Colombia
Let’s talk about Colombia.
In February 2024, I spent a spectacular week in Colombia. This is a wonderful, safe, vibrant, country that loves art, music, and food. Colombia is redefining itself from a country with a reputation for danger, to the next great vacation destination and a leader in sustainable travel. We spent time in three cities- each with its own distinct personality -and hit a magical island with the bluest water I have ever seen.
Town and Country in Medellin
Nestled in the heart of the Andes mountains, Medellin is known for lively energy and nightlife galore. Take time here not only to savor the city and its art (so much Botero to enjoy) but also to visit its incredible countryside. Cannúa Lodge, just 90 minutes from Medellin, is magic. With only 18 rooms and cabañas, Cannúa’s design integrates seamlessly into the countryside, with sweeping views from every corner. Sip a drink on their terrace, watch the sunset and enjoy their food that is mostly grown there. You can birdwatch, paraglide or take a day to visit a flower farm, and if you want to milk a cow and make farmer’s cheese, they can arrange that too!
Bogota - Everything Everywhere All at Once
I loved Bogota for its sheer size and cosmopolitan feel. Take a gondola to the top of Mount Monserrate and marvel at the vast expanse of this city of 11 million people. A walk in La Candeleria, the most historic part of the city, is a must. It’s a gorgeous blend of old and new, with colorful modern street art lining narrow streets that date back hundreds of years. The fun and shiny Gold Museum is “can’t miss”, with the largest collection of gold artifacts anywhere in the world. Bogota has an incredible food scene, and you won’t want to leave without experiencing the cutting-edge cocktails with that shake and smoke to finish them off.
Color-filled Cartagena
This was my second trip to Cartagena, and it did not disappoint. The old city is stunning, with its cobblestone streets and brilliant colors. Treat yourself to a walking tour of the city and delight in the history as you watch the stories of Gabriel Garcia Marquez come to life. Be sure to stop by the Sofitel hotel’s El Coro Lounge Bar to see the crypt that inspired his atmospheric work Of Love and Other Demons. If you fancy a day on a boat, this is a great place to head out for nearby island-hopping and snorkeling in clear blue waters.
Unplug in Providencia
In addition to these cities, I had the absolute pleasure of going to the Island of Providencia, which is off the coast of Nicaragua but part of Colombia. I highly recommend adding this on to your trip to Colombia, if you can. The island feels cozy and inviting, with only one road that circles it, and the water is glorious. Providencia has one of the three largest reefs in the world for snorkeling and diving. Even this weak swimmer got in on the action and saw an enormous starfish. Here you can rent a house and enjoy the striking blue ocean, sandy white beaches, and all the island vibes: bop around on a mule (the open-air beach car, not an actual mule!), grab a Coco Loco, and turn off your cell phone and relax.
Colombia varies in tropical weather by region so there is never a bad time to visit and remember that Medellin is the city of the eternal spring—perfect year-round.