Colombia has its well-known tourist spots, such as Cartagena, Medellin, Santa Marta and Bogota, which have been popular with travelers for some time, but there are a number of destinations in the country that are still relatively unknown and yet are beginning to see huge surges in popularity.
Lesser-Known destinations in Colombia
The number of popular destinations in Colombia is growing, with the number and range of places being booked by tourists expanding. The record-breaking tourism year of 2023 can be somewhat attributed to this trend, and so here are some of the up-and-coming, non-traditional places to visit in Colombia.
The Valley, Bahia Solano, Choco
This destination town in the department of Choco, on Colombia’s Pacific coast, offers a multitude of activities ranging from diving in the jungle or in waterfalls near the beach, to surfing, participating in turtle conservation and enjoying tantalising fresh fish dishes.
The El Tigre waterfall is especially worth visiting – and it is not a long walk from the town. This area is also known for whale watching.
Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia
One of the youngest municipalities in Antioquia, Puerto Triunfo is particularly good for water-related activities, with various recommendations made to see the Danta Paradise where ecotourism activities between rivers and nature are available, as well as in the Rio Claro Reserve.
The Pantagoras Caverns are a highlight of the area, displaying the heritage of the indigenous tribe that lived in the Middle Magdalena and the Antioquia East, along with the ‘Hacienda Napoles’ theme park, one of the ’10 most exotic parks in the work’ according to booking.com.
Envigado, Antioquia
Another Antioquia destination, Envigado presents a kaleidoscope of flavorsome food, animated culture and abundant nature. Visitors can indulge in authentic cuisine in the Buena Mesa area, which offers a vast range of open-air options from the region, and then immerse themselves in nature with a trip to Angel Falls, a waterfall where travelers can also hike and stay in glamping sites. Last but not least, visitors are encouraged to make their way to the El Salado Ecotourism Park and the Otraparte Cultural and Environmental Park.
El Zaino, Magdalena
For those who love nature, Santa Marta is the ideal location, and the walking trails in the jungle of Tayrona Park give visitors the opportunity to appreciate the natural diversity of flora and fauna in the region. El Zaino, ranked as the fourth most popular destination in Colombia in 2024, is the main entrance to Tayrona, and venturing through here walkers can access the beaches of Canaveral, Arrecifes, La Piscina and Cabo San Juan.
Entry is permitted between 8am and 5pm.
Gaira, Magdalena
Like El Zaino, Gaira is within the department of Magdalena. This district of the municipality of Santa Marta is touted as fifth most popular destination for 2024, and visitors see authentic scenes of local residents outside on the terraces of their houses around the central plaza.
The big attraction of the area is its beaches, particularly El Rodadero, one of the most popular in the Colombian Caribbean. Others include Playa Pleno Mar and Playa Cristal.
See all the latest news from Colombia and the world at ColombiaOne.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow Colombia One on Google News, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe here to our newsletter.