Colombia: A country for the senses and sustainability

The smell of fresh coffee. The sweet taste of steamed corn cakes. The sound of the South Pacific. Lush natural colors as far as the eye can see. If you want to experience a country with all your senses, Colombia is the place for you.

But we also know that with all this unique diversity, the question quickly arises: "Where do I start and where do I end?" That's why we've put together a short round trip for you with our favorite spots - and of course made sure that your trip is in harmony with the country's nature and culture as much as possible. After all, soft tourism is possible all around the world.

What makes Colombia so special?

There are many reasons to travel to Colombia. We are particularly pleased that Colombia has set itself the goal of becoming the most sustainable country in South America. Projects are constantly being initiated that benefit our planet and the country's natural diversity. You can look forward to environmentally conscious activities, recognize eco-hotels by a seal developed by the government and can easily discover parts of the country on foot or by bike.

6 highlights that await you in Colombia

Nature like you've never seen it before: Colombia is the country with the second largest biodiversity in the world. Only Brazil has more different animals and plants.

Landscapes that alternate magically: Two seas, tropical rainforests, unique dream beaches, vibrant metropolitan cities, archaeological sites, historic villages, wild mountain regions - Colombia's scenic diversity is incredible.

People who share their love of the country with you: In Colombia, hospitality takes on a whole new meaning. The locals love to offer their typical dishes. They are generally open, warm-hearted and always ready to give you valuable tips.

Culture is in the air: You can smell it. You feel it. You hear it. Whether it's the smell of hot food, dance and art on every corner or music drifting through the streets, Colombia is proud of its diverse culture, born of different influences and traditions.

Cities you'll never want to leave: Whether Medellín, Cartagena or Bogotá - Colombia's cities offer a fascinating mix of history and modernity. There is something to discover everywhere. Each city has its very own history, charm, special features and traditions.

Coffee that is the best in the world: If you love coffee, Colombia is the place to be - especially in the 'coffee triangle' just 200 kilometers west of Bogotá. Here you can hike through the coffee plantations, watch the beans being picked and, of course, taste the best coffee in the world for yourself.

Your more sustainable round trip through Colombia

Would you like to experience all of these points? You won't miss any of them on our round trip through Colombia:

#1 Bogotá

We start in the country's capital. Bogotá lies at an impressive 2625 meters above sea level and is therefore a first highlight of the trip in two senses. As you stroll through the historic 'La Candeleria' district, you can admire colourful graffiti artworks and immediately recognize how history and modernity merge here. The vibrant metropolis is just that: a mix of cultures and times. Experience the country's rich flora in the botanical garden, visit the world-famous Gold Museum and take the cable car up the Cerro de Moserrate for a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Our tip with IMPACKT: Take part in a bike tour through Bogotá, where a local guide will take you to the most beautiful places. The cycle paths are one of the many projects that have been implemented in Colombia to make tourism in the country more sustainable.

#2 Trekking in the Andes

From the lively capital, the journey continues into the tranquillity of nature - into the most diverse ecosystem in the world: the Páramo landscape in the Colombian Andes. Here you will discover a landscape with more than 4,500 different plants - a wonderful steppe characterized by grasses, herbs and composite plants such as the frailejones.

To hike through nature respectfully and carefully and get to know all the plants and special features of the region, you should go on a guided trekking tour. As you trek through the páramo with a guide, vast expanses, high peaks and unique waterfalls unfold before your eyes. Carlos Avellaneda Valcárcel and the entire Paramotrek team, for example, stand for gentle mountain tourism.

#3 Coffee triangle including Filandia & Salento

We stay in the countryside, but continue on to Pereira. From here, you can explore the famous "coffee triangle" - consisting of the three provinces of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío - perfectly.

Colombia is the most traditional and third largest coffee-growing country in the world - the "black gold" is a world cultural heritage here and can bring you closer to the locals with a lot of fun, enjoyment and understanding of their culture. We recommend visiting a coffee farm that belongs to a fair trade cooperative. In Pereira, for example, this is the Cooperativa Departamental de Caficultores del Risaralda - COOPCAFER for short. It was founded in 1958, making it the oldest coffee cooperative in Colombia, and uses the Fairtrade premium for medical care, education and training for its members, among other things. You can find out more here.

After your hike through the coffee plantations, you should also make a stop in Filandia and Salento - two colorful towns that have an incredible charm.

#4 Medellín

From Pereira, we take the long-distance coach to Medellín - long regarded as the most dangerous place in Colombia. But fear not: in recent years, the country's second largest city has undergone an astonishing transformation. Originally notorious, Medellín is now the greenest city in South America and fascinates with its modern - almost futuristic - architecture. First and foremost is the España Library.

What else we like about the city: the lively street markets and the hip art scene. The hospitality of the Colombians is also particularly noticeable here. The friendly locals, also known as 'paisas', are happy to tell you all about their city.

Our tip with IMPACKT: At a cooking course with Brian, you will learn how to prepare typical Colombian dishes and at the same time support a community project that promotes cooking courses for low-income Colombians.

#5 Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park

Finally, we take the bus to the Caribbean north. Santa Marta is not only the absolute hotspot for dream beaches, but also the ideal starting point for adventures in Tayrona National Park.

So you have the choice: white dream beaches, tall palm trees, azure blue water and a diverse underwater life with coral reefs, dolphins and sea turtles. Or hiking trails through the dense rainforest with bays, ruins, incredible wildlife and paths that lead you to indigenous communities.

Sustainable accommodation: the Casa Loma nature lodge with panoramic views over the jungle and a breathtaking open-air shower.

Off to Colombia: the most important facts

Before you set off, here are our final tips for your trip to Colombia:

Travel time: Colombia has a dry season from December to March and in July and August. These months are therefore ideal.

Travel duration: Plan at least 2 weeks for your trip if you want to experience the diversity of the country. It is also important to maintain an appropriate ratio between travel distance and travel duration in order to travel as sustainably as possible.

Long-distance bus instead of domestic flight: To admire Colombia's diversity in all its glory, you will have to travel a little across the country. Some routes are over 800 km long. Many travelers recommend the long-distance buses of Expreso Bolivariano and Expreso Brasilia. You can easily book them via BusBud. This will save you money as well as CO2.

Drinking water: To reduce waste, simply travel with your own stainless steel water bottle. However, make sure that you don't fill it up with tap water, but with purified water from canisters or water dispensers.

Contact with locals: Don't be afraid to approach the inhabitants of the country. They will be happy to show you their culture. You will earn a plus point if you try to learn Spanish.

Safety: The Federal Foreign Office provides regular updates on which regions you can travel to and which you should avoid. The following applies everywhere: Be vigilant and keep your valuables close to you. Our minicase, for example, is ideal for this.

Cab app: It is not advisable to 'just wave down' a cab at night. That's why you should download the Tappsi app for your journey. You can use it to find reliable cabs and tuk-tuks in all major cities.