Discover Colombia: a paradise for adventurers

Welcome to Colombia, a fascinating country full of contrasts, vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Travelling through this South American jewel promises unforgettable experiences in the vibrant cities and idyllic natural paradises.

We spent a week there for you and got to know Colombia at its best! Let’s take a look together at some of the outstanding destinations.

Bogotá: the vibrant capital in the Andes

Let’s start our journey in Bogotá, the breathtaking capital of Colombia. Set amidst the majestic Andes, Bogotá is a fascinating mix of history, culture and modern city life. Visit the famous Gold Museum, stroll through the historic Candelaria neighbourhood and enjoy the breathtaking view from Monserrate, the sacred mountain. If you want to explore the culinary scene, visit Zona G, a neighbourhood known for its gourmet restaurants and cosy cafés. Try local specialities such as ajiaco (a traditional soup) or arepas (corn-based flatbreads) in one of the many authentic restaurants. A fun group activity is the national game of Tejo. We found ourselves surrounded by Latin American music, snacks and local beer on a tejo track in the centre of Bogotá and got to try out the Colombian national sport: Tejo combines skill and fun – it involves throwing metal discs at a clay plate to hit targets and collect points. This sociable game is passionately enjoyed by the locals and provides an ideal opportunity for teamwork and socialising.

Bogotá offers a high density of hotels to meet the needs of a wide range of travellers. A wide range of accommodation can be found in the individual city districts, from luxurious 5-star hotels to cosy boutique hotels. For a first-class stay, the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina is the perfect choice. The hotel is located in a charming, historic building built in the neo-Gothic style and is considered one of the city’s landmarks. It has been carefully restored to preserve its original splendour while offering modern comfort and first-class service.

The coffee triangle: a paradise for coffee lovers

We travelled non-stop from El Dorado International Airport to Armenia with the airline Avianca. There we immersed ourselves in the green hills of the Coffee Triangle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the centrepiece of Colombian coffee production. Visit Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas and discover the charming coffee haciendas. Accompany local farmers on a journey through coffee production, from harvesting the ripe coffee cherries to processing and roasting the beans. A tour of a traditional coffee hacienda gives you an insight into the centuries-old history of Colombian coffee culture.

For us here, the luck of the earth lay on the backs of horses, in this case on that of “Bandido”, a 5-year-old horse from the Pura Raza Española. PRE horses are generally known for their even temperament and gentleness. This makes them suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. The ride took us through rolling hills and green valleys, past banana and orange plantations. As we roamed the vast fields on horseback, we not only enjoyed the fresh air and spectacular views, but also the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a decelerated atmosphere. The riding excursion offers a unique perspective of the coffee triangle, far off the beaten track.

The Hacienda Riobamba, where Bandido and the other horses in the group come from, always has the right horse for both beginners and experienced riders to ensure that everyone can experience the beauty of the Coffee Triangle in a way that suits their abilities and interests.

However, the Coffee Triangle is not only known for its coffee production. An absolute highlight is the Cocora Valley National Park in the department of Quindío, known for its majestic wax palms, which are among the tallest palm trees in the world. To make your stay in the Coffee Triangle an unforgettable experience, we recommend the El Nido del Condor Ecolodge. Nestled in the lush hills and surrounded by coffee plantations, the lodge not only offers comfortable accommodation, but also a unique opportunity to experience the nature and culture of the region. With sustainable practices and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, El Nido del Condor Ecolodge is an ideal choice for travellers seeking an authentic and eco-conscious experience in the Coffee Triangle.

Medellín: the city of eternal spring

Welcome to Medellín, the vibrant metropolis that is also known as the “city of eternal spring” due to its mild climate. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín impresses with a perfect blend of innovative architecture, open-minded culture and a lively atmosphere. Get a bird’s eye view of the city by taking the cable car to Parque Arví and admire not only the breathtaking views but also the progressive urban solutions.

Once known for its troubled past, Medellín has been transformed into a thriving metropolis that serves as a prime example of urban renewal and social progress. Comuna 13, a neighbourhood in Medellín, has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a symbol of resistance, community spirit and creative renewal. Once characterised by violence and poverty, Comuna 13 has developed into an up-and-coming neighbourhood with colourful street art and social projects. The neighbourhood, which stretches along the steep slopes, was once considered one of the most dangerous in Medellín. Today, however, it tells an inspiring story of change. The characteristic escalators that criss-cross the steep streets symbolise not only physical mobility, but also the social advancement that the community has experienced.

Cartagena: Historical beauty on the Caribbean coast

Our trip ended on the Caribbean coast, in Cartagena. A city steeped in history, culture and colonial architecture. The historic old town, surrounded by imposing city walls, tells stories of times gone by. Stroll through the cobbled streets, discover colourful squares such as the Plaza Santo Domingo and admire the magnificent churches and palaces. San Felipe Castle, an imposing fortress, not only offers an insight into the colonial defences, but also a panoramic view over the city and the Caribbean Sea. The Getsemaní district is located just south of the old town and has become a popular place for travellers looking for authentic experiences. As you stroll through the alleyways, you will be surrounded by impressive street art. The colourful murals tell stories about the local culture, history and social issues. A walk through Getsemaní is also a journey through the creative soul of the community.

Cartagena is a culturally diverse city and the population is made up of different ethnic groups. Mestizos, who are a mixture of European and indigenous roots, make up a large part of the population. There is also a significant Afro-Colombian population that has its roots in the African communities that were brought to Colombia as slaves during the colonial period. The Afro-Colombian community has a strong influence on local music, dance, religion and cuisine. For example, musical genres such as cumbia and champeta are closely linked to Afro-Colombian culture and characterise the lively atmosphere of the city.

Finally, we travelled by speedboat to Las Islas Barú, a group of islands off the coast of Cartagena. Probably the most famous beach on Barú is Playa Blanca, which welcomes visitors with powder-white sand and crystal-clear water. The traditional fishing villages on the islands offer an authentic insight into the lives of the locals, while boat trips to hidden coves and secluded beaches awaken a thirst for adventure. Las Islas Barú epitomises the classic Caribbean paradise with palm trees, exotic birds and a relaxed atmosphere, far from the skyscrapers of Cartagena.

Sustainability & social responsibility

In Colombia, special emphasis is placed on sustainability and social responsibility, making the country a pioneer in environmentally friendly tourism. Regional food from regional farmers, waste avoidance and, last but not least, the conscious inclusion of disadvantaged ethnic groups in tourism (for example in a champeta dance or a coconut workshop) is strongly promoted and practised in all parts of Colombia. It is important to note that Colombia as a whole is a country with a remarkable cultural diversity. There are different ethnic groups in different regions, each with their own traditions, languages and customs.

The diversity in Colombia contributes to the country’s rich cultural landscape. This focus allows travellers to not only enjoy the natural beauty of Colombia, but also to actively contribute to the positive development of local communities and the environment.

Colombia offers an unrivalled variety of experiences – from history in Bogotá to coffee culture in the Triangle and Caribbean beauty in Cartagena. An incentive trip through this country promises not only unforgettable adventures, but also first-class accommodation and warm hospitality. Plan your trip with us and let Colombia enchant you!