Colombia has quietly evolved from a South American backpacker hub to a broader destination that appeals to more travelers.
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What has put Colombia on the map? It’s hard to pinpoint a single reason.
The country is home to lush jungles that you can trek through for days or visit for the afternoon. It’s got tropical beaches on its Caribbean coast, along with rugged coastlines on par with Oregon on its Pacific coast. You’ll find waterfalls, misty jungles, and more in between.
Plus, Colombia is known for its culture, too. You can attend the Barranquilla Carnival, recognized by UNESCO, along with the famous Feria de Cali, where dancers showcase salsa, cumbia, champeta, and other regional specialties. You’ll be able to feel the blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish culture at play.
Then there’s the coffee, the cheese, the arepas, ajiaco, and colorful fruits you might not have tasted before. From just about every angle, Colombia has a tropical secret to share with you. Still, not too many Americans know where to go for their first adventure in Colombia.
Here’s what you can expect from each major city, along with smaller regional hubs. You’ll have a great time no matter where you go, but you might want to tailor your trip based on your must-sees.
Colombian cities to visit in 2026
Bogota
Welcome to Colombia’s capital city and its largest metropolis. Located high in the Andes, Bogota is a hilly city—one that puts San Francisco to shame. You can explore colonial history in La Candelaria or take on more unique adventures.
The city is known for its coffee culture, along with tasty eats like ajiaco chicken. Just outside town, you can find an underground cathedral made of salt, for example, or take a cable car that will ferry you almost 10,500 feet above sea level, giving you sweeping views of the mountains.
Find a hotel or private rental in Bogota. Don’t forget to book a few tours, too.
Medellín
Who wouldn’t want to visit a city dubbed ‘City of Eternal Spring’? As the moniker suggests, temperatures in Medellín are idyllic year-round. If you like perfect weather, spend more time in Medellín.
While you’re there, delve into the Paisa culture, which is welcoming to visitors. You can explore the transformed neighborhood of Comuna 13, eat and drink at the city’s popular bars, clubs, and restaurants. Think: social butterflies can spread their wings in Medellín.
Find a hotel or private rental in Medellín. Don’t forget to book a few tours, too.
Santa Marta
This tropical paradise is located on the Caribbean coast. It’s also Colombia’s oldest city, first established in 1525 as a Spanish colonial port. That sums up Santa Marta pretty well: history, tropical beaches, and those lush jungle landscapes that the Caribbean is known for.
It’s also where South American hero Simon Bolivar breathed his last breath, letting you also learn about culture, history, and identity in Colombia and the entire region—but Santa Marta is usually associated with tourism and nightlife.
Find a hotel or private rental in Santa Marta. Don’t forget to book a few tours, too.
Cali
Medellín is known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, and Cali is the ‘Salsa Capital of the World’. It’s a lively city where you can find authentic, local experiences around every corner. It’s also a hub for Colombia’s African population, giving you a slightly different angle to explore culture and cuisine.
You can dance the night away—literally. Surrounded by lush jungle, Cali is also perfect for anyone who wants to hike through the forested mountains.
Find a hotel or private rental in Cali. Don’t forget to book a few tours, too.
Cartagena
UNESCO-listed, Cartagena is similar to Santa Marta in that it’s a Caribbean hub with historical roots. But Cartagena is much larger, meaning there are more places to explore, like the Walled City, the Getsemani neighborhood, and local Playa Blanca.
It’s also a gateway to the nearby Rosario Islands. If you like colorful, tropical escapes that are heavy on the history and seafood, head to Cartagena.
Find a hotel or private rental in Cartagena. Don’t forget to book a few tours, too.
Barranquilla
If you’ve heard of Barranquilla before, I’m guessing it’s thanks to Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Shakira, both of whom were born in the city. (Or both!) Also UNESCO-listed, Barranquilla is located on the Caribbean coast and is home to a blend of Afro, Latino, and Spanish culture, which you’ll feel through the architecture, gastronomy, and nightlife.
It’s got an insane Carnaval culture, making its festivities one of the most vibrant in the world. Just know that Barranquilla isn’t really a tourist hub—it’s a hotspot for domestic travelers and young people.
Find a hotelor private rentalin Barranquilla. Don’t forget to book a few tours, too.
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