5 Hidden Gems in Colombia
Discover Colombia's hidden gems with our guide to unique and unspoiled destinations. From the remote beauty of El Cocuy National Park and the surreal landscapes of the Tatacoa Desert to the serene beaches of Providencia Island and the adventurous trails of Nuquí and the Mavecure Hills. This selection of locations promises a deep dive into undiscovered Colombia, where nature prevails and authentic experiences await. Prepare for a journey that will take you far off the beaten path, to places where every turn reveals a new adventure. Do you dare to take the plunge?
1. Nuquí
Nuquí is an adventurous destination off the tourist trail. You won't find luxury hotels here, and Wi-Fi is not a given. There are no roads leading to Nuquí, so you must be willing to make some effort to get there. You reach Nuquí with a domestic flight from Medellín and a boat trip to your hotel. Tourism is still in its infancy here because for a long time Chocó was a “no-go” area, as the jungle was inhabited by guerrillas for years.
The jungle in Nuquí ends at miles of sandy beaches. There are waterfalls and natural thermal pools, a huge diversity of flora and fauna, and you can spot whales in season (and much more). Nuquí itself is a cluttered town, and most travelers continue by boat to the beautiful beaches in the area, such as Playa Guachalito, Termales, and Playa Terco.
In Nuquí, the locals have a culture all their own compared to the rest of Colombia, making this an interesting place to visit during your tour of Colombia. Stay here on the edge of dense forests and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. It's a hidden paradise for nature lovers.
2. Tatacoa Desert
Colombia has many different landscapes, from impressive mountains to the Amazon, and from beaches to a desert. The Tatacoa Desert, also known as the Desierto de la Tatacoa in Spanish, is a unique destination that, surprisingly, few travelers visit. As far as we are concerned, this surreal natural beauty should not be missed during a tour of Colombia.
The extraordinary Tatacoa Desert is located in southwestern Colombia. Although temperatures can be quite high, it rains more often than expected. It is actually a dry tropical forest where rain and wind have shaped the landscape as it looks today.
The desert consists of red and gray sections, both spectacular to see. The nice thing is that exploring the area can be done entirely on your own. For example, you can take beautiful hikes that are especially stunning when the sun goes down.
3. Mavecure Hills (Cerros de Mavecure)
Be amazed by the sublime beauty of the far east of Colombia and visit the Cerros de Mavecure. This flat, jungle-like area is home to a number of hills formed from pure rock, considered some of the oldest in the world.
Picture by: https://colombiatravelreporter.com/
It is still completely off the beaten track. However, it is so beautiful that there is no doubt more and more tourists will soon visit the region.
At the Cerros de Mavecure, you will be able to connect with nature and see spectacular animals such as pink dolphins, wild parrots, and a huge variety of birds. It is also a unique opportunity to connect with the indigenous people and experience how they live in harmony with nature.
4. Providencia Island
Providencia, located in the Caribbean Sea, is part of the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago. A less visited gem compared to the more touristy San Andrés. Providencia Island has pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
The most common way to reach Providencia is to first fly to San Andrés and then take a smaller plane or ferry to Providencia. The island is relatively small, so renting a scooter or golf cart is a popular option for getting around. Accommodations range from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts, depending on your preference.
5. El Cocuy National Park
El Cocuy National Park, also called Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy, is a large national park that is very popular among hikers who visit Colombia for long treks. It is not very crowded, although there are quite a few tourists between December and March.
Picture by: https://theculturetrip.com/
In general, many people who visit Colombia do not visit El Cocuy National Park at all. It is not a major tourist area of Colombia, and this is due to several factors. First, it is not that easy to reach this park from other parts of Colombia. Another reason is that you can't do much there other than hiking.
If you want to experience beautiful hiking and are looking for the ideal area for this, then El Cocuy is the perfect place for you. However, if hiking is not your thing, then (besides the stunning nature and beautiful views), you may not have many reasons to visit El Cocuy National Park.