Colombian landmarks: the best places you need to see

La Candelaria, where Bogotá is most historical

One of the main things to do in Bogotá is roam around its oldest neighborhood, La Candelaria. Located downtown, it displays history with its colonial and republican architecture. Many Colombian landmarks can be found here:

• The Chorro de Quevedo square is considered Bogotá’s birthplace. Today, it houses cafés, bars, and shops with a bohemian feel.

• Plaza de Bolívar is Bogotá’s main square. Government buildings like the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol, and the Mayor’s Office flank it. You can visit the early 19th-century Primatial Cathedral here.

• La Candelaria is home to nearly 500 cultural organizations. Some popular ones include the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, and the Gabriel García Márquez Center.

• The Monserrate Mountain towers 10.250 feet over Bogotá. You can reach the top and visit its church by cable car, train, or walking.

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

A tour of Colombian landmarks is not complete without visiting the Salt Cathedral. Located in the small town of Zipaquirá, about 28 miles / 45 kilometres from Bogotá, this temple lies 590 feet / 180 meters below ground inside one of the world’s largest rock salt reserves.

The cathedral has different spaces depicting the Catholic Way of the Cross, as well as Jesus Christ’s life and death. Stop by the water mirror, a brine pond that reflects the mine’s ceiling and walls.

Do not forget to attend the showing of the animated 3D short Nucuma to learn about the mine’s history.

The Cocorá Valley of wax palm trees

Picture a green valley filled with the world’s tallest species of the palm tree, surrounded by misty mountains. The department of Quindío’s Cocorá Valley is such a place.

A star of Colombian tourism, this valley offers stunning sights and hiking grounds. It is also an entryway to the National Natural Park Los Nevados, where you can see some of Colombia’s snow-capped peaks.

Piedra del Peñol: Colombia’s giant monolith

Rising 721 feet / 219 meters above the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, the Piedra del Peñol monolith offers a spectacular view of turquoise waters. Reaching the top is an adventure in itself. Most visitors walk the 740-step stairway nestled in a natural crack in the rock. Experienced climbers can find their way up using established routes.

This area, 46 miles / 74 kilometres  away from the city of Medellín, is also a top destination for sports and leisure activities. Travelers can paraglide, hang-glide, trek, and mountain-bike, among other activities. There are also motorbike, horseback, boat, and jet ski rides available.

Natural parks you need to see to believe

Colombia has many national natural parks. Two of the most visited are located on the Caribbean Coast.

• The Tayrona National Natural Park covers over 37.000 acres between land and sea. It is home to over 300 species of birds, 100 of coral, 100 of mammals, and more. Tayrona is famous for its beautiful beaches.

• The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park is a haven for nature, as well as indigenous communities. The 800AD Lost City of Teyuna — made up of over 160 terraces, tiled roads, and stairways – lies inside.