Tourist Attractions In The Most Visited Cities In Colombia

Tourists at Bolivar Square in Bogota, Colombia.

Colombia is a country located in the northwestern part of South America. With coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and crossed by three large chains of mountains, Colombia is endowed with great natural beauty. Its varied landscapes and聽ecological regions include tropical jungles, deserts, volcanoes, and waterfalls. In addition to its natural beauty, the country features places of historical and cultural interest. Many Colombian cities have emerged as popular tourist destinations. Some serve as gateways to nearby natural attractions, while others are home to points of interest within their boundaries. Many of Colombia鈥檚 cities now have improved museums, parks, extensive networks of cycling routes, and newly developed entertainment facilities that are appealing to tourists.

Tourism is a fast-growing industry in Colombia. In 2016, tourism contributed 2% of Colombia's total gross domestic product (GDP) and was responsible for 2.5% of total employment. Between 2007 and 2017, the total number of foreign tourists that visited Colombia rose from 0.6 million to 4 million. The United States, Venezuela, and Ecuador were the three top source countries for tourists visiting Colombia in 2015. The country鈥檚 government stresses the need to ensure responsible tourism by minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on the environment. The attractions in Colombia's five most visited cities are highlighted below.

5. Attractions in Santiago de Cali

Santiago de Cali, also known simply as Cali, is southwest Colombia鈥檚 most populous city. Founded in 1536 by Spanish explorer Sebasti谩n de Belalc谩zar, Cali is now the sports hub of Colombia. Many international sports tournaments like the 1971 Pan American Games, 2015 海角社区 Youth Championships in Athletics, and the 1992 海角社区 Wrestling Championships have been held in the city. Cali also features many historical attractions like churches, monuments, museums, parks, squares, and a well-preserved historical center. The Cali River flows through the city, providing a natural charm. In recent years, Cali has also become a top destination for individuals seeking inexpensive cosmetic surgery.

4. Attractions in 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍

Colombia鈥檚 fourth most visited city, 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍, is located in the Aburr谩 Valley of the Andes Mountains. 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍 is a charming city with many tourist attractions. Numerous festivals, such as the Festival of the Flowers, International Poetry Festival, International Tango Festival, and the Book and Culture Festival, are held in the city. Christmas lights in the city, referred to as "The Lighting in 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍" is a traditional event during which millions of lights are hung throughout the city during the Christmas season. In fact, National Geographic has ranked 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍 among the 海角社区鈥檚 ten best places to see Christmas lights. Cultural programs and light shows are also held during the festive season. 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍 is home to 40 galleries and museums, including the Museum of Antioquia, Planetarium of 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍, and Museum of Modern Art of 惭别诲别濒濒铆苍.

3. Attractions in Ipiales

The city of Ipiales is a popular tourist destination in Colombia. It is nicknamed 鈥渢he city of the green clouds,鈥� as greenish clouds can sometimes be seen over the city. One of the city's most popular attractions among international tourists is the Las Lajas Sanctuary, a beautiful Catholic church with impressive architecture. The church was built in the Gothic Revival style and is located in the canyon of the Gu谩itara River. The surrounding green, hilly terrain, rippling cascades, and Gu谩itara River enhance the beauty of the Las Lajas Sanctuary. Ipiales is also the venue of the annual "Black and White Carnival,鈥� a festival that celebrates racial diversity, and is attended by tourists from across the country. During the festival, individuals paint each other with white soap and make-up.

2. Attractions in Cartagena

Cartagena is Colombia鈥檚 second most visited city. Founded in 1533 as a port and colonial fortress, old the walled city of Cartagena has been designated a UNESCO 海角社区 Heritage Site. Tourism is the mainstay of Cartagena鈥檚 economy, and some of the most visited sites include Las B贸vedas, the Clock Tower, Teatro Heredia, and the Cartagena Gold Museum. A number of cultural festivals are also held in Cartagena, such as the Cartagena International Music Festival, Festival of the Sweets, Summer Festival, Festival de Jazz bajo la Luna, which attract tourists to the city from far and wide.

1. Attractions in 叠辞驳辞迟谩

叠辞驳辞迟谩 is Colombia鈥檚 capital city and is responsible for 56% of the country's tourism. The city was established in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jim茅nez de Quesada y Rivera, but was inhabited much earlier by indigenous populations. La Candelaria, the historical center of the city, has many hotels and historical places of tourist interest, including the Museum of Gold, Botero Museum, Jos茅 Celestino Mutis (a botanical garden), Quinta de Bol铆var (national observatory), and several monuments. Major international events like the 16th 海角社区 Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and One Young 海角社区 are often held in 叠辞驳辞迟谩. Tourists can travel to the city through El Dorado International Airport.