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Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park

Things to do in Colombia

Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park
A year-round destination that spans both Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Colombia is perhaps South America's best-kept secret. And, while it may not be as familiar as some of its neighbours, it offers a wealth of experiences in its pretty colonial towns and diverse natural habitats.

While you are in the capital, Bogotá, visit the Salt Cathedral at the heart of Zipaquirá. Further west, Cartagena is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America, and you can explore the brightly coloured buildings and cobbled streets on a city tour. Elsewhere, take a coffee tour of the Cordillera in Colombia's coffee region, or look for macaw in Tayrona National Park, set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
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Ideas for experiencing Colombia

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Colombia, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

  • Day Trip to Isla Majagua
    Hotel San Pedro de Majagua, Islas del Rosario

    Day Trip to Isla Majagua

    Cartagena

    Day Trip to Isla Majagua

    Time to take to the waters of the Caribbean for a day trip out to Hotel San Pedro de Majagua located on one of the islands of the Isla Rosario chain.

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  • Cartagena Half Day Tour of the Walled City
    Cartagena, Colombia

    Cartagena Half Day Tour of the Walled City

    Cartagena

    Cartagena Half Day Tour of the Walled City

    This leisurely half-day tour on foot of Cartagena’s idyllic old colonial town works wonderfully as a small history lesson combined with some stunning architecture.

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  • Santa Fe de Antioquia Tour
    Street scene, Santa Fe de Antioquia

    Santa Fe de Antioquia Tour

    Medellín

    Santa Fe de Antioquia Tour

    You will be met from your hotel by your driver and taken directly to Santa Fe de Antioquia for your full day tour of the town, a journey of approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach Santa Fe.

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  • Quindillo Cordillera Coffee Tour
    Coffee plantations at San Alberto

    Quindillo Cordillera Coffee Tour

    Quindillo Cordillera Coffee Tour

    A tour of the Cordillera will give you a true impression of the life and culture encompassed by the Coffee Region. From quaint towns and stunning views, this is a full day insight into the "Triangulo Del Café".

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  • Cartagena City Tour
    Cartagena, Colombia

    Cartagena City Tour

    Cartagena

    Cartagena City Tour

    This half day tour takes you to the Castillo de San Félipe de Barajas — the greatest fortress ever built by the Spanish in the colonies. It is an impressive structure erected between 1639 an 1657.

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  • Santa Marta Half Day City Tour
    Santa Marta, Colombia

    Santa Marta Half Day City Tour

    Santa Marta

    Santa Marta Half Day City Tour

    A good introduction to Santa Marta, the oldest Spanish colonial city in the Americas.

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  • Salt Cathedral Excursion
    Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira

    Salt Cathedral Excursion

    Bogotá

    Salt Cathedral Excursion

    For the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its earth, and its jewel beneath the Earth's surface, Zipaquirá is somewhat of a must during a stay in Bogotá.

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  • Tour on Horse Back
    Local in Villa de Leyva, Colombia

    Tour on Horse Back

    Villa de Leyva

    Tour on Horse Back

    After walking to the centre of town you are escorted to the horses to have an afternoon out to see the archaeological ruins at the Muisca observatory (Muiscas were an indigenous Indian tribe that the Spanish wiped-out). It was partially destroyed by the Spanish but enough remains intact for your visit.

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  • El Peñol Tour
    El Peñol monolith

    El Peñol Tour

    Medellín

    El Peñol Tour

    This great day trip from Medellín takes you out into the countryside of Antioquia and to the giant monolith rock of El Peñol (literally, "The stone").

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  • La Candelaria Walking Tour
    Bogotá, Colombia

    La Candelaria Walking Tour

    Bogotá

    La Candelaria Walking Tour

    La Candelaria is Bogotá's heart and soul, from humble beginnings, the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar are high on any visitor's agenda, a wonderful place to start to discover Bogotá.

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  • Tayrona National Park
    Tayrona National Park, Colombia

    Tayrona National Park

    Santa Marta

    Tayrona National Park

    Head east from Santa Marta into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal mountain range in the world.

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  • Minca Tour
    Minca church

    Minca Tour

    Santa Marta

    Minca Tour

    Travelling west from Santa Marta you will head up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, soon noticing the cool fresh climate as you leave the humid coast behind and wind up into the peaceful countryside.

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  • Medellín City Tour
    Medellín from the cable car

    Medellín City Tour

    Medellín

    Medellín City Tour

    Today you will visit the Plazuela San Ignacio and some excellent museums, including the Museo de Antioquia.

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  • El Infiernito and El Fosil Museum
    In the countryside around Villa de Leyva

    El Infiernito and El Fosil Museum

    Villa de Leyva

    El Infiernito and El Fosil Museum

    You will be met by your guide and drive out to see the archaeological ruins at the Muisca observatory (Muiscas were an indigenous Indian tribe that the Spanish wiped-out).

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