Are you looking for a travel destination for your next vacation? The beauty of these must-see tourist destinations in Colombia, considered true hidden gems, will inspire you to start planning your next trip today and experience the charm of each of these corners of the country.

  • Las Dunas de Taroa, Guajira
Las Dunas de Taroa, Guajira
Photo by: Watch The World

 

The idea of a desert bathed by the waves of the sea seems taken from a fairy tale. However, there is a place in the world where this landscape comes to life. It is not some desert on the African coasts, but the Dunas de Taroa, located in Colombia, at the northernmost tip of South America.

  • Quebrada Las Gachas, Santander

Perhaps you have heard of natural pools in exotic destinations like Turkey, Australia, or Chile. But, did you know that natural jacuzzis also exist?

That's right. Las Gachas, in the department of Santander, offer visitors the opportunity to relax in natural jacuzzis that are part of the rocky formation of the area. It is a unique experience for lovers of adventure and sports like hiking and birdwatching. Additionally, as it is a less frequented destination, it is ideal for a different vacation away from large crowds.

The contrast of the reddish tones of the river and the colors of the sunset make Quebrada Las Gachas a perfect place to take spectacular photos.

Usually, adventure and nature lovers have two options when choosing their next tourist destination: the jungle or the beach. However, did you know that in Colombia there is a place where the two most diverse ecosystems in the world meet?

Isla Gorgona, in addition to being a place known for humpback whale watching, is a unique ecosystem where two different ecosystems are present: the humid jungle, home to numerous endemic species, and the coral reefs, which are the most developed in the eastern tropical Pacific.

Some of the most beautiful places on Isla Gorgona are Playa Blanca, located on the continental coast and ideal for relaxation activities; the Islote de Gorgonilla, home to different bird species; and Playa Palmeras, from where you can see the islet and the Pacific Ocean.

  • Cerros de Mavecure, Guainía

Ancient rock formations are vestiges of the planet's evolution through time, until they became what they are today. Although there are many places around the world where rocks and minerals dating back 4 billion years can be found, there is only one place where these structures mix with the green of the jungle: the Guiana Shield.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to travel to the Guyanas to witness this landscape. The Cerros de Mavecure, in Guainía, are part of this rock formation and due to their beauty were immortalized in the movie “Embrace of the Serpent”.

It is one of Colombia's best-kept secrets. When visiting the Cerros, tourists encounter a formation of three gray stone mounds, between 250 and 750 meters high, rising imposingly in the middle of the jungle. Undoubtedly, it is an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Although not wide, it is known as “Caño” due to its stream-like nature. In its transparent waters, numerous rock formations and aquatic plants can be found, giving the river its characteristic colors.

  •  Amacayacu, Amazonas

A unique sunset, where the blue of the sky merges with the crystal-clear waters of a river and the green of the trees, seems like a scene only seen in movies.

However, living this unique experience is possible in Amacayacu, a natural reserve in the south of the Amazonas department, which was declared a protected area in 1975 for being home to around 150 species of mammals and more than 460 species of birds.

This paradise, located in the heart of the Colombian Amazonas, is one of Colombia's must-see tourist destinations and a place worth including in your next trip around the country.

Colombia is home to unique tourist destinations that, due to their natural and cultural richness, are the best expression of the beauty of Colombian landscapes. Visiting these places not only gives you the opportunity to live a unique experience but also to understand firsthand why Colombia is unforgettable. 

Caño Cristales, Meta
Photo by: Jorge Ivan Vasquez C

 

Usually, including a river as part of a vacation means activities like rafting, boat tours, and even cruises. The blue of the river and the natural landscape are part of the charm of these activities, but there is a place where the waters look like a true underwater rainbow: Caño Cristales. Located very close to the municipality of La Macarena, in the department of Meta, is Caño Cristales, known as the “Most Beautiful River in the World” or the “River of Seven Colors”. Despite being a river, it is not very wide.