the mountains (6,200 ft/1,900 m above sea level). From town, you can join a tour, grab a shuttle to the main viewpoints (the earlier the better!), and/or set off on one of the hiking trails. Make sure you come prepared for the changing weather at this elevation and double check trail conditions before heading out. Depending on how much time and energy you have and how deep into nature you want to go, here are some of the more popular options, they should also be listed in AllTrails:
- Palm Forest Walk – 2.5 miles (4km): Short hike into the wax palm forest, perfect if you’re short on time.
- Valle de Cocora Loop 7.5 miles (12km): Hike through the valley, cloud forest, rivers and bridges, ending surrounding by the wax palms.
- Hummingbird House Loop – 6.2 miles (10km): Hike through a mix of nature and wildlife with a hot chocolate break.
If you like hiking, you’ll want at least a full day, maybe more. By the time I got here I was pretty exhausted from the rest of my trip, and honestly, I wish I’d given myself a second day to slow down, decompress, and explore without rushing. It really depends on your travel style, but this is one spot that rewards taking your time.
Relax Along the Caribbean Coast
I’ll be honest: I’m not really a beach person—maybe that’s what happens when you grow up in Southern California. But Colombia completely changed that for me. The beaches here are warm, wildly blue, and the kind of relaxing you don’t expect until you’re actually there
Colombia’s coast is packed with beautiful places to stretch out and do nothing:
- Tayrona National Park — jungle-meets-ocean paradise with multiple beaches
- Palomino — laid-back, backpacker-friendly coastline
- Isla Barú and Playa Blanca — bright turquoise water, great for sunsets
- Rosario Islands — smaller islands with pristine beaches and day-trip options
My personal favorite? The secret nude beach inside Tayrona National Park. Don’t worry—there are plenty of other beaches inside the park—but something about the clear water, the jungle cliffs, and the quiet made it unforgettable. You can even sleep in a hammock right on the sand in areas of Tayrona, something I would highly recommend!
Fall in Love with Medellín
Medellín was amazing and honestly caught me completely off guard — so much so that I could see myself living here. The city is vibrant, diverse, and full of surprises. There’s just so much to see and do: incredible food at every corner, amazing views of the valley, a nightlife scene that goes until the early morning, and incredibly unique neighborhoods.
A big highlight is Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has transformed from one of the most dangerous areas in Colombia to a symbol of the cities resilience. Walking through the streets, you’re surrounded by colorful murals that tell stories of the community’s past, present, and hope for the future. Local guides share the history behind the artwork, the outdoor escalators, and the projects that support kids, artists, and families.
In the evening, Medllín really lights up. Almost every night I found myself eating at a highly-acclaimed gastropub, sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar or dancing your my heart out in one of Medellín’s clubs.
Admire Colombia’s Colonial Architecture
Okay, so maybe I’m biased as someone who studied design, but Villa de Leyva is an absolute must-see. This small weekend-escape town north of Bogotá looks like the Colombian cousin of Mykonos — whitewashed colonial buildings, terracotta roofs, huge cobblestone plazas, and streets that somehow get even more magical at night.
I almost skipped it because of the 3-hour drive from Bogotá, but I’m so glad I didn’t. It felt completely different from anywhere else I visited in Colombia — slower, beautifully preserved, and full of charm. I could’ve easily stayed here for days, wandering around, drinking coffee, and taking photos of every doorway. It ended up being the perfect final stop on my 3-week trip.
Climb up a Granite Monolith
Is Guatapé probably the most touristy place I went in Colombia? Yes. Is it still worth it? Also yes. La Piedra del Peñol (Guatapé Rock), the massive granite monolith everyone comes for is wild to see in person, and climbing it is basically a rite of passage. The town of Guatapé itself is super colorful and cute, and most tours drop you off to explore the streets before or after you tackle the climb. The rock has about 700 steps, so definitely know your ability and take breaks if you need them. The view from the top is unreal though with bright blue lakes twisting around green islands. It’s definitely a “wow” moment.
Go Salsa Dancing
Cali is know as the Salsa Capital of the World, so taking a dance class is an absolute necessity. Even if you think you have two left feet, the energy there is contagious. People dance everywhere, in clubs, in the streets, in little neighborhood bars where everyone is a better dancer than you and somehow also the best teacher you’ve ever had. Travelers I met said going out in Cali felt like stepping into a music video where everyone’s having the time of their life.
Some of the highest recommended places to check out include:
- La Topa Tolondra – The most famous salsa club in Cali; lively, welcoming, great for beginners and travelers.
- Zaperoco Bar – Classic, old-school salsa with live music and a super authentic local vibe.
- Malamaña Salsa Bar – Smaller, more intimate spot with a local feel and a chill, fun atmosphere.
Take a Graffiti Tour
Due to the rapid increase in street art throughout the country, the city of Bogota has transformed neighborhoods into open-air galleries. One of the most memorable experiences I had was touring through the city learning the meaning behind the art and stories of the artists.
Sure, you could wander the streets on your own to see some of Colombia’s most iconic murals, but a guide takes you through alleys, colorful plazas, and paths you may never find alone — all while explaining the history, politics, and creativity behind the art. It’s an immersive way to see the city and understand Colombia in a way that’s unique and memorable.
