Colombia is well known for its coffee and sunny Caribbean beaches, with colonial Spanish Cartagena now boasting direct flights from the US. The cloud forests of the country’s coffee zone boast an enviable mild climate, encompassing traditional farms and plantations, not far from the world’s tallest palm trees at Cocora. Both are worth a visit on your next trip to Spanish speaking South America’s most populous nation. But for those looking to get away from the crowds and experience lands less trodden, read on to discover more about two of Colombia’s lesser known natural treasures.
Tayrona National Park – where mountains and jungle meet the beach
The Sierra Nevada mountain range, just an hour from the airport of Santa Marta, and just over four hours from its more famous cousin, Cartagena, descends into the Caribbean through Tayrona National Park. Its clean and less crowded natural beaches, bays, coral reefs and mangroves are reachable from Santa Marta town via a short hike or horse ride through unique and abundant vegetation.
Although its waters are typically warm and inviting year-round, proceed with caution, as the surf is often as rough as the undertow. Best to swim or kayak in its tranquil bays, instead of the open sea. And separately, for those more historically inclined, the area also boasts some archaeological sites, such as Chairama, featuring interesting remnants of indigenous culture.
The Amazon – yes, it’s in Colombia too
Most people associate South America’s mighty Amazon Jungle and River with Brazil and Peru. While the former offers river cruise options from Manaus, and the latter from Iquitos, a sizeable part of this most special ecosystem covers Colombia as well. Leticia is the jumping off point for boats to local lodges, receiving tourists flying from Bogota to its small airport. One can mix with indigenous communities at Puerto Narino and at Lake Tarapoto one can find grey and pink river dolphins!
The heart of the rainy season between February and April is usually the best time for bird-watching, pirarucu (sport fishing) and seeing the Victoria Regia – an enormous aquatic lily plant with large purple flowers and white petals. It is also easier to see some forest animals and reach most places by boat. The driest season, when rivers are at their lowest, is from August to November. It is typically more comfortable to explore the less muddy paths, and there will be fewer mosquitos. “Beaches” are created by the retreating waters at its banks, where river turtles lay their eggs. At the same time, some places not reachable by boat will require longer walks.
