Andean Highlands
The backbone of Colombia — cool mountain cities, emerald-green coffee farms, and pre-Columbian gold museums nestled in three Andean cordilleras.
Quick Stats
location_city Cities in this Region
Bogota
The high-altitude capital where colonial history meets street art rebellion
Medellin
The City of Eternal Spring reborn through innovation and creativity
Cali
The world capital of salsa where every night is a dance floor
Villa de Leyva
A whitewashed colonial jewel frozen in time on the Boyaca altiplano
Guatape
The zocalos village crowned by a monolithic rock with panoramic views
emoji_events Bounties in Andean Highlands
Climb Monserrate at Dawn
Ascend Bogota's sacred mountain for a sunrise panorama over the sprawling capital.
Marvel at the Gold Museum's 55,000 Pieces
Witness the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold.
Ride the Metrocable Over the Comunas
Soar above Medellin's hillside neighborhoods in the cable car that transformed a city.
Climb the 740 Steps of El Penol Rock
Conquer the giant monolith for 360-degree views over a maze of emerald lakes.
Devour a Bandeja Paisa at La Puerta Falsa
Taste Colombia's legendary platter at Bogota's oldest restaurant.
Take a Salsa Lesson in Juanchito
Learn to move your hips at the salsa capital of the world.
Pose with the Boteros in Plaza Botero
Stand among 23 massive bronze sculptures by Colombia's most famous artist.
Decode the Street Art of La Candelaria
Follow Bogota's vibrant open-air gallery through the colonial quarter.
Explore Comuna 13's Graffiti Transformation
Walk through the neighborhood that turned violence into vibrant art.
Explore the Botero Museum's Generous Gift
Admire Fernando Botero's voluptuous sculptures and paintings donated to his home country.
Savor a Bandeja Paisa in El Poblado
Eat Medellin's iconic Antioquian feast in the city's trendiest district.
Stand in Colombia's Largest Plaza
Cross the vast cobblestone Plaza Mayor that has barely changed in 400 years.
Haggle Through Paloquemao Market
Navigate Bogota's largest wholesale market bursting with tropical fruits you've never seen.
Taste Cholado at the Loma de la Cruz
Cool off with Cali's iconic shaved ice fruit cup at the hilltop viewpoint.
Hike to the Waterfalls of Arvi Park
Trek through cloud forest trails in Medellin's vast nature reserve.
Photograph the Colorful Zocalos
Capture the hand-painted bas-relief panels that decorate every building in town.
Explore the San Antonio Neighborhood
Wander Cali's bohemian hilltop barrio of galleries, cafes, and colonial charm.
Dance Salsa at Son Havana
Learn the moves and hit the floor at Medellin's beloved salsa club.
Hunt Fossils in the Desierto de la Candelaria
Search for ancient marine fossils in a surreal desert that was once an ocean floor.
Sip Craft Beer in the Chapinero Scene
Tour Bogota's booming craft brewery neighborhood.
Visit the Cristo Rey Statue
Stand before Cali's answer to Rio's Christ the Redeemer on a mountain perch.
Eat Trucha con Patacones on the Waterfront
Savor fresh lake trout with crispy plantain fritters overlooking the reservoir.
Sip Hot Chocolate with Cheese
Try the Colombian tradition of dunking salty cheese into thick hot chocolate.