places to visit west coast colombia

Colombia’s Pacific Coast

The pacific coast of colombia.

Colombia’s Pacific Coast lies just west of the Cordillera Occidental—the westernmost branch of the Andes.

The northern coast, where the Baudó Range crumbles into rugged coves and bays, is backed by some of the planet’s most biodiverse rainforest and mangrove habitat.

To the south, countless rivers spill down to a wide coastal plain.

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20 Best Places to Visit in Colombia, According to Locals and Experts

These are 20 of the best places to visit in Colombia, from colorful villages to stunning beaches.

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A hypnotizing mix of charming coastal cities, world-class cuisine, and lush landscapes hiding immense biodiversity have made the bicoastal country of Colombia one of the most sought-after destinations in the Americas. Spending a long weekend in Cartagena or a few days in Bogotá isn't enough; even after spending months living in Medellín, I felt I barely scratched the surface of all Colombia offers.

With the help of Medellín-based Travel + Leisure A-List advisor Boris Seckovic and locals who work at some of the country's most incredible accommodations, like Bio Habitat Hotel and Casa Pestagua, we've assembled a list of the best places to visit in Colombia. Read on to find the country's most scenic trekking trails, untouched white-sand beaches, and where to get the best cup of Colombian coffee.

Meet the Expert

Boris Seckovic is a T+L A-list advisor and Colombia specialist living in Medellín.

Carolina Bernal is the general manager at Casa San Agustin and Casa Pestagua, luxury hotels located in Cartagena. 

Related: 25 Best Places to Visit in South America

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Few destinations have done a better job rebranding themselves than Medellín, a vibrant metropolis whose rapid transformation has made it one of South America's most sought-after cities for travelers and digital nomads alike. Laureles was recently named the coolest neighborhood in the world , though travelers might be more familiar with El Poblado as home to some of Colombia's trendiest cafes, restaurants, and bars. Medellín's impressive public transportation network includes several cable cars, making the journey to green spaces like Arvi Park one of the best ways to enjoy breathtaking views of a city that crawls dramatically up the mountainsides of the Aburrá Valley.

Valle de Cocora

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Don't be surprised if the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley) in the heart of Colombia's coffee country looks familiar. This magical area served as the real-life inspiration for Disney's “Encanto,” so you'll be sure to hear the soundtrack's most famous song as you pass through the nearby village of Salento. Despite its new claim to fame, the Valle de Cocora has long been famous for its impressive forest of wax palm trees, which tower high above the valley, growing up to 200 feet tall.

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One of the best cities in South America , Colombia's bustling capital city of Bogotá is much more than just a stopover after an international flight. As soon as you arrive, take a funicular or cable car up the Cerro de Monserrate to take in the city views and get your bearings before exploring the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria. Visiting the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is a must, as is experiencing the city's increasingly impressive culinary scene at spots like the award-winning El Chato, one of the world's best restaurants .

Stay at the luxurious W Bogotá , named by T+L readers among the best hotels in South America last year, or stop by for their beloved night brunch. The hotel's bold design is a modern interpretation of the legend of El Dorado.

Amazon Rainforest

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"Colombia's slice of the Amazon rainforest isn't as well-known as the Amazon in neighboring countries, but it's almost better that way," says Seckovic, who heads Amakuna , the leading specialist for luxury travel in Colombia. "You'll see far fewer people here and have a much better chance of encountering wildlife because of it." Explore the jungle by starting in the regional capital of Leticia, hidden among forest canopy and accessible only by airplane. From there, head to one of the region's ecolodges for biologist-led excursions into the wilderness, where colorful butterflies dart above waters where pink Amazonian river dolphins play.

Santa Cruz de Mompox

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Set along the Magdalena River that winds towards Colombia's Caribbean Coast, the colonial village of Santa Cruz de Mompox "feels like what Cartagena used to be," says Seckovic. An important stop along the river used by the Spanish to extract gold, the UNESCO-protected town still retains all its historic beauty, and an artisan filigree jewelry industry points to its golden past. First-of-their-kind cruises along the Magdalena River with AmaWaterways will kick off in 2024, offering a new way to experience the region on routes that twist through the countryside between Cartagena and Barranquilla.

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Cartagena is officially Colombia's worst-kept secret. Whether by cruise ship or via newly added flight routes from major U.S. cities, travelers now flock to Colombia's buzziest and most colorful hotspot year-round. A walk along age-old Spanish colonial walls at sunset with glimpses of the glimmering high-rises of Bocagrande in the distance is all you'll need to see why. 

Carolina Bernal, general manager at Casa San Agustin and Casa Pestagua , recommends staying in a restored mansion for a look into the city’s past. Longtime Cartagena favorite Casa San Agustin is a gem; its sister property, Casa Pestagua, is a meticulously restored and luxurious 17th-century mansion colloquially known as the most beautiful home in Cartagena.

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Until recently, Isla Barú was mostly a destination for day trippers looking for the best beaches near Cartagena. The recent addition of the Sofitel Barú Casablanca Beach Resort changes all that, making this "island" just 45 minutes from the city an increasingly popular destination all its own. Travelers can also enjoy a beach day or book an overnight at one of the six new cabana-style bungalows at Acasi Private Beach, a luxe extension of Casa San Agustin and Casa Pestagua on the sand.

Eje Cafetero

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Colombia's idyllic coffee-growing region is known as the Eje Cafetero , the "Coffee Axis." This verdant landscape is peppered with grand haciendas and tiny, shaded cafetales where families have long worked the land, and even passersby enjoy the aroma of the world's best coffee. Explore the countryside in a colorful, open-air Jeep Willy, visiting historic villages like Salento, Jardin, and Filandia along the way.

One of the region's coolest places to stay is Bio Habitat Hotel , where luxurious free-standing accommodations are enveloped in rainforest flora and fauna and offer views across the Andes. This eco-conscious, regenerative hotel perched amidst the forest canopy feels a world away, though it's just minutes from the city of Armenia and some of the country's finest artisan coffee farms.

Ciudad Perdida

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Tucked within the lush, tropical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, Colombia's Ciudad Perdida ( or “Lost City”) is among the great ancient ruins in South America. There's no easy way to reach Ciudad Perdida; visiting this hidden settlement demands a four-day mountain trek with numerous river crossings. The payoff is well worth it: Just a few dozen intrepid travelers reach this expansive site with its terraced hillsides and circular plazas every day, meaning you'll get to enjoy it almost uninterrupted.

Only a handful of Santa Marta-based tour operators are certified to guide visitors to the site, still cared for by the descendants of the Tairona people who built the settlement centuries ago.

Guatapé and El Peñol

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It's impossible to miss El Peñol, a massive monolith towering many stories over the countryside of Antioquia as if dropped from the heavens by a giant. If the climb to the top doesn't take your breath away, the 360-degree views from the top certainly will. Just minutes down the road, the small town of Guatapé has its own flavor of fantasy, with a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns covering the facades of its historic buildings. These twin destinations are an easy day-trip distance from Medellín, but an overnight stay at some of the country's coolest glamping spots is even better.

Caño Cristales

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Known as Colombia's "river of five colors," Caño Cristales is home to unique aquatic plants that give it a liquid rainbow effect you must see to believe. When the colorful effect is at peak vibrancy between July and November, the river seems to run green, magenta, purple, maroon, and canary yellow simultaneously. The river is located in the relatively isolated Serranía de la Macarena National Park, though locals attest it's well worth the trip to see one of the world's strangest natural wonders.

Related: Visiting Caño Cristales, Colombia's Liquid Rainbow

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The village of Barichara is arguably Colombia's prettiest. Barichara is a bit further from the country's major cities than other historic gems like Villa de Leyva, so "it's stunningly beautiful, but still not too touristy," says Seckovic. The town made T+L's list of the best hidden gem destinations to visit last year and is conveniently located just a stone's throw from San Gil, the undisputed capital of adventure travel in Colombia.

Tayrona National Park

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In Tayrona National Park, Colombia's best beaches line untouched jungles with enough endemic flora and fauna to make any eco-conscious traveler swoon. Take a skippered sailing excursion to the park directly from Santa Marta, with stops at spots like Bahia Concha and Cabo San Juan for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. More adventurous travelers can trek through the park and camp in hammocks perched directly over white sands.

Rosario Islands

“The Rosario Islands, or Islas del Rosario, are known for coral reefs and year-round diving and snorkeling opportunities," says Bernal of this perennially popular destination located off the coast of Cartagena. Hop on a speedboat in town and escape to eco-friendly boutique hotels tucked away on sandy shores, offering some serious rest and relaxation far from the crowds. It's an affordable and laid-back alternative to the built-up Caribbean islands where you would spend your days fighting for beach chairs.

Barranquilla

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Among the cities on Colombia's Caribbean Coast, Barranquilla can't compete with buzzy, beautiful Cartagena. However, for one week a year, Colombia lives and breathes to the rhythms of the Carnival of Barranquilla. Folkloric dance, music, and rich, regional food shine among a packed schedule of events including the Battle of the Flowers, the Great Troupes Parade, and the Death of Joselito Carnival, each more vibrant than the last. It's such an essential spectacle that it made the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Related: T+L's Guide to Colombia's Caribbean Coast

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The small city of Popayán still flies under the radar of most travelers, but it's all the better for it. Known as Colombia's "White City" for its grand historic center's whitewashed facades, this laid-back town feels like a breath of fresh air for travelers with an itinerary packed with just the country's biggest highlights. It's a great first stop on a road trip north through cities like Cali and to the haciendas and villages that make the Eje Cafetero so memorable.

Tatacoa Desert

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The Tatacoa Desert is the second-largest arid environment in Colombia, after the dune-studded La Guajira at the northern tip of South America. However, Tatacoa isn't a desert at all, but a long-dry tropical forest where lush flowers bloomed a millennium ago. Its unexpected past makes fossil-hunting a perfect pastime on hikes through its dramatic red canyons. Tatacoa's remote location and ideal atmospheric conditions also make it one of South America's best destinations for stargazing .

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Known as the capital city of salsa, Cali is the best place to visit in Colombia if you want to settle into several days of lessons to truly master these sensual steps. Zaperoco Bar is one of Cali's most famous salsa clubs, while Siboney — its name pointing to the rhythm's original Cuban roots — has long been one of Cali's salsa institutions. Fill your dance breaks by exploring the city's historic center and with day trips through the Valle del Cauca for river tubing, ziplining, and waterfall hikes.

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Tucked away within Utría National Natural Park on a remote stretch of Colombia's Pacific Coast, the tiny beach town of Nuquí is known as one of the best places in the country for whale watching. Between July and October, humpback whales travel from Antarctica to these warmer waters to give birth to their babies in the region's protected lagoons. Whale watching is the undisputed highlight for most travelers visiting Nuquí, but adventurous travelers will love surfing near jungle-fringed shores and hiking to long-hidden rainforest waterfalls.

San Andrés and Providencia

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Search for the islands of San Andrés and Providencia on a map, and you'd be forgiven for thinking they were a part of Central America. These tiny, remote islands over 450 miles from the Colombian mainland sit within a stretch of sea so azure it's called the "Sea of Seven Colors," and they are home to some of Colombia's last truly untouched beaches. Livelier San Andrés and more unspoiled Providencia are little-visited, idyllic destinations worth considering for your next unplugged, unbothered Caribbean getaway.

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Colombia's best beaches are a slice of South American perfection

Mar 29, 2022 • 10 min read

Colombia's beaches line two beautiful coastlines – one facing the Pacific and one facing the Caribbean © arthur enselme / Getty Images

Whether you’re drawn to Colombia by the rich culture, the high-altitude hiking, the wildlife-rich rainforests or the energetic cities, you’ll want to linger to enjoy the country’s glorious beaches.

As the only country in South America with coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia has more than its fair share of untouched sands waiting for your beach towel. With healthy, fish-filled coral reefs, dramatic sand dunes and swaying palms, Colombia's jungle-hemmed beaches are guaranteed to make your soul sing.

Water temperatures are close to spa tub warm, making the experience of swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and kitesurfing even more enjoyable. Along the Pacific shoreline, rare leatherback and hawksbill turtles often put in an appearance, while the Caribbean coast is characterized by remarkably healthy coral reefs, where schools of Skittles-bright reef fish and rare species of shark wait for divers and snorkelers. 

Whether you're a surfer, a diver or just aching to unwind on the sand, here's our guide to Colombia's best beaches.

Playa Blanca, Isla de Barú

Best beach for backpackers

Cartagena ’s best beaches lie beyond the city walls on the island of Barú, which is home to 3km (1.9 miles) of sun-bleached white sand lapped by mirror-calm waters. Day tours from the city bring tourists to the islands in droves, and most make a beeline for Playa Blanca. To make the most of the calm, crystalline waters and gorgeous sands, rent a four-poster beach bed from one of the beach clubs dotted along the oceanfront.

You can doze the day away on your beachside berth as vendors pass by selling snacks, drinks and even massages. Be sure to sample the almost obligatory – and heady – coco loco cocktail (rum, vodka, tequila and coconut cream). If you’re feeling energetic, you can jet ski or paraglide out on the water – make arrangements at the beach clubs. 

Tours tend to arrive around noon and stay on the island until 4pm, at which time this paradisiacal palm-fringed beach clears almost completely of life. Stay overnight in a hammock or a rustic thatched cabin and as night falls, you can go paddleboarding to view bioluminescent plankton, a genuinely magical experience. 

Bocagrande, Cartagena

Best city beach in Cartagena

If convenience is top of your list, you’ll want to head directly to Cartagena’s Bocagrande, the city’s answer to Miami Beach. The gray-sand beaches on the northern shores of this urban peninsula are indisputably the place to be seen on sunny days in the city. When the weather is dry, the Colombian middle classes gather en masse for a lively day of sunbathing and reveling.

With plenty of bars along the seafront and a steady stream of wandering vendors, you’ll never be far away from chilled drinks and tasty snacks. For a more relaxed day away from the crowds, pay a few dollars to use the umbrellas and sunbeds in front of one of the peninsula’s chain hotels.

Playa San Luis, San Andrés

Best beach for escaping the crowds

A popular destination for locals escaping the cold Andean weather of the highlands, the seahorse-shaped island of San Andrés is the place to sample the Colombian take on the Caribbean. However, many of the island’s beaches have fallen victim to the popularity of their sensational white sands, and it can be a challenge to escape other visitors. Our tip is to head directly to Playa San Luis on the east coast.

Located 9km (5.6 miles) south of Centro, the main town on San Andrés, this beach is best accessed with your own wheels – just rent a golf cart or scooter for the day. It’s more than worth the effort: the water is balmy year-round and the underwater visibility is spectacular. Pick up a snorkel and some flippers from one of the local dive shops to glide past schools of tropical fish flitting above the sugar-white seafloor.

Back on land, a clutch of bars and restaurants set back from the beach will keep you sated with heaped platters of octopus and shrimp and ice-cold fruity cocktails. To reach San Andrés, take a flight from Bogotá , Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena or Medellín.

Southwest Bay, Providencia 

Best beach for scuba diving

Just 90km (56 miles) north of San Andrés, Providencia is smaller and arguably more spectacular. The longest beach on this emerald-green speck of an island is also the most dazzling. The gentle waters that lap the sands conceal the third-largest coral reef in the world, spanning 30km (18.6 miles). The reef creates a dazzling display on the ocean surface – a patchwork of blues and greens that has given this stretch of water the nickname “the sea of seven colors.”

Part of the Seaflower Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Bay plays host to a richness of marine life that makes Finding Nemo look positively pedestrian. And the water is a blissful 25°C (77°F), so you can spend hours snorkeling and scuba diving beneath the waves in search of turtles, reef sharks and southern stingrays, plus fish in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Southwest Bay is the ideal place to experience laid-back island life on Providencia. Swing by on Saturday to watch the lively bareback horse races – and the ritual cooling off of the horses in the sea after the contest.

Playa La Caleta, Capurganá 

Best beach for snorkeling

At the very tip of Colombia, near the densely-forested no-man’s land of the Darién Gap – where Colombia and Panama merge – you'll find some of Colombia’s most dazzling beaches. Set within a horseshoe bay along the Caribbean coast, the village of Capurganá is a place that feels completely disconnected from the modern world. So dense is the surrounding jungle that boat and charter flights are the only ways in, and you can spend days here recharging your batteries in blissful peace and quiet.

If you’re feeling mellow, stake out a spot on the golden sands of Capurganá’s main beach, Playa La Caleta, and soak up some rays. But the real attraction of this bay lies under the crystalline waters, which are sediment-free and ideal for snorkeling. The pristine reef here  – considered one of the richest and most unspoiled in the Caribbean – teems with tropical fish, and IUCN red-listed leatherback and critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles bob and drift in the currents. Visit between March and June to observe the magical cycle of life, as young turtles hatch on the beaches nearby.

Playa Taroa, La Guajira

Best beach for remote, pristine wilderness

If you’re seeking a remote escape, far from the beaten path, Playa Taroa is your place. This ethereal, sand-dusted beach at the very northern edge of Colombia (and the northern edge of South America) is a playground of soft, orange-hued sand dunes that slip suddenly down into the almost supernaturally aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. It’s an otherworldly spot for a refreshing dip to wash off the dust of the bumpy roads that cross the arid La Guajira peninsula .

Getting here comes at a cost. From Riohacha , which already feels rather remote, it’s a seven-hour drive through seemingly endless dry plains to reach this even more distant outpost. You’ll need to pack plenty of water and food because there are few places to stock up on provisions along the way. But the rewards outweigh the effort: you’ll find few other beachgoers and total peace on this enchanted slip of sand.

Playa del Pilón, La Guajira

Best beach for dazzling ocean views

Arriving into Cabo de la Vela, a remote, dusty town along the shores of the dry La Guajira peninsula, you might wonder what all the fuss is about, but take a mototaxi to Pilón de Azucar and all will become apparent. From the top of this small hill – a sacred spot for the indigenous Wayuu people who live in this isolated region – you’ll be greeted by astounding views across the desert and down to the ocean below, where jagged cliffs and ochre sands crumble into turquoise waters.

The hike to the viewpoint takes 15 minutes and at the bottom of the hillside lies Playa del Pilón , a half-crescent of honey-colored sands that is perfect for swimming, thanks to calm breakers and deliciously warm waters. If you’ve still got some energy to spare, refreshing sea breezes make Cabo de la Vela an ideal spot for kitesurfing, which you can arrange with local schools.

Playa Terco, Nuquí 

Best beach for surfing

Accessible only by boat, Playa Terco is one of the best beaches along Colombia’s Pacific coast, and it sees some of the best surf in Colombia. Swells can reach up to 2m (8ft), and there are waves that are suitable for anyone from beginners to grizzled pros. The surf is reliable most of the year, although November typically brings the best conditions.

The nearest town, Nuquí , is remote, to say the least. Enclosed by dense rainforest, this section of Colombia’s Chocó department cannot be reached by land. Instead, you'll need to fly from Medellín to tiny Reyes Murillo Airport, where you can arrange transport directly to the beach. If you’re here between July and October, you might spot humpback whales, which gather to breed and raise their young in the warm waters offshore.

La Piscina, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Best beach for swimming in paradise

Colombia’s Caribbean coast is a magnet for adventurous tourists who are keen to get the best from the unspoiled coastline and dramatic jungle scenery. Fronted by 8km (5 miles) of beautiful beaches, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is a favorite destination for backpackers looking to kick back and relax in pristine nature.

With deep, calm and clear waters, La Piscina is the finest beach here, named for a barrier of rock offshore that creates a natural swimming pool. While ocean currents create dangerous conditions for swimming at most beaches in the park, La Piscina is a swimming nirvana, with gently lapping waves that will soothe your body and mind with every stroke.

Playa Cristal, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Best beach for a scenic backdrop

If you’re already in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, there’s no excuse for not visiting another of its most enthralling beaches. Playa Cristal takes its name from the glassy waters that swirl around its narrow strip of white sand. Adding to the tropical mood, a handful of beach shacks serve fresh fish and cold beers.

The beach lies in the more inaccessible western section of the national park, so to get here you’ll need to take a 40-minute boat from El Cabo San Juan del Guía (where most visitors stay when they visit the national park). While the aquamarine waters are dazzling, what really makes Playa Cristal stand out is the backdrop, with the Sierra Nevada mountain range looming dramatically behind the shoreline.

Isla Múcura, Islas de San Bernardo 

Best beach for an overnight stay

With its liberal scattering of palm trees, glorious teal waters and luxurious and lovely accommodations, Isla Múcura is the crown jewel of the Islas de San Bernardo, an achingly beautiful sprinkling of islands, spread across the Caribbean Sea some 50km south of Cartagena.

Part of the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo , Isla Mύcura is famed for its outstanding snorkeling and its clutch of gorgeous hotels, which boast comfortable suites facing empty beaches and to-die-for ocean views. It’s like staying on your own desert island, but with all the home comforts, fish dinners and magnificent sunsets you could imagine.

Playa La Barra, Parque Nacional Natural Uramba Bahía Málaga

Best beach for sunsets

Shouldered by pristine rainforest and palms, the silty gray sands at Playa La Barra are gloriously devoid of human visitors. Nature dominates here: crabs scuttle across the sand and pelicans take flight to divebomb the water. Between June and November, you might also spot the tell-tale splash of humpback whales frolicking out to sea.

Facing west from Colombia’s Pacific coast, this beach has a prime position at sundown. Pair the glorious sunsets with a chilled beer or a shot of viche , the fiery sugar liquor that’s traditional within these parts, and you have the makings of South American perfection. Get here by boat from Buenaventura.

You may also like: Colombia on a budget: how to explore the beaches, jungles and highlands for less Best national parks in Colombia for volcanoes, glaciers, scuba diving and more The best hikes in Colombia for out-of-this-world adventures

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colombia

Written by Mark Johanson , Michael Law , and Lana Law Updated May 4, 2023

Authors Michael and Lana Law have made multiple trips to Colombia to explore the different regions. Their most recent trip in late 2022 took them to Medellin and Bogotá.

Cast all of your outdated ideas aside, like drug wars and gangsters, and you'll find that Colombia is a nation brimming with confidence and rushing headfirst into a more peaceful and prosperous future.

In this land of contrasts, you'll encounter snowcapped Andean peaks , tropical Amazonian jungles , turquoise Caribbean coasts , and two sun-kissed deserts. You'll also find a host of spectacular tourist attractions at the places in between, from the magic of Cartagena and the buzz of Medellin to the quiet colonial villages of Salento and Mompox.

Above all else, the famous Colombian hospitality will undoubtedly find you coming back for more. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Colombia.

1. Cartagena

2. medellin, 3. eje cafetero, 5. tayrona national natural park, 7. the lost city (ciudad perdida), 8. providencia island, 10. la guajira peninsula, 11. hacienda nápoles, 12. caño cristales.

Cartagena is the crown jewel of Colombia's Caribbean coast and one of the best-preserved colonial destinations in the Americas. Take a stroll through the historic walled city , and you may feel as if you've stepped back in time to a different era.

Maybe it's the 13 kilometers of centuries-old walls, or the colorful colonial architecture, many of which are now beautifully restored restaurants and luxury hotels. Perhaps it's the bougainvillea-covered balconies along the labyrinthine streets or the soaring Catholic churches that tower above every plaza. Whatever it is, visitors can't help but fall for this Caribbean charmer.

Beyond the old city center lies laid-back Getsemani , and along the oceanfront is Bocagrande , a newer part of town, where upscale condos and hotels fight for prime seafront real estate. And less than an hour away by boat are islands and beaches , offering ideal places to visit for getaways and day trips.

Bogotá might be the Colombian capital, but it's the smaller and more manageable city of Medellin that tends to capture the hearts of visitors. Medellin was dubbed the most dangerous city in the world in the early 1990s, but a quarter of a century later, it has earned a reputation for something entirely different: innovation.

The city boasts cable cars linking the settlements in its hills to a modern metro system in the valley below, a greenbelt of lush "eco parks," and striking libraries and community centers in some of the poorest neighborhoods.

A great day of sightseeing in Medellin might start in the Old Quarter at Botero Plaza , where you'll find a collection of 23 portly sculptures donated by the beloved Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Adjacent to the plaza is the must-visit Museum of Antioquia and the striking Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture . Then, head into the hills above town by riding the sleek escalator system through Comuna 13 to explore this neighborhood's colorful homes and elaborate street murals.

Finish your day in Medellin's trendiest commune, El Poblado , where you'll find buzzing eateries, boutique shops, and the vast majority of the city's hotels.

The world's third-largest producer of coffee beans, Colombia is a fantastic country for tastings and tours. The vast majority of production takes place in the subtropical Andean hills west of Bogota between the small cities of Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales.

This region, known as the Eje Cafetero (or Coffee Axis), is home to a growing number of coffee plantations that have opened up their operations to the public in recent years for tours, tastings, and lavish farm stays.

These small (and often organic) plantations are the kind of places where the farmer-owner might take an hour out of his day to explain the process of how a humble "cherry" turns into a coffee bean that will one day be roasted and ground into a latte back home.

The small resort town of Salento is easily the most attractive place to base yourself, with numerous farm tours nearby and plenty of things to do. You'll also have easy access to attractions like Cocora Valley , home to the tallest palm trees in the world.

You can rent bicycles from Salento to explore the region under your own steam or ride on one of the old-fashioned Willy jeeps that serve as the town's de facto taxis.

Picture the Amazon, and Colombia may not be the first country to come to mind — which is odd, because about a third of the nation is blanketed in its thick (and often impenetrable) jungles. The capital of the vast Amazon Basin is the small frontier town of Leticia, which sits along the banks of the mighty Amazon River, right where Colombia bumps up against Brazil and Peru .

Leticia makes a great base for eco-tourism , wildlife safaris, or hikes into the Amazon to learn about the Indigenous tribes that call this area home. The only way to arrive here is by plane from Bogotá, and you can continue onward by boat either downriver to Manaus, Brazil, or upriver to Iquitos, Peru.

You'll find some of the best beaches in Colombia within the protected Tayrona National Natural Park, which is known for its palm-shaded coves and crystal-clear coastal lagoons. Most beaches are set against the dramatic mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, whose rainforested hills make for a great side trip on any beach vacation.

Tayrona is also a fantastic place for snorkeling at protected areas near La Piscina beach and Cabo San Juan . Though remote, these secluded beaches aren't exactly a secret, so it's best to visit in low season (February to November) to avoid the massive crowds. Also, unless you're paying for the lavish Ecohabs Tayrona, be prepared to sleep in a tent (or hammock) at one of the many beachside campgrounds.

Most visitors to Colombia will inevitably begin their trip in Bogota, the nation's largest city. It's a city that often divides opinion, with some complaining of its gridlocked streets and sometimes dreary weather, and others falling head over heels for its unique combination of colonial charm and urban sophistication. Either way, this city of eight million tends to grow on people who give it enough time.

Begin your sightseeing in Bogota in the historic center of La Candelaria , where you'll find the impressive buildings lining Plaza de Bolívar and can't-miss cultural attractions like the blindingly bright Museum of Gold . Then, head over to the wealthier neighborhoods of North Bogotá for some of the nation's best boutique shops and chef-driven restaurants.

For a bird's eye view of the city, be sure to take a trip up on the cable car to the Sanctuary of Monserrate . While up there settle in for a delightful and leisurely lunch or dinner at Casa San Isidro , serving fine Italian food, or enjoy Colombian food at the historical Santa Clara House dating from 1924.

Colombia's most popular hike is undoubtedly the four-day, 44-kilometer trek to Ciudad Perdida, a lost city hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains that was only rediscovered in the 1970s. Built and occupied by Tayrona Indians between the 8th and 14th centuries, this ancient city is said to be one of the largest pre-Columbian settlements discovered in the Americas.

Much of the site remains buried beneath a thick jungle quilt because the modern Indigenous inhabitants of the area have banned excavations, but you'll find that the stone terraces and stairways are in outstanding shape.

Independent treks are not allowed, you will need to go with a sanctioned and approved tour operator who will provide a guide and all meals. You can book a tour from Santa Marta in advance.

If you decide to go, be prepared, this is no walk in the park. You'll face blazing heat, stifling humidity, rainstorms, copious quantities of mud, and insects. The trail, although easy to follow, is never flat, plan to always be going up or down. However, it's not all drudgery. Along the way, you'll be treated to spectacular jungle views and the opportunity to swim in rivers and ponds.

Hikes start early, usually around 5am to make use of the coolest part of the day. At the designated campgrounds, you'll either sleep in a hammock or on a mattress; mosquito nets are provided. You should count on being able to walk about 12 to 14 kilometers or seven to nine hours in a single session.

The trail is closed every September as part of an agreement with the local Indigenous community. The best time to go, with the least rain, is January and February.

This quirky Caribbean Island leaves many first-time visitors perplexed. For starters, it's far closer to Nicaragua than Colombia. Then there's the fact that its residents don't speak Spanish but rather an English Creole. Of course, none of that really matters when you find yourself sunning on the most stunning beaches under the Colombian flag.

Little more than a dollop of golden sands and perky palms, this isolated island is the jewel of the UNESCO-protected Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, with some of the world's greatest marine biodiversity just waiting to be explored.

You'll need to first stop on the more popular San Andrés Island and catch a short hopper plane or three-hour catamaran ride to reach Providencia. Once here, you'll find the largest collection of cottages and hotels in the small hamlet of Aguadulce on the stunning west coast of the island.

Lovers of magic realism and the writings of Gabriel García Márquez will fall for the sleepy charms of Mompox. It features prominently in the Nobel laureate's book The General in His Labyrinth and is thought to be the inspiration for the fictional town of Macondo in his most famous novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude .

Mompox was once a prosperous cog in the trading route between the Caribbean coast and the Andes, famed as the spot where "El Libertador" Simón Bolívar recruited his army to gain independence for neighboring Venezuela . Now, this colonial relic along the muddy shores of the Magdalena River is truly a town that time forgot.

Though it lacks a wealth of things to do, many visitors find themselves spending far longer than planned strolling through the cobbled streets; soaking in the ambience of the colonial architecture; or taking boat trips through the Pijiño Swamp , a popular attraction for birders.

It's the most northerly point in South America, so perhaps it's only fitting that La Guajira is unlike anywhere else on the continent. This remote and little-visited peninsula is a quiet oasis of sweeping sand dunes, bird-covered mangrove swamps, and vast stretches of empty land where the orange-brown La Guajira Desert meets the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Indigenous beliefs are the law of the land here, as the peninsula is home to the proud Wayuu people, who were never subjugated under Spanish rule and maintain a vibrant culture to this day.

Keep in mind that tourism is still new in La Guajira, and the ride in from the regional capital of Riohacha requires both patience and a sense of adventure. The windsurfing and kiteboarding Mecca of Cabo de la Vela has the most tourism infrastructure and will likely be your best entry point into the region.

If there's one man who lingers large over Colombia's recent history, it's the billionaire drug trafficker Pablo Escobar. What few people realize is that you can actually visit the lavish estate built and owned by Escobar in Puerto Triunfo, about 110 miles east of Medellin.

The sprawling complex, known as Hacienda Nápoles, fell into disrepair in the decade after Escobar's death in 1993. But the local municipality took control of the property in the mid-2000s and turned it into-of all things-an ever-growing amusement park with an eclectic mix of themed zones, hotels, a water park, and safari-style zoo.

The amusements and hotels are new, and signs of Escobar are now limited. The ruins of his former mansion were bulldozed, and one of the Cessna planes he used to smuggle drugs to the US that used to be perched atop the entry gate is gone (as is the gate). The only thing remaining is a small museum that grapples with his legacy and some of his antique car collection rusting peacefully in the sun.

There is also a Jurassic zone filled with the life-size dinosaur replicas he purchased for his son and a wild hippo herd that, after years of heavy procreation, has grown from four to 40 and now represents the largest herd outside of Africa.

Caño Cristales was off limits for decades while in the grip of guerrilla fighters but is officially back in business and welcoming more tourists than ever before. Most visitors come to this remote river canyon in the Orinoquía region to hike between its waterfalls and bathe in its natural swimming holes.

While worth the trip in any season, the canyon is particularly prismatic between July and November, when an algae bloom turns the riverbed into a rainbow of colors. The isolated outpost of La Macarena is your base for trips to Caño Cristales, and it's only reachable by air from Bogotá or Villavicencio.

The inhabitants of Cali have a zest for life and fun that is unique in Colombia. And, how can you not, when your city is known around the world as the home of Salsa dance? Street festivals celebrating this sensual dance happen most evenings in the Juanchito area under the stars in the sultry air.

However, the city isn't all about dancing, it's also a foodie destination with a plethora of interesting restaurants helmed by innovative chefs making the most of the bounty from both the land and the Pacific Ocean, only a short distance away.

Dance, food, hot weather — what more do you need? Well, a bit of historical architecture dating from the 20th century coupled with friendly people round out the wonderful assortment of things to do in Cali.

The Caribbean coast of Colombia, with Cartagena as the shining star, soaks up most of the bandwidth when people think of coastal areas in Colombia. However, the small city of Nuqui and the Pacific Coast should not be overlooked by those with a taste for adventure and fun.

This incredibly biodiverse area is home to humid coastal jungles, waterfalls, and the full force of the Pacific Ocean. Empty beaches with humpback whales breeching just offshore, crystal clear rivers emptying into the sea, and some of the most incredible birdlife (especially hummingbirds) in the country await.

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My 21 Favorite Places to Visit in Colombia

From the blue waters of Tayrona National Park, the sweeping views of the Cocora Valley, and the ruins of San Agustín, Tierradentro, and the Lost City, to the white colonial buildings of Popayán and the hustle and bustle of its metropolises, Colombia is packed with things to see and do.

I’d wanted to visit Colombia for years. And after spending six weeks there, I must say, it lived up to the hype.

I had falsely assumed that six weeks would be enough to get a good sense of Colombia. After all, six weeks is a fair amount of time to spend anywhere.

But I was wrong. Given its size and the sheer number of activities, it was barely enough to scratch the surface.

Yet I did manage to see a lot.

Today I want to share my list of what I think are the best things to see and do in Colombia. These are the activities and places you should try to focus on when you visit:

1. Cartagena

But despite the crowds (and there are a lot of crowds), I really enjoyed Cartagena . While there aren’t a lot of tourist activities (you can do most of them in a single day), what makes it a wonderful place to visit is just that: it’s somewhere you can slow down, relax, and gorge on the phenomenal gastronomy .

WHERE TO STAY: Casa Bustamante Hotel Boutique – A charming budget-friendly bed and breakfast with a swimming pool. It’s located in a colonial home just outside of the walled city.

For more, check out my Cartagena travel guide .

2. Tayrona National Park

It’s easy to visit as a day trip from Santa Marta , either independently or as part of a group tour . I highly suggest you start early at the big entrance at El Zaino and exit the park through Calabazo. This underused route takes a whole day, and once you pass the Cabo San Juan campground, you’ll get the last half of the trail to yourself. Try to avoid visiting during January, Colombian public holidays (especially Christmas and Easter), and weekends, when the crowds on the beaches and hiking paths are at their peak.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Jasayma – Located inside the park, here you can experience what the area is like once all the day-trippers go home. Choose from budget rooms or thatched bungalows and enjoy free breakfast in the morning.

3. The Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida)

The Lost City was built around 800 CE and contains 169 terraces carved into the mountains, as well as a network of tiled roads and small plazas. It’s one of the most beautiful treks in the country, and the site is older than Machu Picchu!

To visit, you need to hire a tour operator (you can’t do it by yourself). It takes 4–6 days to do the trek from Santa Marta through the jungle up to these beautiful ruins and. If you’re pressed for time, you can also do it in three days; the only difference is the pace you go at. Expect to pay about $400-600 USD for tour with a local operator.

(Tip: You cross a lot of rivers, so be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes or flip flops for when you cross the rivers. You’ll easily ruin a pair of sneakers along the way.)

WHERE TO STAY: Casa Verde Hotel – Just a few blocks from the beach in Santa Marta’s Old Town, it offers outsized amenities for the price (there’s both an indoor swimming pool and rooftop hot tub).

There’s not much to do in the city itself — it’s simply a base for coffee tours or hiking the Cocora Valley (see below) or the trails around town — so it’s easy to spend a few days here watching the world go by with a good book in hand.

WHERE TO STAY: Terrazas de Salento – Offers stunning views over the surrounding mountains, tranquil outdoor spaces with hammocks, an excellent breakfast, and super welcoming hosts.

5. Cocora Valley

The route’s about five hours, and you can choose to either take the clockwise or counterclockwise route. The clockwise route, starting at the Wax Palm Valley, is easier, with fewer hills. Counterclockwise is easier at the end, though a little anticlimactic, as you end the hike walking down a boring road.

As it’s a popular hike, it’s easy to do independently, though there are also guided treks you can join as well.

(Tip: Start early to avoid the brutal midday heat, since there are a lot of exposed areas here.)

WHERE TO STAY: Salento (see above) is the closest town and jumping off point for hiking the Cocora Valley.

6. Bogotá

Bogotá is Colombia’s vibrant capital. While it’s not the country’s most popular destination, it felt the most “Colombian” to me: there was just a certain edge and charm to it, and it seemed the least touristy with the fewest gringo expats. The historic downtown, La Candelaria, is filled with bright colonial buildings, detailed museums, delicious restaurants, tiny fun bars, historic churches, and centuries-old houses.

The north end of town is home to boutique hotels and entertainment areas like Zona Rosa and Zona G. The food scene in the city is incredible (its a great place to take a food tour so you learn about the big food scene in the city), with a lot of international and cutting-edge gastronomic restaurants. Throw in some amazing walking tours, day trips, and hikes and you’ve got a recipe for an astounding city.

For more, here’s a list of all my favorite things to do — and places to eat — in Bogota.

WHERE TO STAY: Magdalena Guest House – An affordable guest house in the heart of La Candelaria. Modern and cozy, there’s a little garden area and inner courtyard, a resident cat, comfy beds, and a guest kitchen.

WHERE TO STAY: Magic Garden House – Located next to one of the city’s main parks, this hotel is walking distance to the historic center and all the city’s best dance schools.

For more, check out my budget travel guide to Cali .

8. Popayán

While you don’t need a lot of time (take the walking tour, climb the hill, see the churches, and you’re done), I do suggest staying longer to enjoy the slow pace of life. So much of Colombia is go-go-go, it’s nice to find a place that’s more “stay and relax a while.”

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel La Plazuela – Offers simple rooms (with great showers!) set in a restored 18th-century mansion in the heart of the city.

9. Tatacoa Desert

Other than that, there’s not much here. Bike around the stunning rock formations, take some walks, stare at the sky. Stay a night or two. It’s not a popular area (it’s pretty remote), but it is a picturesque way to break up the long bus ride from Bogotá to the south or vice versa.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Colonial Villavieja – This hotel has both a swimming pool and air-conditioning, perfect for relaxing after a long day hiking at Tatacoa. It’s in Villavieja, the nearest town to Tatacoa.

10. San Agustín Archaeological Park

WHERE TO STAY: Masaya San Agustin – Offers individual mountain huts and stunning views over the surrounding mountains. There’s a surprisingly fantastic restaurant on site too!

11. San Gil

WHERE TO STAY: Located in a quiet neighborhood, Meraki Boutique Hostel – This is a sustainable guest house with a large and inviting common room, a fully equipped kitchen, and free filtered water to fill up your water bottles!

12. Providencia and San Andrés Islands

Providencia is actually the center of a huge UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers 10% of the Caribbean Sea, and it contains some of the world’s greatest marine biodiversity. Try to make it when tens of thousands of black crabs migrate to the sea. This happens twice a year for about a 1-2-week period between April and July, so it’s not always easy to nail the timing.

WHERE TO STAY: South West Bay Cabañas – Located just a 10-minute walk from a great beach, this hotel offers both air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, two amenities that aren’t always available on the island.

13. Medellín

It’s one of the most popular destinations for expats and tourists in the country. While it’s easy to get lost in Gringoland here, even if you’re staying there, try to get out of Poblado or Laureles and see the locals’ side of town. There’s more to the city than those two areas!

WHERE TO STAY: Nomada Hotel Origen – This is a chic mid-range hotel located in El Poblado, the best part of the city to stay for first-time visitors. A big, buffet-style breakfast is always included.

To start planning your trip, check out my travel guide to Medellín.

14. Guatapé

Most people, though, come to climb the steep (and difficult) staircase to the top of the monolithic Rock of Guatapé (La Piedra) for some of the best views in the country. Guatapé is a long day trip from Medellín so I recommend trying to spend at least a night here so you aren’t as rushed and can enjoy the area little more.

WHERE TO STAY: Casa Encuentro Ecolodge – Located in a tranquil spot right along the lake, here you’ll find a variety of room options (from dorm beds to bungalows) as well as a fantastic breakfast.

15. Chingaza National Park

(Fun fact: Nearly 80% of Bogotá’s water supply comes from Chingaza and its 40 natural glacial lakes as well as man-made reservoirs.)

If you’re going to hike, joining a tour is a good idea. The guides are usually naturalists who can explain the unique environment of the area. One of the best routes is the challenging hike to the summit of Lagunas de Siecha, with a great view over the lakes.

WHERE TO STAY: Many people visit Chingaza as a day trip from Bogota (see accommodation recommendation above), though you can also wild camp in the park or stay in a dorm in the cabins in the Monterredondo section of the park.

16. Barranquilla

But there’s a lot to do here when it’s not Carnival season as well. Make sure you visit El Museo del Caribe, a museum offering an interesting insight into the history of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. There’s also a special exhibit dedicated to Gabriel García Márquez (the famous author who wrote Love in the Time of Cholera ).

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Casa Colonial – This is a welcoming colonial-era guest house in the center of town, with a lush garden to relax in after a long day exploring.

17. Tierradentro

Tierradentro is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. It’s up there with San Agustín but gets less press since it’s located in the middle of nowhere and not on a main road. It contains over 100 hypogea (underground tombs) dating from the sixth to the tenth centuries, the only examples of their kind in the Americas. It takes a day or two to hike all the paths around the tombs. You can hire a guide if you want, but the trails are pretty easy to do on your own.

WHERE TO STAY: La Portada Hospedaje – This is one of the only accommodation options in the tiny town of San Andrés just outside the archaeological site. Fortunately, it’s a great family-run lodge that offers delicious home-cooked meals and plenty of hammocks to relax in.

18. Manizales (and Los Nevados)

But the main reason people visit is to hike Los Nevados, a mountain range with majestic snow-capped peaks. You can do a day or multi-day hike, but whatever you do, don’t rush up to the top — acclimatize yourself to the altitude in Manizales for a few days first. The town is 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, but the mountains are at 6,000 meters (19,700 feet)! I wasn’t climatized and could really feel the altitude just walking around town. Don’t push yourself if you want to do the hike.

WHERE TO STAY: Ayenda 1140 Roma Plaza – A basic budget hotel that’s walkable to all the main sights in town. If you have a rental car, you can stay at one of the many lodges in the surrounding area. You can even stay on a coffee farm !

19. The Caribbean Coast

WHERE TO STAY: Rincón del Mar Palomino – This hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the beach and has a free breakfast, a swimming pool, and lots of common areas for hanging out in.

20. Punta Gallinas

Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point in all of South America. Most people come here via a tour from Santa Marta or Cabo de la Vela, with the latter (through La Guajira Desert) being the better option if you just want to take your time and relax because it’s closer so there’s a lot less drive time. In fact, the only way to see the area is via a tour. Most are two or three nights depending on where you’re coming from. Any hostel can organize a trip for you.

WHERE TO STAY: Playa Arco Iris – This is one of the only accommodation options in town, offering basic amenities like water 24/7 and electricity thanks to their solar panel set-up (these amenities aren’t common in the region).

There are a lot of waterfalls in the area as well. Two of the best are Pozo Azul and Marinka. Both have swimming holes at them too.

WHERE TO STAY: Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge – This budget-friendly lodge is located on a sustainable farm. There are dorms and private rooms, an infinity pool, and a restaurant serving fresh food from the farm.

Colombia has a million and one things to do. I lost track of all the places I kept wishing I had time to visit. You can spend months there (and a lot of people to do). However, I think this list is a great start. My recommendation is that if you’re short on time, fly (the bus rides are long) or just stick to one area of the country and go in depth around that region.

Trying to “see it all” in Colombia is just a recipe for burnout!

Book Your Trip to Colombia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Colombia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Colombia for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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31 Best Places to Visit in Colombia: Cities, Pueblos, Beaches & Hiking

The gem of South America, Colombia has something for every traveller. Here are 31 of the very best places to visit in Colombia , as recommended by me and other travel experts.

Colourful pueblos , fascinating cities, stunning national parks and idyllic beaches: Colombia has it all.

It wasn’t all that long ago that tourists avoided Colombia. But times have definitely changed. Nowadays this gem of South America tops many a travel wish list.

Diverse in every sense of the word, people often rightly describe Colombia as several nations – each with its own landscapes, traditions, culture and cuisine – rolled into one.

From the Caribbean coastline to the edge of the Amazon, Spanish colonial towns to modern metropolises, Colombia tourist spots to hidden gems, these are the 31 very best places to travel in Colombia .

• Also read: The best things to do in Colombia this year – immersive experiences & hands-on activities

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Best cities to visit in Colombia

1. medellin, the best city to visit in colombia.

Colombia’s second-biggest city was once considered the most dangerous city in the world. But not anymore. Thanks to some imaginative civil projects and the will and resilience of local residents, Medellin has emerged from its shadowy past to become one of the best places to visit in Colombia.

Dubbed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Medellin is located in a rich and fertile part of Colombia responsible for producing much of the country’s coffee, fruit and flowers. The city itself is surprisingly large: Brick houses spread out for miles in every direction, best viewed from lookouts accessed via cable cars connected to the only metro system in Colombia.

The highlights of Medellin include the Museo de Casa de la Memoria, a tasteful homage to the city’s tumultuous past, and Comuna 13 , a set of barrios that cling to the side of the hill and provide a canvas for Medellin’s best street art.

Spend your days in Medellin visiting fruit markets , sipping on freshly squeezed OJ and nibbling on empanadas and arepas. Or you can skip over to El Poblado, the city’s most affluent area, and enjoy the many restaurants. Take a stroll through Laureles, a delightful inner-city suburb filled with parks, cafes and bars.

Take a selfie in Plaza Botero (which is lined with sculptures by the Medellin-born artist), and if you’re lucky enough to be in town on the first weekend of the month, drop into the San Alejo Handicraft Market for some authentic Colombian souvenirs .

Medellin is the biggest transport hub in Antioquia Department and a perfect departure point for exploring Colombia’s coffee belt and the colourful colonial towns that characterise this part of the country. It’s worth spending at two or three days in the city itself – most of your time should be dedicated to eating and drinking.

• Get there: Fly into Jose Cordova International Airport (1-hour flight from Bogota).
• Stay: 574 Hotel – Boutique on a budget near Lleras Park in El Poblado, with bright, tidy rooms and breakfast included. Or try one of these unique Medellin Airbnbs .

2. Cartagena, one of the most beautiful places in Colombia

The port city of Cartagena was founded in 1533. One of the best places in Colombia for vibrant architecture and culture, several parts of Cartagena were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Because of its location on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena has a unique feel. Visitors to the city also enjoy easy access to beaches, islands and jungle trekking.

The city itself is divided into three neighbourhoods: Getsemani, San Sebastian and Santa Catalina (where you’ll find the iconic cathedral and many of the most recognisable streets and buildings), plus San Diego, traditionally home to Cartagena’s merchants.

Must-dos in Cartagena include climbing the Castillo fortress for a view, roaming the Plaza Santo Domingo, and shopping for souvenirs at Las Bovedas covered market. If the bustling UNESCO Walled City gets to be too much, make a break for one of the stunning beaches nearby or charter a boat to Colombia’s Caribbean islands.

As you explore Cartagena by foot, keep an eye out for the famous Palenqueras , fruit sellers dressed in vibrant costume and carting baskets of tropical goodies. They’re hard to miss!

• Get there: Fly into Rafael Nunez International Airport (1-hour flight from Medellin; 1.5-hour flight from Bogota).
• Stay: Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio – Beautiful colonial-inspired rooms with tiled floors and four-poster beds, an infinity pool and garden terrace set in a heritage building 100m from Bolivar Park.

3. Bogota, Colombia’s dynamic capital city

The largest city in Colombia and the nation’s capital, Bogota is an essential stop on any Colombia itinerary.

The Spaniards founded Santa Fe de Bogota in 1538 at a breathtaking altitude of 8,661 feet. Nestled at the foot of green mountains, it is nowadays a bustling city and home to more than 11 million people.

To get the best overview of the colonial old town, the business district and the outskirts stretching far to the horizon, you can take the cable car to the top of Monserrate (10,340 feet).

Stunning historic buildings line the narrow streets of the old town, Barrio Del Candelaria. The heart of the city is the Plaza Bolivar, where musicians regularly perform and other events take place.

On Sundays and public holidays, the main road Carrera Septima is closed for cyclists, inline skaters, joggers, and walkers. After the sporting performance, a folk festival takes place in the streets.

Plan for at least two days in Bogotá to visit the main sights , more if you’d like to see surrounding attractions or if you’re lucky enough that one of the many festivals is taking place so you can swing the dancing leg Bogota’s to salsa rhythms.

• Get there: Fly into El Dorado International Airport (1-hour flight from Medellin).
• Stay: GHL Hotel Bioxury – Efficient rooms with modern bathrooms and a lovely shared atrium space walking distance from El Retiro.
• By Marcelle from Grey World Nomads

4. Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital

Cali is best known by outsiders as the former home of the infamous Cali Cartel. Many travellers skip it without knowing this Colombian city is famous for something else as well.

If you’re interested in learning how to salsa dance, Cali is considered the world capital of salsa. I spent two months there taking group salsa lessons in the afternoon and practicing what I learned at night at local haunts such as Tin Tin Deo.

Colombians are some of the friendliest people in the world. They understand that everyone begins somewhere, and so you don’t need to be shy if you’re new to salsa. At the clubs I danced the night away and took shots of aguardiente with new friends, who taught me to how to fit in by learning Colombian slang .

Cali is also home to the world salsa championships where you can watch kids as young as four and five years compete in individual or group events. It lasts several days over several venues and is a great way to see Cali from a local perspective.

• Get there: Fly into Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (1-hour flight from Bogota or Medellin).
• Stay: Alko Hotel Casa Nispero – Stunning boutique rooms with exposed rafters and a central courtyard complete with pool close to Cali City Theatre.
• By Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic

5. Popayan, one of the country’s finest colonial cities

Popayan is located in the Cauca Department in the west of Colombia. It’s one of the top destinations in Colombia for a stopover when travelling by bus from Ecuador to the city of Cali.

Popayan, otherwise known as La Ciudad Blanca (‘the white city’), is definitely worth a stopover for at least two nights (more if you can spare it). The climate is much milder than sweltering Cali, and with all the charm of a typical colonial town, the small city provides a great introduction to Colombia.

The colonial centre is a beautiful tribute to post-colonial Spanish architecture and one could easily spend days exploring the cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings. The Iglesia San Francisco in the old town is worth a look, and you can take a tour through the building to view a collection of mummies which were discovered after an earthquake damaged the building in the 1980s.

If you’re looking for more adventurous activities, you can hike up El Morro de Tulcan, a viewpoint over the city that housed an Indian pyramid dating back to the 1500s. It’s a great place to catch the sunset and is easy walking distance from the city centre (or a cheap taxi ride away).

• Get there: 2.5-3 hours by road from Cali.
• Stay: Hotel Dann Monasterio – Comfortable rooms in a 1570 Franciscan convent with swimming pool, Spanish galleries and a central courtyard.
• By Emma from Mum’s Money

Best places to visit in Colombia: Small towns & pueblos

6. guatape, colombia’s most colourful town.

Guatape is often called ‘the most colourful town in Colombia’. With tiny streets, colourful houses and clusters of joyful tourists, this place is straight out of Disneyland!

Guatape is located 10 minutes’ drive away from La Piedra, one of the largest free-standing rocks in the world. Since the whole region is quite small, one day for both these Colombia is more than enough.

After spending the morning hiking La Piedra, you can dedicate the afternoon to marvelling at Guatape’s lively roads. A few cafes sit just across from the central plaza, providing ample opportunities for people-watching.

Needless to say, the colours that decorate Guatape’s streets are spectacular. From bright reds to rich blues, you’ve never seen such charming houses.

• Get there: 2 hours by road from Medellin.
• Day trip: Guatape, Piedra del Penol and boat tour departing from Medellin (11 hours; from $36 per person).
• Stay: Oak Tree House – An atmospheric retreat with wide outdoor balconies just outside the centre of Guatape.
• By Daisy from Beyond My Border

7. Jardin, a typical colonial town in the coffee region

Located in the heart of Antioquia’s coffee region, Jardin is another pretty pueblo with a long and vibrant history. Here too, residents paint the facades of their homes with bright colours and hang flowers from their windowsills and awnings.

The centre of Jardin is characterised by an impressive cathedral built from locally hewn rock and a main plaza paved with river stones. You’re never far away from nature in Jardin: It’s just a few minutes’ drive to waterfalls and forest paths, birdwatching areas and mountain trails.

In town, boutiques sell locally made handicrafts and you can sample sweet treats at a generations-old candy shop (even the Pope is a fan).

Not surprising for a town so close to coffee country, Jardin has a wealth of local drinking holes and uber-trendy cafes that roast beans grown in the hills around the town.

What makes Jardin one of the best places to visit in Colombia is the feeling of community. Plan to spend a few days in Jardin, but don’t be surprised if you wind up staying longer.

• Get there: 3-3.5 hours by road from Medellin.
• Stay: Casa Passiflora Hotel Boutique – Elegant rooms behind a traditional brightly painted facade a few blocks from the main square.

8. Jerico, a hidden gem in Antioquia

Jerico is a smaller and lesser-known town located roughly halfway between Jardin and Medellin. It’s a gruelling twist-and-turn-heavy bus ride to get up the mountainside, but it’s well worth the journey to visit one of the most interesting places in Colombia.

Jerico is still relatively off the international tourist radar. (Until recently, you couldn’t even find it in Lonely Planet.) Plenty of Colombian tourists come here, many of them pilgrims visiting the birthplace of Santa Laura, Colombia’s first and only saint, who was born in Jerico in 1874 and is something of a local icon.

Jerico remains a tight-knit, deeply pious community. There are no fewer than 17 churches in town and a seminary with a healthy population of 40-plus would-be priests – not bad for a small town of just over 12,000 people.

Museums, historical libraries and a charming botanical garden are among the top things to do in town. Jerico even has its own mini Christ the Redeemer statue, which offers great views over the city.

Like Jardin, Jerico is also a good base for coffee tourism. La Nohelia is a local farm that offers ecotourism activities (including coffee tours) and onsite accommodation.

If the great outdoors is calling, take an early morning hike to Las Nubes, a lookout that leads you high into the clouds, and pay a visit to Ecoland to try tandem paragliding over the lush valley.

In town, climb the giant stone staircases that connect the upper and lower parts of Jerico. Drop into workshops to watch craftsman making carriels , traditional leather bags, and drink local coffee at El Saturia and Don Rafa. Don’t miss Bomarzo, a recently opened multipurpose creative space that houses galleries, cafes and artist studios.

An ideal place to base your stay in Jerico is El Despertar , a boutique hotel set in an Antioquian-style mansion house.

• Get there: 3-3.5 hours by road from Medellin; 2.5 hours by road from Jardin.
• Stay: El Despertar Hotel – Beautiful rooms with hammocks and ensuite bathrooms set inside a historic Antioquian home in the heart of town.

9. Villa de Leyva, home of Colombia’s biggest Spanish Square

With its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and white-washed facades, Villa de Leyva is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. It’s best know for being home to the biggest Spanish Square in the country, the 150,000 square-foot Plaza Mayor.

Located under 100 miles (160km) from Bogota (or about 3.5 hours by car or bus), this charming town is a favourite destination for both local and international travellers. In fact, the town is so pretty and well-preserved that it is a popular filming location for period films and TV shows. When you walk around its cobblestone streets, it feels like you’re stuck in time.

Besides the 16th-century architecture and historical museums, Villa de Leyva is set in a valley that is rich in fossils from the Cretaceous era. So you can also see some fine specimens on display at the specialised museums in the area. Villa de Leyva also has a thriving gastronomic scene, so it’s a great place to taste some of the best local dishes Colombia has to offer.

Villa de Leyva is a great stopover if you’re travelling between Bogota and San Gil. It’s recommended to spend at least two days to really soak up the timeless atmosphere.

• Get there: 3.5-4 hours by road from Bogota.
• Day trip: Villa de Leyva day tour departing Bogota (11 hours; from $179 per group).
• Stay: Maria Bonita Hotel – Colonial-style rooms with a central courtyard three blocks from the town square.
• By Bianca from Nomad Biba

10. Palomino, a quaint surf town on the Caribbean Coast

Palomino is a quiet surf town located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, close to Santa Marta. Unlike its neighbour, Palomino’s tourism is still in its infancy, offering a more laid-back and relaxed vibe.

Known for its stunning beaches and seaside cafes, Palomino is a popular destination for backpackers, surfers and nature lovers, who often stay in this beach town to explore nearby Tayrona National Park and the mountain village of Minca (coming up later on this list!).

In Palomino, you’ll find a single central dusty foot road lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. This leads to La Playa Palomino, a magnificent beach with soft sand, clear turquoise waters and great opportunities for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

In addition to the beaches, Palomino is surrounded by lush jungle and the pristine Palomino river, which is a great place to float in clean waters or go tubing downstream toward the sea.

Additionally, this tourist town is one of the most unique places in South America, since you’ll be able to spot the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta straight from the beach!

Plan at least 2-3 days to explore the surrounding region, or a week if you’re looking for a place to relax and wind down.

• Get there: 1.5-2 hours by road from Santa Marta.
• Stay: Palomino Sunrise – beautiful eco-huts right near the edge of the beach and adjacent to the Palomino River.
• By Olly from We Seek Travel

11. Raquira, pottery capital of Colombia

Raquira is as colourful as nearby Villa de Leyva is white. The brightly painted facades in this town bring a smile to your face, and you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around as part of a day trip or stopover.

This charming little village is widely known as the pottery capital of Colombia. Just about every piece of Colombian ceramic you can buy was made in this tiny town. So you know what to do if you have some spare room in your backpack. Fully packed? Indulge in a pottery workshop and return home with memories instead.

Though pottery is dominant, it’s not the only type of souvenir you can buy in Raquira. All kinds of artisanías – from hammocks, to Mochilas (the pretty handwoven bags from Northern Colombia) and clothing – can be bought here for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Bogota.

Buses leave for Raquira about five times daily from Villa de Leyva. It’s a 30 minute trip. Four hours is enough for lunch and to pick up some souvenirs. Try to sneak in a bit of people watching on the little plaza as well. A good day to visit is on Sunday, when the local market is in full swing.

• Get there: 3.5 hours by road from Bogota; 45 minutes by road from Villa de Leyva.
• Stay: Hosteria Campestre San Fermin – Simple rooms on a leafy property with a large garden.
• By Barbara from Travel Gear For Kids

12. Guadalupe, a must visit town in Colombia for nature lovers

This tiny town in the Santander Department of Colombia is not easy to get to, but make the effort and you won’t regret it. You will fall in love with Guadalupe the moment you arrive.

A five or six-hour bus ride north of Bogota to Oiba, then another hour to Guadalupe by jeep, you could be forgiven for thinking the trip isn’t worthwhile. However, when you arrive in Guadalupe you will realise it’s all been worth it.

The town itself is just a few streets centred around the main square, with locals usually riding around on horseback or motorbike.

What is really special about Guadalupe is the surrounding nature and outdoor activities on offer. Las Gachas de Guadalupe are naturally jacuzzi plunge pools formed in a shallow river, where you can enjoy a dip in the warm water. If you’re feeling brave, you can slide along the smooth rocks and drop into the water.

They earned the nickname the ‘Caño Cristales of Santander’, and although the water isn’t as colourful as the real thing, the red rock at Las Gachas is just as picturesque. The scenery around Guadalupe is beautiful, and as well as Las Gachas, there are other natural swimming pools, waterfalls and caves to explore too.

Although there aren’t too many tourists here, at the weekend tour groups from Bogota or Bucaramanga arrive, so visit during the week if you want Guadalupe to yourself.

It’s recommended to spend at least a couple of nights here, but if you love nature and adventure, then there is plenty to keep you busy for several days.

• Get there: 2 hours by road from San Gil Airport (2.5-hour flight from Bogota); 6 hours by road from Bogota.
• Stay: El Portal De Don Luis – Simple rooms with a shared terrace, onsite restaurant and old-fashioned Colombian hospitality.
• By Claire from Tales of a Backpacker

13. Aracataca, the birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez

A must-visit for literature buffs, the small town of Aracataca in the Caribbean Magdalena Department is best known for being the birthplace of Colombia’s national author Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Founded in 1885, the river town is small and sleepy. The main attraction is of course the Casa Museo (Museum House), set inside the home where Nobel Prize-winning Garcia Marquez was raised. It contains exhibitions of photographs, letters penned by the author, and various personal mementos.

As you wander the streets of Aracataca on a day trip from Santa Marta, you’ll see various tributes to Garcia Marquez including murals and sculptures.

See if you can’t spot some of the landmarks that inspired the fictional village of Macondo, the setting for his much-loved novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude .

• Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Santa Marta.
• Stay: Casa Turística Realismo Mágico – A unique accommodation inspired by Garcia Marquez’s magical realism.

14. San Jeronimo, an underrated small town near Medellin

After a couple of visits to the South American country, San Jeronimo remains one of the most underrated places I have visited in Colombia.

The Antioquian town is located in close proximity to the mountains and offers a quiet respite from hectic Medellin, which sits around an hour and a half away.

Once you arrive in the sleepy, yet quintessentially Colombian town, you will be greeted with smiles, the smell of fruit, and fresh mountain air. There are many cafes, small shops, and terraced restaurants waiting to be visited by the very few tourists who frequent the streets of the town.

The best thing about San Jeronimo isn’t in the town’s centre, however – it lies an hour’s tuk-tuk drive away in the mountains, and is called Hostal La Finca. This guesthouse, which is owned by Colombians and Germans, is one of the most relaxing places in the country. They have a large pool, gardens for yoga, and homemade Colombian cuisine made with fruit from the many trees surrounding the property.

There are waterfalls nearby that you can hike to, and the lodge prides itself on being eco-friendly. I have never traveled somewhere and come back so refreshed. A quick weekend getaway to San Jeronimo is highly recommended for anyone who is visiting Medellin .

• Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Medellin; 30 minutes by road from Santa Fe de Antioquia.
• Stay: Hostel la Finca or San Jeronimo Cabaña – Comfortable holiday home with a sauna close to the centre of town.
• By Megan from Megan Starr

15. San Gil, the adventure capital of Colombia

Don’t let the size of this small town fool you: There is no shortage of activities to do in San Gil .

Located in Santander Department, San Gil is known as the adventure capital of Colombia. Adrenaline junkies can choose from any number of heart-thumping outdoor activities, including white water rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, waterfall rappelling, and more.

For those into softer adventures, San Gil still has you covered. Right in town the Parque el Gallineral has 10 acres of walking trails among mossy beard-like trees that go by the same name. A 20-30 minute walk or quick taxi ride will get you to Pozo Azul, a lovely swimming hole with small waterfalls, perfect for cooling off on hot days.

The Chicamocha National Park offers a perfect balance between soft and hard adventure. Just an hour away from San Gil, the park sits in a deep canyon with no shortage of options for things to do. From spelunking to hiking to taking a ride on the 3.7 mile-long cable car (one of the longest in the world), Chicamocha won’t disappoint.

• Get there: 7 hours by road from Bogota; 3 hours by road from Bucaramanga International Airport (1-hour flight from Botoga).
• Stay: Hotel Campestre Casona del Camino Real – Breezy, comfortable rooms walking distance from the centre of San Gil and on the doorstep of the region’s best nature.
• By Jen from Long Haul Trekkers

Best places to visit in Colombia: Nature & adventure

16. minca, mountains & waterfalls.

Minca is a small mountainous town in Northern Colombia that is the perfect escape into nature from the party scene of Santa Marta. Busses run from town and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the centre.

What makes a trip to Minca special is staying in one of the incredible accommodations in the mountains such as Cases Viejas Hostel Lodge. Getting there requires an additional 20-minute drive in a jeep up the mountain, but it’s worth it.

The hostel overlooks gorgeous landscapes and offers several lounging areas to relax and take it all in. They also offer daily yoga classes, hikes to nearby waterfalls, and horseback rides. Plus, they source produce from a nearby local farm, so the food served onsite is fresh, healthy, and delicious.

Family style dinners, a bar and incredible views give this place a relaxed but social atmosphere. It is possible to visit Minca for just one night, but it’s highly recommended to stay for two for a more relaxing experience, or more if you have the time.

After all, could you ever get sick of this view?

• Get there: 45 minutes by road from Santa Marta.
• Day trip: Full-day coffee and cocoa tour from Santa Marta (8.5 hours; from $90 per person).
• Stay: Sierra Alta Finca Boutique – Gorgeous ecolodge with indoor-outdoor rooms, hammocks and gardens nestled in the mountains close to Minca and Santa Marta.
• By Lora from Explore With Lora

17. Salento, gateway to the Coffee Triangle

Located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee triangle, Salento is easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re looking to take a horseback ride to a deserted waterfall, play some tejo (there’s gunpowder involved in this local game!), or simply enjoy views of the valley from one of Salento’s many viewpoints, you’re bound to find something enchanting about this tiny Colombian town.

While you’re there, be sure to stroll down Calle Real to take in the incredibly colourful buildings that make up Salento and learn all about Colombia’s coffee (they don’t call it the coffee triangle for nothing).

Admire the views from Salento’s mirador, and, most importantly, pay a visit to the stunning Cocora Valley , which is the draw that brings many tourists to Salento in the first place.

It’s recommended to stay in Salento for at least three days. That will give you time to spend one day in the Cocora Valley and two closer to town. But you can certainly entertain yourself for much longer!

We extended our time in Salento twice, and ended up spending nearly a week there. If we hadn’t had a plane to catch, we would have stayed even longer!

• Get there: 1 hour by road from Pereira.
• Day tour: Salento coffee tour at Finca El Ocaso with hotel pick up from Salento (3.5 hours; from $75 per person).
• Stay: Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat – Rustic bungalows with a luxury edge surrounded by palm trees in the heart of the coffee region.
• By Kate from Our Escape Clause

18. The Cocora Valley, one of the most famous places in Colombia

Wondering where to go in Colombia to see the famous towering palm trees? Just 9 miles (15km) from Salento, the Cocora Valley is the main attraction in this part of Colombia besides the coffee farms.

Visitors are greeted with a lush green valley as they enter the Los Nevados mountains. Cocora is the home of the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree, and also the tallest of all palm species.

For Europeans like myself, the typical image of palm trees is on a tropical sandy beach. Seeing incredibly tall palms set against mountains is even more charming.

There are several trails through Cocora Valley, covering the mountains, a small river and some waterfalls. Take a horse ride for the most authentic experience! These are very popular in the area and can take from 1-6 hours depending on your chosen route. But make sure you are fit enough if you opt for a longer trail.

We loved the ride, but the muscle soreness reminded us about it for a few days! Try to go in the morning, to avoid the big crowds; the scenery is better too, with the mist covering the mountains.

• Get there: 30 minutes by road from Salento.
• Stay: Bio Habitat Hotel – Immersive luxury rooms with hardwood floors and glass walls nestled in the treetops, with a hot tub, sauna and pool. Located in Armenia, convenient to Cocora Valley.
• By Alina from The Happy Kid

19. Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), Colombia’s best hike

Many travellers use Santa Marta as a base for a much bigger adventure that begins two hours away, deep within the jungle terrain of the Sierra Nevada mountain region.

In a four-day round-trip you can reach Colombia’s Lost City , an ancient archaeological site built by the Tayrona people in around 800 AD. It remained hidden until it was uncovered by looters around 50 years ago.

With the help of archaeologists and permission of the indigenous communities of the area, a small portion of it has been uncovered and is open for visitors ready to tackle this multi-day expedition by foot.

The trek is tough, with steep terrain and some treacherous paths, so it takes some stamina and determination. You can’t do it alone: You need both permits and a guide, since this is through a National Park and private indigenous lands. Therefore it is important that you choose a company where an indigenous guide will accompany you.

However hard it is to get there, you will be rewarded with a view of Colombia’s ancient history that you won’t find anywhere else.

• Get there: Approx. 1.5-2 hours by road to the trailhead from Santa Marta.
• Guided hike: 4-6 day trek to the Lost City from Santa Marta with a local guide.
• Stay: Cabaña Guarumo de la Sierra – Comfortable rooms with stunning mountain views in Santa Marta, close to the trailhead.
• By Becki from Borders of Adventure

20. Caño Cristales, the most beautiful river in the world

Nestled deep within the ​​Parque Nacional Natural Tinigua in the remote Meta region, the Cano Cristales or ‘Crystal Channel’ is one of Colombia’s most incredible natural wonders.

Also called the ‘River of Five Colours’ or the ‘Red River’, the river bed is tinged with hues of yellow, green, blue, black and red, giving the water hole and surrounding rapids an otherworldly liquid rainbow appearance.

This natural phenomenon – created by a combination of quartzite mineral rocks, algae and plants – only occurs between the months of July and November.

As well as beautiful waterfalls and rapids, you can see circular depressions in the river. Known as ‘giant’s kettles’, these are formed by chunks of hard rock that make deep pits. You’ve never seen anything quite like the brightly coloured water falling and churning in the pits.

As a licensed tour guide and special permit is required to visit the river, some advanced planning is essential. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas.

The small town of La Macarena (which has an airport and weekly flights from Bogota) is an ideal base for visiting the Cano Cristales and exploring the rest of this wild interior landscape, where the Amazon meets the mountains.

• Get there: 45 minutes by road from La Macarena (a 75-minute flight from Bogota).
• Stay: Hostal Caño Nevera – A family run guesthouse with tidy rooms and gardens, close to La Macarena town centre and the edge of the national park. Staff can organise guides and transportation on your behalf.

21. Leticia, gateway to the Amazon Rainforest

Leticia is the capital of the Colombian Amazon. As there are no roads leading to the Amazon, flying into Leticia is the only way to launch your rainforest adventures.

Visiting Leticia is a weird experience. At first, you’ll notice chaotic traffic and shabby streets. Before night falls, you’ll be amazed how close to nature you are after all. Birds that are usually hard to spot are abundant in the city and every night you can witness a show of thousands of parakeets arriving at Santander Park.

Within a one-hour boat trip lies virgin rainforest, completely away from the crowds. Jungle hikes and night safaris reveal the residents of the Amazon: Sloths, caimans, alligators, toucans, boas and armadillos to name a few.

The best things to do in Leticia are all related to nature: Boat trips on the Amazon River and its tributaries, spotting pink and grey dolphins, hiking and kayaking, learning jungle skills, and meeting indigenous tribes. But even the city has some quirky sights, such as an ethnographic museum.

Visiting the border towns of Tabatinga (Brazil) and Isla Santa Rosa (Peru) are also popular afternoon activities in Leticia. Have lunch in Peru and grab a beer in Brazil!

• Get there: Fly into Alfredo Vasquez Cobo International Airport (2.25-hour flight from Bogota).
• Stay: La Ceiba, Amazonas – Immersive nature bungalows with four-poster beds located in a remote jungle village with access to hiking trails.
• By Niina from Bizarre Globe Hopper

22. San Agustin, an important archaeological site in the Andean Mountains

San Agustin is home to the most incredible archaeological site in all of Colombia, with dozens of ancient statues scattered around picturesque green hills with the Andes mountain range as a backdrop.

You should set aside three days for your visit. On the first day, take a half-day horse ride to some of the nearby statues, ending at the Archaeological Park.

First stop is El Tablon , where there are four statues. No one knows for sure the original purpose of the statues or much about the people who created them, but most of the icons guard tombs and they are commonly thought to be sacrifices to the gods.

From here, there are two more sites located down a steep incline, about 350 feet apart. El Purutal la Pelota has the only two coloured statues and La Chaquira has several intriguing anthropomorphic statues. The horse ride ends at the main Archaeological Park. It is also possible to take a collective bus or walk the 2 miles from town to the Archaeological Park instead of a riding horse.

In addition to the main park, there is the atmospheric ‘Forest of Statues’, a path through a forest with statues every few hundred feet along the way.

For the two remaining days of your visit, take a jeep tour into the surrounding areas to visit seven more sites, a sugar cane factory, and Salto Mortino and Salto Bordones, two dramatic waterfalls.

• Get there: 1 hour by road from Contador Airport in Pitalito (1.5 hour flight from Bogota); 2.5 hours by road from Guadalupe; 4.5 hours by road from Popayan.
• Stay: Masaya San Agustin – Ecolodge with beautiful self-contained cabins in the hills overlooking the river outside San Agustin town.
• By James Ian from Travel Collecting

23. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia’s most spectacular church

Las Lajas Sanctuary is a beautiful basilica church located in the south of Colombia, close to the border with Ecuador. With its large bridge spanning over the Guaitara River and its beautiful Gothic architecture rising out from a canyon, it’s often regarded as one of the most original churches in the world.

Yet, despite being an important pilgrimage for national worshipers, the church remains a hidden gem that most foreign travellers aren’t aware of.

Las Lajas attracts indeed thousands of religious believers each year, who come from all over the country to address prayers to the Virgin Mary in the hope of a miracle.

It is in fact believed that the Virgin Mary’s face appeared on a rock on the canyon cliff to a local woman and her daughter in the 17th-century. Numerous miracles are claimed to have occurred in the same location, inspiring thenceforward the construction of a large basilica with an altar facing the rock where the Virgin Mary’s face first appeared.

Las Lajas is an incredible off-the-beaten-path destination to visit in Colombia – whether you are a believer or not. Easily reachable for about 2000 COP (less than 1 USD), the sanctuary is a great half-day excursion from Ipiales ,where most tourists only stop to change bus and continue their travels onward into Colombia or Ecuador.

If you aren’t in a hurry, make sure to take the time to discover this unique part of the Colombian countryside.

• Get there: 20 minutes by road from Ipiales; 30 minutes by road from San Luis Airport.
• Stay: Loft Hotel Ipiales – Modern rooms in Ipiales, 20 minutes by road from Las Lajas.
• By Jenny from Tales From the Lens

24. Concordia, coffee plantations near Medellin

With the most coffee trees of any township, Concordia is the star of the Colombian coffee region.

Here, it’s all about the berries and the beans. The hills that lead from Medellin to Concordia are covered with hectares upon hectares of plantations, most of them owned by smallholder farmers who sell their beans to local co-ops such as Andes, which has a warehouse you can visit just outside of Jardin.

If you want to visit farms and do a coffee tasting, it pays to join a tour to Concordia from Medellin. The town is about two hours by car, making it possible to visit as a day trip. We travelled with LandVenture Travel who offer a full-day trip to Concordia , returning to Medellin in the evening (or you can do like we did and spend the night in Jardin, with a tour of the town the next morning).

A full day was plenty enough to explore Concordia, although I would have been happy to overnight there and wake up in the pretty town.

• Get there: 2.5-3 hours by road from Medellin; 2-2.5 hours by road from Jardin.
• Stay: Rock Forest Glamping Finca – Stunning A-frame cottages set in the mountains of Concordia, close to coffee farms and with horseback riding available.

25. Lake Guatavita, the birthplace of the Legend of El Dorado

After visiting the Gold Museum in Bogota and hearing all about El Dorado, you will surely be intrigued to visit the place where the legend was born. Located less than 2 hours from Bogota by road, Lake Guatavita is a sacred Muisca site with an atmosphere of mystique that truly glimmers.

Among the Muisca people, Guatavita has long been a sacred site where new leaders were anointed. As the tradition goes, the nominated figure would be dusted in gold powder from head to toe then pushed out on a floating raft into the lake. Precious gold objects would then be cast into the waters as an offering to the gods.

Today, Laguna de Guatavita is a beautiful natural landscape with hiking trails. It’s best to go with a knowledgeable guide who can illuminate both the legends and the traditions of the Indigenous peoples who have long inhabited this area.

• Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Bogota.
• Guided tour: Half day trip from Bogota with an experienced guide (6 hours; from $115 per person).
• Stay: Encubo Glamping , funky shipping container glamping on the edge of the lagoon.

26. The Tatacoa Desert, surreal landscapes & stargazing

A world away from Colombia’s lush coffee plantations and dense rainforests, the Tatacoa Desert is one of the most unique landscapes in the world . Bearing some resemblance to the famous Rainbow Mountain in Peru , it offers remote hiking opportunities and thrilling adventures for active travellers.

Don’t let the name fool you: The Tatacoa Desert is not technically a desert, but rather it is a dried-up tropical forest. Over the decades, the weather has shaped sweeping canyons and peaked ‘dunes’ in striations of rust and amber. The formations are actually composed of soft soil, not rock, so visitors must take care not to damage them.

There are several different parts to Tatacoa, including the Red Desert and the Grey Desert, plus a pink lake . As the names suggest, each presents radically different hues of soil. The entire area is abundant with wildlife, and as you move around on the walking trails you will surely encounter birds, lizards, and even the occasional snake or scorpion.

For a memorable experience, spend the night camped out in the desert and do a spot of stargazing. Big skies that are free from light pollution make Tatacoa one of the best places in Colombia to gaze up at the galaxies.

Don’t miss the Piscina Mineral, an oasis-like artificial pool where you can cool off amongst the dunes.

• Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Neiva.
• Private tour: Multi-day desert adventure with transfers from Bogota .
• Stay: Tatacoa Star Eco Hotel , ecologically friendly bungalows in Villavieja close to the dunes and salt pans.

Best places to visit in Colombia: Beaches & islands

27. the rosario islands, pristine beaches & reefs.

Located off the coast of Cartagena, the Rosario Islands ( Corales Islas del Rosario ) is an archipelago of 30 islands that form one of Colombia’s 46 Natural National Parks. If you’re interested in snorkelling or scuba diving, this is one Colombian destination you won’t want to miss.

This part of the Caribbean is known for its underwater ecosystem of vibrant coral reefs, as well as seagrass habitat and mangroves. The largest island, the aptly named Isla Grande, has resorts, lodges, camping areas and plenty of restaurants, while secluded beaches, an aquarium and open-sea oceanarium are located on small islets, all accessible by local ferry.

Bendita Beach lies just off the mainland peninsular and is one of the most popular white-sand beaches in the country. It’s a perfect day trip destination from Cartagena – or you can rent an overwater bungalow on one of the other islands for a more immersive nature experience.

• Get there: 45 minutes by ferry from Baru port to Isla Grande (1 hour by road from Cartagena).
• Stay: El Hamaquero Hostal EcoNativo – A popular eco-friendly hostel on the shoreline of Isla Grande, with direct access to the beach.

28. San Andres Island, the best sunsets in Colombia

San Andres is an island paradise that belongs to Colombia, even though it’s geographically closer to Nicaragua or Panama. With its remote location, it can only be reached by air. Luckily, flights are quite affordable from major Colombian cities, as low as 70 USD round-trip.

San Andres is famous for scuba diving. The coral and marine life is very well preserved and therefore San Andres is said to be one of the best diving spots in the world.

For those who aren’t interested in scuba diving, the sandy beaches are also world-famous. You can access tons of different beaches via the 16 mile-long ring road that loops the entire way around the island.

Some beaches are popular tourist spots, and some are completely deserted. One of my personal favourites is Rocky Cay. On this beach at low tide, you can actually walk a couple of hundred feet out into the water onto a sandbar to reach another island to explore.

• Get there: Fly into San Andres Island Airport (2.25-hour flight from Bogota).
• Stay: Le Castel Blanc Hotel Boutique – Gorgeous rooms with polished tile floors and wicker furniture, with an outdoor pool and tropical gardens. Set inside a Mediterranean-style mansion house 600m from the best swimming beaches.
• By Bailey from Destinationless Travel

29. Taganga, one of the best places to visit in Colombia for diving

Taganga is a small fishing village in Colombia’s north east. It can be reached by minibus from Cartagena, which shouldn’t take any longer than two hours. It’s worth a visit for two reasons: The scuba diving and the sunsets .

This little village is becoming increasingly popular among tourists because it neighbours the much bigger and more developed Santa Marta. Taganga allows visitors the opportunity to mingle with holidaying locals, enjoy delicious fresh fish, and watch one of the most amazing sunsets in South America.

On top of that are opportunities to dive. The little village has several experienced dive schools that can bring you out on snorkel and scuba excursions. It’s also possible to gain a certification in Taganga.

The coral and marine life is beautiful, healthy, and in abundance – something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

If you’re simply visiting Taganga then two days will be enough. If you intend to dive, it’s recommended to stay for up to a week, which should give you enough time to learn and then recover.

• Get there: 15 minutes by road from Santa Marta.
• Stay: Hotel Cactus Taganga – Simple wooden bungalows with outdoor terraces overlooking the bay.
• By Eoin from Dollys Quest

30. Tayrona National Park, where the jungle meets the ocean

If you’re looking for an intrepid overnighter, consider a stay in Tayrona National Park , a jungle-laden coastal national park is located near Santa Marta on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coastline.

Visitors can access the park by foot, hiking one of the many scenic trails to a few camping locations. Unless you have hundreds of dollars to spend on a fancy ‘ecohab’ (luxury glamping huts set on a hill), take the plunge and sleep in a hammock at Cabo San Juan.

Rent a hammock for the night (the tents will flood if it rains, and keep in mind, it’s the jungle!) to fully enjoy the park. The hike in takes between 2.5-4 hours depending on how bad the mud is. The adventure is worth it.

Take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle. If you’re lucky you can spot howler monkeys in the trees. Opt to hike the nearby Nine Piedres or up to the Pueblito native village. Early morning hikers will be rewarded with cooler temperatures and stunning wildlife.

• Get there: 30 minutes by road from Santa Marta.
• Stay: Senda Koguiwa – Luxe bungalows nestled beneath the mountains with a huge outdoor pool just five minutes from the entrance to the National Park.
• By Meg from Fox in the Forest

31. Santa Marta, relaxation on the Caribbean coast

Santa Marta is spectacularly unspectacular, and that makes it the perfect spot for relaxing. There is not a lot to see or much to do: No well-maintained historic centre, no World Heritage Sites – just some picturesque streets’n’squares and a pleasant waterside promenade.

Santa Marta isn’t dull, it’s serene.

On Carrera 5, you can see how Colombians shop. And you can shop, too. I bought an unspectacular leather belt at a spectacular price: No tourist currency here, I paid the same as locals pay.

For those for whom local is not enough, there is Carrera 3. Here, you’ll find stylish restaurants and bars, designed mainly for tourists and trendy crowds from the nearby university. No Colombian town would be complete without some street art, and there are some pretty amazing murals on Carrera 3 and the adjacent streets.

Santa Marta is a great hub for day trips to beaches. The nicest beach in my opinion, Rodadero, is located south of Santa Marta and is a great place to spend a lazy day. Not lazy? Then you might want to visit National Park Tayrona. It’s only about an hour away by public bus. Adventurous folks start their trip to the Sierra Nevada and the El Dorado from Santa Marta.

• Get there: Fly into Simon Bolivar International Airport (1.25-hour flight from Medellin; 1.5-hour flight from Bogota).
• Stay: Hotel Boutique Maree – Elegant, modern suites with a generous outdoor pool located close to the city centre and beach. All the perks of a big-brand hotel but with an intimate, boutique feel.
• By Renata from bye:myself

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Colombia? Which of these destinations would you include in your Colombia itinerary? Let me know in the comments!

Colombia trip essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Colombia. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Colombia using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa or a Health Declaration form for Colombia and apply for your documents online.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Colombia with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Book a safe and reliable private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Medellin , Bogota or Cartagena (prices start from $18 per group).

ESIM FOR COLOMBIA: Stay connected during your trip – pre-purchase an eSIM for Colombia and get online as soon as you arrive without having to visit a phone shop.

CAR HIRE: Use the Discover Cars website to compare prices and features across all the major car rental companies.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Colombia hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best day trips, city tours, Colombian cooking experiences and more.

Best places to visit in Colombia: Share it on Pinterest

More Colombia travel resources

• 25+ amazing Colombia experiences , treks, workshops and more
• 30 best things to do in Medellin , my Medellin city guide
• 2 days in Medellin , ideal itinerary for first-timers
• Markets in Medellin , Colombian fruit, flowers and more
• 30 things to buy in Colombia
• Visiting Medellin’s Comuna 13 , things to know before you go
• Guide to Jerico , Colombia’s loveliest pueblo
• El Despertar Hotel , Jerico’s best accommodation
• Guide to Jardin , Colombia’s most colourful town
• Colombian coffee tour , bean to cup in Concordia
• 20 best things to do in Bogota , a day or two in the capital
• Colombian cooking class , in the kitchen in Bogota

46 Comments

Thank you for the effort in putting this exhaustive list together. It is definitely going to help us plan our time in Colombia fruitfully

Me encanto tu publicación, Colombia es realmente fascinante, ojala podamos viajar por todos estos lugares tan preciosos, sin embargo te falto en santander el cañon del chicamocha y barichara… te encantarán.

Thank you Marce! Muchas gracias!

Hi thanks for sharing this amazing blog.

Colombia is on my bucket list! There are so many beautiful places to visit in this country! Thank you for sharing the best of them!

Love this comprehensive guide. I’ve only ever heard of Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena, and now I have more destinations to add to my Colombia itinerary. Thank you!

Before reading this post, the only places I knew in Colombia were Medellin and Cartagena. I didn’t know Colombia has so much more to offer – especially the beaches look nice too! Thanks so much for this great post 🙂

Colombia is such a diverse country and I can’t wait to get back and explore, especially to add a few of these places I’ve never heard of! Beautiful photos and thanks for taking me back to one of my favorite countries.

Wow! Great list! Love the colors of Colombia!

Hi Emily! I’m Colombian and I must admit that I instantly blushed when I read the introductory paragraph. You’re so sweet, and I’m glad that you have had the opportunity to immerse yourself in my country. I’ve lived in Bogota all my life and my family loves to travel within the country, so I must say that I’m shocked by the fact that I hadn’t even heard of many of the places you mentioned here (considering the fact that I’ve been from La Guajira to Leticia). May God bless you and I hope that you continue marveling at the many things that dear Colombia has to offer.

Thank you for the lovely comment and kind words. I had such a great time travelling in Colombia and I can’t wait to go back some day 🙂 I’m glad you found a few new places to discover on the list!

Stay well and I hope to see you in Colombia some day!

I´m a Colombian and I have visited most of the places you recommend. I agree with all of them, although I was surprised by the order of appearance. Yet I must say there are plenty more to visit. Just to give an example, if you want to have the full experience of Colombian food and Colombian party, you must visit Chocó. Is not a fancy place, but you will be amazed by the views of the wild, the happiness of the people and the mixture of flavors of the Pacific and the jungle. I must visit Guadalupe, the only place you mentioned I have never been to. Thank you.

Thanks so much for your comment and kind words, Jariro. I really enjoyed my time travelling around your country 🙂

Choco looks terrific! I’ll have to add it to my list for next time.

Wow! Amazing list! I have spent time in Medellin & Leticia – adored them both. Next on my list is Cartagena and San Andres Island. Will definitely save this list for when I’m planning my next trip back to Colombia!

Oh goodness, it’s so hard to choose what place looks like most enticing! I’ve never been, so I don’t have a favorite, but I’d definitely have to visit the basilica and National Park! But I’d definitely have to include Cartagena and Guatape for history and color. Some of my favorite spots are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Great choices! I always seek out UNESCO Sites when I travel too – and Colombia has plenty of them!

Cartagena looks so beautiful and colourful! Great guide to an incredible country.

Wow, these look amazing! Colombia was never too high on my bucket list, but after seeing this post I think I may need to plan a visit soon (well, as soon as it’s safe to do so!). Thanks for sharing!

nice information. Thanks

Wow nice info. Colombia is of the beautiful , attractive and most sight seeing places , Thanks admin

Thanks Sarah, so glad to hear you like my list of places to visit in Colombia!

Great post! Enjoyed reading but one small correction. Medellin was home to Pablo Escobar, not Cali. Great detail with everything else!!

Thanks, Greg! I believe the author meant that Cali was home to one of Escobar’s cartels. I’ve updated the post to clarify this.

Super amazing post!! Loved how you have covered all the big and small cities in Colombia.

What a great post! Colombia has been moving up on my bucket list, and after this post and seeing the amazing photos, it’s moved up even more. Thank you for the incredible travel inspiration and I’ll definitely be using this for when I’m able to visit. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the kind words, April! So glad you’ve found the post inspiring and helpful! Colombia has so much to offer!

After reading your post I think Colombia gets a bit of a bad wrap and is often over looked as a destination due to the perceived opinion that its not safe. I had never considered visiting Colombia for that reason. I might have to reconsider that decision.

…good point and here the same!

Raquira looks great. I’m glad your post goes outside of the usual places. Ciudad Perdida looks like a great adventure. And San Jeronimo. Is there a lot of street art there?

Thanks Sue! I think most cities and towns here have a bit of street art—the murals in San Jeronimo look particularly cool!

Great collection!! I have lived in Bogota for about six months now and love it here. It’s so fascinating to me that there is so much diversity in this country!! I’ve been meaning to put a bucket list together of places to visit before I leave, so thank you for putting this together for me! 😉 This will definitely be put to good use VERY soon.

That’s awesome, Mary! I am in Bogota now (but only for a night)—what an interesting place to live. There’s certainly a lot to do in Colombia… Perfect base for travelling and weekend trips! Enjoy!

Loved this post! I really get a sense of all the different landscapes that Colombia has to offer; from the beaches, to the countryside to the ruins! I’m saving this for my upcoming trip!

Colombia is on my bucketlist and this blog has been extra helpful. I love bloggers views on a country its alot more real. I have bookmarked this as m reference for my research for traveling. Great blog.

I would love to try the coffee in these areas!! It would be so fresh and delicious.

Goodness this post has soooo much information! You convinced me that I should go and visit lots of small towns in Columbia …then the second half of the post made me think that I need to visit spots out in the countryside too.

It’s all so gorgeous! <3

WOW – everyone’s photos are stunning. I have heard a lot of good things about Columbia in recent months. Las Lajas looks incredible! What made you want to go?

Thanks Olivia! We’re here for a friend’s wedding.

Such a colourful country rich in history and flavours. Would love to visit here with my boys. You’ve got my travel juices flowing!

It’s a very family-friendly destination in my opinion! I’m sure you and your boys would love it.

What an impressive guide. Such great insight on so many lesser known destinations! Definitely helpful for someone planning a trip to Colombia, and proving there is so much to see and do in that fantastic country.

Sooo much to do! We’ll definitely be back for more!

I’d love to visit Jardin especially after your description. I really like places that feel like they’re communities where people know and look out for each other. Plus those short drives to parks with waterfalls don’t sound bad either.

Me too, Katherine! Jardin has the best of both worlds.

Wow, this is such a comprehensive guide. All your pictures make me want to start planning a trip to Colombia. It seems to be such a diverse and beautiful country!

What a list! Will definitely use this post when planning our trip to Colombia.

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Best places to visit on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 22 April, 2022

Because of its bloody past, Colombia has the reputation of being a dangerous country, full of Narcos and Paramilitaries. And getting rid of unpopular notoriety is hard. But things are progressively changing thanks to travelers who spread the word around them. Colombia is much more than Cocaine and FARC. It’s a country with incredible landscapes and Colombians are the most friendly people I’ve ever met in my life.

The Caribbean Coast is the first region that showed the beauty of Colombia to the world with the golden walls of the old city center in Cartagena, the sultry Bachata movements in small bars, and the white sandy beaches of Rosario islands, and the green maze of Tayrona National Park.

But did you know the Caribbean Coast has a lot more to offer? The region could easily deserve a 3-weeks itinerary. And today, I want to share with you the best places to visit on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia. Let’s travel from West to East.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels check prices on Booking.com , we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Capurgana and Sapzurro

Have you heard about the Darien Gap ? If you check out the area on the government’s websites, you will probably see a bloody red color and a forbidden sign.

And it’s true that I wouldn’t recommend you to wander alone in the jungle. Spiders, snakes, and paramilitaries. They are not the friends you want to play cards with.

But there are two towns on the Caribbean coast in Colombia, only accessible by boat or plane, that Colombians love. Capurgana and Sapzurro are two peaceful places where the time seems to stop. I lived there for many months when I was backpacking in Colombia . I’ve never felt unsafe.

On the main square, kids play football between dogs and a horse looking for the last pieces of grass. Behind, the bakery welcomes the clients with warm loaves of bread. The groceries sell the few vegetables available and the products brought over from the mainland.

In the streets, restaurants serve fresh fish and coconut rice. The inhabitants sit on plastic chairs to play dominos, hitting the table loudly after each move. Others listen to Vallenato songs, a cold beer in their hand and their t-shirt rolled up on their stomach.

Capurgana and Sapzurro are perfect examples of Caribbean life.

Take the time, don’t rush to different activities, and enjoy the present. There is no car or moto. The only two options are to walk or to wait for a speedboat on the dock to explore the beaches around, the natural fresh pools, and the cool diving spots. If you have a travel drone this would be a great spot for some aerial footage.

Capurgana Budget:

• Taxi Speedboat to Capurgana: 10,000 COP
• Yacht from Necocli – Capurgana: 70,000 COP /  takes 90 minutes
• An average night in a dorm: 30,000 COP

Isla Fuerte

In the past, Isla Fuerte was a hiding place for pirates and narcos. Even today, only a few people are aware of its existence on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. From Paso Nuevo, speedboats leave after lunch to bring visitors, locals, and mountains of chips and beers. And after a quick 30 min boat drive, they berth in the little town established in the South of the island.

Locals load the commodities on donkeys before leading them to the different paths cutting across Isla Fuerte. The legend says that donkeys usually bray at the exact time of their birth. I guess it’s right once a day.

On the right, La Playita is a famous hostel welcoming backpackers. Cabanas made of wood are scattered among palm trees, and the few tables along the coast allow the visitors to savor their breakfast in front of the ocean. At night, the lights around the outdoor bar bring a friendly atmosphere to the scenery.

Isla Fuerte is well-known for its unique trees like the “walking tree.” Its branches sink into the ground and take roots around him. Follow the different paths leading to hidden beaches, ask a local to drive you around the island with his boat, and book an incredible dive to the Bushnell reef.

Isla Fuerte Budget:

Boat Drive Paso Nuevo – Isla Fuerte: 15,000 COP / 30 min Night in a dorm in La Playita: 45,000 COP 2 Dives to Bushnell Reef: 330,000 COP

The Archipelago of San Bernardo

The San Bernardo islands, located 1 hour away from the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, are a piece of heaven made of mangroves, sands, and palm trees. At dusk, a cool breeze refreshes the tanned skin of the rare travelers while the sun goes down in the ocean, with the colors of the sunset reflecting on the waves. It gives a great feeling of fullness.

Only a few tourists realize they can spend the nights on the islands. Therefore, you have the beach for yourself most of the time. Isla Mucura offers the best options for accommodations. Backpackers choose the hammocks while lovers enjoy their honeymoon in the luxury hotel Punta Faro.

Another option is to sleep in Casa En El Agua, a house surrounded by water. Travelers listen to techno music, their butts stuck in inflatable buoys while drinking their Margarita.

On Isla Tintipan, there is the most beautiful beach in the Archipelago de San Bernardo. Tours usually like to drop their clients there for lunch.

In front, Islote de Santa Cruz hosts more than 1,400 inhabitants. With the highest density population island in the world, there is not a single-meter square available on this tiny artificial island.

The archipelago of San Bernardo Budget

• Boat from Tolu – Isla Mucura: 40-50,000 COP / 1h30
• Boat from Rincon – Isla Mucura: 100 – 150,000 COP (Max 6 pers) / 1 hour
• Hammock in Isla Mucura: 35,000 COP
• Hammock in Casa En El Agua the coolest hostel in the world in the middle of the ocean: 70,000 COP
• 1 Night in Punta Faro hotel : 900,000+ COP

Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena de Indias attracts many visitors every year. Massive yellow walls surround the old city center, and travelers like to sit on them to appreciate the view and the sunset. Inside, no cars are allowed. Foreigners wonder on the cobblestone streets, between impressive churches, luxury restaurants, and flourishing balconies. Large wood doors hide private courtyards of bright colorful buildings, and street sellers speak 6-7 languages to convince visitors to buy a hat.

Near the old city center, there are the two other famous districts of Cartagena de Indias. In Boca Grande, huge buildings welcome the wealthy Colombians and American tourists. Backpackers looking for cheaper options in the district of Getsemani. At night, Trinidad square is the meeting point for fantastic dancers and bands to perform while travelers drink beers from the shops and taste the different street foods.

Because the beaches around Cartagena are without interest, many tours offer to visit the Rosario Islands, located 1 hour away. The white sandy beach of Isla Baru can quickly be overcrowded during the weekends. To fully appreciate the islands, you should spend 1 or 2 nights on Isla Grande and buy your boat ticket at the dock.

Cartagena de Indias FAQ:

Delicious Ceviche: 35,000 COP Night in a dorm in the old city center: 45,000 COP Boat to Isla Grande (1 way): 40,000 COP / 1 hour Night in a dorm on Isla Grande: 60,000 COP

From Santa Marta, jeeps only leave the Calle 11 con Carrera 12 when there is no more seat available. In 30 minutes, the passengers say goodbye to the busy streets of the city and hello to the blue of the Caribbean Sea to venture into a new environment.

Minca is a little town in the Sierra Nevada. The lush vegetation hosts hundreds of different species of birds and El Dorado is a fantastic Eco lodge for bird lovers. Minca isn’t a lovely village. But within a few years, excellent hostels have been built to welcome visitors. They offer healthy and vegetarian food, yoga, or permaculture lessons. Moreover, they usually have a great view above the valley, where you can sight Santa Marta and the sparkle of the ocean.

From town, accessible trails lead the travelers to the waterfalls, the coffee plantations, or the different hostels around. And for saving time, moto-taxis are always ready to drive them anywhere for a few thousand pesos.

• Jeep from Santa Marta to Minca: 8,000 COP / 40 minutes
• Moto Taxi: Around 7,000 COP
• Hotels in Minca: 30,000+  COP check rates here

Tayrona National Park

With an area of 150 km square, three entrances, tens of kilometers of trails, and many beaches, Tayrona National Park is one of the favorite highlights on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.

Once the security checkpoint has been passed, visitors are free to wander anywhere, following the different indications on the trees. Some travelers are brave and decide to hike through the park. Others are lazy and choose to pay for a horse.

But they all head in the same direction, the astonishing beaches of Tayrona. Massive boulders protect the area from the strong currents, and palm trees offer significant protection against the sun, especially on the white sandy beaches. Because they attract more and more people, you should avoid going during the weekends and holiday periods.

Along the coast, a few restaurants offer meals and hammocks to welcome visitors who stay more than one day in the National Park (strongly recommended). Tayrona hosts many animals like monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and even jaguars. To maximize your chance to spot them, start the hike early from the Calabazo entrance, and don’t forget to look up!

Tayrona National Park FAQ:

Tayrona National Park entrance fee: 43,000 COP Hammock in Cabo San Juan: 25,000 COP Bus from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park: 7,000 COP / 1 hour Cost of a meal in Tayrona National Park: Around 25,000 COP

Palomino is a beach town on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, located 1 hour away from the Tayrona National Park. From the main road, a dirt path of 1 km leads to the beach. Moto-taxis patiently wait for the travelers to get off the bus. They load the big backpacks between their arms on the handlebar and drive expertly between potholes. On both sides of the road, hostels, and restaurants display colorful signs to catch the attention of the new visitors.

Life is simple in Palomino. During the day, backpackers go tubing for 2 hours with a bag full of cold beers. The river slaloms among dense vegetation and birds enjoy the coldness of the water. The activity ends directly in the ocean. Then the tomatoes travelers, burnt by the sun, have to walk back to their hostel with the inner tube.

At night, bonfires are occasionally set up on the beach, and backpackers share beers, stories, and songs. On weekends, a few hostels organize friendly parties, and the power cuts add romantic moments and opportunities to speak without screaming.

Related Article: Best Beaches in Belize

Palomino FAQ:

• Bus from Santa Marta to Palomino: 9,000 COP / 2 hours
• Tubing down the river: 20,000 COP
• Night in a dorm : from 25,000 COP

Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas

La Guajira, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is the largest desert in the country. From Rioacha or Uribia, jeeps pick up foods, water, locals, and tourists to drive them to Cabo de la Vela. There are no roads or signs to indicate the right direction. Drivers only use their memories and the landscape. As Paulo Coelho says, the desert speaks to everyone, but only a few know how to listen.

Cabo de la Vela is a well-known town by the kitesurfer community. The wind blows every day of the year, and the sea is as flat as a lake. In the desert, fresh water is a scarce resource and visitors learn to use it with parsimony. Therefore, the best method to take a shower is to use the bucket.

In town, tours offer a 2-days trip to Punta Gallina, the northernmost point of South America. Through the trip, travelers discover astonishing sceneries like colorful lagoons, massive dunes, and unforgettable sunsets. At night, the stars and the moon progressively appear in the sky and enlighten the camp. It’s time to listen to the silence of the desert.

Punta Gallinas FAQ:

• 2-days trip to Punta Gallinas: 125,000 COP (transport only)
• Uribia – Cabo de la Vela: 20, 000 COP / 2.5 hours
• Hammock in Cabo de la Vela: 10,000 COP
• Hammock in Punta Gallinas: 15,000 COP
• Meals in Punta Gallinas cost: 15,000 COP

Have you been to any of the above places on the Colombia Caribbean Coast? What were your favorites?

Author Bio:

During his globetrotting trip, Thomas fell head over heels for Colombia and quickly realized that lots of the information about the country is either missing or not quite accurate for us travelers. Thomas then started his epic blog, Tomplanmytrip to help all travelers to discover the secrets of Colombia.

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SOUTHWEST COLOMBIA ACTIVITIES

Where to go.

• Coffee Region
• Pacific Region
• Boyaca & Santander
• Caribbean Region

Top places to visit in the Caribbean Coast

Tayrona National Park : Home of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, its scenery varies from paradisiac sandy beaches to lush rainforest. Tayrona Park has many beaches, but the most popular and best-known beach is Cabo San Juan. Full of biodiversity and unique animal species, it is not unusual to see tamarins, howler monkey or blue-tailed skink. Beware that the park is usually closed in February. 

Cartagena : One of the most fascinating colonial cities in Latin America, Cartagena  was declared a world cultural heritage site by the UNESCO in 1984. It boasts an incredibly unique atmosphere that combines the historical elements of the colonial walls, architecture, and museums with the new and modern restaurants and boutiques scattered throughout the area.

Santa Marta : The oldest colonial city in Colombia,  Santa Marta has a tumultuous history full of legends and pirate attacks. The contrast between yellow sand, turquoise water and snow-capped mountains make it a must-see destination of the Caribbean Coast. Its also the perfect starting point for day hikes and treks.

The Lost City in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park : This ancient abandoned town was built by the Tayrona people around 800 AD 650 years before Peru's Machu Picchu. The only way to get there is by a 4-day hike in the middle of the jungle and requires a good level of fitness. Although it is not exactly a walk in the park, this once in a lifetime experience is highly rewarding.

Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira : One of the most beautiful spots in Colombia. The cape, as it is called, is full of rocky cliffs above and sandy beaches below, accompanied by the stunning colours of the desert landscape. Don't forget to climb Pilon de Azucar to enjoy a panoramic view. 

Mompox : A beautiful town known as the setting for Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Mompox  was declared a world cultural heritage site by the UNESCO in 1995 and looks pretty much as it used to during colonial times. This frozen in time town is the perfect place to learn more about Colombia history. 

La Boquilla Fishing Village Cartagena

Cartagena Highlights Tour

Best of Colombia Tour

Bogota and Cartagena Highlights Tour

The Secrets of Colombia Caribbean Region

Discover Colombia's Culture Tour

Colombia Colonial Towns Tour

Colombia Caribbean Coast Expedition

Colombia Andes and Caribbean Coast Birding Tour

Colombia Caribbean Coast Birding Tour

Best things to do in the caribbean coast.

• Historic Tour Cartagena : Cartagena is flush with historic charm. Learn about the colourful colonial buildings, fascinating churches and the massive fort that served as protection during a historical tour. You'll feel like you're walking through a different period. The tropical ambience and warm people make visitors feel welcomed in this romantic coastal city.
• Explore Isla Fuerte : This Island is much less touristic than other Caribbean Islands of Colombia and can be almost empty during low season. You can rent a bike or walk around the Island in a few hours and enjoy paradisiac beaches and luxuriant vegetation. 
• Cool down in Minca : Situated in the Sierra Nevada, Minca offers a refreshing escape from the typical heat of the Caribbean Coast. If you're a nature lover, there are plenty of things to do there: birding, hiking, swimming in impressive waterfalls, visit coffee or cacao farms etc. 
• Visit Rosario Islands : Located about 35 km off the coast of Cartagena, Islas del Rosario consists of approximately 27 small islands which are surrounded by coral reefs. The whole area has been declared a natural park to preserve and protect the coral reefs.
• Relax in Capurgana and Sapzurro : To access these tiny towns, you will have to travel by boat. But you won't regret it as it's one of the most scenic areas of Colombia. Make sure to try their delicious fresh fish, go snorkelling or diving and hike from a village to the other one. If you can, visit Acandi, a town nearby during summer to spot leatherback turtles laying their eggs.
• Spend a day in a traditional fishing village : If you take a tour to La Boquilla , you will spend some time with locals from the small village of  La Boquilla . You will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest and they will teach you some ancestral fishing technics.

The Caribbean Coast Travel Information

When is the best time to visit the caribbean region.

• The areas that run along Colombia's Caribbean coast, such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Tayrona Park, are hot and humid.
• The average temperature hovers around 30°C. The temperature in the desert of La Guajira can reach more than 40°C at midday. 
• The ideal time of the year to visit the Caribbean region is from January to March. The weather is fantastic, warm and minimal precipitations. But you might encounter a lot of tourists. It's a price you have to pay to enjoy the outdoors without the rain and overbearing humidity.   

Festivals: Any time of the year is good to visit this region, but if you want to participate in one the festivals and learn more about their traditions and culture, these are some good examples:

• January : The Corralejas Feast in Sincelejo, Sucre Bullfighting festival where the public is invited to engage the bulls in the ring. 
• February : Carnival in Barranquilla – The Carnival of Barranquilla is the second-largest Carnival celebration in the world. While Carnival is officially celebrated the four days before Ash Wednesday, there are pre-Carnival activities beforehand around the beginning of each new year. It features a variety of traditional dances and music.
• April : Festival of Vallenato Legend in Valledupar; Cesar One of the most important musical festival in Colombia. For five days, the streets of Valledupar are filled with music, contests, shows and parades. 
• May : Wayuu Culture Festival, held in Uribia, La Guajira This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the indigenous Wayuu. You'll find craft samples, contests, dance, theatre and gastronomic exhibitions. 
• July : The Cradle of Accordions festival in Villanueva:  Declared cultural and artistic heritage of Colombia, it gathers every years musicians from around the country. 
• July : Fiestas del Mar in Santa Marta, Magdalena: The main activity of this festival is water sports, especially with the National and International Reign of the Sea and the National Nautical and Beach Games. But its also music, gastronomy, talks, culture and much more.   

How to travel to the Caribbean Coast?

Cartagena is the perfect starting point for your trip in the Caribbean region and is very easily accessible.

• By plane  You can book an international flight directly to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) or fly from Medellin or Bogota.  The old town is only 3,5 miles away from the airport and you can reach it with a bus or taxi. 
• By bus   If you prefer, you can take the bus from Medellin or Bogota. The journey is quite long (Around 20 hours) but a lot of national compagnies are doing it and the prices are attractive. 
• By boat It is also possible to arrive by boat from Panama City.   

Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean Region?

Cartagena is one of the safest cities for tourists in Colombia but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be aware of your surroundings. The rest of the Caribbean region of Colombia is pretty safe too but you must avoid the regions of Southern-Bolívar and Southern-Córdoba. 

For the recommended touristic areas, these are some simple tips that should keep you out of trouble: •    Don’t flash large amounts of money in public •    Look out for pickpockets on public transportation •    Call or use a smartphone app to arrange for a taxi instead of hailing it on the street •    Be aware of your surroundings •    Keep your phones and cameras out of sight •    Don’t wear flashy jewellery •    Avoid taking cards or passports out with you  

Traditional

The gastronomy in the Caribbean Coast is fresh and full of flavours ; it's one of the best cuisines in Colombia .  In general, the main ingredient is the daily catch, which can include Sea Bass, Red Snapper and shellfish served fried with plantain and coconut rice. This region is also famous for its finger food and snacks that you can find in the streets. These are some typical dishes you should try during your trip to the Caribbean region:

Bollo limpio : Cooked corn grain dough wrapped in corn husks usually served with meat. 

Butifarra : Sausages made from ground beef and pork with spices. This recipe is top-rated in the Caribbean Coast and is ideal for party food. 

Cazuela de Mariscos :  this thick seafood stew is a mix of lobsters, shrimp, clams, fish and prawns with a rich, creamy broth. 

Suero costeño : This kind of sour cream is perfect with plantain and steam cassava.

Arepa de Huevo : These arepas filled with fried egg are a fantastic afternoon snack to take with your coffee.

More travel tips to visit the Caribbean Coast

Why is Mompox so special?

Mompox is a town frozen in time. While the rest of the country has evolved and modernised, Mompox looks pretty much as it used to be during colonial times, for this reason, it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995.

La Guajira: A truly off the beaten track destination

If you have a bit more time and want to explore a different landscape and have an adventure where you will be truly disconnected from modern life, La Guajira is the perfect destination.

A unique experience in La Boquilla

A day-trip to La Boquilla fishing village is the perfect activity to connect with the community, appreciate the coastal nature and learn ancestral technics. You will spend some time with locals, take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest and they will teach you how to fish as the locals do!

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Best Places to Visit on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Colombia’s Caribbean coast has some gorgeous beaches, stunning mountain landscapes, and even a wild desert on the remote northern tip. Colombia’s most popular region for tourism with good reason, a warm sunny climate, laid-back vibes, top historic sites and bountiful nature reserves, makes this the perfect holiday destination. With 1,000 miles of shoreline and several tropical islands to discover, you might need some guidance. Here’s our choice, 14 of the best places to visit on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

To put it on the map, the Republic of Colombia is a South American country, located just under Panama, in an enviable position bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. However, the best beaches in Colombia are right here on the Caribbean coast, from the pretty golden bays strung along the shoreline of Tayrona National Park to the sun-drenched white sands of the Rosario Islands.

Visiting the world heritage sites of the colonial cities of Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta, trekking the jungle to the ancient ‘lost city’ or through the Sierra Nevada mountains, are some of the best things do in the Caribbean region of Colombia, apart from the beach and water-sport activities.

14 Best Places to Visit on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Authored by Adam McConnaughhay

1. Cartagena

Every list of the best places in Colombia’s Caribbean has to start with Cartagena de Indias! This former colonial port city is Colombia’s best known destination for good reason. It has gorgeous beaches , charming historic architecture, and a vibrant culture.

Be sure to not only explore the historic Walled City but also the neighboring district of Getsemaní, also historic and with a cool blend of old and new. You’ll also want to take a stroll along the defensive walls and have a drink at the famous Café del Mar atop the wall itself. Go and see the Castillo San Felipe, the largest colonial era fort on mainland South America, to take in the views of the Walled City from its top and explore the tunnels of its interior. Finally, be sure to enjoy the great seafood and have a fun night out on the town!

2. The Rosario Islands

Perhaps some of the best beaches near Cartagena are in the Rosario Islands. This small chain of islands is located about an hour off the coast. It was once a favorite hiding spot for pirates, and now it is a great place for a beach escape in the sun and sand, and undoubtedly one of the top destinations on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Rosario Islands . There are a number of nice resorts and ecolodges in the islands such as Gente del Mar and Islabela as well as fun beach clubs like Bora Bora and Luxury Beach Club. A great way to see the islands is by renting a private boat from Cartagena to take you around to different spots, like the party beach of Cholón.

3. The San Bernardo Islands

The Rosario Islands are actually part of a large coastal national park that includes their sister chain of islands further south, the San Bernardo Islands. They are a bit further away, but are even prettier. These isles are not quite as well known, especially to travelers from abroad.

The two main islands here are Mucura and Tintipan. Both have gorgeous beaches with crystal clear waters and some nice lodges and hotels. In fact, this is a lovely destination for Caribbean solo travel .

You can also visit the Santa Cruz del Islote, the most densely populated island in the world nearby, where what was once a small camp of fishermen has grown into a small urban area on a tiny isle. These islands can be reached via boat from Cartagena, the town of Tolú, or Rincón del Mar.

4. Rincón del Mar

Rincón del Mar is the next place on this list of the best places to see on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This is a small beach town several hours south of Cartagena. The town is a bit remote, and like the San Bernardo Islands is more well known to Colombians than foreign travelers.

That makes it a more off the beaten path destination in Colombia’s Caribbean. You’ll find a pretty beach front here as well as a handful of hotels, hostels, and lodges. It’s a lovely place to get away from it all for a bit and just enjoy some relaxing days on the beach.

5. Barranquilla

North of Cartagena you’ll find the city of Barranquilla. A modern port town, Barranquilla is much less touristic. That means it can be a nice spot to get a more local feel of what it’s like to live in Colombia . However, if your time is short to see all the fabulous places on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, you might want to skip it.

That’s with the exception of a few times of year. The first is Carnival, in mid to late February. Barranquilla has one of the most famous Carnivals in the world, perhaps second only to Rio in Brazil. There are big parades, colorful costumes, and lots of dancing and partying in the streets. If you happen to be traveling on Colombia’s Caribbean coast around this time, it’s well worth stopping in Barranquilla to experience Carnival.

The other neat event you can see in Barranquilla is a Colombian national team soccer game. Like the rest of Latin America, Colombians love their football team. The Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla is where Colombia plays its home games. Especially fun are World Cup Qualifiers, so if you happen to be passing through when there is a game, consider stopping to enjoy it.

6. Santa Marta

Further north, you’ll find the seaside resort of Santa Marta. Santa Marta was actually founded shortly before Cartagena, and it has a pretty historic colonial center along the waterfront. The lighthouse on the little island just offshore is really pretty. Another place of interest in Santa Marta is the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar died. You can find nice restaurants and bars around the Parque de los Novios downtown.

However, perhaps the best thing about Santa Marta is it is a great jumping off point to some more of the best places to go on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It serves as a great starting point to explore the rest of the places on this list.

Over the hills from Santa Marta, you’ll find a picturesque bay nestled between the roots of the Sierra Nevada mountains. There, what used to be a small fishing village is now a popular destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Taganga has a small beach front area with several seafood restaurants. There are also a number of hotels and hostels in town. While there are some nicer beaches a bit further north of Santa Marta coming up on this list, the view of the bay below when coming down into Taganga is one of the most beautiful in all of Colombia. Even just coming into town for a fresh fish lunch on the waterfront one day is worth it for that view.

In the mountains above Santa Marta, Minca is a quaint little town that is mostly inhabited by the descendants of indigenous peoples. Surrounded by lush jungle, there are some beautiful waterfalls nearby. These include the Pozo Azul and the Marinka Falls, both easy to reach hiking out of town.

The La Victoria coffee farm, which is just outside town, still uses machinery from the early 1900s and offers a very informative tour of the harvest process. You can also visit cacao farms near Minca. If you’re willing to go for a bit of a hike or take motorcycle taxis, you can visit the look out point of Los Pinos, where you can see Santa Marta and the Caribbean in the distance. For those looking for a longer hike, consider the overnight trek to Cerro Kennedy, where you can get even more spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea as well as the rest of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

9. Lost City

For really avid hikers, the trek to the Lost City is one of the more remarkable experiences you can have in Colombia. Ciudad Perdida or the Lost City was once a settlement of the indigenous peoples hundreds of years ago. Archaeologists believe it was settled around 800 CE, 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu .

Today it can be visited by a 4 day round trip hike led by guides that are the descendants of those same indigenous peoples who settled it all those years ago. This hike is a fairly difficult one and includes several river crossings, some taxing climbs, and camping. If you do complete it, you are rewarded with the view of the ancient city nestled amongst the jungle covered hills, a truly beautiful site that makes this one the best things to see on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

10. Tayrona

For those that love both hiking and the beach, Tayrona National Park is another one of the best destinations on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Located north of Santa Marta, this is perhaps Colombia’s most famous natural area. It can be reached by private transportation or bus from Santa Marta. It’s also possible to take speed boats from Taganga, although the seas can be quite rough, so expect a bumpy ride.

Set between the Caribbean Sea and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this area is sacred to the indigenous peoples and they consider it the cradle of life. The scenery of the mountains running into the sea and giant boulders on the beaches is absolutely stunning.

The park itself is enormous, and much of it can only be reached by boat. However, there is a popular trek from the entrance of the park to some of the best beaches at Cabo San Juan del Guía. This takes about two hours to hike in, so it’s best to plan to spend the night so you can have plenty of time to enjoy the beaches. At Cabo San Juan you’ll find hammocks, a campground, and some small cabins. There are a handful of other campsites and ecolodges inside or just outside the park.

It’s also possible to do day trips to some beaches on the southern end of Tayrona Park such as Bahía Concha or Playa Cristal from Santa Marta, but the best beaches are located farther north after the hike into the park from the main entrance.

11. Costeño Beach

A bit north of Tayrona Park, you’ll find a stretch of beach known as Playa Costeño or Costeño Beach. One of the lesser known places to visit in Colombia’s Caribbean, it is a large piece of private property that was developed with a handful of hostels and ecolodges.

The beach here is nice and wide, although the currents can be dangerous to swim. Surfers do like to come here for those currents. For those that want to enjoy some peaceful beach time without all the hiking of Tayrona, it is a good option, and you can stay at one of the fun beach hostels in a cheap dorm bed or at one of the nicer hotels along the beach, making it good for visitors of all budgets.

12. Palomino

Further north, you’ll find the small beach town of Palomino. Much like Taganga, this was a small fishing village that has recently become one of the most popular places to see on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

You’ll find a cool, sort of hippy backpacker vibe here, and Palomino is popular with both Colombian and foreign tourists for its laid back atmosphere. In town, there are a handful of great restaurants and bars, all that have reasonable prices, and many that have live music in the evening.

In addition to the nearby beaches, you can also go tubing down the Palomino River. The river is mostly calm and shallow, and guides accompany you the entire way. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and take in the scenery along the river as you float down towards the beach. You can also visit the Quebrada Valencia waterfall nearby. Or, you could just opt to hang out on the beach with a cold beer or piña colada.

You’ll find a variety of hostels as well as more upscale hotels both in town and on the beach in Palomino, making it another one of the top towns to visit in Colombia’s Caribbean.

13. Cabo de la Vela

Palomino is also considered the start of the La Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia. This peninsula remains largely inhabited by indigenous peoples today. A couple hours north of Palomino, you’ll find the city of Riohacha, the last major city. Farther north, you enter the desert of the La Guajira peninsula, home to the Wayuu people, who were actually never formally conquered by the Spanish.

If you head across the desert north of Riohacha, you will come to Cabo de la Vela, a small town on the coast. Surrounded by sand dunes, the beach here is pretty. However, if you venture a bit out of town, you’ll find some gorgeous landscapes including one of the prettiest beaches in Colombia at the Pilón de Azucar. A hill just out of town where a small lighthouse, known as El Faro, is located is one of the most stunning sunsets in Colombia.

Cabo de la Vela remains largely undeveloped, although there are are handful of hostels and a couple of nicer hotels. It is a bit of adventure to get here. However, it’s possible to arrive by collective taxi from Riohacha to the town of Uribia, and then get 4×4 transportation across the desert or arrange private transportation.

14. Punta Gallinas

For those looking for even more adventure and stunning landscapes, include a visit to Punta Gallinas on your list of places to visit on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Punta Gallinas is the most northern point of the South American continent, sitting at the end of the La Guajira Peninsula.

You can arrange transportation to Punta Gallinas from Cabo de la Vela. It is not recommended to go on your own as there is no clear road through the desert. Most tours include transportation there, a tour of the nearby sites, overnight accommodations in a hammock or basic room, and breakfast the next day before heading back to Cabo de la Vela.

The landscape here is extraordinary. As part of the tour, you’ll visit the actual point that is farthest north and the Taroa sand dunes, which slope down to a marvelous beach where you can cool off with a dip in the sea. It’s a fascinating spot and one of the best places to see on Colombia’s Caribbean coast for those with a more adventurous spirit.

Best Places to See on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast Conclusion

These are 14 of the best places to visit on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Whether you prefer a city like Cartagena, mountains, gorgeous beaches, adventure, or some combination thereof, you can find it all in Colombia’s Caribbean.

About the Author Adam McConnaughhay lived in Cartagena from 2011 to mid 2021. He writes about Cartagena and other destinations in Colombia at Cartagena Explorer .

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How to Spend 3 Weeks Along Colombia’s Northern Coast

Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast is one of the most popular regions in the country for travelers. With beautiful beaches, culturally diverse cities, amazing biodiversity, and unique landscapes, it could easily occupy visitors for weeks at a time. From Cartagena to the Tayrona National Park and La Guajira , we’ve selected the best things to do on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Cartagena is the perfect starting point for any Colombian Caribbean itinerary. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric city, with great tourism infrastructure, making it a perfect entry point into traveling in the region. It’s worth spending two or three nights staying in and around the old town, enjoying the colorful avenues and squares, as well as the wonderful restaurants and shops . You can enjoy a guided walking tour with a local insider as part of Culture Trip’s exclusive eight-day Colombian Caribbean adventure .

From Cartagena, there are a number of excellent day-trips you can enjoy: the historical Afro-Colombian village of San Basilio de Palenque, the beautiful beach of Playa Blanca, and the surreal mud volcano of Totumo are just a few of the options.

During or after your time in Cartagena, head out to one of the nearby islands to spend a night or two enjoying some beautiful Caribbean beaches – Isla Grande is a great option closer to the city, while those who don’t mind spending a bit longer on a boat will love the stunning floating hostel of Casa en el Agua close to Isla Mucura.

Your next stop is the city of Santa Marta – in fact, the second oldest city in South America – which is the perfect gateway to some of the most alluring natural sights along the Caribbean coast. Spend a night in Santa Marta to enjoy the pleasant old colonial center, before heading inland towards the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to spend a few nights in the charming village of Minca.

Minca is a lovely little spot to enjoy a few nights in a cooler climate and take advantage of the vast biodiversity of the Colombian Caribbean region. With plenty of hiking trails , coffee and cacao farm tours, waterfalls and swimming holes, as well as a wonderful selection of hostels and hotels and a laid-back atmosphere, Minca often ends up being a favorite spot for many travelers in Colombia.

Your next stop should definitely be a couple of nights in the Tayrona National Park : it might be busy, and a little pricier for foreigners, but it really is unmissable on a trip to this part of Colombia – and is also included on Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Colombian Caribbean tour . Spend a couple of nights camping at the popular Cabo San Juan beachside campsite, or head inland from Arrecifes beach for some quieter campsites in the forest. During the day you can sunbathe, take a swim (although only on certain beaches), hike in the jungle, or trek up to the ruins of an old indigenous village named Pueblito. Tayrona is popular for a reason, so make sure not to miss it.

From Tayrona, your route depends a little on physical fitness: those who fancy a challenge can take four days to trek through the jungle to the Lost City – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience – alternatively head directly to the little beach town of Palomino . Even after the hike, it’s worth having a night or two in Palomino to relax and recover from the 28mi (46km) you have just trekked! In Palomino, you can chill out on the beach with a cocktail and a tasty fish platter, or hike a little way into the jungle and ride the river back down to the sea on an inner tube.

From Palomino you can continue on along the coast towards the arid deserts of La Guajira: stop along the way at Los Flamencos Natural Reserve for amazing sightings of flamingos and other bird species. The ultimate destination should be the beautiful seafront village of Cabo de la Vela. Home to some of the calmest blue waters in the Colombian Caribbean, as well as excellent kitesurfing , Cabo takes a bit of work to get to but is well worth the extra travel. Truly adventurous travelers can head even further north – the most northern point on the continent, in fact – to the wild and surreal desert landscapes of Punta Gallinas .

This is a flexible itinerary that could easily be adapted and changed for a longer or shorter trip, but as it stands it would be perfect for a three-week trip on the Colombian Caribbean coast, including time for bus travel and with a few flexible days for extra day-trips or simply to allow some time to relax.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Home » North America » USA » West Coast

Ultimate West Coast Road Trip Guide for 2024

Going on a West Coast road trip has to be one of the most magnificent experiences in the USA. This region, comprising of California, Oregon, Washington, is one of the most beautiful parts of the world and offers countless things to do and places to see. Sorry East Coast – these routes have gotcha’ beat.

While traveling on the West Coast, you’ll have the option of taking many road trip routes. You can take a road trip on Highway 101 along the iconic coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, or you can navigate through the epic Cascades and the Sierra Nevada mountains inland.

Being raised in Oregon, and having taken several road trips on the West Coast, I have a lot to share with you, my fellow broke backpackers.

In this USA West Coast road trip planner, I’ll cover several topics, including how to stick to a budget, the best places to visit on the West Coast, and plenty of ideas and itineraries to easily organize your entire trip.

So come with me as we go on a road trip of the West Coast, USA!

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Renting a Car or Campervan in West Coast

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Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around while backpacking the USA and that sure does include the West Coast. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using Rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give me a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various waste and water tanks to live the van life though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the West Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you’re on a West Coast road trip during the winter and conditions are poor, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

A of my personal favorite tips on how to save money on your West Coast USA road trip …

• I mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

The most and best parties are usually in the larger cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. These cities have the most bars, clubs, and just a greater selection of places to drink. The larger cities also host a greater amount of shows and touring musicia

While there are TONS of epic places to stay along the West Coast, here are three that are absolutely worth reserving in advance!

Best West Coast Mountain Getaway: Earthlight Washington Villa

This mountain villa in Waterville, Washington just might be the most incredible Airbnb on the West Coast. Built on the edge of a ridge that overlooks the Columbia River and some stunning mountains. Enjoy it all from a truly legendary deck that features a jacuzzi and panoramic views. Only one hour from Leavenworth and 15 minutes from the nearest town, you’ll get to be as secluded as possible while still having 21st-century amenities in reach.

Best West Coast Beach Cottage: Oregon Coast Beach Getaway

This Oregon Coast beach cottage is mere steps from one of the West Coast’s most legendary beaches. Multiple comfy beds, a large kitchen, and a wood-burning stove all add to the homey feel–just 100 yards from the ocean. You’ll also have easy access to local breweries and some hiking trails if you’ve had enough beach time!

Best Airbnb in Los Angeles: Downtown LA Condo

Where you stay in LA matters a LOT, so why not choose this iconic condo located right near the City of Angels’ main attractions? The 1 bedroom condo features glass windows, 20 ft ceilings, and a rooftop pool that you’ll be thankful for if you visit in the summer! You can also count on a super comfy bed, a TV, fast Wifi, and EPIC views of LA.

Best Places to Stay on Your West Coast Road Trip

Here are some of the best places to stay all along the West Coast.

Below is a list of sample road trips up (and down) the West Coast. Varying from 10 days to 30 days in length, they cover many of the West Coast’s top attractions. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some awesome West Coast road trip ideas and maximize the natural beauty you’ll get to experience.

Since the West Coast is massive and I can’t go into every single detail for each location, I’ve created more specific road trips to help you out a bit. Get ready for a heavy dose of driving in the USA inspo!

• California Road Trip
• Oregon Road Trip

A road trip on Highway 101 is one of the most popular and desirable adventures in the United States. This route features an amazing coastline that shifts every step of the way. While you’ll see other states too, this is the California trip of your dreams!

Starting in Southern California, you’ll see palm trees and surf-worthy swells slowly turn to dramatic cliffs. By the time you reach the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by lush, temperate rainforest, the likes of which you can see nowhere else in America.

On the road trip from San Diego to Seattle, you will pass by several of the most interesting cities in the region, Must-do’s include visiting Los Angeles , Santa Barbara, and Seattle. Between these many places, you will have your pick of bars, restaurants, and local markets.

Ultimately, a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway is a no-fail and I wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to spend more time on this itinerary.

Highlights: San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwoods, Oregon Coast, Olympic National Park

Notable bars and restaurants: Zeitgeist (San Francisco), A.O.C. (LA), Lost Abbey (San Diego), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka), Pelican Brewery (Cape Kiwanda), The Schooner (Netarts), Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport), Chestnut Cottage (Port Angeles), Granny’s Cafe (Port Angeles)

Where to Sleep:

• Freehand Hostel Los Angeles
• Green Tortoise Hostel San Francisco
• Ecola Creek Lodge (Cannon Beach)

You’ve only got 10 days on this West Coast Road Trip and it’s definitely not a lot of time for such a massive creation. Don’t expect to see each and every highlight on the way, especially when visiting LA where traffic can get hectic, to say the least.

You’ll have to plan your activities ahead to enjoy a stress-free adventure. The best activities are surfing around SoCal, camping in Big Sur, and whale watching. If you’re more of an active person, you should check out the hiking trails on the Olympic Peninsula. Exploring San Francisco and the Redwoods is a great experience too. As popular as it is, you can’t miss out on the Golden Gate Bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If you’re into scenic drives, check out the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) and Highway 1 – both offer incredible views!

Depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll be able to attend some cool festivals. Here are the coolest:

• Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria (February)
• Goonies Day in Astoria (June)
• SF Outside Lands (August)
• Desert Daze (October)
• Redwood Coast Music Fest (October)

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

This is quite literally the opposite of a road on Highway 101 – this route primarily covers the eastern portion of California, Oregon, and Washington, areas that are defined by arid landscapes and rugged mountains.

Starting this road trip in California, you’ll begin in the hottest official place in the USA before escaping to the Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass by Yosemite , Lake Mono, and Lake Tahoe before reaching Oregon. Here, you’ll get a break from the desert by visiting Crater Lake before heading to the deserts around John Day again. By the time, you reach Washington, you’ll be in the rolling hills of the Palouse.

Given the harshness of the landscape, I advise that you undertake this road trip in late-spring or early-fall. Although it’s the desert, there is still a high probability of snow in the passes.

Highlights: Death Valley, Sierras, Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic NP, Crater Lake, Bend, Wallowas, Palouse

Notable bars and restaurants: Holy Smokes Texas Style BBQ (Bishop), The Stove (Mammoth Lakes), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend), McKay Cottage (Bend), Roosters Country Kitchen (Pendleton)

• Villa D’billa Airbnb (Reno)
• Moderne Hostel (Mammoth Lakes)
• Mellow Mountain Hostel (Tahoe)
• Bunk + Brews Historic Lucas House (Bend)

The best activities on this road trip are definitely climbing in Yosemite and canoeing at Lake Tahoe. For everyone who’s into adventures and adrenaline, you can ski and then stay at a cabin on Mammoth Lakes and hike the John Muir Wilderness. Biking around Crater Lake and taking epic photos in the Palouse is a bit more relaxing.

For scenic drives on this road trip, I’d recommend the Tioga Pass, Lassen Scenic Byway, and Highway 395. There are more drives that you can find online, but these ones are my personal favorites.

The best events you can attend are:

• Bishop Manzanar Pilgrimage (April)
• Burning Man (August),
• Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza (August)
• Bend Brew Festival (October)

One look at the map for this itinerary and you will probably exclaim how random it looks. Given that you will be visiting every national park between California and Washington, it’s pretty clear that there will be a great deal of driving.

But there’s going to be equal if not a greater amount of majesty. The national parks of the Western USA are famous and arguably form the finest collection in all of North America. You’re going to see deserts, valleys, giant redwoods, lakes, and mountains; if you can think of a landscape, it’s going to be featured here.

Luckily, there will be plenty of breaks on this best national parks edition of a West Coast road trip. You’ll also see many of the West Coast’s major cities, including Portland and Bellingham, and have the chance to take a brief road trip on Highway 101. So even if you are itching to go camping and get a little dirty, there will still be some showers along the way.

Highlights : Joshua Tree National Park , Kings Canyon, Channel Islands, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Olympic, Mt Rainier, North Cascades

Notable bars and restaurants: Stonefly Restaurant (Markleeville), Austin’s Restaurant (Tahoe), Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse (Bishop), John’s Pizza Works (Mammoth Lakes), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno),

• Emerald Forest Cabins (Eureka)
• Maverick Inn (Klamath Falls)
• Bavarian Bungalow Getaway (Leavenworth)

On this road trip, you’ll come across the absolute best hiking trails in the US . You can do a separate road trip in Redwoods, bike around Crater Lake, or check out the awesome beaches of the Olympic Peninsula if hiking is not your thing. For the more creative ones, you’ll love taking pictures at Death Valley National Park.

All scenic drives that I mentioned above can be visited on this road trip too, but I’d recommend checking out the Cascade Loop and Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway .

This is it – the most complete road trip from California to Washington that you can do in 30 days. Just about every destination that has been covered so far in previous road trips is included here. This includes a road trip on the California Coast, a road trip from San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada, the Oregon Coast, the Washington Cascades, the Olympic Peninsula, and much, much more.

All of the major cities on the West Coast are included as well. There will be plenty of places to visit while staying in Los Angeles -do check out the Santa Monica pier for some prime people watching- San Francisco, Seattle, and every other city for that matter. Regardless of where you choose to spend your time – be it in the cities or in nature – it will be time well spent.

This itinerary also has the added benefit of featuring the amazing San Juan Islands, located at the end of a Highway 101 road trip. These are among the most beautiful places to stay in Washington and a mandatory given the amount of time you have.

Highlights : Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, San Francisco, Sierras, Lake Tahoe, Redwoods, Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Bend, Portland, North Cascades, Seattle, Olympic Peninsula

Notable bars and restaurants: A.O.C. (LA), Lost Abbey (San Diego), Zeitgeist (San Francisco), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend), Cartopia (Portland), Dick’s Drive-In (Seattle)

• Otter’s Pond Bed & Breakfast (Orcas)

Well, you’ve got a whole month on your hands! So you better do everything the West Coast has to offer, right? Whether it’s surfing while staying in Santa Cruz , exploring LA’s nightlife, or hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada – you’ll never get bored.

A couple of things I’d definitely recommend though are sailing in the San Juans, alpine climbing in North Cascades, and taking the delicious beer in Bend. What you end up doing during the 4-week road trip is completely up to you, but you can be sure to have a blast!

Hit up the road and check out the most beautiful scenic drives in the West Coast. They include Highway 101, US-26, and Crater Lake Rim . If you’ve got a nice car and love driving around, add these to your list as well.

Below is a list of the best road trip stops on the West Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most for your road trip.

Southern California Road Trip

Southern California or SoCal is the drier, sunnier part of California, known for its desert landscapes, Latin-influences, beach culture, and urban sprawl. It is distinct from Northern California in many ways and should definitely be discussed in its own section.

Southern California is by no means small – it hosts millions of residents, leagues of land, amazing national parks, and a lot of coastlines – but for the sake of brevity, we must condense all of Southern California into a single section.

The region is best known for its easy-going and Epicurean culture. Metropolises, like Los Angeles and San Diego, host huge populations of people who just want to have fun in the sun, do business, and maybe get famous. The parties in Southern California are often extravagant and it goes without saying that places like Hollywood or Santa Barbara  get really crazy.

Southern California is also well-known for its desert landscapes and climate. Sunshine is plentiful, temperatures are warm, and rain is infrequent.

Superlative national parks, like Death Valley and the magical Joshua Tree , exhibit the arid beauty of Southern California. Add in some of the best beaches on the West Coast and you can why the surfer and beach culture is strong here.

In the end, Southern California is a paradisiacal place, both in mind and reality. People flock here in pursuit of dreams, warmer climates, and sometimes for no reason at all. I can think of no better place to start a fantastic road trip up the West Coast than Southern California.

Northern California Road Trip

Northern California or NorCal is a bit more temperate than SoCal, both in climate and attitude. The weather is moodier, people are slightly more cosmopolitan, and the food is far more eclectic.

You won’t find the desert beaches and vast deserts of SoCal; NorCal has grander forests, more alpine areas, and a rougher coastline. Its home to many of the best hikes in California .

Nothing illustrates the difference between NorCal and SoCal better than comparing Los Angeles and San Francisco. Whereas LA is more defined by its entertainment and pleasure industries, San Francisco is a technological utopia that hosts some of the most influential industries in the world i.e. Google.

As a city, San Francisco is far denser, better planned, and all-in-all more modern than Los Angeles. Staying in San Francisco can be refreshing and recharging, especially after spending a long time on the road. It has superior public transport, more public works, and a greater amount of accommodation options.

San Francisco also benefits from being a part of the greater Bay Area , which offers West Coast roadtrippers a huge array of activities.

There’s the increasingly affluent but always gritty Oakland in the East Bay as well as the gorgeous if not opulent Marin County in the North Bay. The stunning Napa Valley has some of the best wineries in California and the coastline around SF is spectacular.

Along the coast, Big Sur, Monterrey, John Muir Woods, and Point Reyes are all worth visiting.

Finally, Northern California offers some of the best landscapes in California. Legendary areas like Yosemite National Park , Tahoe , and the Redwood Forest are all worth visiting as are the lesser-known ones like Lassen , the John Muir Wilderness , and the Lost Coast .

Northern California is definitely one of the best places that you’ll visit on your West Coast road trip route. Like Southern California, I had to, unfortunately, be very brief with this region.

• Best Hostels in San Francisco
• Is San Francisco safe?
• Incredible San Francisco Airbnbs
• Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Oregon Coastal Road Trip

Whimsical Oregon – home to hipsters, endlessly flowing beers, and some of the most enchanting beaches and hikes on the West Coast .

Over the years, Oregon has been the recipient of many titles and stereotypes, some of which are spot-on. Though not the enclave for the weird that it used to be, Oregon is still one of the most endearing and charming states in the entire country and is still utterly unique.

Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states on the West Coast. It has deserts, mountains, rainforests, beaches, gorges, and volcanoes; you name it, and Oregon has got it. Because of this, there is an immense amount of things to do in Oregon, from relaxing to finding the best hikes you’ve ever seen.

The largest and most well-known city in Oregon is Portland. Famed for its craft beer scene, amazing food, and uncanny residents, backpacking Portland is definitely one of the best experiences you can have on your West Coast road trip. Grab a bike, grab a brew, grab a friend, and go for a joy ride in the city.

If you’re looking for a good hike, there are several trails near Portland in Forest Park , the Columbia River Gorge , and at every Portlandians favorite landmark, the elegant Mt Hood .

Almost as famous as Portland is the Oregon Coast . The Oregon Coast is far more rugged, moody, and, arguably, more beautiful than the California Coast – people love to visit here in order to get away.

The Oregon and California Coasts are, thankfully, connected via the amazing Highway 101, which runs further up to Washington. Taking a road trip on Highway 101 up the West Coast is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the region.

Oregon’s Highway 101 attractions include Cannon Beach , the Oregon Dunes , and Cape Perpetua .

• Iconic cottages in Oregon
• Epic treehouses and lodging in Oregon
• Where to stay in Portland
• Best hostels in Portland

Eastern Oregon Road Trip

Many imagine Oregon to be a dreary, rainy wonderland full of trees and hippies. While this is true for the Western portion of Oregon, few realize that this is not the case for nearly two-thirds of the state.

Eastern Oregon is situated in a mostly high desert. Here, the people are more conservative, the landscape is harsher, and the sagebrush rolls on endlessly. It’s an ideal place to grab a quality Oregon cabin and really get acquainted with this unique class of nature.

Eastern Oregon is separated from the rest of the state by the Cascade Mountain Range . These mountains extend north through Washington and south to Northern California.

The Cascades have a profound effect on the climate. Eastern Oregon receives far less rain than the West and is much more arid. The Oregon Cascades are beautiful as well, and many of the top places to visit on a West Coast road trip are located in this range.

The aforementioned Mt Hood , superlative Crater Lake , and countless waterfalls throughout the state can be found in the Oregon Cascades.

The desert dominates Eastern Oregon. Locations like the Painted Hills, Alvord Desert, Smith Rock , and Owyhee Canyonlands are all wonderful representatives of Eastern Oregon’s stark beauty.

Those looking for more than just desert though will be happy to hear that places like the Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains offer more alpine experiences.

There are lots of things to do in Eastern Oregon. Aside from seeking solitude, people often visit Eastern Oregon for adventurous activities. Whitewater rafting, skiing, and hiking are all excellent here.

Staying in Bend , the largest city in Eastern Oregon, is an excellent place idea as it offers lots of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Road Trip to Seattle

Visiting Seattle is a must while road-tripping the West Coast. It’s one of the most prosperous and dynamic cities in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a culturally rich place that has helped gestate the careers of some of the greatest icons in American history including Ray Charles, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix.

Economically, it is one of the fastest-growing American cities and hosts several important companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks. Lying on the banks of the Puget Sound and in the shadow of the massive Mt Rainier , Seattle may also be the most beautiful city on the West Coast.

Seattle is best explored at a leisurely pace. Allocate lots of time to walk around and visit the many cafes in the city. Drink coffee and beer in copious amounts and be sure to eat the local seafood, which is bountiful in the city. Basically, try not to rush through Seattle’s many places to visit .

Though there are several restaurants to visit around Seattle, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the iconic Pikes Place Market .

Seattle is a very outdoorsy city. Lots of backpackers love Seattle because of its laid-back, hipster vibe . There are tons of parks around the city that offer amazing views of the surrounding cityscape/landscape and display quintessential PNW lushness, including evergreens and maples.

From parks like Jose Rizal, Kerry Park, Discovery , and Seaword , you’ll have astounding views of the city and Cascade Range. Seriously, these viewpoints are some of the best I’ve ever visited.

There are several notable museums in Seattle. The ultra-modern Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, and the Chihuly Garden are all gorgeous museums and are among the best places to visit in Seattle.

Consider sailing on  Elliot Bay  as well. You can charter a larger, more luxurious sailboat, which will obviously cost more, or choose a more affordable option. You can rent a kayak for good rates and even sail for free every Sunday with the Center for Wooden Boats , the latter of which is one of the best free things to do in Seattle!

• Best hostels in Seattle
• Where to stay in Seattle?
• Epic Seattle itinerary
• Things to do in Seattle

Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

The Olympic Peninsula hosts Washington’s best national parks , beaches, rugged mountains, and some of the densest and wettest rainforests in North America. It is an Arcadian destination where you could get lost for days (or weeks); it is, without a doubt, one of the top West Coast road trip destinations.

The Olympic Peninsula is located west of Seattle across the Puget Sound . You can reach the peninsula from Seattle by road via Tacoma and Olympia or by ferry.

Our favorite West Coast road trip route, Highway 101 , actually starts/ends at the Tumwater/I-5 junction, just south of Olympia, and circles the entire Olympic Peninsula too. (As if this road couldn’t get any better?)

The vast majority of the Olympic Peninsula is a part of the Olympic National Park . Within the park, you’ll find all sorts of natural attractions. Here you can go hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and rafting all within the course of a day, maybe.

Near Port Angeles is the Hurricane Ridge Road, which grants access to the Hurricane Ridge . Aside from hosting a ski resort, Hurricane Ridge has one of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the state, as you’ll see huge swathes of peaks and forests.

Continuing west and then south around the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll reach the furthest shores of Washington state. Along the western portion of the Olympic Peninsula are a series of ultra-rugged and remote beaches among the most beautiful places on the West Coast.

Most of these require either a 4×4 car or a hike on foot to reach. Some of the best beaches of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula are Rialto Beach , Shi Shi Beach , and Ruby Beach .

Finally, the Hoh Rainforest is accessed via a series of dirt roads on the western edge of the peninsula. The Hoh is one of the most incredible rainforests in the world. Overrun by mammoth trees and covered nearly head to toe in lush moss, the Hoh seemingly offers nearly every shade of green imaginable.

Road Trip to Bellingham and the San Juan Islands

North of Seattle is the Salish Sea, which, apart from linking Seattle to the Pacific Ocean, hosts a number of idyllic islands and communities.

Most notable are the San Juan Islands – a gorgeous archipelago that offers some of the most bucolic and relaxing settings in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the perfect place to grab a quirky Washington treehouse and just bask in the awesomeness of nature. These in addition to Bellingham on the mainland are some of the best places in Washington.

Driving north from Seattle, you’ll first pass by Anacortes , which is the primary docking area for ferries to the San Juans as well as Vancouver Island .

South of Anacortes is Whidbey Island . Though not as gorgeous as the San Juans, Whidbey is still very nice and actually offers one of the most scenic drives in Washington. Whidbey Island is connected by bridge to the mainland at Deception Pass .

Bellingham is one of the coolest towns on the West Coast, thanks to its awesome brewery scene, young population, and outdoorsy culture. It’s primarily a college town, inhabited mostly by students, but lots of people end up falling in love with Bellingham and settling here permanently. Like any good student town, the nightlife is usually ramped up, and the beer, in particular, is quite good in Bellingham.

Bellingham is very close to Canada, Mt Baker, and the San Juan Islands, which makes it a great base for exploring the Pacific Northwest.

The San Juan Islands are one of the best places to visit on a West Coast road trip. Here is a Pacific paradise with untouched woods, calm waters, and gorgeous scenery. Small towns like Friday Harbor make for amazing places to stay for a rest stop.

People love to visit the San Juans to unwind and escape from civilization. Migrating orcas are frequently seen in the San Juans as well, which makes them popular with whale watchers.

You can reach the San Juans via ferry back to Anacortes. The ferry runs all year though less frequently in the winter.

Cascades Road Trip

Though the Cascade Range extends all the way into Oregon and California, the portion in Washington is arguably the best. The Washington Cascades are home to two of the West Coast’s best national parks – Rainier and North Cascades – in addition to several superlative wildernesses.

For mountaineers, hikers, and anyone interested in the outdoors, the Washington Cascades are among the most beautiful places .

The Washington Cascades can be roughly broken into 4 sections: the Gifford-Pinchot, Mt. Rainier, the Okanogan-Wenatchee, and North Cascades .

The Gifford-Pinchot section of the Cascades is the most southerly part of the range and is a part of the eponymous national forest. Here you’ll find Mt Adams – the second highest peak in the Cascades – and Mt St Helens – the famous active volcano. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest are also in the Gifford-Pinchot.

Mt Rainier is the largest mountain in the Cascades and hosts a national park. Mt Rainier National Park offers some of the best hikes and camping opportunities in Washington. The Summerland , Wonderland, and Tolmie Lookout trails are some of the most popular. Mt Rainier is also famous for its wildflowers, which bloom around July.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee area is home to many of Washington’s premier ski resorts. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie, and Leavenworth are all notable locations.

Leavenworth is a very charming town in its own right and was designed to resemble a Bavarian village. Nearby to Leavenworth are the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and superlative Enchantment Basin , both of which offer amazing hiking opportunities.

Finally, the North Cascades – near the border of Canada – has some of the most rugged and remote peaks in the country. There are lots more hiking opportunities to be had around the North Cascades. Popular trails include Hidden Lake Lookout, Lake Anne, Sahalie Arm , and Copper Ridge . There is excellent skiing at Mt Baker as well, which is the highest mountain in the area.

Eastern Washington Road Trip

Eastern Washington is very different from the Western portion of the state. Lying on the other side of the Cascade Range, Eastern Washington is arider and desert-like, much in the same way as Eastern Oregon.

This part of Washington is distinctly more agrarian as well, and people tend to lean towards of the conservative side of the political spectrum. Regardless of its differences, Eastern Washington is a gorgeous place to visit and offers some of the most unique places to visit in Washington.

Though I’ll be frank when I say there is not a whole lot to do in Eastern Washington. Aside from a few very notable and beautiful attractions, 80% of Eastern Washington is either boring farmland or shrubbery. Definitely consider visiting this region but don’t allocate too many days to it.

Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington. It’s a peaceful city that doesn’t see much in the way of tourism. There are a few notable landmarks in the city like Spokane Falls, Davenport Arts District, and Manito Park .

Architecture fans may enjoy wandering around the city to see the works of Kirtland Cutter , who was one of the most influential architects in the PNW.

Most people just use Spokane as a base to explore the surrounding landscape. Spokane benefits from the excellent road trips nearby. The ever-charming Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint, Idaho are both very close to Spokane as is the Canadian border. Mountain lovers will love having the Northern Rockies right at their fingertips in Spokane.

South of Spokane is the Palouse , a very pastoral region that could easily rival Tuscany in terms of beauty. With rolling hills and endless fields, many photographers love Palouse. Consider a visit if you are looking to escape to the countryside. Steptoe Butte offers one of the best views of the hills.

Palouse also has one of the best waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest: Palouse Falls . This mighty waterfall drops into a gorgeous canyon and makes for excellent photographs. Hikers can walk to the base of the waterfall through the canyon itself as well.

Looking for some more unique West Coast road trip ideas? Then check out these off-the-beaten-path locations for a chance to see something different!

Nevada Road Trip

Nevada is a state directly east of California, best known for debaucherous Las Vegas. Because of its proximity to Los Angeles (a 4-hour drive), Las Vegas and Nevada are frequently visited on a California road trip.

Visit Las Vegas for a chance to party big and win bigger at the casinos, and consider visiting the rest of the state. There are several excellent attractions in Nevada that have nothing to do with LV like the Valley of Fire, Great Basin National Park, and Reno. 

Lake Tahoe is probably the biggest draw in the area. There are many cool things to do in Lake Tahoe , and it’s an ideal place to have your own vehicle.

Idaho Road Trip

Idaho is a relatively neglected state that doesn’t get much attention from the rest of the country. While some of it is admittedly unimpressive – the south is an endless expanse of ugly agriculture and weird towns – there are still a lot of cool things in Idaho.

Boise is quickly becoming one of the most charming cities in the Western USA and has a great culinary scene. The mountains of Idaho, being a part of the northernmost section of the American Rockies , are also very beautiful. The Sawtooth Range, Nez-Perce Woods , and the lake town of Sandpoint are all very attractive places worth visiting.

One of the best ways to see these mountains is to stay in a cabin in Idaho , as they offer unrivaled views of the mountains and the best scenic spots in the state.

Vancouver Road Trip

If you’ve finished your West Coast road trip route and want more, then why not continue your trip into Canada? While Vancouver isn’t exactly off the beaten path, it is just across the Washington-Canada border and one of the most gorgeous cities in the entire world.

Backpacking Vancouver offers many adventurous opportunities including skiing, hiking, sailing, and ferries to Vancouver Island. Granted, there aren’t many coastal roadways in British Columbia but the mountains are superlative and only a few hours drive away from Vancouver!

The US national parks are among the most beautiful places on the West Coast! Visit any one of the following areas for a glimpse of the best of the West Coast’s splendor and get ready to take lots of pictures.

California National Parks

• Kings Canyon/Sequoia (SoCal) – Home to the giant sequoias, which are one of the tallest trees in the world. Framed by quintessential-Sierra Nevada craggy peaks, Sequoia National Park is incredibly unique.
• Channel Islands (SoCal) – Islands that have huge ecological diversity. Good for whale watching, scuba diving, and hiking.
• Yosemite (NorCal) – Granite wonderland full of some of the sheerest and most dramatic rock walls in the world. A Mecca for rock climbers and hikers. Plan your visit to Yosemite ahead of time!
• Death Valley (SoCal) – One of the hottest and most inhospitable places in the world. Defined by surreal geology, mountains, and enormous sand dunes, Death Valley National Park just can’t be missed.
• Joshua Tree (SoCal) – A desert national park close to Los Angeles. Home to unique flora and fauna. Popular with hikers , climbers, and weekend warriors.
• Redwood (NorCal) – Park dedicated to some of the oldest and greatest trees on the planet. One of the California Coast’s best attractions.
• Lassen Volcanic (NorCal) – A highly volcanic area defined by bubbling thermal pools and active volcanoes, and one of the best camping spots in California .
• Pinnacles (NorCal) – Set-up to preserve unique rock formations and local bat populations.

Oregon National Parks

• Crater Lake (Oregon) – The only national park in Oregon and one of the best places in Oregon. Insanely deep and clear lake sitting in a collapsed caldera.

Washington National Parks

• Mt Rainier (Washington) – The highest mountain in the Cascades and home to the largest glaciers in the lower 48. An alpine paradise.
• Olympic (Washington) – One of the most geographically diverse regions on the West Coast. Mountains, glaciers, rugged coastline, and rainforest all in one place.
• North Cascades (Washington) – “The Alps of the USA.” Vast and wild national park that protects some of the most beautiful mountains in America.

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. The roadside attractions on the West Coast have become so admired that many people go on a trip just to see them! Below is a list of some of the most interesting West Coast roadside attractions.

• Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno) – An impressive and intricate series of underground passageways with gardens everywhere. Very pretty place.
• Trees of Mystery (Klamath) – An amusement park of sorts with, most notably, two giants statues of Paul Bunyon and his ox Babe .
• Salvation Mountain (Niland) – A pretty famous attraction on the edge of San Diego. Surreal and Gaudi-like shrine in the desert. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs (Cabazon) – One of the OG California roadside attractions! A favorite for many.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health (Salem) – A real mental institution that was used for filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Now displays important artifacts from the movie as well as archaic therapeutic techniques.
• Octopus Tree (Tillamook) – An old spruce tree that came to be shaped like an octopus by unknown means.
• The Oregon Vortex (Gold Hill) – A place where the laws of physics are purportedly non-existent due to paranormal activity.
• Rosie (Sekiu) – An anthropomorphic fish statue complete with a pink skirt, bra, and tennis shoes. Doesn’t get much weirder than this.
• Codger Pole (Colfax) – Local totem pole built to commemorate a local football game. Depicts the players as they appeared in the 1930s during their first match. Dedicated in 1988 during their final rematch.
• Wild Horses Monument (Vantage) – Dedicated to Washington state’s centennial. A collection of iron horses galloping on a ridgeline over the Columbia River Gorge.

You have endless options for gorgeous roads on the West Coast. Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more West Coast road trip ideas!

Each drive features some of the best places to visit on a USA West Coast road trip and several other scenic byways detours as well.

1. Highway 101/1 (California/Oregon/Washington)

One of the finest drives in the entire USA. Road trip from San Diego to Seattle via Highway 1 and 101, which hugs the near entirety of the West Coast.

Watch the coastline change from desert-like to temperate and see some of the finest scenery of all. Highway 101 attractions include the California Redwoods, camping at Big Sur , the rugged Oregon Coast, and the lush Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

2. Highway 395/97 (California/Oregon/Washington)

A great alternative to a road trip on Highway 101 – this route takes you through Eastern California and the Cascades of Oregon and Washington. See epic mountain vistas and visit some of the best national parks in the West.

Highlights include Death Valley, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Bend, the Columbia River Gorge, and Leavenworth. This California-to-Washington state road trip begins in Los Angeles and ends in Seattle, and requires a transfer between Hwy 395 and 97 near Lassen NP.

3. Highway 26 (Oregon)

Travel from sea to sky and get a taste of Oregon’s geographic diversity. Start at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast and travel eastbound on 26. Pass by Portland and stop at the mighty Mt. Hood.

Continue down 26 to reach the Oregon High Desert and be sure to stop by Bend, Smith Rock, and the Painted Hills along the way.

4. Cascade Loop (Washington)

Hands-down the most scenic drive in Washington state. This enormous loop starts and ends in Everett – north of Seattle – and offers a little bit of everything. Begin by taking the Stevens Pass Greenway deep into the Cascade Mountains.

From there, head north and loop back around back west via the superlative North Cascades Highway. Finally, end your Washington state road trip in the Puget Sound via the Whidbey Isle Scenic Byway.

Even if you’re unable to travel on $10/day like in some of my favorite countries, this West Coast road trip guide will at least help you minimize expenses.

Each West Coast state will cost different amounts of money. California will be the most expensive state, followed by Washington, and then Oregon.

Generally speaking, the average daily budget for a road trip on the West Coast will be between $175 – $250 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and activities.

Gas is very expensive on the West Coast and will lead you to an early bankruptcy if you’re not careful. Do everything you can to limit the costs of gas by planning/sticking to routes, using a fuel-efficient car, and carpooling.

Going on a road trip in the USA with a group is fun, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper. Traveling with other people is the best way to save money, but we understand this isn’t always possible!

No fear! You can also save money on a solo trip by camping and staying at hostels, grocery shopping, and taking your time (i.e. not driving 500 miles a day).

Food and lodging will cost as much as you’re willing to invest. Staying in fancy digs and eating out for every meal will obviously drain your funds. Camping out and cooking for yourself will save you much more money in the long run.

You will probably visit several national parks as well and each has a fee. Pick 1-2 parks, or invest in an America the Beautiful Pass .

While these costs might seem steep, always remember you can always save a TON by camping. But even if you don’t spend any nights under the stars, you can rest assured that your money is allowing you to see some of the very best places to visit in the US .

Average Costs of a USA West Coast Road Trip

Below is a breakdown of the average costs of a USA West Coast road trip:

Rental car : $30-$100

RV rental:  $100-$300

Gallon of gas: $4.50 – $5.50

Average AirBnB:  $120

Hotel room: $200

Hostel dorm bed: $50

Campground:  $5-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$9

Beer at a bar: $7-$10

Coffee: $4-

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $20

Dinner for two:  $35-$75

Here are some things you should definitely know before hitting the roads of the West Coast!

Best Time to Visit West Coast

Depending on what you want to do on your road trip and what kind of climate you like, the West Coast can be visited at any time of the year . With temperate winters, sunny summers, and few extreme weather patterns, the West Coast is relatively pleasant no matter what time of the year it is.

The West Coast of the United States is a huge region with many distinct climates. The northern areas (Oregon and Washington) are well-known for being wet, dreary, and grey while California is famous for being warm, sunny, arid, and smokey.

Note that these are generalizations and that individual climates are, in reality, far more complex (but we’ll get into that soon).

Summers on the West Coast are usually bright, warm, and dry, and depending on the latitude and proximity to the sea, summers can be more or less very long and very dry.

While this means that you can be guaranteed good weather, it also means higher prices. Wildfires also start in the dry summers, which have become an enormous problem in recent years.

Winters on the West Coast are very mild and most of the yearly precipitation falls during this time. Snow is not very common for West Coast cities located near the sea.

Portland and Seattle may see a few snowy days in the winter while San Francisco and Los Angeles may only see snow once in a lifetime. Both the Cascades and the Sierra Nevadas receive plentiful snow and skiing is a very popular activity in these mountains.

Autumn is a usually lovely time to go on a road trip down the West Coast. Temperatures are still pleasant and nights are crisp. November is a transition month and when the rainy season usually starts – the Pacific Northwest can receive bucket loads of rain and, hopefully, California is no longer on fire.

Spring is also a good time to go on a USA West Coast road trip. The rain is slowly subsiding, temperatures are rising, and the hordes of tourists haven’t arrived yet. This is the greenest time in California, though Oregon and Washington (the Evergreen State) are pretty much always green (aside from the very eastern parts).

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of West Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car : Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services : These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot : Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp : Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. With a solid backpacking tent , campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the West Coast! From epic hiking trails to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the West.If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

West Coast Road Trip Travel Insurance

Traveling in the USA is generally safe , but you never know what can happen while on the road! Do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Camping while traveling is absolutely one of the best ways to experience the majesty of the West Coast. This region has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country and some truly awesome campgrounds. For those on a West Coast road trip, camping is an absolute must.

There are all kinds of campgrounds on the West Coast that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.

Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a dropbox at the camp.

Dispersed – aka wild camping and primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.

Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot. If you plan on sleeping at more unique sites – like yurt camps or a fire lookout – you will definitely have to book ahead.

Lots of campgrounds have walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike-out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

West Coast Camping – Gear Checklist

The West Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. This means a proper road trip packing list is essential .

You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the West Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other things that I recommend adding to your RV packing list if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Free West Coast Camping

Those on a road trip down the West Coast should totally take advantage of the many free campgrounds spread throughout the state. Keep on reading for a list of some of my favorite free West Coast camping spots .

Note that some campgrounds listed in this guide may require a 4×4 vehicle to access.

By now, you should know everything there is to know about the West Coast and possible road trip hotspots. I know, it’s a lot to take in, and you’ve still got numerous options to choose from – which is why it’s important to plan ahead properly instead of just hitting the road.

Sort your packing list, your car, or stylish RV and your insurance first, come up with a rough itinerary and then you can be almost 100% sure that you’ll have a successful trip.

Of course, all road trips are flexible and you can always make spontaneous decisions (which is the best thing about them), but if you’ve got the time and your budget allows it, take a month and follow my complete 30-day west coast road trip. That way, you won’t miss out on anything! And if you don’t like it, just skip one stopover and go to the next one.

Now, enough talking! Let’s hit the road… the West Coast awaits!

Updated April 2024 by Samantha Shea

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From California to British Columbia: 10 best places for an idyllic West Coast getaway

The roughly 1,500-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast that extends from the Mexico border north through California , Oregon and Washington to the lower third of Canada's Vancouver is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.

Picture tower coastal headlands and jagged sea stacks; windswept beaches and coves teeming with seals and sea lions; and bustling marinas and fishing piers that attract everyone from anglers to rollerbladers.

What's remarkable about the rugged Pacific Coast is how relatively undeveloped it is. Once you get beyond Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, it's pretty easy to find peaceful, unhurried seaside villages without a building taller than three stories and without more than two or three — if any — traffic lights. You don't have to drive far to find sandy crescents and pine-shaded bluffs all to yourself.

Part of the reason the Pacific shoreline has remained less developed than many coastal regions is its challenging topography. Jagged, rocky, densely wooded, buffeted by massive waves — especially during the dramatic winter storm season — the West Coast is North America's wild coast.

Unless your hotel has a hot tub or a heated pool, there's not much reason to pack a swimsuit — summer temperatures, even as far south as San Francisco, rarely creep higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. And with a lack of deep harbor, few major ports have been developed on the West Coast.

The dozens of charming coastal hamlets in this part of the world tend to attract hardy adventure seekers — folks who love vertiginous hikes and vigorous sea-kayaking excursions.

The towns are also known for boutique hotels and romantic inns with breathtaking views; sophisticated bistros and wine bars that show off the amazing bounty of regionally sourced ingredients; and chic shops and galleries stocked with gorgeous seascape paintings, colorful art glass, ceramics, fashionable yet sturdy sportswear and, let's not kid ourselves, raincoats.

You'll find exemplars of this inspired form of weekend vacationing along every part of the Pacific Coast, from the consistently sunny climes of California's Orange County to the tranquil whale-infested waters of Washington and British Columbia's Salish Sea.

Here are 10 gems close enough to major cities or airports to be ideal for a long weekend yet small enough to provide ample peace and quiet.

Astoria, Oregon

Situated on the final stretch of the mighty Columbia River before it empties into the Pacific, Astoria has one of the most storied histories of any community on the West Coast. It was the endpoint for the intrepid Lewis and Clark Expedition in the winter of 1805-06. You can learn more about this legacy by exploring the recreated fort and hiking to the beach at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

Fur trader John Jacob Astor established the town just five years later, making it the first permanent American settlement west of the Rockies. For decades the then-rough-and-tumble downtown thrived as a salmon-canning center for Bumble Bee Seafoods.

Over the past three decades, industry has given way to leisure and a burgeoning influx of creatives have relocated here. The walkable downtown's gorgeous Victorian buildings now house hipster coffeehouses, artisanal bakeries, trendy seafood restaurants and craft cocktail bars. In many respects, this town of around 10,000 residents feels like a little sister of Portland, about 100 miles upriver.

The superb Columbia River Maritime Museum has outstanding exhibits on the region's seafaring history. You can take in stunning views of the ocean from as far inland as Mount Hood and Mount Rainier by ascending the 164 stairs to the observation deck encircling the Astoria Column.

The town is a perfect base for myriad outdoor activities, including tidepooling and beachcombing just across the gracefully arching Astoria-Megler Bridge in southwestern Washington's spectacular Cape Disappointment State Park. Or, head down the Oregon coast to Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park in the upscale village of Cannon Beach.

Getting there

From Portland, it's a two-hour drive along the Columbia River via U.S. Highway 30 or, even more scenic, over the Coast Mountain Range to Cannon Beach by way of U.S. Highway 26 to U.S. Highway 101. It's only a slightly longer drive to get to Astoria from Seattle, taking Interstate Highway 5 to U.S. Highway 30.

Where to stay in Astoria

The spacious, sun-filled (when the sun decides to shine in coastal Oregon) rooms at the Cannery Pier Hotel (rates start at $429) have gorgeous views of the Columbia River and soaring arches of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Bliss out with a massage and Aveda facial in the spa, and dine on freshly caught seafood and Oregon wines next door at casually stylish Bridgewater Bistro.

Also along the river with access to the quaint Astoria Riverwalk path, the Bowline Hotel (rates start at $219) offers beautifully appointed rooms with water views and deep soaking tubs. A hip bar and cafe, the Knot, serves creative breakfasts in the morning and inspired cocktails at night. The Bowline is part of the local Adrift Hospitality boutique lodging brand, which has additional properties down U.S. Highway 101 in Seaside and across the river on Washington's breezy and beautiful Long Beach Peninsula.

The Selina Commodore Hotel (rates start at $149) has cozy, minimalist-chic rooms just steps from many inviting downtown eateries and boutiques. Just off the lobby, feast on contemporary Scandinavian fare at Broder Strand cafe.

Cambria, California

This little town on central California's famously spectacular Highway 1 may not get as much attention as ritzy Carmel or quirky Big Sur . Still, it's a beautiful town with a nice variety of independently owned beachfront hotels and a laid-back downtown with just enough good restaurants to entice foodies.

A major reason to spend a night or two in Cambria is that it's a great base for visiting legendary Hearst Castle , the 127-acre estate of the eccentric media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Visits are by guided tour only — the Grand Rooms Tour is the best option for first-time visits.

There are several notable wineries in town or close by, and Cambria is a daytrip distance from the acclaimed wine-touring towns of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo.

A tip for sweet tooths: If you pass through the cute coastal village of Cayucos, about 15 miles south, definitely drop by the flagship location of Brown Butter Cookie Company for some of the most addictively delicious cookies on the West Coast.

Heading north up the coast, you enter the iconic Big Sur stretch of Highway 1, where you can stop to admire throngs of napping and sometimes cavorting elephant seals at the overlook by San Simeon's Piedras Blancas, and venture out for amazing day hikes to Pacific Valley Bluff, San Carpoforo Creek and Pfeiffer Falls.

Following U.S. Highway 101 inland, it's just a two-hour drive to the rugged spires and eerie caves of Pinnacles National Park.

Cambria is about equidistant from Los Angeles (220 miles south) and San Francisco (230 miles north). Following Highway 1 south, it's a 40-minute drive to San Luis Obispo, which has the nearest commercial airport. In the other direction, it's a 2 1/2-hour drive to Monterey.

Where to stay in Cambria

Flanking the town's golden-sand Moonstone Beach, which is lined with a beautiful boardwalk, you'll find about 15 lodging options. Most of them are quite inviting.

Standouts include the moderately priced Cambria Beach Lodge (rates start at $209) with its cheerful, art-filled rooms outfitted with comfy wool blankets and Malin + Goetz bath products, and the more high-end White Water Cambria (rates start at $349), whose amenities include a convivial lobby wine bar and in-room minibars stocked with well-curated snacks and libations. Both properties loan out stylish Linus Bikes.

Related: TPG's 16 favorite hotels in California for every type of traveler

Adjacent to Moonstone Beach Park and overlooking estuarial Santa Rosa Creek, the luxurious, Tuscany-inspired El Colibri Hotel & Spa (rates start at $174) is closer to Cambria's charming downtown. All the spacious rooms and suites have gas fireplaces and plush premium bedding, and several have Jacuzzi tubs.

Half Moon Bay, California

This laid-back town with gorgeous, wind-swept beaches feels a world apart from San Francisco and the Silicon Valley even though it's less than 40 miles from both.

It's an idyllic place to relax for a couple of days. You can stroll along the coastal bluffs and the more than a dozen beaches, or rent a kayak for a stand-up paddleboard adventure among the seals and sea lions at Pillar Point Marina. Leave time to browse the boutiques along Main Street, and from spring through fall, scoop up fresh produce and snacks at the Saturday morning farmers market.

If you're craving big-city attractions, San Francisco is close enough for a half-day excursion up the coast; the museums and gardens of Golden Gate Park are especially easy to access from Highway 1.

Heading south along the coast, it's just a 20-minute drive to the picturesque farming and ranching town of Pescadero, where you can sample creamy artichoke soup at Duarte's Tavern and mingle with cute farm animals at Harley Farms Goat Dairy.

Continuing in this direction, Highway 1 curves down around a spectacular stretch of oceanfront to the lively college town and surfing mecca of Santa Cruz, about an hour south.

It's a quick and scenic 25-mile drive from San Francisco down Highway 1. From either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose and Silicon Valley, take the U.S. Highway 101 or Interstate 280 to Highway 92, for a short drive over the mountains into town.

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

Set on a 15-acre patch of coastal bluff and a links-style golf course that fronts Three Rocks Beach, the 261-room Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay (rates start at $910 or 88,000 Bonvoy points) is a popular hideaway among affluent residents of San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The spacious, refined rooms and suites abound with creature comforts, like marble bathrooms with oversized tubs and separate showers. Deluxe rooms open onto private terraces with Adirondack chairs and fire pits. There's an impressive spa, and Navio seafood restaurant is acclaimed for its weekend brunches and water views.

In the beautiful Miramar section of Half Moon Bay, a few minutes north of town's charming Main Street, the Cypress Inn (rates start at $345) has 18 warmly appointed rooms with gas fireplaces, heated terra cotta floors and eye-popping ocean views. Rates include a full breakfast, which you can enjoy in the inn's inviting Great Room or, better yet, get delivered to the privacy of your guest room.

Overlooking Pillar Point Marina, next door to the famous Sam's Chowder House restaurant, the casually chic three-story Beach House Hotel (rates start at $395) offers an array of services in its soothing spa room. It has a pool and hot tub overlooking the ocean. All of the airy, contemporary rooms have balconies or patios, most facing the water.

Laguna Beach, California

A jewel among several inviting coastal towns in Orange County, Laguna Beach has been known for its vibrant art and cultural scene for generations. The annual Pageant of the Masters art festival, held over two months starting in July, has been a major draw here since 1932. The small but excellent Laguna Art Museum is right in the center of town.

Just 50 miles down the coast from LA and 80 miles north of San Diego, the town has a wealth of upscale hotels and boutique resorts along the beach. Not to mention, there are plenty of see-and-be-seen restaurants with breezy terraces and pool bars.

It's also a popular getaway among LGBTQIA+ travelers, and a who's who of celebs have resided here at various times, including Diane Keaton, Rock Hudson, Bette Midler and Bette Davis.

Beachfront rooms come with steep rates here (and pretty much everywhere in Orange County). With a population of around 23,000, Laguna Beach isn't quite a small town, but it's still pretty easygoing and intimate for this part of Southern California. It also has some of the region's most beautiful beaches.

Laguna is a good base for visiting coastal Orange County's several interesting attractions, including historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Ocean Institute marine wildlife center in Dana Point and the seaside amusements of Balboa Island.

Bearing in mind that traffic in Southern California can be a little daunting, it's a pretty easy one-hour straight shot down either Interstate 405 or I-5 to reach this sunny beach town. From San Diego, allow about 75 minutes without traffic for the drive up I-5.

Where to stay in Laguna Beach

For its attentive, personalized service and world-class amenities, it's hard to beat the Montage Laguna Beach ($808). The celebrated resort chain's flagship property opened along a breezy stretch of sand on the south side of town in 2003. When you're in deep need of pampering, there's nothing better than lazing away the day with wildflower massages and Hydra-dermabrasion facials in the sybaritic spa, followed by seafood tacos and watermelon margaritas by the pool.

With 167 rooms that tumble down a cliffside overlooking the ocean, the chic and contemporary Surf & Sand Resort (rates start at $899) offers cushy digs as well as fine, sophisticated dining in Splashes seafood restaurant. There's also a gorgeous pool and an indulgent spa.

Set just a bit inland along tranquil Aliso Creek, the sprawling 87-acre Ranch at Laguna Beach (rooms starting at $474) is a great fit for those seeking a more active vacation. There are miles of hiking trails nearby, and the resort has a beautifully designed nine-hole golf course. The farm-to-table restaurant Harvest is one of the top dining experiences in town.

Mendocino, California

Blessed with a dramatic setting atop steep coastal headlands on the rugged northern California coastline, this picture-perfect hamlet (which famously stood in for Crabapple Cove, Maine, in the beloved TV show "Murder She Wrote") is a top destination among foodies and outdoorsy types.

The town lies just inland from the misty vineyards and fragrant gardens of the Anderson Valley wine country, home to such acclaimed vineyards as Goldeneye, Navarro and Roederer Estate.

Head just 7 miles up Highway 1 for a breezy ramble through glorious Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Just beyond that lies the fishing and lumber town of Fort Bragg, with its increasingly trendy cache of cafes and shops; there's also the old-fashioned Skunk Train, a scenic railroad offering vintage steam-engine and rail-bike rides through groves of skyscraping redwoods.

The village center of Mendocino abounds with tony bistros and galleries. On Friday afternoons, a small but lovely farmers market proffers delicious seasonal produce and gourmet goods.

Set along a sparsely populated stretch of minimally developed coastline, getting to Mendocino takes some time. From San Francisco, allow just more than three hours without traffic by driving up U.S. Highway 101 through the heart of the Sonoma wine country. Then, pick up the twisting and turning Highway 128 through the alluring Anderson Valley.

For a longer and even more scenic adventure, you could follow breathtaking Highway 1 all the way from San Francisco up through coastal Marin and Sonoma, perhaps stopping to explore Point Reyes National Seashore. But this windy, windswept scenic route takes about five hours without stops.

Where to stay in Mendocino

Right in the center of Mendocino's adorable downtown, the Victorian-era Headlands Inn (rates start at $216) contains just seven snug, individually decorated rooms, some with wood-burning fireplaces and ocean views. Rates include a cooked-to-order full breakfast served on English china.

Sea Rock Inn (rates start at $325) lies less than a mile north of town and consists of 14 luxuriously appointed suites and cottages, all of which offer fireplaces, private entrances and ocean views. Breakfast is delivered to your room each morning.

Steps from famously photogenic Van Damme State Beach on the south side of town, the historic Little River Inn (rates start at $255) enjoys a splendid hilltop location overlooking the sea. It offers a number of notable amenities, including a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, the much-loved Whale Watch Bar and a wonderful restaurant serving some of the tastiest cioppino on the California coast. Rooms — one of which James Dean stayed in while filming "East of Eden" — are set in a few different buildings; some have steam showers and Jacuzzi tubs, and most have exceptional water views.

Orcas Island, Washington

The largest and hilliest of the more than 170 islands that make up the Salish Sea's sublime San Juan Islands archipelago is still a peaceful place with a friendly small-town demeanor. The relaxed pace extends even to Orcas' main village, Eastsound, which lies at the top of a long, narrow inlet and bridges the butterfly-shaped island's two "lobes."

Orcas is a hiking and paddling paradise. Trails lace the precipitous terrain, especially throughout 1,718-acre Turtleback Reserve and the 5,252-acre Moran State Park, which features a peaceful pond perfect for summertime swimming and has kayak rentals.

You can also climb several different trails to the stunning summit of 2,400-foot-tall Mount Constitution. You'll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Vancouver Island and both Mount Rainier and Mount Baker on the mainland. Several companies around the island rent sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and Outer Island Excursions offers amazing whale-watching cruises.

You'll find several noteworthy galleries on the island stocked with high-quality pottery, woodworking and other art. For an island with only around 6,000 full-time residents, Orcas has a phenomenal dining scene; places like Buck Bay Shellfish Farm, The Barnacle and Matia Kitchen generate plenty of buzz.

A fleet of distinctive white-and-green car ferries whisk passengers, cars and bikes from the mainland town of Anacortes (a 90-minute drive north of Seattle) to Orcas as well as the archipelago's two other most populous islands, San Juan and Lopez.

You can also fly from Seattle to Orcas Island on a scenic 75-minute seaplane ride. If you visit this 57-square-mile island without a car, it's possible to get around using taxis, private shuttle buses or bikes if you're in good shape; you can rent them in Eastsound.

A car is undeniably more convenient but also much more expensive to bring by ferry. Especially during the summer high season, locals will thank you for leaving your car behind.

Where to stay on Orcas Island

On the magnificent 1909 former estate of shipbuilding magnate Robert Moran, the elegant Rosario Resort (rates start at $179) sprawls across a 40-acre peninsula that juts into East Sound. Choose a more traditional room near the resort's main building, Moran's elegant mansion, which contains a fine restaurant and a museum. Or, opt for a more recently built condo-style overlooking the bay and harbor.

In the center of the island's main village, Eastsound, the stylish Outlook Inn on Orcas Island (rates start at $296) has 40 rooms with fashionably modern furnishings and, in most cases, balconies. It's a good choice if you come to the island without a car, as it's within walking distance of several excellent restaurants, including its very own locavore-driven bistro, Newleaf.

Set along a stunning beach 3 miles from Eastsound, the 1930s rustic-chic West Beach Resort (rates start at $205) has a wide mix of accommodations. They range from comfy cottages on the sand with full kitchens and private decks to sweet canvas glamping tent cabins to basic tent campsites. A pier juts out from the main building, which also contains a small grocery store cafe. If you're lucky, you may spy whales out in the bay.

Port Townsend, Washington

In the 1850s, the founders of this enchanting town on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula (just a 45-mile drive from the Hurricane Ridge entrance to Olympic National Park) bet that Port Townsend would be chosen as the western terminus of the cross-country Northern Pacific Railroad, and thus blossom into the Pacific Northwest's largest coastal city.

The railroad ended in two different and more accessible coastal communities by the name of Seattle and Tacoma, but a number of impressive brick Victorian buildings were constructed in the meantime. Today, these handsome structures contain bistros, boutiques, ice cream shops and even a funky art-house cinema.

With great views across the bay to Whidbey Island and, on clear days, snowcapped Mount Baker in the distance, the town is home to the 434-acre Fort Worden State Historical Park. The park offers plenty of diversions, including a maritime museum, beaches, trails, performance venues and restaurants. It was also prominently featured in the sentimental 1982 romance drama "An Officer and a Gentleman."

From Seattle, you can drive here entirely by land by following I-5 south to Olympia, then cutting across and up U.S. Highway 101 along the gorgeous Hood Canal, which separates the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas.

If you make this beautiful road trip, which takes a little more than two hours, do yourself a favor and stop for a lunch of freshly caught bivalves at the famed Hama Hama Oyster Saloon. Depending on how you time it, it may be quicker to get to Port Townsend from Seattle by taking the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, following Highway 104 across the Kitsap Peninsula and then Highway 19 north into town.

Another scenic option is to take the ferry from the mainland town of Mukilteo to Whidbey Island, and a second ferry ride from Coupeville directly to downtown Port Townsend.

Any way that you get here will be a lovely, Insta-worthy experience. Keep in mind that from Port Townsend, it's just an hour's drive to the small city of Port Angeles; from there, ferries make the 90-minute international crossing to Victoria, British Columbia.

Where to stay in Port Townsend

With an easygoing, unpretentious air, Port Townsend's hotels are mostly housed in historic buildings and typically have pretty reasonable rates (although these rise a bit on summer weekends).

A venerable red brick building that dates back to 1890, the Bishop Hotel (rates start at $235) has undergone a steady upgrade and update since new owners bought it a few years ago. Many of the spacious rooms have kitchenettes, and there's a lovely coffeehouse-wine bar on the ground floor as well as a peaceful garden courtyard outback.

Nearby on downtown's small and picturesque marina, the Swan Hotel (rates start at $175) offers attractive rooms with water views in the historic main building. There are a few adorable bungalows that offer a bit more privacy.

Among several elegant B&Bs in town, the Victorian-style Ravenscroft Inn (rates start at $275) stands out for its broad double-decker veranda with sweeping views of the town and the water. It offers delicious breakfasts, which might feature roasted-vegetable frittatas or brioche French toast topped with whipped cream and seasonal berries.

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Off the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island and just across the U.S.-Canada maritime border from Washington's San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands archipelago comprises a number of similarly restful and relaxing land masses. The largest of these is the beautiful, mountainous Salt Spring Island.

With regular ferry service from its south and north ends, it's fairly easy to get to from Vancouver Island. This is a wonderful destination for leisurely bike rides and kayak outings. Rugged hiking trails lace several green spaces, including Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, where the 4-mile loop trail climbs up to 1,975-foot-high Baynes Peak with its panoramic views of the surrounding bays and islands.

Another fun outing involves picking up locally made goat cheese and other snacks at Salt Spring Island Cheese, where you can also visit with the adorable goats. Bring your goodies to nearby Ruckle Provincial Park for a picnic overlooking the water. In the friendly main town of Ganges, you'll find a great selection of restaurants and indie shops.

It's fairly easy to reach from Vancouver Island by ferry. Boats make the short trip to Fulford Harbour at the southern end of the island from Swartz Bay, just outside the town of Sidney, near Victoria; this is also the terminal served by ferries from Tsawwassen, on the mainland near Vancouver.

There's ferry service from Vesuvius, on the northwestern end of Salt Spring Island, to Crofton, which is a 40-minute drive south of Nanaimo; from there, ferries cross the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay, just outside Vancouver. The much faster option, especially from Vancouver, is seaplane; these flights take about 35 minutes and leave right from the city's Coal Harbour seaplane terminal.

Where to stay on Salt Spring Island

Part of exclusive Relais & Chateaux, the stylish Hastings House Country House Hotel (rates start at $450) is a 22-acre woodland oasis overlooking the harbor just outside the island's main village, Ganges. It stands out for its romantic, exquisitely furnished rooms and suites. There's an exceptional restaurant serving splendid farm-to-table feasts and a gracious full-service spa.

The economical but inviting Salt Spring Inn (rates start at 135 Canadian dollars or $101) is right in the center of Ganges. It's a short walk from numerous restaurants and shops as well as the main marina and seaplane terminal. It has its own cozy pub on the ground floor, serving craft beers, poutine and sockeye salmon burgers.

For a more secluded experience, consider staying at the Wetherly Inn (rates start at CA$303 or $227), which is surrounded by 30 acres of vibrant gardens and towering conifers near Mount Maxwell. The four rooms and a cozy cottage have such pleasing touches as soaking tubs and fireplaces, and rates include an expansive continental breakfast buffet. There's also a pool, a well-equipped fitness room and a boutique spa.

Tofino, British Columbia

It takes a bit of effort to reach this salt-aired village on the remote southwest coast of massive Vancouver Island, but that's a big reason why fans of Tofino adore it so much.

Set along a short, paddle-shaped peninsula that flanks the ocean and juts into pristine Clayoquot Sound, this low-key, friendly town with just over 2,500 residents is nestled in a temperate rainforest. It serves as a gateway to surrounding Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Popular for sea-kayaking, deep-sea fishing and whale-watching excursions, it's also become famous over the years as a place to hole up on winter weekends and watch massive winter storms pass over the town.

You can certainly go outside and battle with the fierce winds to partake in this activity (just steer clear of dangerous surf). A more comfortable option is to book a room with big windows and ideally a fireplace or jetted tub.

Artists, writers and chefs are drawn to this magical place, which remains pretty peaceful year-round despite swelling crowds during the summer high season. You'll find some stellar restaurants here, from the internationally acclaimed sea-to-table bistro Wolf in the Fog to the down-home fish-and-chips shack Wildside Grill.

It's a winding and rather solitary three-hour drive on Highway 4 from Nanaimo, which is served by ferries from Horseshoe Bay, near Vancouver. It takes 4 1/2 hours to make the trip from Victoria, at the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. That makes driving here a bit impractical if you're coming for just a weekend.

You could extend your trip, of course, or save a lot of time by flying here on a seaplane, which takes just under an hour from Victoria and Vancouver. The views during these flights are stupendous.

Where to stay in Tofino

The concept of storm-watching has long been associated with the fabulously posh yet unpretentious Wickaninnish Resort (rates start at $483), a Relais & Chateaux property with an incredible setting along gorgeous, driftwood-strewn Chesterman Beach. Even if you don't stay here, try to book a meal at the incredible Pointe Restaurant, with its panoramic water views. Other pleasing amenities include complimentary bike rentals and shuttle service around town as well as an exceptional full-service spa.

With a bold contemporary design and a playful vibe, Hotel Zed Tofino (rates start at $381) lies on the Clayoquot Sound side of the peninsula but is just a few minutes' drive from the ocean and oft-photographed Chesterman's Beach. It features such whimsical touches as a miniature disco with sequined walls, a bike path that runs through the lobby, and a barrel sauna and hot tub set amid a lush rainforest.

An easy walk from downtown's many restaurants, galleries and wharves, the laid-back Tofino Motel Harborview (rates start at $176) offers two floors of attractively furnished rooms with picture windows and balconies overlooking Tofline Inlet.

Yachats, Oregon

Situated along a magnificent stretch of the central Oregon Coast famous for migratory whale watching (the best seasons are December through mid-January and then again from mid-March through May), this tiny village pronounced "yah-haaths" is a lovely spot to do absolutely nothing but curl up with a book by the fireplace.

You can, however, find some amazing hikes nearby, especially at Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. Here, trails lead through forests of towering Sitka Spruce trees to an 800-foot-high panoramic ocean overlook as well as down around craggy coves and geological formations with poetic names like Thor's Well and Spouting Horn.

The entire village center consists of a barely 1-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 101. Still, it is blessed with an impressive collection of about a half-dozen exceptional restaurants, from a humble fish-and-chips place called Luna Sea Fish House to the casually refined Ona Restaurant and Lounge, which serves perfectly prepared local Dungeness crabcakes.

Craft-beer enthusiasts should be sure to check out the selection of funky sours and saisons at Yachats Brewing + Farmstore. There aren't a ton of actual hotels here, but you'll find some splendid options on Airbnb. If you're seeking a bit more in the way of formal attractions, drive 25 miles up the coast to the small port city of Newport, which has a bustling harborfront and is home to the excellent Oregon Coast Aquarium.

It's just less than a two-hour drive west from Oregon's second largest city, Eugene, along Highway 126 to U.S. Highway 101 north. From Portland, the drive takes a little more than three hours. You can make a whole day of it by driving through the Willamette Valley wine country and stopping at a few famous Pinot Noir producers along the way. (Sokol Blosser and Remy Wines are good bets.)

Where to stay in Yachats

By far the largest and the swankiest resort in town, the 54-room Overleaf Lodge & Spa (rates start at $300) sits along the area's coastal trail at Smelt Sands State Recreation Site. Many of its accommodations enjoy sweeping ocean vistas. You can book a slew of massage and body treatments at the resort's soothing spa, and nearby Adobe Restaurant serves great seafood.

Several miles up the coast, the retro-charming, single-story Tillicum Beach Motel (rates start at $109) has few frills, but its 19 rooms are immaculately kept and cheerfully furnished. Some have kitchenettes, and most have water views.

The most unusual lodging in the region offers guests the opportunity to stay in the lighthouse keeper's house: The red-roofed Heceta Lighthouse B&B (rates start at $298) sits on a famously photogenic peninsula just steps from the working 56-foot-tall lighthouse; both were built in the 1890s. Rooms are furnished individually with antiques and country quilts, and a lavish seven-course gourmet breakfast is included. The inn is midway between Yachats (15 miles up the coast) and the larger but also quite inviting coastal town of Florence.

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14 Cheapest Destinations To Visit From The West Coast

• Key Takeaways:
• Travelers on the West Coast of the US have access to affordable flights to various destinations in South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
• Skyscanner's Flights to Everywhere feature provides a list of the most affordable flights from California to these destinations, which can help travelers score ultra-affordable tickets.
• In addition to considering flight prices, it's important to also factor in the cost of living in the intended destination when planning a trip.

Travelers on the West Coast of the United States are uniquely situated to enjoy affordable flights to various destinations in South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. When trying to plan a trip departing from Los Angeles or other travel hubs in California, these are the most affordable flights according to Skyscanner’s Flights to Everywhere feature. Of course, flight prices are ever-changing, but when keeping an eye on these trending destinations , it’s possible to score ultra-affordable tickets to these incredible destinations. Here are the 14 cheapest destinations to visit from the West Coast.

UPDATE: 2023/09/05 23:31 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Flight prices change from one day to another and are affected by several factors. Therefore, this list was updated to reflect the cheapest places to travel to from California in September 2023.

Related: 10 Airlines With Ultra Affordable Domestic Flights In The US

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of those towns travelers from California could spend weeks exploring. They are better off renting a bike to tour around the city and to really get a feel for the culture, even if many of its top cafés, restaurants, and sights are close to one another. Travelers could be in Copenhagen to see its galleries and museums, its burgeoning nightlife, or to check out the city's innovative urban planning, which helped Copenhagen earn the title of 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture . It's the ideal destination for eco-conscious tourists as well because it is a walkable city . For its environmental innovation, including urban farms and sustainable fashion, Copenhagen was named the greenest city in Europe. If travelers want a cheap place to travel, Copenhagen is a perfect destination.

• Ticket price: $730

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, formerly known as Paris of the East , was once among the most stunning cities in all of Europe before World War II destroyed it. Warsaw has recovered during the past several decades, rising from the ruins to reemerge as one of the great cities of Europe . West Coast travelers can explore the old town's rich history, indulge in some traditional Polish cuisine, and learn enlightening things about the past at numerous top-notch institutions. It is not one of the countries close to California, yet it is one of the cheapest places to travel to from California.

• Ticket price: $682

Oslo, Norway

Oslo isn't the most affordable city in the world, but it's worth every single dollar. It’s not the closest to the U.S., but it’s one of the cheapest destinations to visit from the West Coast. The greatest things to do in Oslo range from world-class museums to inventive eateries to a burgeoning cultural cool, through all the Scandi cool that travelers from California can dream of. Oslo has a prime position between the mountains and the sea. Oslo is at the forefront of both historical and contemporary trends, yet it nonetheless conducts itself in a lovely way.

• Ticket price: $643

Belize City, Belize

Belize is a very small country, yet it has a powerful impact. The second-largest coral reef in the world , behind the Great Barrier Reef, is found along the Caribbean shoreline, and its lush interior is covered in deep vegetation. There are so many thrilling things to do in Belize if West Coast travelers love the outdoors and adventure. Language, culture, and cuisine all represent Belize's real multiculturalism.

• Ticket price: $596

Related: This Is The Best Month To Visit Belize, And It's The Perfect Time To Plan A Vacation

Havana, Cuba

Cuba is famous for being one of the most timeless destinations in the Caribbean and Havana is famous for being one of the most beautiful cities in the region. There is just so much to see and do in not only Havana but also all through Cuba . It should be noted that while there are generally no issues for Canadians visiting Cuba, it is a bit more complicated for American citizens to visit. Refer to the Department of State before planning a trip.

• Flight ticket: $581

Vancouver, Canada

While they’re relatively close to each other, California and British Columbia, Canada, are two entirely different regions. Taking a break from traveling the beaches of California to head to the mountains in Western Canada is the perfect reason to book a cheap flight from LAX to YVR. Once in Vancouver, travelers can keep costs down by staying at Airbnb instead of hotels and enjoying the free activities in the city, like exploring the Granville Island market or biking in Stanley Park.

• Flight ticket: $577

Peru is a destination many travelers hope to visit one day, whether to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or to spend a night in the Amazon Rainforest. Fortunately for those living on the West Coast of North America, flights to Lima, Peru are frequently less than $600 round trip. In addition to the affordable airfare, the cost of living in Peru is 67% less than in the United States , allowing travelers to backpack on a budget by staying in hostels or living in affordable luxury while renting Airbnbs. From Lima, it’s possible to book cheap domestic flights to other areas of the country, like Cusco, for around $100.

• Flight ticket: $554

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

West Coast residents who just want to get away in the Caribbean are in luck - flights to the idyllic beaches of the Dominican Republic are around $500 round trip from LAX. One of the most affordable ways to enjoy this beautiful Caribbean nation is to book an all-inclusive resort package through airlines like Delta or Southwest. These airlines offer travelers a chance to enjoy the sun and surf for a low price that includes their accommodation, airfare, food, and drinks.

• Flight ticket: $510

Related: City Break: 10 Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Another affordable Caribbean destination for travelers to visit from the West Coast is Puerto Rico. This Caribbean Island is an unincorporated US territory that is hugely underrated. It has stunning beaches, delicious food, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the blue waters of a Caribbean paradise. Fly here from LAX for less than a $450 round trip and travel the island on a budget while still enjoying high-quality accommodation and food. The cost of living in Puerto Rico is 62.1% less than in California, allowing travelers from the West Coast to have a luxurious experience.

• Flight ticket: $421

Related: 9 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Rico This Summer

Bogotá, Colombia

While it's affordable for East Coasters to fly to Medellín, people on the West Coast of the US and Canada will typically find more budget-friendly flights to the capital city of Bogotá. Bogotá, Colombia, is a high-altitude city with charming cobbled streets in the city center and sprawling urban architecture everywhere else. It’s an affordable country for North Americans to travel to, making it possible to stay here for a few weeks at a beautiful hotel or Airbnb for a low price. Take advantage of the low cost of living by booking a food tour of the city or a coffee tasting.

• Flight ticket: $405

Panama City, Panama

Panama often gets overshadowed by its neighbor, Costa Rica, but West Coast travelers can score cheap flights to Panama City from LAX. The cost of living in Panama is 49% cheaper than in the United States , making it possible to stay in a beautiful Airbnb there for weeks at a time. While there, travelers can visit the iconic Panama Canal, the historic site of the Panama Viejo, and roam the charming streets of the old town.

• Flight ticket: $395

El Salvador

El Salvador is also serviced by cheap flights from Los Angeles. El Salvador is something of a virgin country when it comes to tourism in the region. Most people tend to visit Central American places like Guatemala and Costa Rica. However, El Salvador is also a place worth a visit. That being said, it is not the safest so check with the latest travel advice before going.

• Flight ticket: $307

Related: El Salvador Is Worth Visiting Just For Its Volcanoes

Guatemala is one of the cheapest destinations to fly to from Los Angeles as well as one of the budget-friendly destinations to enjoy while there (there are flights for as low as around $255). Guatemala has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and traveler-friendly destinations in Central America. The country is home to attractions like Tikal - one of the largest Mayan ruined cities , rich rainforests, volcanoes, and so much more.

• Flight ticket: $274

Mexico City, Mexico

Travelers departing from Los Angeles on the Western Coast of the United States will typically find that Mexico City is the most affordable airfare option for traveling to Mexico. The flight only takes around 4 hours when flying directly, and on top of the airfare being affordable, Mexico’s cost of living is 66% lower than in the United States. Visiting Mexico City is an excellent opportunity for travelers to escape the touristy beach towns and see what life is like in the country’s capital city.

• Flight ticket: $213