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Colombia is already an extremely popular destination, and that popularity only continues to increase.
Once a country known only for its drug trafficking and high crime rate, Colombia is now better known as a beautiful and affordable South American hotspot that has a lot to offer travelers and digital nomads alike.
Flight reservations to Colombia this winter have already increased by 6% compared to last year, and the country is especially attractive to American travelers drawn by its natural beauty.
These are the 3 most popular destinations to visit in Colombia for 2025:
Bogota
Bogota is the Colombian capital. It is a sprawling, urban city with a rich and unique culture, which explains why the city is so popular with tourists.
Despite its overwhelming size, Bogota is a surprisingly green city with many beautiful parks and the greenery of the Andes mountains rising to the east.
Don’t miss Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar, with a beautiful lake and fantastic views of the city.
Some of the city’s can’t-miss sights include strolling through the 18th-century historic district, known as La Candelaria, or shopping for the weird and unusual at the Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén flea market.
This is a great place to rub shoulders with Bogota’s hospitable locals.
If you only have time to visit one museum in Bogota, make it the Museo del Oro.
This is a museum dedicated to all things gold, and it’s so much more fascinating than you might think. There are more than 55,000 gold pieces here, much of it pre-Hispanic.
Access to the museum costs COP$5,000 ($1.14) from Tuesday to Saturday, but if you’re on a very tight budget, visit on Sunday when admission is free for all.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
Medellin
As Colombia’s second largest city, there is never a bad time to visit Medellin.
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its mild year-round climate, it has a reputation for being a fun and friendly city that attracts a young and adventurous crowd.
Medellin is also a hotspot for digital nomads.
Medellin is a city full of surprises with a great nightlife.
The affluent neighborhood of El Poblado is the best place if you are looking for nightclubs.
If you only visit one club, make it Perro Negro, the most famous and iconic club in Medellin.
If you are interested in exploring Colombian culture, visit the historic center of Medellin. The Palace of Culture, the Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero are all close together and worth a visit.
Medellin is a hotspot for adventure lovers and thrill seekers. From paragliding to taking an ATV adventure, you’ll be spoiled for choice of things to do.
For epic views and an adrenaline rush, try the Dream Hammock and Medellin Zipline.
Located in a beautiful eco-park, you fly to a height of 330 meters for a whole day activities and adventure cost $199.
Cartagena
If you want to combine culture with time on the coast, there’s no better place to be in Colombia than Cartagena.
Cartagena is a unique coastal city that offers direct access to the Caribbean Sea, in addition to incredible examples of colonial architecture.
Don’t miss Cartagena’s UNESCO-recognized Walled City. The fortifications here date back to the 16th century and are considered the most preserved and complete fortifications in South America.
As an added bonus, entering and exploring the walled city is completely free. Here you can enjoy the shops and restaurants, but also the historic buildings.
From here go to the Fort Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas that is the fortress within the walled city. Enjoy the grand entrance and the hidden tunnels.
Entrance to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress costs COL$25,000 ($5.68) per person.
But perhaps the best way to spend time in Cartagena is by relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
Walk along the promenade of Playa Bocagrande, a beautiful sandy beach in an upscale neighborhood.
Or enjoy water sports on the more famous beach of Playa Blanca.
Take a boat trip from the mainland to the Rosario Islands, which only takes about an hour.
Here you’ll find crystal clear waters and a much more relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to really unwind.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.