The 7 Wonders of Colombia

In a country with such rich cultural and natural attractions, determining the must-see spots is a challenge. But in 2007, Colombian newspaper El Tiempo put the seemingly impossible task of naming the country’s best spots up to a public vote.

The results ranged from a natural salt cathedral to archaeological sites. And since the list came out, locals have continually taken to the internet, arguing for the inclusion of their favorite hidden gems.

Here, learn about the Seven Wonders of Colombia according to El Tiempo and other reasons why this country should be on every traveler’s radar.

7 Reasons to Visit Colombia

Whether or not you include El Tiempo’s seven wonders in your travel plans, there’s plenty to see and do in Colombia. Here are some of the top reasons to plan a vacation to this Latin American country.

1. Unbeatable beaches

Colombia has two coasts—the Caribbean and Pacific—which offer a range of opportunities for everyone from sightseers to surfers.

On the Caribbean Coast, you’ll find white sand beaches, crystalline shores, and healthy coral reefs perfect for scuba and snorkeling. And the Pacific coast boasts biodiverse nature reserves ideal for eco-conscious visitors who enjoy hiking, diving, and surfing. The West Coast of Colombia is also a renowned site for whale watching and swimming among sharks.

2. Rich biodiversity

Colombia has been designated a “megadiverse” country, meaning it’s home to nearly 10% of the Earth’s biodiversity.

With 314 types of ecosystems, Colombia has rainforests, mountains, islands, mangroves—among many other types of terrain. The country is number one in the world for orchid and bird diversity and ranks second for butterflies, plants, and freshwater fish. Nature lovers can spend a lifetime exploring the country’s 59 protected areas and still have more to see.

3. Incredible cities

Colombia boasts several vibrant cities, each with its own, unique spirit.

Cartagena is famed for its colonial architecture and privileged location on the glistening Caribbean shore. Bogotá is a busy capital, with plenty of attractions, like the cobblestone La Candelaría district and a number of standout museums. Medellín is known for its great gastronomy and ideal climate year-round.

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, visitors can explore the Caribbean city of Santa Marta, with several notable historical sites and access to the nearby Tayrona National Park. Cali is another excellent option—especially for salsa aficionados, as this city is considered the world capital of this style of dance.

4. The food

Colombia is a cultural melting pot, home to Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and European traditions—and the food diversity that comes with them.

One of the country’s most emblematic (and hearty) dishes is Bandeja Paisa, a massive plate of rice, beans, pork rinds, plantain, beef, sausage, egg, black pudding, and avocado, served up with arepas, a corn patty that’s another of Colombia’s most famed delights. Seafood lovers will also find plenty to enjoy, with dishes like coconut rice and snapper on the Caribbean and the creamy Cazuela de Mariscos (seafood casserole) on both coasts.

5. The coffee

Colombia’s coffee is some of the best in the world, and connoisseurs can enjoy a visit straight to the source: the country’s high-altitude farms. Some coffee farms even offer charming accommodations and let guests help with the harvest.

And if you prefer to enjoy your grinds in the comfort of a coffee shop, Bogotá is home to many quality-focused cafés that highlight the country’s exceptional beans.

6. Diverse cultural traditions

Colombia likes to celebrate, and visitors can partake in a number of local traditions and parties. One of the most famous is the Barranquilla Carnival, a celebration of Colombian culture featuring parades, dance, and food.

Dancing and sampling local flavors are central to the country’s identity, so travelers will find plenty of opportunities to learn salsa or cumbia or participate in gastronomic rituals, like picnicking with sancocho, a stew containing chicken, beef, plantain, potato, corn, and cassava.

7. Ancient sites

Colombia has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless archaeological attractions that demonstrate the country’s rich Indigenous history.

Among the most famous sites are the Tatacoa Desert, known for its high number of vertebrate fossils; the San Agustín Archaeological Park, dating back 2,000 years and home to South America’s most extensive collection of megalithic and religious sculptures; and Tierradentro National Archaeological Park, which features intricately painted pre-Columbian burial chambers created between the 6th and 9th century.

The 7 Wonders of Colombia

When El Tiempo asked Colombians to vote on the most emblematic wonders of their country, the majority agreed the following seven should be on the list—even if there are plenty of other worthy candidates. Here’s what made the cut.

1. Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá

Catedral Sal de Zipaquirá is an underground Catholic church in an abandoned salt mine and an important destination for religious pilgrims. All of the cathedral’s iconography was hand-carved directly into the cave’s salt walls. Historically, miners began to use the space as a chapel in the early 1900s, and by the mid-century, the project developed into the establishment of a more formal church.

2. Santuario de Las Lajas

Santuario de Las Lajas is a Catholic basilica nestled into the Guáitara River canyon and featuring an impressive access bridge suspended across the valley. This neo-gothic flagstone church has an image of the Virgin and Child many locals believe is a divine apparition. While there had been an important shrine in this area for centuries, the current structure’s construction began in the early 20th century and took over 40 years to complete.

3. Parque Arqueológico de San Agustín

Home to the most extensive display of megalithic sculptures and religious monuments in Latin America, the San Agustín Archeological Park is a must for anyone traveling in the Huila region. Visitors can explore over 300 zoomorphic and anthropomorphic stone figures, some of which still bear traces of their original brightly-colored paint. It is believed that these figures played a role in death rituals; for example, some appear to be protecting the deceased during the afterlife.

4. Cartagena de Indias

The city of Cartagena de Indias is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its multicultural traditions (Afro-Caribbean, European, and Indigenous), historical sites, and stunning beaches dotted with pristine islands. Visitors will enjoy excellent gastronomy, traditional architecture, and the city’s vibrant art and music scenes.

5. Ciudad Perdida

Ciudad Perdida (“The Lost City” in English) is an archaeological site in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. This ancient city, also known as Teyuna and Buritaca-200, is thought to predate other important sites (like Machu Picchu), having been founded in 800 AD. Curiously, Ciudad Perdida was discovered recently, in the 1970s. This site is an ideal destination for hikers, who can explore the region’s 169 plazas and tile roads on a multi-day excursion.

6. Parque Arqueológico de Tierradentro

Tierradentro National Park, with its ancient, painted underground tombs, is another prime hiking destination. Trekkers can take trails between the archeological sites and beyond, exploring the flora and fauna of the surrounding mountains and climbing up to scenic viewpoints to take in the lush, green Andean slopes.

7. Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón (or the “Columbus Theater”) in Bogotá is Colombia’s national theater, designed in a neoclassical Parisian style, featuring opulent details and painted frescos. Visitors can see an opera, play, ballet, or concert or simply tour the space. Teatro Colón is nestled in the charming La Candelaría neighborhood, which offers plenty more sightseeing attractions: from churches and museums to street art.

Explore Colombia’s Wonders with Help from Cielo Travel

See the Colombian wonders that most interest you at a pace that feels right with help from Cielo Travel. We’ll guide you through setting up excursions, transportation, and hotel stays, or planning niche experiences like luxury cruises or eco-conscious adventures.

With expert knowledge of local tourism highlights, our team of travel advisors will connect you with the safe, unique Colombian vacation of your dreams.