On my first trip to Colombia I wanted to visit all of the highlights, as well as get off the beaten track and under the skin of this beautiful country's rich history and culture. I was so lucky to explore with some incredible local guides, from the historic streets and breathtaking museums of Bogota and Medellin, to the jungleclad mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the mystical islands off the Caribbean coast. Here are just a few of my top recommendations on where to stay and what not to miss.
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Bogota is a thriving cosmopolitan city, set dramatically within the Andean mountain range, where visitors are spoiled with spectacular panoramic mountain views. The region's history is fascinating, from the indigenous tribes that first inhabited it, to the Spanish who arrived in 1538 - the city is home to excellent museums, picturesque colonial architecture and a bustling downtown complete with fabulous restaurants, bars and boutiques to be enjoyed. Mason Rose
In Bogotá you are spoilt for choice in places to stay - the city boasts a range of high-end hotels and boutique boltholes to guarantee a comfortable city break. Four Seasons Casa Medina is one of our favourites - a sleek urban retreat, well-located in bustling Zona T. Built in 1946, Casa Medina has been declared an Declared an official Monument of Cultural Interest due to its colonial-style grandeur, and guests will enjoy elegant rooms with hand-carved wooden furnishings and cosy fireplaces. The hotel has a fantastic restaurant, Castanyoles, set in a greenhouse atrium, as well as a Whisky Bar, and a Spa, Gym & Turkish Bath.
The perfect way to begin exploring Bogota is a privately guided walk through the winding streets of La Candelaria, the city's historic district, where the archtiecture won't fail to impress. I think the Gold and Botero museums are also unmissable to gain a real understanding of Colombia's history and heritage. Whatever your interests, we can tailor your time in Bogota to get the most out of your visit, whether that's visiting Verdi textile studio for the fashion lovers, exploring the city's top contemporary art galleries, markets or foodie highlights - all of our experiences are completely bespoke.
A charming small town in Santander, Barichara is a National Heritage Site, where Spanish settlers arrived in 1702 bringing their colonial architecture with them, which is beautifully preserved today. To reach it, fly 1 hour from Bogotá to Bucaramanga, then drive 4 hours or fly 20 minutes by helicopter, crossing the Chicamocha Canyon. The town is picture-perfect from its immaculately kept plazas and churches to its winding cobbled streets and idyllic backdrop of rolling hills. Along with enjoying the towns budding dining and shopping scene, we highly recommend exploring the surrounding countryside and relaxing in this peaceful setting.
In Barichara there is nowhere better than historic private villa, Casa del Presidente, which was the home of the late Colombian President, Belisario Betancur, and offers breathtaking views of Barichara and the Andes mountains. With a total of 5 bedrooms across the main house and garden, all with king beds and ensuite bathrooms, it's a comfortable and charming hideaway - perfect for a family or group of friends - looked after by a private chef, housekeeping and English-speaking host. Guests can relax in the pool, enjoy sundowners around a bonfire and al fresco dinners whilst being serenaded by local musicians, and watch movies in the outdoor cinema.
Spend a day exploring Barichara, getting to know the town's history and culture, and meeting local artisans. I loved rising early for a beautiful morning of trekking from Barichara to Guane, where our guide taught us all about the indigenous communities of the area and the ecosystems of the Santander region. Whilst simply relaxing at your villa and taking in the beautiful views is a must, there is plenty to do for those keen to remain active, including horseback riding and mountain biking trails through the countryside. We spent a lovely afternoon visiting a traditional coffee hacienda and tasting their produce, which I would highly recommend.
Medellín - The City of Eternal Spring - is Colombia's finest example of social regeneration, as the city, once a hub of drug-related crime, has transformed into a place of true innovation, with a growing economy and burgeoning cultural scene that hosts countless events and exhibitions, attracting many visitors to the region. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and there is plenty to see and do. As the birthplace of artist Fernando Botero, you can see his voluptuous sculptures lining Plaza Botero, or his paintings alongside those of Picasso in the Museo de Antioquia. For Medellin's best restaurants and nightlife, Parque Lleras is Medellín’s stylish gastronomic hub.
El Cielo is a hotel that embraces Colombian roots, from its stylish interiors to its popular restaurant serving a fabulous tasting menu inspired by local ingredients. Guests stay in spacious suites with King-size beds, marble floors, wood-veneer walls, fine Egyptian cotton linens and luxury amenities. There is a rooftop pool with a fabulous 360º view of the entire city, as well as a gym and spa, offering a range of luxurious treatments. This is a perfect city hotel - a comfortable and chic base for exploring the very best of Medellin.
Within Medellin itself, discover the stories behind its social and cultural transformation by taking a guided tour of the city's vibrant street art, as well as visiting different neighbourhoods to watch performances by young dance groups and afrocolombian musicians. We can arrange many tailor-made experiences in Medellin; one of my favourits is meeting a top mixologist for a private tasting session of Aguardiente, Colombia’s most traditional liquor. On the outskirts of Medellin, you can explore small Andean colonial towns dotted through the countryside. I also highly recommend visiting a private flower hacienda to view its collection of 6,000+ types of orchids.
No trip to Colombia would be complete without a few days spent enjoying the beautiful city of Cartagena, known as The Jewel of the Caribbean Coast. The architecture here is outstanding, as it is one of Latin America's best preserved colonial towns, with a picturesque historic centre made up of cobbled stone streets, brightly coloured mansions, oritinal wooden entrances and brass door knockers. The historic centre is enclosed by fortifications, which were built by the Spanish explorers who founded Cartagena in 1533, in order to defend against invading pirates. From these fortifications, you can enjoy amazing ocean views.
Casa Pestagua is Colombia's only Relais & Chateaux hotel, set in a 17th century mansion that was beautifully renovated in 2022. Casa Pestagua's colonial structure has been preserved, with its double-height ceilings and Moorish-inspired arches, complemented by internal gardens that ensure a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. With only 16 rooms and suites, a lovely swimming pool, Aurum Spa and gym, the hotel feels small and private. Animare Restaurant and Bar offers gastronomy inspired by Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific coasts with an authentic menu created by Chef Heberto Elijach. Here, guests can also enjoy rum and coffee tastings and cooking classes.
First and foremost, soak up the atmosphere of the Old City in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the colourful streets of Gesemani neighbourhood and discover local culture and traditions, much of which is rooted in Colombia's African and Amerinian heritage. In the evenings, enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with dinner at a fabulous restarant followed by dancing to traditional music with the locals, We can arrange dance lessons, cooking classes learning to prepare typical ceviche, and rum and chocolate tastings with local experts. We really recommend spending a day aboard a private yacht exploring stunning nearby islands in the Caribbean Sea.
If time allows, add a few days onto the end of your holiday to enjoy The Rosario and Baru islands, which are located just 100km off Cartagena’s coastline. These can be visited in just a day trip, taking a 45-60 minute speedboat ride, but to really relax and enjoy them, a few days is recomended. More than 30 coralline islands make up the Rosario Islands archipelago, which was declared one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia in order to preserve and protect its coral reefs and associated ecosystems, such as the sea grass, mangroves, numerous species of seaweed and animals that inhabit them.
For those keen to visit the Rosario archipelago for longer than a daytrip and really make the most of the Caribbean surroundings, Agua Baru is a new 6-bedroom boutique hotel hidden among native tropical trees, beautifully located on Cholón island. Guests can completely unwind, enjoying the soothing ocean breeze and stunning views of the Rosario and Barú islands. There is a main house with 3 bedrooms, plus 2 additional 3-bedroom bungalows. Each has a private terrace, there are 2 private pools, plenty of lounge areas, a bar, dining room, and sunbathing area with comfy beds.
The Rosario and Baru islands offer the perfect break for those looking for some downtime after a few days in Cartagena’s bustling Old City; book in one hand, cocktail in the other, and breathtaking ocean views. For the more adventurous, this destination offers a wide array of water activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Aboard a private boat, visit the best and most exclusive beach clubs and hotels in Barú and the Rosario Islands. Cruise around the islands and enjoy leisurely seafood lunches on the beach.
The Tayrona National Park is an area boasting exceptional biodiversity, just a four hour drive northeast of Cartagena, nestled between pristine white-sanded beaches and the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. The ancient indigenous Tayrona tribe inhabited the region for more than a thousand years, and whilst colonisation in the 17th century almost completely eradicated them, part of the civilisation lives on to this day through four indigenous tribes who have maintained their traditional culture, language and religion. The region is home to fascinating archaeological remains of ancient cities such as Pueblito and Ciudad Perdida.
Tewimake is a new lodge in the Tayrona Region, featuring 9 bungalows, each with a private plunge pool and views of lush gardens filled with exotic local flowers. The lodge's hillside location beside the Don Diego River is wonderfully private and peaceful, immersed in pristine nature, and guests have access to a beach on the riverbanks, where dinner is served by a bonfire, beneath the stars. The lodge offers an open-air restaurant, Spa, hot tub and A/C. We can also recommend a number of other places to stay in this region, including Villa Playa, Casa Origen and some gorgeous private villas.
One of our favourite experiences in Tayrona is meeting the Kogi community. You will be driven to an indigenous reserve, then walk to a Kogi village for a unique exchange, where you can learn about their traditions, beliefs and relationship with nature. As part of every visit, guests provide a contribution to the community, based on their current needs. Another drive takes you to the verdant banks of the Don Diego River for a trek along the ancient Tayronaka terraces, then you can paddle board, kayak, or tube down the river to the ocean. Along the way, enjoy views of the jungle, exotic birds, howler monkeys and small Caymans.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the world’s highest coastal mountain ranges; rising up from the white sand beaches of Tayrona National Park to its snow-capped peaks at an impressive altitude of 5,700m (18,700ft). Minca is one of the regions main towns just an hour from Santa Marta. As the water source of 36 different rivers and made up of tropical jungle, cloud forests, Andean tundra and snow peaks, Sierra Nevada is one of Colombia’s most important and diverse ecosystems. Four Tayrona-descendant indigenous tribes protect the region’s delicate biodiversity whilst also preserving their ancient traditions, culture and language.
Cloud Forest Lodge Casa Oropéndola is a private wooden lodge nestled between dense rainforest and lush coffee fields in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, a 2.5 hour drive from Santa Marta Airport. Perched at an impressive 1,500 metres-above-sea-level, the lodge enjoys unspoiled ocean views and the most spectacular sunsets. With an eco-friendly design, it feels rustic yet offers the utmost level of contemporary comfort with 4 large bedrooms and cosy living spaces to relax in. The lodge comes with a private Chef, stocked bar, hot water, English-speaking host and mountain guide.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is an area of incredible natural beauty and biodiversity. It lends itself perfectly to outdoor adventures and there are endless nature activities available for those keen to explore. We can arrange privately guided trekking experiences, and for birdwatchers, this region is a haven with over 628 different species to be found, of which 20 are endemic. This is also a wonderful destination for those keen to simply relax amidst unspoiled nature, high in the Cloud Forest. We can also arrange cooking classes for those interested in learning how to prepare typical local dishes.
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Every time I explore a new destination, whether it’s on an adventure holiday in Peru or a luxury beach escape in the Indian Ocean, I return home full of excitement to share the amazing sights I have seen. Through my own experiences I have developed a love of helping others experience the great wonders of the world; truly getting under the skin of the extraordinary destinations that are at your fingertips. Getting the details right, from which hotel is perfectly located for exploring away from the crowds, to which local guide is most knowledgeable on history or culture or art, is of paramount importance to me. I am constantly seeking out new and exciting experiences and exploring off the beaten track to ensure my clients are receiving the best and most honest first-hand advice.
Take a look at my travel diaries for food for thought on your next trip...