Practicing solo travel isn’t just about moving through a country without company. It’s a way to explore the world with freedom, at your own pace, and in tune with yourself. If you’re thinking about traveling alone, Colombia might be the perfect destination.

Colombia doesn’t just offer natural and cultural diversity. It also has a warm, open energy that leads many solo travelers to find more than just a destination here: a community, a story, and new friends.

Cartagena: color, history, and Caribbean energy

If you’re on a solo vacation in search of beaches, great food, and a vibrant mix of history and nightlife, Cartagena de Indias is your place. Its Walled City and the Getsemaní neighborhood are perfect for wandering without a map and meeting travelers from all over the world.

You can join historical tours, visit the San Felipe Castle, or take a local cooking class. In Getsemaní—a historic, lively neighborhood—you’ll find several hostels ideal for solo travelers. Plus, the local food scene invites you to try everything from fresh ceviche to tropical fruits.

typical celebration at a hotel in Cartagena

Bogotá: culture, art, and diversity in one city

Colombia’s capital is perfect if you love big cities with a strong cultural offering. You can visit the Gold Museum, get lost in the Botero Museum, or ride up to the Sanctuary of Monserrate to take in the city from above.

La Candelaria neighborhood is ideal if you’re planning a solo trip in Colombia: hostels for every budget, independent cafés, and spaces where someone’s always up for a chat. It’s also one of the best cities for solo travelers.

Tourists sampling Bogotá’s food scene.

Medellín: a city to get to know Colombia

Medellín has been recognized as one of Latin America’s most innovative cities. If you’re doing independent travel, you’ll find the perfect balance here between cultural activities, urban nature, and social life.

El Poblado neighborhood offers a wide range of hostels with a friendly, collaborative vibe. You can join a tour of Comuna 13 , ride the Metrocable, or head to the Lleras Park to meet people while traveling.

Plaza Botero in Medellín

Salento and the Cocora Valley: nature for the soul

If you’re looking to unplug and hike among mountains, the Coffee Region has a place for you. Salento is an excellent example of towns made for solo adventure travel in Colombia.

From there you can visit coffee farms, hike through the Cocora Valley among wax palms, and stay in eco-lodges and hostels that make it easy to connect with other adventurers.

Woman taking in Colombia’s coffee landscape.

Tips for enjoying Colombia on your own

  • Trust your strengths: Solo travel experiences can bring doubts, but it’s also a chance to discover yourself. Colombia is a welcoming country, and you’ll find people ready to help.
  • Face your fears: Feeling afraid of backpacking solo is normal, but you’ll soon realize you’re not really alone.
  • Make the most of hostels: they’re ideal places to socialize—especially if you’re looking for solo travel community vibes.
  • Travel by road: A solo road trip lets you know the country, its people, and its landscapes more deeply.
  • Document your experience: Colombia’s landscapes are incredibly photogenic, and it’s worth capturing the moments you live on this journey.
  • Work while you travel: Reliable internet and dedicated work areas make it easy to keep up with work.

Colombia is waiting for you

There are many reasons to embrace solo travel: independence, reflection, discovery. Colombia gives you everything you need for a complete adventure: nature, culture, gastronomy, and—above all—warm people. Explore more routes, plans, and destinations on our official Colombia Travel platform.

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