Things To Do
in Colombia
Colombia offers diverse landscapes from Andean cities and coffee regions to sun-soaked Caribbean coasts. Cuba is a Caribbean island nation known for its vintage architecture, music, and resilient culture. Traveling between them adds a cross-cultural experience of Latin American life and history.
This guide covers food, photography, seasons, outdoor activities, etiquette, safety, and practical tips for visiting both destinations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring arepas and fresh fruit juice. Afterward, wander through the cobblestone streets of the Walled City, admiring the colorful colonial architecture. Don’t miss the iconic clock tower and the vibrant Plaza Santo Domingo, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Post-lunch, visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, where you can explore the impressive fortress and learn about its history. As the sun begins to lower, stroll along the city walls for breathtaking views of the sunset over the ocean.
In the evening, immerse yourself in Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife by visiting a local salsa club, where you can watch dancers showcase their skills. Alternatively, take a romantic sunset cruise on the bay, sipping on coconut water or local rum. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant, enjoying the ocean breeze.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia. Along the way, take in the stunning coastal views and stop at small villages to experience local life. Once in Santa Marta, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant.
Spend the afternoon in Tayrona National Park, where you can hike through lush jungles and spot exotic wildlife. Arrive at crystal-clear beaches like Cabo San Juan, perfect for relaxing or taking a refreshing swim. Capture the beauty of the area with photographs of the unique rock formations and picturesque landscapes.
As evening falls, set up a cozy spot on the beach to enjoy a picnic dinner, as the sky turns shades of orange and purple. Listen to the sound of waves crashing and watch the stars emerge in the clear sky. Afterward, return to Santa Marta for a quiet evening stroll along the promenade, enjoying the local ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🚖Taxi ride within city | $2-8 |
| 🏨Night in a budget hotel | $25-60 |
| ✈️Domestic flight (1 hour) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant street culture and music scenes
- Rich historical sites and UNESCO-listed towns
- Diverse landscapes from mountains to coastlines
- Travel between regions can involve long drives or flights
- Occasional safety and service-disruption considerations for travelers
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "¿Qué recomienda?" - What do you recommend?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Disculpe" - Excuse me
- "No hablo español muy bien" - I don't speak Spanish very well
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Colombia
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonnaded streets, vibrant colonial façades, and sunset backdrops along the historic walls.
Colorful house fronts and a dramatic limestone monolith offering sweeping lake views.
Panoramic city views from a hilltop overlooking Bogotá; ideal for sunrise or dusk shots.
An otherworldly underground cathedral carved from a salt mine—great for dramatic light and texture.
Cobbled streets, vintage cars, and sea views—classic Cuba photography material.
Lush tobacco fields, limestone cliffs, and rural Cuban life in the valley.
Well-preserved cobblestone streets and pastel colonial buildings for nostalgic photography.
Food in Colombia
Colombia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter from the Paisa region with beans, rice, ground meat or pork belly, chorizo, plantain, avocado, arepa, and often a fried egg.
Must-Try!
A Bogotá-style chicken and potato soup with corn on the cob, typically served with capers and cream.
Cornmeal cakes that appear across the country, enjoyed with cheese, hogao, or as a base for fillings.
Shredded beef in tomato sauce, common in Cuba, usually with rice and black beans.
Black beans and white rice cooked together, a Cuban staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A huge produce and flower market; try fresh fruit, arepa snacks, and regional street bites in a buzzing atmosphere.
An energetic market offering seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks in a lively Cartagena setting.
Markets and street stalls near historic streets offering frituras, croquetas, and other quick Cuban bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake with eye contact; in urban areas, greetings can be cordial but not overly casual with strangers. Use formal forms like Señor/Señora in first meetings.
Dress neatly for city centers and religious sites; in beach areas and rural towns, casual, respectful attire is fine. Avoid overly revealing clothing in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Colombia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Colombia, add 10% at most restaurants if not included; small tips for taxi drivers or tour guides are common. In Cuba, tipping is appreciated for service, especially at paladares and tour activities.
Colombia broadly accepts cards in cities and hotels; many small vendors prefer cash. In Cuba, cash is essential for most transactions; credit/debit cards are often not accepted outside hotels and select resorts. Bring convertible currencies or local exchange options where available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season in much of Colombia’s Andean regions; Cuba tends to be hot and humid with afternoon showers. Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a light rain layer. Expect lively outdoor festivals and busy urban nights.
Colombia at Night
Hiking in Colombia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude páramo ecosystem with glacial lakes and challenging multi-day trails.
Iconic palm-studded valley with moderate hikes and spectacular viewpoints.
Mountain trails through tropical forest with waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Steep climbs and forested trails offering panoramic views.
Airports
How to reach Colombia by plane.
Bogotá's primary international gateway; connects to major South American and international destinations.
Cartagena’s international airport near the historic center and nearby beaches.
Cali-based gateway for western Colombia; connects to major Colombian cities and regional destinations.
Medellín's major airport serving international and domestic flights.
Havana’s main international gateway; primary entry for Cuba.
Gateway serving Varadero and nearby beach destinations in Cuba.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of mestizo, Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, and immigrant communities; regional cultural variations are strong.
Predominantly mixed ancestry with strong Afro-Caribbean and European influences; urban-rural lifestyles show distinct regional identities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across both Colombia and Cuba; passionate fan culture and nationwide leagues.
A national pastime in Cuba with a strong amateur and professional scene.
Famous for mountainous routes and a strong cycling culture; many fans and scenic rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Colombia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Colombia, rely on fresh produce, arepas with cheese, plantains, and bean-based dishes; in Cuba, emphasize beans, rice, plantains, tubers, and seasonal fruit. When dining, ask for vegetarian options or customize dishes (e.g., without pork fat or chicharrón).