The Most Popular Tourist Attraction in Colombia, Ranked

Choose the tourist attraction you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:52
In a country as diverse and culturally rich as Colombia, tourists often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of incredible sites to visit. From lush rainforests and breathtaking mountains to historic cities and vibrant cultural festivals, navigating through these attractions can be a daunting task. That's where the importance of a ranked list comes into play, helping both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers decide which spots to prioritize during their stay. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic resource that helps highlight the top destinations according to collective visitor experiences. This not only aids in creating an itinerary tailored to popular opinion but also enhances the travel experience by pointing out must-see locations that perhaps are lesser-known but equally intriguing. Your votes assist future travelers in making informed decisions that maximize their enjoyment and appreciation of what Colombia has to offer.

What Is the Most Popular Tourist Attraction in Colombia?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    Cartagena Old Town
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

    Cartagena Old Town

    Spanish colonial settlers
    The historic walled city of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination for its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture.
    Cartagena Old Town, also known as the Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City), is a charming and historic district located in Cartagena, Colombia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the city's rich colonial past and is a major tourist attraction in the country. With its vibrant colors, well-preserved architecture, and cobbled streets, it offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.
    • Location: Cartagena, Colombia
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Architecture Style: Spanish Colonial
    • Construction Period: Mid 16th century
    • Wall Length: Over 11 kilometers
  2. 2
    32
    votes
    Located on the Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
    Tayrona National Park is a renowned natural attraction located in the Caribbean region of Colombia. It spans over 150 square kilometers and is characterized by its stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches, dense jungles, and breathtaking mountain ranges. The park is named after the indigenous Tayrona people who once inhabited the area.
    • Location: Caribbean region of Colombia
    • Size: Over 150 square kilometers
    • Landscapes: Beaches, jungles, and mountains
    • Named after: Tayrona indigenous people
    • Established: 1969
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Colombia's second-largest city has become a popular tourist destination in recent years for its cultural attractions, nightlife, and innovative urban development projects.
    Medellin is a vibrant city located in the Aburrá Valley in Colombia. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' it offers picturesque landscapes, an impressive cultural scene, and a rich history. Its transformation from a violent past to a modern, innovative city has made it one of the most beautiful and dynamic destinations in the country.
    • Climate: Medellin enjoys a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
    • Botanical Gardens: The city houses the stunning Botanical Garden, which showcases a wide variety of plant species from Colombia.
    • Cable Car System: Medellin boasts an innovative cable car system that provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.
    • Street Art: The city is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals adorning many buildings.
    • Plaza Botero: Plaza Botero, named after the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero, features numerous sculptures by the artist.
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    Colombia's capital city is home to numerous museums, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions, including the famous Gold Museum.
    Bogota is the capital and largest city of Colombia, located in the central part of the country. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.
    • Location: Central Colombia
    • Population: Approximately 7.4 million
    • Elevation: 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level
    • Historical Significance: Founded in 1538 by Gonzalo JimĂ©nez de Quesada
    • Architecture: Mix of colonial, neoclassical, and modern styles
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    A popular vacation spot for Colombians and international visitors, San Andres Island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant Caribbean culture.
    San Andres Island is a picturesque Caribbean paradise located in the western Caribbean Sea, 720 kilometers northwest of the Colombian mainland. The island is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular tourist destination for beach lovers and diving enthusiasts alike. The natural beauty of the island is complemented by its warm climate and rich biodiversity, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts as well. The island was first inhabited by the indigenous Raizal people before being colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, San Andres Island is part of the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
    • Location: Western Caribbean Sea
    • Distance from Colombian mainland: 720 kilometers
    • Primary attraction: White sandy beaches
    • Water color: Turquoise
    • Diving opportunities: Abundance of vibrant coral reefs
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Colombia is famous for its coffee, and the coffee region in the central Andes is a popular destination for coffee plantation tours, hiking, and outdoor activities.
    The Coffee Region, also known as the Coffee Triangle, is a picturesque area located in the central part of Colombia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous for its lush coffee plantations, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The region comprises the departments of Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda, with coffee being the primary agricultural activity in the area.
    • Location: Central part of Colombia
    • Departments: Caldas, Quindio, Risaralda
    • Primary Agricultural Activity: Coffee plantations
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Stunning Landscapes: Yes
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Ciudad Perdida

    The Tayrona civilization
    Also known as the "Lost City," this ancient archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains is a popular destination for adventurous travelers.
    Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City, is an ancient archaeological site located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia. It was built by the Tayrona civilization, an indigenous group that lived in the region from the 11th to the 14th century. The Lost City is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in South America.
    • Location: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
    • Age: Built between 11th to 14th century
    • Size: Approximately 200 stone terraces and structures
    • Access: Requires a multi-day trek through the jungle
    • Altitude: Located at 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
    Nidya RincĂłn · Public domain
    This unique underground cathedral in the town of Zipaquira is a popular destination for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
    The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is an underground Roman Catholic church located in the town of Zipaquira, Colombia. It is built within the tunnels of a salt mine, making it a unique and captivating tourist attraction. The cathedral showcases impressive architectural design and provides a spiritual experience for visitors.
    • Location: Zipaquira, Colombia
    • Type: Underground Roman Catholic church
    • Construction: Built within the tunnels of a salt mine
    • Architectural Style: Modern, with influences from Gothic and Byzantine styles
    • Capacity: Up to 10,000 people
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    La Candelaria
    Felipe Ortega Grijalba · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The historic neighborhood of La Candelaria in Bogota is known for its colorful colonial architecture, street art, and lively atmosphere.
    La Candelaria is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia. It is known for its colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. The neighborhood's colorful buildings and bohemian atmosphere attract both locals and tourists alike.
    • Location: Bogotá, Colombia
    • Architecture: Colonial
    • Streets: Cobblestone
    • Cultural Scene: Vibrant
    • Buildings: Colorful
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    This beautiful national park in the Andes mountains is a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
    The Los Nevados National Park is a renowned tourist attraction located in the heart of the Colombian Andes. This majestic natural reserve is part of the Central Cordillera, with its breathtaking landscapes marked by snow-capped peaks, volcanic formations, picturesque valleys, and lush forests. The park covers an area of approximately 583 square kilometers, offering visitors a diverse range of ecosystems and an extraordinary setting for outdoor exploration and adventure.
    • Location: Central Cordillera, Colombian Andes
    • Area: 583 square kilometers
    • Elevation: ranging from 3,100 to 5,400 meters
    • Glaciers: Several glaciers, including the Nevado del Ruiz
    • Volcanoes: Active and dormant volcanoes, such as Nevado del Tolima and Nevado del Santa Isabel

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Ranking factors for popular tourist attraction

  1. Number of tourists
    This could be a key factor in determining the popularity of tourist attractions. The higher the number of visitors, the more popular the attraction is likely to be.
  2. Accessibility
    How easily accessible the attraction is for tourists, including transportation, accommodation, and entry fees, could influence its popularity.
  3. Cultural and historical significance
    Attractions with cultural and historical significance are likely to be popular among visitors interested in learning about Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
  4. Natural beauty and landscapes
    Colombia has many natural attractions, such as beaches, mountains, and national parks. The beauty and uniqueness of these places could attract a significant number of tourists.
  5. Activities and entertainment
    Tourist attractions that offer a variety of activities and entertainment options, such as adventure sports, festivals, and nightlife, could be more popular.
  6. Word of mouth and online reviews
    Recommendations and positive reviews from other travelers could also influence the popularity of tourist attractions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular tourist attraction in Colombia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or attraction is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2037 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each attraction once every 24 hours. The rank of each attraction is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular tourist attraction in colombia

Colombia is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, it is no surprise that Colombia is home to some of the most incredible tourist attractions. From the vibrant cities of Bogota and Medellin to the stunning beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta, there is something for everyone in Colombia. But what is the most popular tourist attraction in this beautiful country? Let's take a closer look.

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