Colombia’s major cities are destinations worth discovering on a trip to Colombia. We haven’t yet visited all the country’s major cities, but five stand out for their tourist vitality: Bogota, Cartagena, Medelin, Santa Marta and Cali.
Colombia’s rural exodus began in the 1960s, and today 80 e of its population live in the big cities.
This rural exodus is both a “normal” process in the development of any country, but for Colombia it is also the result of armed conflict and population displacement.
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So for several years now, we’ve been using a free bank debit card specially designed for travelers, and we don’t pay any more fees abroad – no more!
Colombia’s major cities
Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin and Cali
Colombia’s big cities are often thousand-headed monsters that can be hard to get to grips with. They can be seen as chaotic labyrinths where you can feel a certain apprehension, or at least a little lost. But they can also be seen as cultural melting pots, where the essence of the region and its traditions are synthesized.
What to do in Cartagena, what to visit in Bogotá, where to stay in Medellin, how to get to Cali? In our posts dedicated to Colombia’s major cities, we answer your questions so you can make the most of them!
We’ve published a number of practical posts on our blog to help you get the most out of your visit to Colombia’s major cities.
What to do in the big cities
Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin and Cali
In these posts you’ll find all the things we recommend you do in Colombia’s major cities.
Best things to do in the big cities
These are collections of ideas for visits, ranging from the most classic activities to lesser-known recommendations for discovering other faces of Colombia’s major cities.
- What to do in Bogota
- Best things to do in Medellin
- Must-see in Cartagena
- Best places to visit in Cali
Best things to do around the big cities
If you decide to stay in one of Colombia’s major cities, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. There’s often plenty to do between 1 and 3 hours’ drive away. This is your chance to discover the surrounding countryside, pretty villages, mountain hikes or beaches for lounging, rafting or paragliding activities, etc.
- Best places to go around Bogota
- What to visit around Medellin
- Best things to do in Cali surroundings
Getting to the big cities
Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellin and Cali
All the information and explanations you need to reach Colombia’s major cities from different parts of the country. Precise explanations to enable you to anticipate your travels and perhaps think differently about your travel itinerary in Colombia.
- How to get to Bogota
- How to get to Medellin
- How to get to Cartagena
- How to get to Cali
Getting around the big cities
Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellin and Cali
Once you’re in town, how do you get around? What are the local means of transport, how to get to the city center from the airport or bus terminal, etc.?
Colombia’s major metropolises are sprawling, and each city has its own specificities when it comes to the public transport network and the way cabs operate. We give you all the explanations and advice you need to get around easily in Colombia’s major cities.
- Getting around Bogota
- Getting around Medellin
- How to get around Cartagena
- Getting around Cali
Where to stay in major cities
Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellin and Cali
Our recommendations for hotels in Colombia’s major cities. We’ve selected the best accommodations for all budgets, accommodations that we’ve tested, or that you’ve tested, or that our friends have tested – in short, places to stay that offer the best value for money.
- Where to stay in Bogota
- Best hotels in Medellin
- Best place to stay in Cartagena
- Where to stay in Cali