What to do in Colombia: adventures, colonial cities and exceptional coffee 🌏🇨🇴

Between the Andes, Caribbean, Amazon and vibrant cities, Colombia has the gift of pleasing everyone. If you're planning a trip to Colombia, this guide will give you a clear vision of what to see, when to go, how to optimize your travel, and how to stay connected easily throughout your stay.

Colombia is a mosaic of landscapes and atmospheres. In the same week, you can climb an Andean peak, dance salsa under the stars, walk among giant wax palms, get lost in a colonial city, then dive on a coral reef. All carried by a warm culture, comforting gastronomy, and a cost of living still very affordable for travelers.

It's also a country easy to combine with other Latin American destinations. Many travelers chain, for example, a circuit in Colombia with a hop to Mexico for Mayan sites, a trek in Peru or a city break in Brazil. Good news: with GoMoWorld, a single eSIM works in more than 200 destinations, so no need to change virtual cards at every border.

Key tip: Colombia is vast and mountainous. Rather than rushing, focus on 2 to 3 regions maximum to enjoy stress-free.

Located at the equator, Colombia doesn't have marked seasons like in Europe, but climate zones. Overall, temperature depends on altitude, and rain varies by region.

• Andes (Bogotá, Medellín, Eje Cafetero): cooler weather at altitude. Rains are more frequent in April-May and October-November, but clear spells are common.
• Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona, Guajira): hot year-round; dry season from December to April, often ideal for the beach.
• Pacific (Nuquí, Bahía Solano): very humid region but magical for whale watching (generally July to October).
• Amazon (Leticia): humid equatorial climate year-round; choose the driest season of your travel period.

If you enjoy events, Barranquilla's Carnival (February/March depending on the year) is a jewel of colors and music, and the Feria de las Flores (Medellín, usually in August) transforms the city into a huge festive garden.

Weather tip: even in "wet" season, rains in Colombia are often intense but brief. A light raincoat and breathable shoes are enough for most itineraries.

Bogotá, between altitude and culture

Perched at 2,600 meters, Bogotá surprises with its bustling cultural atmosphere. The La Candelaria neighborhood concentrates colonial alleys, street art and museums; the Museo del Oro is absolutely unmissable to understand the pre-Columbian heritage. Go up to Monserrate (funicular or cable car) for the breathtaking view of the capital. On Sundays, the Ciclovía frees up kilometers of roads for cyclists and joggers: local atmosphere guaranteed.

Altitude warning: in Bogotá (and in the Eje Cafetero if you hike), take it easy the first day. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy.

Medellín, innovation and quality of life

Nicknamed "the city of eternal spring", Medellín enjoys a mild climate and fascinating dynamism. Head to Comuna 13 to discover urban art and its famous open-air escalators (opt for a tour with a local guide). The Metrocable transports you above the valleys to Parque Arví for a nature bath. In the evening, try the atmosphere of Laureles or El Poblado, between small gourmet addresses and friendly bars.

Cartagena de Indias, Caribbean postcard

The old town of Cartagena, a UNESCO site, is a movie set: flowered balconies, ramparts, vibrant plazas, sunset over the bastion... Just steps away, Getsemaní breathes street art and youth. For the beach, head to the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) and their turquoise waters. Cartagena is touristy, certainly, but impossible to remain indifferent to its charm.

Cali, salsa capital

If music speaks to you, Cali might be your favorite city. Salsa classes, live concerts, wild nights... Here, dance is part of daily life. The San Antonio neighborhood offers a beautiful bohemian atmosphere, and the Cerro de las Tres Cruces rewards you with a splendid view of the city at dawn.

Eje Cafetero, coffee kingdom

The coffee triangle (Salento, Filandia, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira) is a marvel of green hills, traditional fincas and hiking trails. The Valle de Cocora impresses with its giant wax palms reaching for the sky. Don't miss a plantation visit to understand everything, from cherry to bean, with tasting included.

Tayrona National Park, jungle and beaches

At the gates of Santa Marta, Tayrona lines up golden sand coves and jungle trails. The beaches of Cabo San Juan and La Piscina are classics, but there are quieter spots if you walk a bit further. Access is regulated: you only enter with a reservation/authorized day according to capacity.

Arrive early at Tayrona: between the heat, entrance checks and walking distances, your day will be much more pleasant starting before 8 am. Bring water, hat and good shoes.

Guajira Desert, end of the world

In the northeast, Guajira combines dunes, oceans and lagoons from another world. Cabo de la Vela, then Punta Gallinas (the northernmost point in South America) are earned via tracks: here you live to the rhythm of the wind and Wayuu communities. Accommodation is simple, the experience unforgettable.

Amazon, total immersion

From Leticia (border with Brazil and Peru), you dive into the heart of the Amazon rainforest: pink dolphin watching, excursions to Puerto Nariño, and encounters with biodiversity. It's a Colombia apart, calling for disconnection... and good logistical organization.

San Andrés and Providencia, crystalline water

Off the Nicaraguan coast but Colombian, San Andrés and Providencia offer translucent waters for snorkeling and diving. San Andrés is more festive and accessible; Providencia, wilder and more exclusive.

Santander, adrenaline and villages

San Gil has made a name with rafting, paragliding or caving. Nearby, Barichara is one of the most beautiful villages in the country, perfect for strolling and walking to Guane via the old stone path.

Colombia is a feast for the senses. Food-wise, try ajiaco in Bogotá, bandeja paisa in Medellín, arepas everywhere, lechona in Tolima, crispy empanadas, and an explosion of tropical fruits (lulo, maracuyá, feijoa, guanábana...). Drink-wise, local filter coffee and modern extraction methods coexist; treat yourself to a "coffee tour" to understand the subtleties of terroir.

Music is omnipresent: cumbia, vallenato, salsa, reggaeton... A dance class in Cali, a concert in Bogotá, a festival in Medellín and you take a piece of Colombia in your feet. Colombian friendliness also helps overcome the language barrier: a smile and a few words of Spanish quickly open doors.

Good to know: the propina (tip) of 10% is sometimes already suggested on the restaurant bill; check the "servicio" or "propina sugerida" line and adjust according to your satisfaction.

Distances surprise quickly: between mountains and valleys, count in hours rather than kilometers. Intercity buses are frequent and economical; to save time, domestic flights are numerous and affordable. In the city, official taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient, especially in the evening. Scenic routes to Eje Cafetero or Santander are magnificent, but winding: if you're prone to motion sickness, anticipate.

Basic security: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid showing off phones and jewelry in crowded areas, and prefer official transportation at night. As everywhere, common sense is your best ally.

Traveling in Colombia is simpler when you stay reachable and connected. GoMoWorld allows you to install a single eSIM valid in more than 200 destinations, whether you then go to Brazil, Peru or Mexico without reinstalling anything. You buy and manage your plans in the app (iOS/Android), and you activate your plan when you decide to start the data.

For Colombia, the available offers are very simple:

• 30-day plan: 55GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 35GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 15GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 3.5GB for €3.99

All plans allow connection sharing (hotspot), ideal for working from a cafe or connecting your tablet. And the app includes a handy VPN to secure your sessions on public airport or hotel Wi-Fi.

Essential reminder: eSIM installation is done only via the GoMoWorld app, without QR code. Plans don't automatically enter service; you must press "Start" when you want to activate them. Unactivated plans never expire: you can buy them in advance, leave with peace of mind, and trigger at the right time.

For purchase, you can go through the website or directly in the app. If you buy on the website, remember to log into the app with the same email to find your plans. Once the eSIM is installed, you recharge with 1 click, without ever reinstalling it.

Colombia remains generally accessible. Accommodation ranges from friendly guesthouses to charming boutique hotels, especially in Cartagena and Medellín. Eating local costs little; "corriente" addresses (menu of the day) are hearty and economical. Motor activities (rafting, diving, paragliding) increase the budget, but hikes and cultural visits remain affordable.

Take advantage of domestic flights to save time on long distances, comparing prices according to the days of the week. In very touristy areas, book in high season (December-April, July-August). Negotiate kindly in some markets, with a smile.

Money and payment: cards are widely accepted in the city; always have cash for local transport, markets or small guesthouses. Withdraw preferably from ATMs located inside shopping centers or banks.

• Health: sun protection and hydration are your best allies on the Caribbean coast. In tropical areas, bring mosquito repellent. At altitude, cover up in the evening.
• Security: favor recommended neighborhoods, listen to your host's advice, and avoid ATM withdrawals late at night.
• Respect and eco-driving: plan to take your waste away, respect the instructions in national parks, and favor local guides for positive economic benefits.

360° connectivity: with GoMoWorld, you only have one eSIM to travel in Colombia, then head to Spain on your return to Europe or for a stopover. Activate/deactivate your plans on demand, share your connection, and secure your data with the integrated VPN.

Here's a balanced proposal for a first trip, adjustable according to your wishes.

Day 1-2: Bogotá Arrival, quiet installation to acclimate to the altitude. Visit La Candelaria, Museo del Oro, and sunset at Monserrate. On Sunday, enjoy the Ciclovía if your timing allows.

Day 3-5: Eje Cafetero (Salento, Valle de Cocora) Short flight to Armenia or Pereira. Hike in Valle de Cocora, walk in Salento and Filandia, visit a coffee finca. Slow atmosphere, postcard landscapes.

Day 6-8: Medellín Bus or flight to Medellín. Comuna 13 with guide, Metrocable to Parque Arví, Pueblito Paisa, and evening in Laureles. If you have rhythm in your blood, try a dance class.

Day 9-12: Cartagena and the islands Flight to Cartagena. Stroll in the old town, art and bars in Getsemaní, sunset on the ramparts. Day trip to Rosario Islands for snorkeling. Depending on your flight, add a relaxation day.

Possible extensions according to your interests:

• Nature and end of the world: two to three days in Guajira to Punta Gallinas.
• Amazon: Leticia and Puerto Nariño for a condensed biodiversity.
• Wild Caribbean coast: trekking to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) if you have 4 to 5 more days.
• Regional combinations: continue to Peru for the cordillera, Brazil for Rio and the Amazon, or Mexico for cenotes and Mayan culture. Your GoMoWorld eSIM stays the same, you just activate a local plan in the app.

Travel pace: limit overnight bus sequences and favor internal flights when the route exceeds 8 to 10 hours. You'll gain comfort and safety.

• Install the iOS/Android app and your eSIM before departure or upon arrival at airport Wi-Fi.
• If you bought on the website, log into the app with the same email to find your purchases.
• Choose your Colombia plan: 55GB/30 days (€29.99), 35GB/30 days (€19.99), 15GB/30 days (€10.99) or 3.5GB/7 days (€3.99).
• Activate it manually when you need it: nothing starts without your click on "Start".
• Enjoy hotspot to share connection and integrated VPN to secure your browsing.

Peace of mind gain: unactivated plans never expire. Buy them in advance when you see a good opportunity and trigger at the ideal time.

Colombia achieves a rare mix: spectacular diversity, vibrant culture, warm welcome and controlled budget. From Bogotá to Cartagena, from Salento coffee to Tayrona beaches, from urban walks to 100% nature trips, you'll surely find your happiness. And with a GoMoWorld eSIM installed once and for all, you stay connected hassle-free, in Colombia then in your next steps to Mexico, Peru or Brazil. No stress, your data follows you everywhere.

Have a great trip and enjoy: Colombia awaits you with its colors, its smiles and its fragrant coffees.