Planning a trip somewhere can be lots of fun.  But let’s be honest, there are times that it is just frustrating.  This is especially the case when travelling to places that fly under the tourist radar or were at one point in time full of regions that were largely inaccessible or dangerous.  Colombia definitely falls under the second category.  Just 15 to 20 years ago there were large parts of the country that were simply off limits to travellers due to dangers caused by drug trafficking, the guerrilla war, or some combination of the two.  Today, as the gates of Colombia travel have opened up and people have begun flooding in, there are a lot of uncertainties as to where to go.  Below I have listed a number of my favourite places.

5. Cartagena and the Coast

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia has never been off the tourist map of Colombia; it has long been a favourite of backpackers and luxury travellers alike.  However, the region is starting to show that it has a whole lot more to offer than the colonial glory of the great city.  The coast is now home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in Colombia, and there are a number of hidden coves to explore the great sea life.  In this region you’ll find yourself relaxing on a remote beach in Tayrona National Park one day and then next hiking through lush rain forest on your quest for “El Dorado.”

4. Bogota

Bogota gets a little bit of a bad rap among the travel community.  You’ll often hear that it is cold, dirty and dangerous.  However, if you scratch below the surface of this city you’ll find that it has one of the greatest collections of museums and arts in all of South America.  A couple days wandering through the Gold Museum in Bogota or viewing the city from atop a near mountain perch will more than have your travel desires fulfilled.

3. Medellin and the Coffee Region

Plaza Botero, Medellin, Colombia

At one point in time not too long ago Medellin was one of the world’s most dangerous cities.  Today, Medellin might actually be the most “liveable” city in all of South America.  On top of it all the nearby coffee growing region is plump full of great opportunities to explore.  There are a number of quaint colonial towns in the region as well if the modern calm of Medellin doesn’t appeal to you.  Medellin has a way of luring people in to stay for the long haul, so don’t be surprised if you’re somehow sucked in by the charm of its amazing people.

2. Popayan

Of all the cities in Colombia not named Cartagena Popyan may be the most “colonial.”  Moreover, the town is much more quiet than and a long way away from the race of the modern city than are cities like Cartagena.  If you’re looking to explore a little bit of colonial Colombia this small town in the far west of the country is the place for you.

1. Caribbean Coast

Sapzurro, Colombia

Completely wiped off the tourist map for years do to high levels of guerrilla and narco-trafficking activity the Caribbean Coast of Colombia near the Panamanian border has the potential to make a revival.  Towns like Capurgana and Sapzurro are starting to draw the eye of backpackers and adventurers who are constantly on the look out for new great locations.  The snorkeling and diving here are fanstastic as are the jungle hikes.  This may be the next big region for travellers in the next couple years, so keep an eye out for growth here, and get here before it happens.