Steeped in history, bursting with culture, and wildly rich in biodiversity, Colombia really does feel like a “choose-your-own-adventure” destination. One day you’re wandering colonial streets and world-class museums, the next you’re hiking through cloud forests or snorkeling bright Caribbean reefs.
To help you plan a trip that’s equal parts iconic and unforgettable, here are 10 must-visit places in Colombia—with fresh 2026 planning notes and confirmed, currently operating attractions/events (plus smart alternatives when seasonal closures pop up).
1) Bogotá: Art, Andean Views, and La Candelaria Charm
Colombia’s capital sits high in the Andes and packs in an incredible mix of history, street art, gastronomy, and neighborhood energy. Start in La Candelaria, the historic center, where colonial facades, universities, and mural-lined streets make it easy to lose track of time.
A true classic here is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)—and yes, it’s currently operating with posted visitor hours (closed Mondays; open the rest of the week, with extended evening hours Tue–Sat). Bogota.gov
Local tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid crowds, then pair it with a café stop and a sunset viewpoint plan.
2) Medellín: “City of Eternal Spring” + A Powerful Comuna 13 Visit
Medellín is famous for its year-round pleasant weather and its transformation into a modern, creative, design-forward city. If you only do one guided experience, make it Comuna 13—known for its outdoor escalators, vivid street art, and community-led storytelling.
The good news: Comuna 13 tours are actively running in 2026 through major tour platforms (so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from).
Local tip: Choose a small-group tour led by local guides, and go earlier to beat the midday heat and peak crowds.
3) Cartagena: Caribbean Romance Inside a UNESCO-Listed Walled City
Cartagena is the definition of magnetic—colorful balconies, warm ocean air, salsa drifting out of courtyards, and that golden-hour glow that makes everything look like a movie set. The historic fortifications and monuments are officially UNESCO-inscribed, and the walled city remains one of the most iconic places to visit in Colombia.
Don’t skip the star fortress: Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which is currently operating with published visitor hours (open daily). Fortificaciones Cartagena
Local tip: Visit the castle early or late in the day for cooler temps and better photos (and fewer tour groups).
4) Tayrona National Natural Park: Jungle-to-Beach, the Classic Way
If your dream day is “hike through jungle, swim in turquoise water, repeat,” Tayrona belongs near the top of your list. It’s one of Colombia’s most beloved nature escapes—stunning coves, trails, and biodiversity.
Tayrona does have seasonal conservation closures as part of the “Respira Tayrona” strategy. Colombia’s National Parks authority confirmed the park reopened to visitors after the late-2025 closure period and noted another closure will occur in 2026.
Multiple 2026 travel updates also list the typical closure windows (plan around them!).
Easy replacement (when Tayrona is closed): base yourself in Santa Marta and do day trips to Minca (cooler mountain air + coffee + waterfalls) or beach towns like Palomino, depending on your vibe.
5) Salento + Cocora Valley: Colombia’s Postcard Landscapes
If Colombia had a “most charming small-town” contest, Salento would be a finalist every time—bright balconies, friendly cafés, and easy access to the famous Cocora Valley, home to towering wax palms and dreamy hiking trails.
Local tip: Start early, wear shoes with grip (mud happens), and plan time for a slow meal back in Salento afterward. This is a “linger and breathe” kind of place.
6) San Agustín Archaeological Park: Mysteries in Stone (UNESCO)
For something totally different—ancient tombs, ceremonial sites, and carved statues—head to San Agustín Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
It’s also currently operating with posted visiting hours through ICANH (the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History). ICANH
Local tip: Pair San Agustín with nearby sites like Alto de los Ídolos/Alto de las Piedras if you’re leaning into the archaeology theme (and want to make the journey really count).
7) Popayán: Whitewashed Beauty + World-Famous Holy Week
Nicknamed “La Ciudad Blanca” for its colonial architecture, Popayán is elegant, walkable, and deeply traditional—especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week), when the city becomes a living cultural stage.
The Holy Week processions in Popayán are UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage, and they remain a major annual tradition.
For planning purposes, multiple 2026 event calendars and travel sources place Popayán’s Holy Week celebrations in late March through early April 2026. Cuando Pasa
Local tip: If you want to go in Holy Week, lock in lodging early—Popayán gets busy.
8) Rosario Islands: Snorkel-Friendly Caribbean Blues Near Cartagena
Just off the coast from Cartagena, the Islas del Rosario area is a classic day-trip (or overnight) move: clear water, coral reefs, beach clubs, and boats that make the journey part of the fun.
The islands fall within the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, and Colombia’s National Parks system provides official park information and entry-fee details. Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia
Local tip: Choose a tour that matches your style—some are party boats, others are calm, snorkel-forward, and more nature-focused.
9) Guatapé + El Peñol: Colorful Streets and a Big-View Climb
Guatapé is pure joy—bright façades, artistic “zócalos” (decorative baseboards), lakeside views, and a laid-back pace that makes it an easy favorite. Nearby, La Piedra del Peñol delivers one of the best panoramas in the country after a stair climb that’s absolutely worth it.
The official site for the attraction lists current visiting hours for the ascent experience. lapiedra.com.co
Local tip: Climb earlier in the day for cooler temps, then spend the afternoon wandering Guatapé’s waterfront and colorful streets.
10) Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna): Colombia’s Bucket-List Multi-Day Trek
If you want the big adventure—the one you’ll still talk about years later—consider the trek to Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna) in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It’s a demanding, humid, rewarding hike through jungle trails and rivers, ending at an extraordinary archaeological site.
Importantly for 2026 planning: ICANH issued an official resolution updating entry tariffs effective January 1, 2026, and it specifies that entry ticketing is sold to authorized tourism operators (i.e., organized treks are the standard route). ICANH
Local tip: Build in recovery time after the trek—you’ll want a beach day or two afterward, and your legs will thank you.
Final Thoughts: Colombia’s Magic Is the Mix
What makes Colombia so special isn’t just one “wow” place—it’s the variety. You can do big-city culture in Bogotá, transformation stories and innovation in Medellín, Caribbean history in Cartagena, rainforest beaches in Tayrona, deep heritage in San Agustín and Popayán, island time in Rosario, lakeside color in Guatapé, and a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Ciudad Perdida.
So yes—pack your bags. Colombia is ready when you are.
As an avid traveler and professional travel writer for over a decade, I have been fortunate enough to explore the nooks and crannies of many countries. Today, I’m sharing my insight into one of South America’s most vibrant and diverse nations, Colombia. Having spent a significant amount of time here, I can safely say that the following destinations are a must-visit for any avid globe-trotter.