What to do in Colombia

Colombia is one of South America's most varied and exciting countries. This is a destination where you can experience everything from exhilarating jungle hikes to soaking up centuries-old history, making it a thrilling choice for everyone from outdoor lovers to culture vultures.

History

Colombia is awash with history. A holiday here will give you the opportunity to amble through colonial streets, explore grand palaces, gaze at imposing castles, and much more. Without doubt, one of the highlights is Cartagena's stunning old town. Tucked within historic walls, which date back to the 16th century, the city's old districts are filled with mansions, palaces, churches and palaces. Take a leisurely, aimless stroll through the streets to enjoy them at their best.

Among the sights worth exploring is the Palacio de la Inquisicion, which is one of Cartagena's most spectacular buildings - though it possesses a dark past, which you can discover in its Inquisition museum. Also not to be missed is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas - one of the finest Spanish-built castles in the world. It is absolutely huge and, incredibly, despite numerous attacks, it never fell to enemy forces.

Nature

Few countries possess such a staggering variety of landscapes as Colombia. This is a nation where you can delight in glittering beaches on the Caribbean coast, trek through dense jungles, admire snow-capped peaks and even see vast tropical grasslands. For those going on holiday in Colombia, this variety means two things - firstly, simply the chance to admire all kinds of amazing natural sights, and secondly, fantastic opportunities to explore. Plus, there is some wonderful wildlife just waiting to be discovered. Over on the Pacific Coast, for example, it's possible to spot humpback whales.

Adventure

With so many incredible landscapes, adventure is easy to find on a holiday to Colombia. On the Caribbean coast, for instance, those seeking one of the nation's most famous outdoor experiences can tackle the Ciudad Perdida trek - be warned, though, this is rewarding route is only for serious trekkers! For those who prefer the water, there are some fantastic reefs for scuba diving, while rafting is another popular activity on the waves.

Culture

There is plenty of culture to discover in Colombia too. Its museums provide an excellent window into local life and some of the country's most fascinating pieces of history. The Museo del Oro in the nation's capital, Bogota, is one of the best on the entire continent and showcases a huge variety of gold artefacts. Bogota is also a great place to soak up amazing street art - a taste of modern local culture - which you can do on a graffiti tour of the city.

Another good way to incorporate some culture into your trip is to pay a visit to the Parque Arqueologico, which is near the town of San Agustin. More than 100 statues can be found here, as well as a museum that displays smaller artefacts, such as pottery and jewellery, as well as providing information on local culture.

Also well worth a visit is the coffee region. Not only are the nation's copious coffee plantations set in stunning countryside, but they are an integral part of the local culture; coffee is the country's major export.