From the spicy Caribbean to drenched rainforests, toasty coffee farms to exotic bird reserves, fishermen's fresh catches to sweet plantains… Colombia awakens the five senses with a bang.

In fact, in the two months that I spent traveling through Colombia, I don’t think there wasn’t a single day that I didn’t hear loud music - everywhere!

Salsa, cumbia, bachata, reggaeton, electronic music, and many more genres boom throughout the “land of a thousand rhythms.” It’s not rare to find crowds dancing in the streets at sunset, with loving grandparents and pets watching the action atop a nearby balcony.

Plagued by a dark history in its past, Colombia has transformed into a top South American destination that welcomes travelers safely - even the solo female backpacker.

Art, culture, and beautiful landscapes may draw you to Colombia, but colorful villages and lively locals will make your trip an experience you will never forget.

Start Exploring:

Colombia’s most important Caribbean port, Cartagena de Indias, was once a city of coveted riches so valuable that they built walls along the sea to guard the treasure against pirates.

Today, Cartagena is richer than ever - in Afro-Caribbean culture, art-splattered walls, sweet delights, and balmy islands.

My trip to Colombia wouldn’t be complete without taking unpredictable buses around the curvy corners of rustic jungles throughout the Coffee Axis, or Zona Cafetera.

The triangular zone between Colombia’s major cities is a backpacker’s haven for wild hiking trails, waterfalls, and national parks.

It’s the calm side of Colombia filled with farm towns and cowboys, a secluded sanctuary to learn not only about the coffee process from bean to cup, but also about the strength of your adventurous spirit - making it my favorite region of Colombia.

Medellin, Medellin, Medellin - the “City of Eternal Spring.”

The sun shines year-round in this urban Expat escape, and when it rains it pours.

Known for its nightlife, Medellin is emerging from the cocaine club stereotype and becoming a creative center through its museums, transformative art, and counterculture neighborhoods.

Beyond Medellin, towns like Guatape and San Rafael invite the adventurous traveler to explore more rustic locales of Antioquia.

From cold Bogota to sizzling Cartagena, Colombia’s climate is extremely diverse. Be ready for rain, sun, and street style with my complete packing guide.

Explore more destinations →