The towns of Colombia are known for their beauty and charm. Many of them have a rich history, beautifully preserved colonial architecture, and stunning natural landscapes.
In this travel guide, we’ve listed what we believe are the most beautiful villages in Colombia that you must visit to discover the charm of the Colombian countryside. In each of them, we’ll tell you how to get there, what to see, where to stay, and provide our tips.
Let’s get started!
The most beautiful towns in Colombia:
1. Villa de Leyva (Boyacá)
Villa de Leyva, for many travelers, is the most beautiful town in Colombia, and for good reason. This small village located in the department of Boyacá, just 3 hours from Bogotá, will captivate you with its cobblestone streets, numerous museums, and well-preserved colonial buildings.
This is one of the municipalities declared as one of the Heritage Villages of Colombia. When you visit it, make sure to walk around Plaza Mayor, visit the Luis Alberto Acuña Museum, the Antonio Nariño House Museum, and the Fossil Museum, and on the outskirts, you can visit the Blue Wells, the Terracotta House, and Ráquira.
Villa de Leyva is one of Colombia’s magical towns, and you can easily reach it from Bogotá. You can take a bus from the North Transport Terminal, book this tour with transport, or if you prefer to get there on your own, here you can rent a car.
Recommended accommodations: Hotel Casa Cantabria Campestre, Selina, Casa de Campo Hotel & Spa, Hotel Las Palmas, Casa Cantabria Hotel and Family Hostel. It is very important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the weekend or on New Year’s and Holy Week holidays.
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Tips for finding good, beautiful, and budget-friendly accommodation: The best way to get the best price on lodging is to book in advance. If you wait until the last minute, the most affordable and top-rated options may already be sold out, leaving you with fewer choices.
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2. Guatapé (Antioquia)
When we talk about beautiful towns in Colombia, we cannot leave out Guatapé, one of the charming little villages near Medellín. This charming destination is known worldwide for its colorful architecture and, above all, for its proximity to the Peñol Rock.
In Guatapé, in addition to climbing the massive rock, you can explore one of the beautiful villages in Colombia, stroll through its colorful streets, take a boat ride on the Peñol reservoir, and admire the zócalos that represent the region’s traditions.
To get to Guatapé from Medellín, you have several options. You can travel by bus. At the North Transport Terminal, you’ll find buses that will take you there in 2 hours. If you prefer an organized trip, we recommend this tour, which includes a boat ride.
Accommodations in Guatapé and near Peñol Rock: Soy Local Guatapé, Hotel Los Recuerdos, The Boato Hotel, Lake View Hostel, Hotel Mumu, Ecolodge Bahía del Peñón, Casa Hostal Las Palmeras, Serendipity Boutique, and Bosko.
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Recommended: Guatapé Helicopter Ride
Click here and book the free tour of downtown Medellín
How to book the tour to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol? It’s very easy! Just click here to see the detailed plan description, price, what’s included, and reviews from other travelers. Then, select your preferred date, the number of people, and click on the "See availability" button.
Note that the one-day tour to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol starts at 7 a.m., and is available every day of the year. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Medellín, meals, a boat ride, transfer to the rock, and an English-speaking guide.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Medellín is that, once you make the reservation payment, you receive immediate confirmation. Also, in case of any inconvenience or if you need to cancel or reschedule, you can request a refund up to 24 hours before the activity.
Check prices and tour details now to reserve your adventure!
3. Monguí (Boyacá): Colonial Towns of Colombia
Monguí is one of the towns in Colombia that seems to have stopped time. This beautiful place, located less than 4 hours from Bogotá, was founded during the Spanish colonial era with the purpose of gathering indigenous tribes into one territory, and today it preserves its original architecture.
This is one of the colonial towns in Colombia where you can visit buildings with much history, such as the Calicanto Bridge, the Basilica Minor, and the Religious Art Museum of the Franciscan Convent. You can also participate in a handcrafted balloon workshop and explore the Ocetá Paramo.
Monguí is one of the small towns in Colombia that you can reach from Bogotá. If you want to travel by public transport, you must take a bus to Sogamoso and then another bus that will take you to Monguí in 45 minutes. We recommend staying at: Hotel Otti Colonial or Monguí Plaza Hotel.
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Recommended: Trekking to Siecha Lagoons - Chingaza National Park
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4. Guatavita (Cundinamarca)
Guatavita is one of the best towns to discover the charm of the Colombian countryside, located very close to Bogotá. This municipality is famous for its proximity to the Cacique Guatavita Lagoon, one of the most important and significant places in the ancient Muisca culture.
According to the legend, in the Laguna de Guatavita, the chief of the tribe would cover himself in gold and sail to the center of the lagoon to bathe in it, while his companions threw precious objects as offerings to the sun and Mother Earth. In the Gold Museum of Bogotá, you can find a piece that represents this ritual.
In addition, this is one of the towns in Colombia where you can also explore its beautiful cobblestone streets, appreciate its colonial-style architecture, and very close to the town is the Tominé Reservoir, where you can enjoy boat rides, practice water sports, and take outdoor walks.
To get to this town in Colombia, you can take a bus from the Salitre Terminal in Bogotá, and the journey will take about 2 hours. Keep in mind that the lagoon is 15 kilometers from the town, and if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to take a taxi or book this tour, which also visits the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Accommodations in Guatavita: Club AVIVA Hostel, Abadia de Tomine, El Alpino Cabaña, Glamping Bella Vista, Glamping La Villa, Benigno Mirador, and Glamping Claro de Luna.
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Book now the excursion to Guatavita Lake from Bogotá
Here you can book the free walking tour of Bogotá’s historic center, based on tips!
Ready to book your tour to Guatavita Lagoon?, Click here to explore a detailed description of the experience, including all included services and pricing (you can change the currency at the top). Then, simply select your desired date and the number of participants, and click "Book" to enter your information and complete your payment.
Keep in mind that the Guatavita Lagoon tour is available from Tuesday to Sunday and lasts approximately 12 hours. The package includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, entrance fees, and a guided visit to both the lagoon and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. We recommend booking in advance.
The best part about reserving with Civitatis, is that you’ll receive instant confirmation once your payment is processed. Plus, if you encounter any issues or need to cancel or reschedule, you can get a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity.
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5. Barichara (Santander)
Barichara is another destination considered by many travelers as the most beautiful town in Colombia, and there are enough reasons to believe it. In this peaceful little village, you will find a corner of extraordinary architectural and natural beauty, a perfect place to be amazed by Colombia’s countryside.
When you decide to visit Barichara, make sure to visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, enjoy its natural viewpoints overlooking the Suárez River Canyon, and explore places like the Park for the Arts, the Cemetery, and the Camino Real de Lengerke, a hiking route that will take you to the town of Guane.
Barichara is 4 hours from Bucaramanga and 7 hours from Bogotá. If you decide to travel by public transport, you must first go to San Gil and then take a bus to Barichara. The journey is long, but we assure you that it is one of the best towns in Colombia to visit. Remember, you can rent a vehicle here.
We recommend staying at least 2 nights in Barichara. To do so, you can stay at: Las Cabezas Grises, Serranía del Viento, Tinto Hostel, Hotel Buenos Aires, Achiotte, Nativo Glamping, and Hotel Casa Blanca.
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Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
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6. Jardín: Villages to Discover the Colombian Countryside
Jardín is one of the best towns to visit in Colombia. It is just 3 hours away from Medellín and is a destination of nature and culture, standing out for its colorful streets, surrounded by beautiful mountains that host a wide variety of birds, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
This is one of the villages in Colombia that you must visit to experience authentic Paisa culture up close and to explore the Jardín de Rocas Natural Reserve. Outside the town, you’ll find trails that lead to stunning places such as the Cueva del Esplendor, Cueva de los Guácharos, and the Garganta del Diablo.
To get to Jardín from Medellín, you can take this bus from the South Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 3 hours. You also have the option to drive or join this one-day guided excursion. Without a doubt, one of the Colombian towns you need to visit.
Recommended accommodations in Jardín: Hotel Jardín, Hotel Valdivia Plaza, La Casa de Ana, Hotel Kantarrana, Sergeant Pepper’s Hostel, Hotel Orillas del Pizano, and Casa Passiflora Boutique Hotel.
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How to book the Jardín excursion from Medellín? It’s super easy and safe! Just click this link to check the price of the day trip and see the itinerary details. After reviewing the information, choose your desired date and select the number of participants.
The tour to Jardín from Medellín is available every Wednesday and Saturday. It starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends around 5:00 p.m. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, lunch, and time to explore the town.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Medellín is that you’ll get instant confirmation. Plus, if something comes up and you need to cancel or change your tour date, you can reschedule or get a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
7. Salento (Quindío)
If you’re wondering which is the most beautiful town in Colombia and it’s your first time in the country, you have to visit Salento, a place that brings together the richness of the Coffee Axis. There, you can enjoy natural viewpoints, visit coffee farms, and explore streets that maintain the traditional architecture.
When you visit Salento, make sure to spend at least three nights in the town to have enough time to stroll through the streets of one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia, take part in a coffee tour, and dedicate a full day to the Cocora Valley. If you have time, you can also visit other nearby towns like Filandia.
Salento is easily accessible from Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales, as there are many buses connecting it to these cities. Also, the roads in the Coffee Axis are generally very safe and in excellent condition, so renting a car is a great option.
Recommended hotels: Hostal Ciudad de Segorbe, El Viajero Hostel, Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel, Montana Glamping, Hotel El Mirador del Cocora, Hotel Terasu, Terrazas de Salento, and Glamping Lumbre.
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You may be interested in: Cocora Valley Hiking Tour
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Recommended: Filandia, Salento & Cocora Valley Excursion. If you have limited time to explore the natural, cultural, and historical richness of the Coffee Region, this tour is perfect for you. In just one day, you’ll visit three of the region’s must-see destinations.
The package includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Pereira, lunch, and a guided tour of the main attractions in Filandia, Salento, and the Cocora Valley. If you prefer to start the tour from Armenia, click here.
For more details, click on this link. You’ll be able to see what the excursion includes, read reviews from other travelers, and check the price (you can change the currency at the top). Then, select your preferred date and the number of participants.
See price and tour details starting from Pereira
View tour starting from Armenia
Recommended package: Coffee Cultural Landscape - 4 days / 3 nights
On this exciting journey, you’ll discover the charms of the Coffee Cultural Landscape. You’ll be able to stroll among coffee plantations, wander the picturesque streets of Salento, explore the trails of Valle del Cocora, and be amazed by the beauty of the Quindío Botanical Garden.
The package includes round-trip transportation from Armenia, as well as the necessary transfers to follow the itinerary. It also offers accommodation in a private room for couples in a charming coffee farm. During your stay, you can enjoy the coffee tour and visit each destination at your own pace. Local guides in Spanish.
Available every day of the year.
Price per person from: $1,580,000 COP
8. Jericó (Antioquia)
Jericó is another of Colombia’s must-visit towns, bursting with vibrant colors and located 4 hours from Medellín. Surrounded by mountains and plantations of coffee, plantains, and cocoa, it is notably the birthplace of Mother Laura Montoya, the country’s only saint.
If you decide to visit Jericó, you’ll find one of the most charming municipalities in Colombia, where you can explore churches, and workshops that craft the traditional carriel paisa bags. Other highlights include the Botanical Garden, the House of Mother Laura, the Cristo Rey lookout, and the MAJA Museum.
Jericó is one of the picturesque towns to visit from Medellín, with buses departing from South Terminal. For overnight stays, we recommend: Hotel Santa Laura, Hotel Atenas, Casa Santamaria Hotel Campestre, El Despertar Hotel, and Hotel Río Piedras.
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Join this graffiti tour of Medellín’s Comuna 13!
9. Santa Fe de Antioquia: Beautiful Towns in Colombia
Santa Fe de Antioquia is one of Colombia’s towns that preserves much of the country’s Republican and colonial history. Here, you can stroll through its colonial streets, visit museums, and admire its remarkably well-preserved architecture.
This is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. Make sure to explore the Museum of Religious Art and the Juan del Corral Museum, visit each of its beautiful churches, and walk across the Puente de Occidente, a stunning feat of 19th-century engineering.
You can reach Santa Fe de Antioquia by bus from Medellín’s North Terminal in about an hour and a half. For accommodations, we recommend: Hotel Mariscal Robledo, Hotel Santa Barbara Colonial, Curazao Hotel, Encomendero Hotel, Nueva Granada Hotel Colonial, and Nativa Refugio Escondido.
Book accommodation in Santa Fe
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How to book the tour to Santa Fe de Antioquia with transportation from Medellín? It’s simple! Click here to see the detailed plan description, the price, and what’s included. Then, choose your preferred date and the number of participants, and click "Book" to enter your details and proceed with payment.
The excursion to Santa Fe de Antioquia starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 5:00 p.m. It is available every Thursday and Saturday and includes round-trip transportation from Medellín, lunch, and a guided tour (spanish) of the historic center, the Puente de Occidente, and the Juan Corral Museum.
One of the benefits of booking these tours in Medellín is that once payment is made, you receive instant confirmation. Plus, if any issues arise or you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so up to 24 hours before the activity.
Check tour price and details now
10. Minca, Magdalena
Towns in Colombia aren’t just about historical charm and traditional architecture—many boast incredible natural beauty too. One such example is Minca, a quaint village just 45 minutes from Santa Marta, nestled between towering mountains and stunning Caribbean beaches.
In Minca, you’ll find a natural paradise filled with rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools. It’s the perfect spot for escaping the coastal heat, relaxing, practicing yoga, meditating, and birdwatching in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the country’s top hotspots for endemic species.
If you decide to visit Minca, be sure to take a refreshing dip in Marinka Waterfalls, Pozo Azul, and Oído del Mundo. Don’t miss watching the sunset from Los Pinos viewpoint or Cerro Kennedy, and treat yourself to a delicious cup of locally grown coffee.
To get to Minca, you can catch a bus from Santa Marta’s Public Market, or you can book a one-day excursion. If you plan to stay overnight, we recommend staying at: Masaya Casas Viejas, Hostal Sierra Minca, Costeño River, Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge, and La Veranda Hotel.
✈️ Find flights to Santa Marta
Recommended: Tayrona Park excursion from Santa Marta
Tip: When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but often overlook unexpected events such as illnesses, accidents, thefts, or the need to return earlier than planned due to a family emergency.
To travel with peace of mind, it is essential to have insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, theft, baggage delays, and even civil liability. Moreover, in many countries, having insurance is a mandatory requirement for entry.
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Now that you know the beautiful towns of Colombia
We hope this travel guide has helped you decide which is the prettiest town in Colombia and inspired you to fall in love with exploring this country full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Meanwhile, here are some guides that might be helpful:
10 Things to Do Near Bogotá: Towns And Nature Spots
Things to do in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
The 10 Best Beaches in Colombia: The Ultimate Guide
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