Colombia - off the beaten track, hidden gems, places to avoid.

[Jaffna]

Just starting to plan a trip for Xmas/NY 26/27. Party of 7 (5 young adults). We have all travelled loads before and know that we like landscapes, wildlife, trekking, adventure experiences, and culture. We don’t like busy resort or tourist areas so keen to put together our 3 week route and itinerary that meets this brief.

Would love any recommendations that would meet the above criteria.

Also if there is anywhere to avoid (or to do it differently) please let me know. I am concerned for instance that Cartegena will be mobbed with cruise liner tourists and we don’t want to be part of that or to add to that. But is it an essential part of a trip to Colombia?

Totally depends on how long you have there and if you're going to take internal flights or long haul buses?

Do not miss Cartegena or Medellin.

Sorry just saw 3 weeks. I would stick to the Caribbean coast personally, Tayrona Park, Santa Marta, Taganga. Any divers?

Cartagena is amazing! So much soul and character. We did Bogotá - villa de Leyva - Santa marta - tayrona - Minca - Cartagena - Islas grande - Cartagena - Medellin and back to Bogotá over 20 days, so a fair bit of travelling but it felt like we got a taste of everything: cities, beach, mountains, jungle…

The only place I didn’t absolutely love was Islas grande, but that was probably down to the eco hotel we stayed in which was very basic.

Colombia is glorious, the people are so friendly and there’s so much to see and experience! Enjoy

I spent the day in Cartegena, got a taxi straight off the cruise ship who then took us on a city tour to see some sights and into the old town for a walk. It was one of the best trips I've been on!

We will be there 3 weeks and will choose internal flights over long haul buses.

No divers but a couple of snorkelers! 2 of the group have been to Colombia before but excited to go again. In the past we have ended trips with 4 nights in an off the beaten track beach place. If anyone has any suggestions for that type of place that would be good. Also any quirky accommodation - eco hut or homestay experience.

Cartagena is glorious in the evening after the cruise passengers are gone. We stayed outside the walls and found lovely local places to eat and drink and dancing on the streets.

Popayan is lovely in the south and we loved San Augustin if you venture that far.

Don't miss the gold museum in Bogota

That’s a great point - I have found some amazing old historic houses to rent on Air BnB right in the centre - so the neighbourhoods at night as you describe would be absolutely magical and right up our street - thanks for that.

Cartagena is beautiful - and yes, I did visit it on a cruise!
But the cruise ship crowds will be gone by late afternoon. Or you can check on the port schedule to see which days have few or no cruise ships in and plan accordingly. I definitely wouldn't avoid it just because it could be busy during the day.

@Jaffna These are two itineraries from Audley travel. There’s other ones with more cities and wildlife/coastal regions. I think where they recommend will be safe!