8 off-the-beaten-path destinations to discover in Colombia

We regularly monitor the Colombian press for local tourism news, to keep abreast of the latest trends.

Today we’re talking about new destinations that have recently opened up to tourism, thanks in part to the peace agreement signed last year. These 8 off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia were inaccessible for a long time because of the armed conflict. Paradoxically, this situation has also helped to preserve these places.

Today, these destinations offer us their wonders, and it’s perfectly safe to visit them. Tourism gives a second chance to these territories, most of which are far from the big cities, and an opportunity for economic and community development.

So we’d like to suggest these off-the-beaten-path destinations, which fit in perfectly with more traditional itineraries. We’d like to give you some ideas, and invite you to discover these lesser-known regions, which still hold many natural and cultural treasures.

So, if you’re a bit adventurous, if you like to meet local people and enjoy different, authentic experiences, these destinations might appeal to you. Here are 8 off-the-beaten-path destinations to discover in Colombia, some of which you’ll need to visit through a travel agency, or include in your tailor-made trip to Colombia.

Casanare

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

We visited Casanare, the region east of Bogotá, in September 2019, and it was one of our favorites of the trip! We discovered landscapes and a culture that were truly different from the rest of Colombia.

For a long time, the Casanare was isolated, due to the presence of paramilitary groups and a lack of means of communication, but over the last ten years or so, the region has become frequented again, and tourism is slowly beginning to develop. This is an ideal opportunity to be among the first visitors of this new era, which we hope will see the Casanare open up more and more to travellers.

During our 4-day stay, we went on what they call a Llanero Safari. This consists of discovering the local wildlife by visiting Hatos, the huge traditional farms of the Colombian llano. We observed a bewildering array of animals (crocodiles, chigüiros, howler monkeys, anteaters, birds of all kinds, iguanas, turtles, waders, etc.).

The Casanare is also an opportunity to discover the llanera culture, a truly unique culture rooted in the tradition of cattle breeding, the land of the Colombian Cowboys! These 4 days were an opportunity for us to talk with our super guide Heiler about local traditions, songs, music, dance, gastronomy and farm work… an unforgettable experience that we highly recommend!

San José del Guaviare

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

This department at the gateway to Amazonia has been hiding its treasures until now. It’s one of the territories that has been severely penalized by violence, but which is now reawakening thanks to tourism.

Between plains and forests, hills and rivers, this territory has much to offer. There’s Tranquilandia, the little sister of the famous Caño Cristales, as well as surprising rock formations, and treasures such as Cerro Azul, which reminds us of the presence of indigenous populations in this territory. Cerro Azul is a hill where you’ll find almost 4.000 rock paintings that, according to studies, could be as much as 10.000 years old. These paintings bear witness to the daily lives of the ancient communities who inhabited the area: one of the country’s most important archaeological heritages.

These sites have long remained little-known, and their conservation depends, among other things, on good management of tourism in the area. We therefore encourage you to use local agencies committed to responsible tourism to visit these sites.

We set off to visit the Guaviare with our partner agency, which in our view does a good job of using the best local service providers while respecting fair prices and environmental conservation.

A number of local initiatives are in place to support tourists. We particularly recommend the Playa Guio project, a fine community-based tourism project offering accommodation in the heart of nature and the chance to visit the region’s tourist sites. Also worth mentioning are Geotours del Guaviare and Biodiverso Travel, local agencies developed by young entrepreneurs in the region.

Pacific Coast of Choco

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

Colombia’sPacific coast is still a little-known destination, even for Colombians. It’s one of the country’s poorest regions economically speaking, but one of the richest on the planet in terms of biodiversity!

Between sea and jungle, the Utria National Nature Park, for example, brings together 4 ecosystems in an exceptional environment: tropical forest, mangroves, coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

One of the main attractions of this destination is the opportunity toobserve whales giving birth to their babies sheltered from the currents. This park offers a real connection with nature. No internet, no networks, just these majestic landscapes

Surfing is also possible at Guachalito beach, south of Nuqui.

To the north, a little further afield, you’ll find Bahia Solano and, above all, El Valle with its Almejal beach, also boasting beautiful landscapes, beaches and a wealth of culture and gastronomy. This region of the country also has an enormous African heritage, but with a very different culture to that of the Caribbean coast.

Tarapoto Lakes in the Amazon

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

This is an exceptional area of 30 lakes with incredible biodiversity! More than 883 species of plants, 244 birds, 201 mammals, 176 fish, 57 amphibians and 30 reptiles inhabit this ecosystem. This destination is best known for being the ideal place to observe pink dolphins in their natural habitat.

The Tarapoto lakes are located in the Amazon, 80 km from Leticia. It’s a 1h30 journey on the Amazonas River to reach this magical place.

There are still 3 indigenous communities living in this area: the Tikuna, the Yagua and the Cocama.

A wonderful destination to discover in the Colombian Amazon.

Bahia de Cispata in Cordoba

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

Cispata Bay is located in the Cordoba department in northern Colombia, 3 h 30 from Cartagena by car. It is part of San Antero, a small fishing village. It’s a little-known tourist spot, but little by little this destination should attract the curious.

In addition to its beaches, it’s a special place because the fresh waters of the marsh meet the sea, so you can enjoy both.

The area’s tourist attractions include mangrove sw amps and two villages well worth a visit: Tuchin, the birthplace of Colombia’s best-known traditional hat: “Le sombrero vueltiao”, and Lorica, one of the country’s heritage villages , which we were lucky enough to visit on our 2018 trip. A village where the Lebanese-Syrian influence is evident in its architecture and gastronomy. Its market facing the Sinu River is one of the places not to be missed.

Putumayo and the end-of-the-world waterfall

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

This region of Colombia is at the gateway to the Colombian Amazon on the south-western side. Visiting these waterfalls is a great way to immerse yourself in the jungle and admire the diversity of flora and fauna it harbors.

It’s worth noting that this area was also penalized by war for a long time, but fortunately for us all, this marvel is available to us today, and it’s possible to visit it in safety.

Imagine arriving at the aptly-named “Waterfall of the End of the World” and admiring its 75 m drop – it must be quite impressive. In the same area, you can also visit the waterfall known as l’ojo de dios (the eye of God), so named because the water flows through an oval hole in a rock. The waterfall is perfect for activities such as abseiling.

Other activities include bird and butterfly watching, and a visit to a natural observatory dedicated to the research and conservation of typical Amazonian species.

Cerros de Mavecure

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

At the gateway to the Amazon, in the department of Guainia, we can admire these 3 large granite boulders that rise up from the plains like totem poles. They are called “Tepuyes” in the indigenous language, meaning “house of the gods”. They are part of the Guiana Shield, one of the oldest rock formations on the planet! In my opinion, this adds a little something extra to the visit.

It’s possible to climb these 3 rocks, Mavecure (170 m), Mono (480 m) and Pajarito (750 m), and enjoy amazing views over the jungle and the imposing Inirida River. Its landscapes made a name for themselves in the film “The Embrace of the Serpent”, (a Colombian film nominated for an Oscar in 2016 as Best Foreign Film, and which we invite you to watch, as it is simply sublime).

It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination we’re really looking forward to! Activities such as birdwatching, boating on the river, meeting the indigenous communities who inhabit these territories, are among the options.

The Uraba region

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia

The Uraba region, in the very north of the department of Antioquia, is also enjoying a renaissance thanks to tourism. It’s in this area that we find Necocli, a small town that charmed us. In a previous post, we told you about our experience there and the sustainable tourism on offer in Necocli.

Uraba offers historical and archaeological trails, an immersion in nature with superb mangroves, as well as the chance to learn a little more about banana cultivation and visit the plantations. But there’s also the sea (admittedly not as turquoise as elsewhere in the Caribbean, but nice all the same) and the beaches with their quiet, family atmosphere.

If you’re going to Carpurgana, you’ll no doubt be passing through this territory, so make the most of it, and maybe take an extra day or two for a break. Necocli in particular. We loved our experience there.