Colombia Stole My Heart: A Groovy Journey Through Paradise

Top 10 Places That'll Make You Go "Wow!"

• Providencia Island: Picture this – you're chilling on Crab Cay, surrounded by the most turquoise water you've ever seen. Then, you turn around and bam! The Providencia mountains are right there, looking all majestic and stuff. This island is closer to Nicaragua than to mainland Colombia!When I first stepped foot on Providencia, I felt like I'd discovered a secret paradise. The moment I dipped my toes into that crystal-clear water, I knew I was in for something special. I spent hours snorkeling around Crab Cay, marveling at the vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. One afternoon, I hiked up to the island's highest point, El Pico, and the panoramic view nearly brought tears to my eyes. It was like being on top of the world, with the Caribbean stretching endlessly in every direction.

Fun fact: Providencia is home to the world's third-largest barrier reef, making it a diver's paradise!

• Cocora Valley: Ever seen a palm tree that's taller than a 10-story building? Well, get ready to crane your neck in the Cocora Valley, home to the world's tallest palm trees. It's like walking through a Dr. Seuss book, I swear! My hike through Cocora Valley was nothing short of surreal. As I trekked through misty forests and crossed rickety bridges, I felt like I was in a fairy tale. The wax palms seemed to touch the sky, their slender trunks swaying gently in the breeze. I remember stopping for a picnic in a clearing, surrounded by these giants, and feeling incredibly small yet completely at peace. The best part? Spotting a group of hummingbirds flitting between the exotic flowers – nature's own little acrobats!

Fun fact: The wax palms here can grow up to 60 meters tall - that's higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

• Old Cartagena: Prepare for a serious case of colonial charm overload. The colorful buildings and cobblestone streets will make you feel like you've time-traveled. Did you know that the city's walls took almost 200 years to build? Talk about a long-term project! Wandering through the streets of Old Cartagena was like stepping into a Gabriel García Márquez novel. I lost count of how many times I stopped to admire the bougainvillea-draped balconies and ornate door knockers. One evening, I joined a sunset walk along the city walls, the Caribbean Sea on one side and the twinkling lights of the old town on the other. As I sipped on a coconut lemonade and watched street performers in the Plaza Santo Domingo, I realized I never wanted to leave.

Fun fact: The city has 11 kilometers of ancient walls, which you can walk along for free and fantastic views.

• Jardín: Waterfalls, lush green landscapes, and a town center that looks like a rainbow exploded – what's not to love? Pro tip: Try the local trout dish. It's so fresh, it might just swim off your plate! Jardín quickly became my favorite little town in Colombia. I spent mornings sipping coffee in the vibrant town square, chatting with locals, and watching the world go by from a colorful chair. One day, I took a horseback ride through the surrounding countryside, stopping at hidden waterfalls for refreshing swims. The highlight? Taking the cable car up to a viewpoint and watching the sunset paint the town and surrounding mountains in golden hues. Pure magic!

Fun fact: The town's name means "garden" in Spanish, and it lives up to it with over 130 species of birds in the surrounding area.

• Tatacoa Desert: Red rocks, star-filled skies, and... wait for it... cacti! This place is Colombia's very own mini Mars. Despite being called a desert, it's technically a dry tropical forest. Mind = blown. My night in the Tatacoa Desert was otherworldly. As the sun set, the landscape transformed from rust-red to deep purple. I joined a stargazing tour at the local observatory, and let me tell you, I've never seen so many stars in my life! The Milky Way stretched across the sky like a celestial highway. During the day, I hiked through the red and gray deserts, marveling at the bizarre rock formations and resilient cacti. It felt like being on another planet!

Fun fact: Tatacoa isn't a desert - it's a tropical dry forest and one of the largest fossilized deserts in South America.

• Chingaza National Park: Home to the adorable spectacled bear and the alien-looking frailejones plants. These fuzzy plants can live for hundreds of years – talk about longevity goals! Hiking through Chingaza was like walking through clouds. The páramo ecosystem is unlike anything I've ever seen – misty, mysterious, and teeming with unique plants and animals. I didn't spot a spectacled bear (though I desperately wanted to!), but I did see deer and countless bird species. The frailejones, with their fuzzy leaves and otherworldly appearance, made me feel like I was exploring an alien landscape. Standing next to plants older than my grandparents was a humbling experience.

Fun fact: The park provides about 80% of Bogotá's drinking water. Talk about important real estate!

• Bogotá: From the mind-blowing Gold Museum (seriously, so much gold!) to the sunset views from Monserrate, and the street art of La Candelaria – this city is a cultural feast. Did you know Bogotá has over 5,000 parks? Green space for days! Bogotá surprised me at every turn. I spent hours in the Gold Museum, mesmerized by the intricate pre-Columbian artifacts. Taking the funicular up to Monserrate for sunset was breath-taking – watching the sprawling city light up as night fell was unforgettable. But my favorite memory? Getting lost in the colorful streets of La Candelaria, discovering hidden cafes, quirky museums, and incredible street art. I even joined a graffiti tour and learned about the city's vibrant urban art scene.

Fun fact: At 2,640 meters above sea level, Bogotá is the third-highest capital city in South America.

• Salento: Colorful houses, stunning landscapes, and a waterfall that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. This town is in the Coffee Triangle, so prepare for some of the best caffeine fix of your life! Salento stole my heart with its laid-back vibe and stunning surroundings. I started each day with a cup of freshly brewed local coffee, sitting on a balcony overlooking the town's colorful main street. One day, I hiked to the Santa Rita waterfall, the lush green landscape taking my breath away at every turn. But the highlight was definitely visiting a local coffee farm, where I learned about the bean-to-cup process and gained a whole new appreciation for my morning brew.

Fun fact: The town is famous for its game of tejo, where you throw metal pucks at targets packed with gunpowder. Yes, you read that right!

• Medellín: Once known for all the wrong reasons, now it's a city of innovation and really cool escalators (Comuna 13, I'm looking at you). And don't even get me started on the flower festival – it's bloomin' marvelous! Medellín's transformation was nothing short of inspirational. Riding the metro cable gave me a bird's-eye view of the city's innovative urban planning. Exploring Comuna 13, with its colorful street art and outdoor escalators, was a testament to the neighborhood's resilience and creativity. I was lucky enough to visit during the Feria de las Flores, and watching the flower parade was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The sight of farmers proudly displaying massive flower arrangements on their backs is something I'll never forget.

Fun fact: Medellín is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its year-round pleasant temperatures.

• Tayrona National Park: Last but definitely not least, this place is where the jungle meets the sea in the most spectacular way possible. It's like Mother Nature decided to show off all her skills in one spot. Tayrona National Park was the crown jewel of my Colombian adventure. Hiking through dense jungle, only to emerge onto pristine beaches with massive boulders and turquoise waters, felt like discovering paradise. I spent nights camping under the stars, falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of La Piscina, surrounded by fish and with the jungle-clad mountains as a backdrop, was a pinch-me moment. And spotting monkeys swinging through the trees above me? Cherry on top!

Fun fact: The park is named after the Tairona people, and you can still find ancient ruins hidden in the jungle.

• Bistecca e Vino Da Trattoria de la Plaza (Chapinero I Quinta Camacho)

• Vitto Restaurante

• Elcielo Restaurant Bogotá