Colombia holidays

Colombia is the second-most biodiverse country in the world, home to hundreds of frog and bird species and more orchids than anywhere else — over 4,200 species. Head to the coastal region of Chocó to see waterfalls, spider monkeys and marine mammals like dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Colombia’s wild eastern Andes are swarming with tropical birds and butterflies.

Some of the best things to do in Colombia involve coffee. Ordering a ‘tinto’ (strong black coffee) is a rite of passage. It can be slow-dripped from a huge metal urn or poured straight from a street vendor’s thermos. A ‘tinto campesino’ is coffee sweetened with sugar. For a full coffee immersion, head to the Eje Cafetero, the country’s green, hilly coffee-growing region.

Don’t miss a chance to see Colombia’s national tree, the soaring wax palm, in the peaceful Cocora Valley. Base yourself in Salento to hike the valley loop, then add on a coffee tour. Check out over 120 of Fernando Botero’s evocative artworks at the Botero Museum in Bogota. Step into old-world luxury and charm with a stay in the Walled City of Cartagena.

Colombia’s best beaches are on its islands. From Cartagena, book a boat to Islas del Rosario. The trip takes about an hour, but when you dock, you’ll notice the water is bright turquoise and stunning. Or do as the locals do and fly to Isla San Andres, located off the coast of Nicaragua. This family-friendly island is famous for its snorkelling, swimming and diving.

If you like water activities, Colombia presents endless opportunities, like rafting down the cliffs-flanked Río Güejar or splashing in the rainbow-coloured pools of Caño Cristales. For waterside camping, head to Parque Tayrona on the country’s northern edge. Into hiking? Head to the Andes and their cool-weather ‘páramos’ (alpine tundra) or to Valle de Cocora with its lush hillsides and enormous, spindly palm trees.

Bogota has some of the best museums in Colombia. Visit the enormous Gold Museum to discover a dazzling collection of pre-Columbian golden artefacts. Overlooking the city is the Monserrate Sanctuary. Walk the three-kilometre path to this centuries-old pilgrimage site and see a shrine painted by artist Pedro de Lugo Albarracín. Or take the funicular to enjoy expansive views of the city.

The best restaurants in Colombia put ingredients first. The local dishes are simple, like pork or seafood cooked on the grill. You’ll also find lots of tasty native potatoes and other starches like yuca and plantains. And never pass up the local fruits. Try whichever ones you see, whether cut in an ‘ensalada de fruta’ (fruit salad) or pureed into a ‘jugo’ (juice).