Discover 5 Underrated Gems in Colombia to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
Colombia is a country full of diversity, culture, and history, but many travelers only know about the popular destinations such as Bogotá and Cartagena. As a frequent visitor to the country over the last few years, I have had the pleasure of exploring many places worth visiting that should be added to your travel list. Whether you are interested in exploring the vibrant city of Medellín, or visiting places a car or a short plane ride away, these underrated gems are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
In this blog post, I have compiled a list of 5 underrated places in Colombia that are not to be missed and should be on your travel bucket list.
- Medellín
Known as the City of Eternal Spring (La Ciudad De La Eterna Primavera), Medellín is a vibrant city located in the Andean region of Colombia. It is famous for its beautiful weather, stunning architecture, and lively nightlife. The city is also home to many museums, parks, and art galleries, making it a great destination for culture lovers. Medellín is also where today’s most popular world-renowned singers are from including J Balvin, Juanes, and Karol G. Not to mention my own Colombian family, the reason why I am lucky to call this place my second home :)
Some of my personal favorite things to do in Medellín include:
- Botero Plaza where you can see sculptures by famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero
- Spend the day at Parque Explora, an interactive science museum that is fun for everyone
- Shop and eat at El Tesoro, one of the most luxurious malls in town with incredible views
- Enjoy the nightlife in Provenza whose streets are lined with some of the best restaurants, bars, and clubs in town
- Spend the day relaxing at Viva Spa Poblado
2. San Andrés
This Caribbean island is a popular tourist destination among locals, but it is still considered a hidden gem. Located 124 miles off the east coast of Nicaragua, San Andrés belongs to Colombia. San Andrés is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. It is also a great place to explore the local culture and try delicious seafood.
WHERE TO STAY
We really enjoyed our stay at Aquamare, one of the newest luxury hotels in San Andrés, which was close to the beach and had amazing culinary options.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Even if you do not stay at Aquamare, I highly recommend stopping in to dine at Varka or have a drink at Coral Bar (the Sangria Rose and Frescura drinks were top notch). Also, if you are there on a Friday or Saturday evening, you can enjoy free live music on the rooftop.
If you plan ahead, make sure to make a reservation at La Regatta, easily the top and most picturesque restaurant on the island.
GETTING AROUND
One of the easiest and fun ways to explore the island is by renting an all-terrain vehicle which locals call a “mula”. You can drive around the island in one in about an hour, if you do not stop — but you really should to take in all the different views.
3. Guatapé
Guatapé is an Andean resort town in northwest Colombia, east of Medellín. It is known for its colorful architecture and picturesque streets. It is also home to the El Peñol rock, where visitors can climb the 740 steps to the top of the rock and enjoy panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding countryside. The rock is also adorned with a giant Colombian flag, which makes for a great photo opportunity.
4. San Jerónimo
San Jerónimo is a small town known for its beautiful weather and friendly locals. It is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.
WHERE TO STAY
We rented the most breathtaking “finca” (estate) in San Jerónimo which accommodated 10 of us (but easily could accommodate 12 people). Highlights from this stay definitely included waking up to gorgeous cloudy mountain views and sunny afternoons in the infinity pool. I cannot recommend this Airbnb enough! We will be going back here for years to come. You can book it on Airbnb here: Beautiful Cabana San Jerónimo, Antioquia, Colombia
5. Santa Fe de Antioquia
Santa Fe de Antioquia is known for its well-preserved Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque plazas. The town is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts as it is surrounded by lush green hills, perfect for hiking and cycling.
One of the main attractions in Santa Fe de Antioquia is the Puente de Occidente, a suspension bridge that was built in 1887 and is considered to be one of the engineering marvels of its time. The bridge, which spans the Cauca River, is walkable and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Santa De de Antioquia is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique and authentic experience in Colombia.
Colombia is a country with more to offer than you might think, and each of these 5 hidden gems is its own unique experience. Whether you are interested in culture, history, outdoor activities, or just want to relax on the beach, these places should definitely be added to your travel list. So, pack your bags and start exploring the underrated side of Colombia!
