The Best Little Known Adventures In Colombia

Colombia: this beautiful country in northwestern South America is world-famous for incredible coffee, lush jungles and colorful cities full of life, dancing, music, art, and amazing food. It’s beautiful! Moreover, Colombia enjoys two coastlines; one on the Caribbean Sea, and one on the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. On your vacation planned by the Tripio App, you’ll discover and realize new experiences, adventures, and bucket list items! Nature lovers, history buffs, beach bums, artists, and foodies alike will enjoy this tropical, mountainous haven. Our system knows exactly what you want to do all around Colombia, so follow your Custom Top 10 itinerary for the ideal time spent here. Let’s delve into the Best little known Adventures In Colombia!

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No matter what your interests happen to be, Tripio can help you find exactly where you want to be at any given moment! What’s more, we’ll always show you EXACTLY what interests you most. From Colombia’s highest zip line, to Comuna 13, to the world’s tallest palm trees, we have recommended some of the best of the best little known adventures in Colombia! Take advantage of these life-changing destinations selected from around the country.

Adventure in Colombia with the Tripio App and it will show you the secrets that await. Let Tripio do all of the tough work in planning your perfect vacation. Input your preferences and you’ll receive your own personalized custom itinerary of the best unique adventures in Colombia. Before you know it, you’ll be traveling to places beyond your wildest dreams! 

1. Best Adventures In Colombia – Highest Zipline in Colombia, Climb Via Ferrata Trail & Trek to Waterfall!

Photo by @miguelarango.611 on IG

Get that adrenaline rush! If you like adventure, hikes, nature, and ziplines, this is the tour for you. With shining reviews, this unforgettable experience hosted by locals at The Andes Adventure will lead you on an exhilarating journey! 

Witness the real, raw Colombia, understand its culture and history better, while the incredible natural beauty takes your breath away. Your exploration will begin in Medellin. You’ll be transported to see the Parque Municipal El Retiro, the superb El Tequendamita waterfall, pass by the town of La Ceja, and finally at Los Saltos Ecoparque, take the highest and longest zipline in all of Colombia! 

At 1000 feet high and 2200 feet long, you’ll be able to see up to 5 waterfalls, one after the other. You then reach the other side of the valley, to begin a more difficult trek to the most magical waterfall, the Salto del Buey. You’ll feel all its power at the base, then climb the Ferrata Trail up the cliff to see the waterfall from the top. 

Tours are in English or Spanish. Make sure to make a reservation online. The tour includes Entrance to Park, Snacks, Zipline equipment, Lunch, Insurance, Entry/Admission – Retiro, Entry/Admission – La Ceja. 

Be aware that December to February are the months with lowest precipitation in the area, although it will be gorgeous no matter when you plan your custom itinerary. See the Tripio app for more details!

2. Comuna 13 Graffiti & Street Food – Medellín

Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash

Get to know the locals’ perspective of Comuna 13 in Medellin with Visit Medellin Tours. This famous neighborhood is the most visited place in the city recently. What’s more, in the 80s and 90s, this barrio nestled in and on top of hills, was run by drug trafficking organizations. They used it as a port in and out of Medellin.

Come find out the unique history of this colorful place! The tour begins near the Escaleras Electricas in Comuna 13. On this particular tour, a local guide will give a tour in Spanish or English, and show you around to all the hidden gems. 

Visit a local art gallery, see the graffiti livening up the streets, the lookouts, and witness an artistic show. In addition, visit Independencia 2, another place full of graffiti and history.  The tour guide will also show you the best street food around! Try delicious mango ice cream with salt and lemon, warm church empanadas, patacon, sausages, and more. Yummmm. 

Learn about the new escalators, and how Medellin has been transforming this neighborhood into the bustling, thriving place it is today. Sound like a good plan? Don’t forget your camera and sunscreen, and to reserve beforehand. 

You’ll be happily surprised by this memorable all-in-one historical, cultural and culinary tour!

3. Best Adventures In Colombia- Kayak and Snorkel Crab Cay National Park – Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands

Photo by Darren Lawrence on Unsplash

Looking for the best views, wildlife viewing, and picture opportunities in the Colombian Caribbean? You’ve come to the right place! 

Seriously, the views and the color of the water here are unmatched. The tiny island, Crab Cay or Cayo Cangrejo, is very close to the main island Providencia. You can get there by kayak or paddle board, or if you’d like, take a boat tour around. 

Once on the cay, you enjoy swimming, snorkeling (you can rent snorkels here), or take a short climb to the top of the island for breath-taking views. However, there’s no beach, because the island is very small, but you can sunbathe on the main deck of the restaurant. 

Make sure you bring extra water, as the restaurant often runs out. Go early, too, to avoid the busy afternoons. Keep in mind that the weather is best from March to May, but the island is beautiful and accessible year round. 

You can expect gorgeous blue water, full of blue and turquoise colors mixing together. Moreover, while you paddle-board, snorkel, or kayak, you’re guaranteed to catch waves with sea turtles, as the island is surrounded by sea grass. 

Crab Cay is a must-see natural wonder if your vacation allows for it!

4. Meet Descendants of the First Freed Enslaved People in America – San Basilio de Palenque Cultural Tour

Photo by @worldcitizenstravel on IG

Walk through the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, where you’ll meet descendants of the first freed enslaved people in the Americans, the Cimarron. 

The village of San Basilio de Palenque, near Cartagena, is known for the cultural, linguistic, musical and social practices of the descendants of those enslaved African people. Their tradition has been proclaimed a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. 

You’ll learn their history, try their cuisine, and more! Visit the monument Benkos Bioho, which depicts an African brought over to Latin America from Guinea. He led his people to freedom, the first freed Africans in the Americas. 

Pay a visit to the cultural center to learn some words in the Palenquero language, and see the monument of Kid Pambele, a famous Colombian boxer. Next, you’ll learn about some ancestral medicinal herbs. 

Lastly, enjoy a delicious local lunch made by local people. In addition, feel the rhythm of the music, dive into this unique, living culture. Have fun opening your mind with the knowledgeable, friendly, helpful guides (English, Spanish, or French). 

We recommend Peace Travel Colombia SAS. They provide transportation to/from your hotel in Cartagena. Witness this living history for yourself! Just remember to bring comfy walking shoes, sunscreen, respect, and an open mind.

5. Best Adventures In Colombia- See the World’s Tallest Palm Trees on the Coffee Farm and Cocora Valley Tour

Photo by Christian Holzinger on Unsplash

Will you be one of the few people who get to explore this hidden gem? Featuring Insta-worthy views and the promise of the freshest coffee should have you ready to go. 

The paradisiacal Cocora Valley is considered an UNESCO Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia Heritage Site, and is home to the world’s tallest palm tree. You’ll get a chance to please your inner nature lover. 

Admire the tall wax palm trees, misty views, and green mountains while you tour a coffee farm! What’s more can you imagine smelling and tasting the delicious, fresh, hot coffee in such a scenic place? You’ll learn lots about how Colombia coffee is grown in this lovely, famous area. 

This is a private tour led by the trusted Gran Colombia Tours; only your group will participate, so book in advance. They will transport you from your hotel or hostel in Salento to the exquisite Cocora Valley. The tour lasts a half day, including light hiking, so bring enough water, sunscreen, a jacket, and bug spray! Lunch is included. 

Coffee fans and nature lovers alike, take a chance on this extraordinary bucket list experience

6. Botero Museum – Bogotá

Photo by Brian Kyed on Unsplash

In 2000, the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero donated 208 art pieces to the Bank of the Republic. With this collection, Museo Botero was founded in La Candelaria, Bogota’s historic central neighborhood. 

 It lives in a colonial mansion-turned-museum which was acquired by the Bank of the Republic and made suitable to house the art collection by Fernando Botero himself. Since November 1, 2000, the museum has been open to the public free of charge. 

 The museum consists of 208 works of art; 123 works of Fernando Botero and 85 from other international artists. 

Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Dali, Picasso, Monet, Balthus, Georges Braque, Sonia Delaunay, Henri Matisse, and Marc Changall. Put this on your bucket list! Come spend a half day admiring lovely works of art and sculptures from a diverse range of artists.

Download the Tripio app on your vacation to get the best itineraries!

Feeling hungry? check out our blog on: Top 10 Restaurants in Colombia or for more adventure, check out: Galapagos Islands: One In A Million

-Verena O’Malley, Tripio Guru

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