Colombia is a country blessed by its geographical position, which allows it to have a diversity of natural landscapes that attract both domestic and international tourists. There are options for all tastes, from snowy peaks, vast plains, lush tropical jungles, to paradisiacal beaches.
There are many must-see natural destinations in Colombia, so we take you on a tour of the 10 natural paradises we recommend visiting if you want to recharge energy, be in contact with the environment, and live a unique and unforgettable experience.
1. Amazonas
The first must-see natural destination in Colombia is the Amazon, also called the lungs of the world due to its vast extent of pristine jungle.
Visiting the Amazon region means immersing yourself in one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests on the planet. Additionally, you will enjoy impressive waterfalls like Raudal Japi, lakes, and one of the longest rivers in the world.
If you are passionate about nature and adventure, this tourist destination is unique and unrepeatable because you can experience the invaluable Colombian ecosystem. The best part is that you have the possibility to engage in various activities: fishing, navigation, wildlife and flora observation, visits to indigenous communities, and hiking.
To access this natural paradise, your gateway will be a flight to Leticia, the capital of the Amazon. Keep in mind that it is advisable to meet vaccination requirements (yellow fever) established by local authorities. We recommend planning your trip in advance and bringing comfortable clothing, as well as mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
2. Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales is one of the most impressive natural icons in the world. You will be amazed to see crystal-clear waters reflecting a vibrant palette of colors (red, yellow, green, blue, and orange) produced by aquatic plants and its rocky bed.
Famous for the chromatic spectacle it offers, Caño Cristales has earned the well-deserved name "the river of the five colors". It also stands out for its extensive biodiversity, being home to a wide variety of flora and fauna species.
This natural wonder is located in the Serranía de la Macarena, in the Meta department, and opens its doors to visitors from June to November. To access this paradise, you must travel to the municipality of La Macarena and from there, embark on a river tour along the Guayabero River until reaching the caño.
3. Whale Watching in the Pacific
If you love animals and enjoy adventure, one of the must-see natural destinations in Colombia is whale watching in the Pacific. From July to October, these cetaceans migrate from Antarctica to the warm Colombian waters to give birth to their calves, providing an unprecedented spectacle.
Some of the most well-known places to witness whale watching in the Pacific are: Bahía Málaga in Valle del Cauca, Gorgona National Natural Park in Cauca, or Utría National Natural Park (Nuquí) in Chocó.
4. Trek to Ciudad Perdida
The trek to Ciudad Perdida is a journey that connects you with pure nature and adventure. You will have the opportunity to enjoy lush landscapes, observe the region's flora and fauna in all their splendor, and delve into the history of this ancient Tayrona settlement nestled in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta.
To protect this archaeological treasure, access to Ciudad Perdida is restricted and requires prior reservation and a special permit. The tour is only done on foot with an experienced guide, so we recommend hiring a tourist route plan to ensure a safe and enriching experience.
5. Mavecure Hills
If you enjoy hiking and living an adventure where the majesty of nature, history, mysticism, and excitement combine, we recommend visiting the Mavecure Hills, located in southeastern Colombia.
It consists of three hills (Pajarito, Mono, and Mavecure) which stand as the ancestral guardians of the Colombian savannah, in the Guainía department. During the walk along the rocky formations, you can observe millennia-old petroglyphs and a diversity of ecosystems.
You can climb the imposing Cerro Mavecure, 250 meters high, accompanied by an experienced guide. Access to this natural destination is exclusively by river, navigating the waters of the Inírida River. During this adventure, you will have the opportunity to practice sport fishing and enjoy a panoramic view of the river.
6. El Fin del Mundo Waterfall in Putumayo
If you are looking for a place to relax and hike, the El Fin del Mundo waterfall in Putumayo is the ideal destination for you. The sound of this 70-meter-high waterfall is perfect for connecting with nature and being surrounded by vegetation.
To reach this destination, you must go by land or air to the municipalities of Mocoa or Villagarzón, in the Putumayo department. There, you will find the registration point, where groups with their respective guides are organized. The journey takes approximately 1 hour depending on the physical condition of the person.
7. Tuparro National Park in Vichada
Tuparro National Park in Vichada is an unmissable natural destination because it is a biodiversity refuge. Ideal for those who love animals, hiking, and sport fishing.
On its tour, you can observe a variety of flora and fauna, surrounded by plains and majestic rivers that will delight you. You also have the option to navigate the Tomo River.
The only land access is from Villavicencio, traveling along the dawn route, which offers a unique experience to connect with nature.
8. Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert invites you to feel the magic of a tropical dry forest surrounded by rocky formations. A place to connect with nature and contemplate the vastness of the Milky Way.
To reach this destination, you must travel to the town of Villavieja, 40 minutes from the city of Neiva, in the Huila department. During the tour of the Tatacoa Desert, you can enjoy a pool in the middle of the desert, visit the astronomical observatory, and other activities.
9. San José del Guaviare
San José del Guaviare has become one of the emerging tourist destinations in Colombia because it is the starting point to explore the Amazon rainforest. It stands out for its rich natural, historical, and cultural heritage.
In this region, you can visit the imposing Cerro Azul tepui, the Serranía de la Macarena National Natural Park, Caño Cristales, among other natural treasures of the country. You can engage in various activities, including: rafting, trekking, hiking, and birdwatching.
10. Alta Guajira
One of the Colombian natural oases is Alta Guajira, located in the north of the country. A place where the Caribbean Sea and its pristine beaches converge with the sand dunes of the desert, surrounded by a wide natural and cultural richness.
This destination is ideal for adventurers who want to immerse themselves in an unparalleled landscape. You can explore the Taroa dunes, visit Cabo de la Vela, interact with the indigenous community, taste the best of Wayúu cuisine, and spot flamingos.
Do not miss visiting these unmissable destinations we recommend if you want to have a unique and unforgettable experience surrounded by nature. Every corner of the country invites you to explore, feel, and connect with the environment; you just need to give yourself the opportunity to be captivated and live a sensory journey through diverse landscapes.