Colombia: 12 Best Places to See - Route Map
Explore Colombia's 12 best destinations spanning 4,562 km across the country. The route connects iconic landmarks including the Salt Cathedral of Zipakira, Las Lajas Sanctuary, San Agustín Archaeological Park, Medellín's Komuna 13, Zona Cafetera coffee region with Cocora Valley's wax palms, colonial Jardín, Tayrona National Park, and the Caribbean city of Cartagena, alongside Bogota's La Candelaria historic district.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Via de Leva town square
- End
- Jardín
- Stops
- 17
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Via de Leva town square — Central gathering plaza anchoring a charming town, showcasing colonial architecture and local cultural life in the Colombian highlands.
- El Peñol de Guatapé rock formation — Massive 220-meter granite monolith offering panoramic views across emerald-hued lakes and surrounding countryside from its painted summit.
- Popayán - the White City — Mountain city renowned for its whitewashed colonial buildings, religious heritage, and atmospheric cobblestone streets lined with historic churches.
- Zipakira - salt mining capital — Underground cathedral carved entirely from salt within a functional mine, combining spiritual architecture with industrial heritage beneath the earth.
- Salt Cathedral of Zipakira — Catholic Church constructed almost entirely of salt within a defunct mine, one hour north of Bogota.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary — Sanctuary hidden in canyon on the Guaitara River, located near the Ecuadorian border.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park — Archaeological site on the eastern foothills of the Colombian Massif, not far from Popayán.
- Medellín history
- Komuna 13 artistic neighborhood — Hillside district famous for vibrant street murals, urban art installations, and creative street culture representing community transformation and resilience.
- Zona Cafetera - coffee region — Lush mountainous area where premium coffee grows amid verdant valleys; visitors explore plantations and learn traditional cultivation methods.
- Cocora Valley Trail & wax palms — Cloud-forest valley containing world's tallest wax palm trees reaching 60 meters, accessible via hiking trails through mist-shrouded landscapes.
- Jardín colonial town — Picturesque mountain village featuring perfectly preserved colonial plaza, colorful facades, and peaceful atmosphere in the coffee-growing region.
- La Candelaria - Bogota historic district
- Tayrona National Park — National park in northernmost Colombia bordering the Caribbean Sea with beaches and protected lagoons.
- Cartagena Caribbean city
- Bogota — Colombia's capital city, anchor point for regional exploration.
- Jardín — Quaint town in Zona Cafetera with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Popayán during Easter for Semana Santa celebrations when thousands parade through streets starting from Iglesia Santo Domingo.
- Tip
- Climb El Peñol de Guatapé rock formation via 649 hair-raising steps following the only crack in the monolith for postcard-worthy views.
- Tip
- Attend a Sunday church service at Salt Cathedral of Zipakira, a Catholic Church constructed entirely of salt within a defunct mine.
- Food
- Visit Jardín in Zona Cafetera to explore cobblestone streets with brightly colored buildings and cafes serving local delicacies.
- Tip
- Hike the Cocora Valley Trail in Zona Cafetera to see the tallest palm trees in the world.
- Tip
- Visit Komuna 13 neighborhood in Medellín to see colorful murals reflecting the community's resilience and artistic transformation.
- Save money
- San Gil is known for affordable bungee jumping pricing, making it an economical adventure sports destination.
- Tip
- Experience white water rafting in San Gil, which offers one of the world's rarest opportunities to raft class 5 rapids.
- Tip
- Explore La Candelaria historic district in Bogota for cafes, churches, and museums.
- Tip
- Swim at La Pecina lagoon in Tayrona National Park where a natural reef creates a protected swimming area.
- Transport
- Via de Leva is less than a four-hour drive from Bogota and features one of South America's biggest town squares.
Video on this route
12 Best Places to Visit in Colombia - Travel Video