Why Visiting Colombia After Covid-19? | Uncover South America

Colombia | Blog Why Visiting Colombia After Covid-19?

October 20, 2023

We understand that like us, many of you are aching to pack your bags and travel again to get energised after this very difficult and unsettling year. But with the recent news regarding the increasing number of cases in various countries across the world, this possibility moves a little more out of reach. However, even during difficult times, we still need to stay positive and bear in mind that not so far from now the situation will be under control and we will be able to travel again. So, why not start dreaming about your next travel destination for 2021 or 2022?

There are many amazing places to explore in South America, but in the last few years Colombia has become an increasingly popular holiday destination. Whilst it hasn’t yet reached everybody’s radar or bucket-list this spectacular country can still be explored without masses of tourism. Which given the current circumstances… you probably want to be avoiding crowds, especially when you are trying to relax! 

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on earth after Brazil and number one, in terms of biodiversity per square mile. We owe this huge and diverse biodiversity to the variety of landscapes and ecosystem from the high-altitude plains of the Andes, through lush tropical rainforests and down to the secluded beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, which make it a very attractive destination. Whether you are an intrepid explorers or just in need of a holiday and wanting to see unique natural places with interesting fauna and flora, this is definitely the place to be. 

In addition to incredible landscapes, Colombia also offers you the chance to explore colonial towns, visit great museums and enjoy delicious gastronomy as well as the opportunity to learn more about the local culture by visiting local farms. That’s just a few activities from the long list of things Colombia has to offer. 

With all the new protocols and social distancing requirements in mind, perhaps your first option will be places and activities with no mass-tourism, no crowds, just you and the world. That is why we have carefully selected for you some of the amazing activities you could do in Colombia: 
 

Hiking

Colombia has close to 60 protected areas including National Natural Parks and natural reserves where you can spend a few hours or multiple days hiking. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on how demanding you would prefer it, the type of landscape you want to see, the weather or the altitude. One thing is certain, there is something here for everyone. 

For an intermediate / easy level, Chingaza National Natural Park is located only 1 hour and a half by car from Bogotá. This is a great experience as you will have the chance to explore the unique páramo landscapes with its mystic fog and the emblematic espeletias (or frailejones) plant that only grows in this ecosystem. 

For a more intrepid adventurer, El Cocuy National Natural Park and the Lost City trek are great options if you are ready to lace up for a 4 or 5 day trek. At el Cocuy you can climb up the Sierra Nevada Mountains to its snowy peaks whilst on the other hand in the Lost City as the name suggests, the objective is to climb up to see the archaeological site of an ancient city.

For just a bit of adventure in a more tropical environment, Tayrona National Natural Park is the best option. Only a couple of hours hike will take you through the same jungle landscapes that you would have seen in the Lost City trip, but this trail leads you to the beautiful and wild beaches of the Caribbean coast. These are only some examples of places to go but there are many more options. 

Birding

One of Colombia’s largest growing tourism industry is birding; taking advantage of Colombia’s position as the No. 1 destination on earth for birds, the government has made huge investments in infrastructure and promotion. This means that there are now hundreds of wonderful reserves and lodges to visit to spot some of our most rare and beautiful feathered friends: places such as El Dorado, Cerro Montezuma, Anchicaya, the Perija Mountains, and Los Nevados National Park are just a few of the spectacular birding sites on offer in the world’s birdiest nation.
 

The Colombian Safari

The vast eastern plains, or llanos orientales, of Colombia are only just fully opening to tourism, but what they have to offer is some of the continent’s most spectacular natural experiences: a kind of Colombian wildlife safari. Home to a huge number of capybaras, birds, tapirs, dolphins, anteaters, not to mention jaguars and anacondas. A visit to an ecolodge or hato in the plains can be a truly amazing natural experience, as thousands of birds and animals stretch out over the distant plains in the horizon.

Whale-Watching

The wild Colombian Pacific Coast is one of the country’s least visited regions, but is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Visitors can spot birds, colourful frogs, and snakes, but the star attraction here occurs annually between June and October, as thousands of humpback whales arrive to give birth. Visitors can head out in boats to experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment of seeing a 50 tonne giant leap from the deep sea, before crashing back down with the biggest splash you’ll ever see or hear. It’s easily one of Colombia’s most unique natural 

Fishing

A nature activity that is growing in popularity, catch-and-release fishing is fast becoming a key natural attraction for the Pacific region and the eastern Amazonian departments. With deep-sea fishing for marlin and sailfish the main draw in the Pacific, the rarely visited rivers of Guainia, Vaupes and Vichada departments attract fishing enthusiasts keen to catch the iconic Peacock Bass, which can weigh up to 26 pounds! Make sure to book a tour with a responsible operator which practices eco-friendly catch-and-release tourism.

 

Diving

There’s nothing quite like being under the sea, face-to-face with thousands of fish in their natural habitat, swimming at their level, in their environment. Scuba diving is one of the best ways to experience nature first-hand, and there are some great diving sites in Colombia to indulge in this activity. First-timers will love the prices in Taganga, but the true treasures of Colombian diving are Providencia, Isla Malpelo, Isla Gorgona and the reefs around Capurgana and Sapzurro: sharks, turtles, whales...Colombian diving has it all!

Hopefully, this article will inspire you and give you something to look forward to as you make Colombia your next adventure. If you have any questions or wish to explore more options in this amazing South American country, just get in touch and we’d be thrilled to answer your questions.

Author

Uncover South America Team

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