Colombia

10 Towns in Colombia: Explore the Colombian Countryside

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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)

Towns in Colombia close to Bogotá
Villa de Leyva. Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Book accommodation right now!

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Tourism in Villa de Leyva
Photo: Travelografía
The most beautiful towns in Colombia
Villa de Leyva. Photo: Travelgrafía
 Paleontological Museum of the National University of Colombia
Paleontological Museum of the National University of Colombia. Photo: Travelgrafía

Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.

Our favorite website for finding accommodation is Booking.com. If you click here, you can save up to 35% on your stay. By entering your destination and travel dates, you can filter by price and location, and read reviews from other travelers. In many cases, you can also book without a credit card and enjoy free cancellation.

If you frequently book on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no extra cost. This will allow you to get more affordable rates and enjoy additional benefits to save on your trip.

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2. Guatapé (Antioquia)

Turism in towns of Colombia
Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Click here to find your ideal accommodation!

Recommended: Guatapé Helicopter Ride

Click here and book the free tour of downtown Medellín

Piedra del Peñol town
Piedra del Peñol. Photography: Travelgrafía
View from the top of the Piedra del Peñol
View from the top of the Piedra del Peñol. Photography: Travelgrafía

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

Towns in Colombia near Bogotá
Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Monguí. Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.

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Recommended: Trekking to Siecha Lagoons - Chingaza National Park

Most beautiful towns of Colombia
Monguí, a town to explore the Colombian countryside. Photo: Travelgrafía
Colombian towns surrounded by nature
Ocetá Paramo, Monguí, Boyacá. Photo: Travelgrafía
Mural on the streets of Monguí
Mural in the streets of the historic center. Photo: Travelgrafía

How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.

Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.

Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.

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4. Guatavita (Cundinamarca)

Towns in Colombia for weekend visits
Town of Guatavita, Colombia. Photo: Travelgrafía

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!

Towns in Colombia for vacation
Guatavita, one of the beautiful towns of Colombia. Photo: Travelgrafía
Towns in Colombia for weekend visits
Laguna de Guatavita. Photo: Travelgrafía
Muisca Raft Sculpture Cundinamarca
Representation of the El Dorado legend in the town of Guatavita. Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Book your Guatavita Lagoon tour now!

5. Barichara (Santander)

Most Beautiful Towns in Colombia
Barichara, one of Colombia’s magic towns. Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Book accommodation in Barichara

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Towns in Santander, Colombia
Barichara, Santander, Colombia. Photograph: Travelgrafía
Streets of Barichara
Photograph: Travelgrafía
Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.

On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

Discover your next free tour on GuruWalk

Check out available activities on Civitatis

Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades

6. Jardín: Villages to Discover the Colombian Countryside

Jardín Antioquia Town
Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Plan your escape and book your hotel stay today!

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Jardín de Rocas Natural Park
Andean cock-of-the-rock in the Jardín de Rocas Natural Reserve. Photo: Travelgrafía
Cueva del Esplendor
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Jardín Town Church
Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Book Your Adventure Now!

7. Salento (Quindío)

Towns in Colombia Eje Cafetero
Photograph: Travelgrafía

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.

Reserve your stay now and enjoy exclusive deals!

You may be interested in: Cocora Valley Hiking Tour

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Villages Eje Cafetero
Salento, Coffee Axis, Colombia. Photograph: Travelgrafía
Wax palms
Cocora Valley. Photo: travel_leap

Recommended: Tour to Filandia, Salento, and Cocora Valley. If you have limited time to explore the natural, cultural, and historical beauty of the Coffee Axis, this tour is perfect for you, as it covers three must-see spots in the region in just one day.

The tour is available every day and includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Pereira, lunch, and a guided tour through the highlights of Filandia, Salento, and the Cocora Valley. If you prefer to start from Armenia, click here.

For detailed information about the tour, click this link. You’ll find everything that’s included, reviews from other travelers, and the price (you can change the currency at the top of the page). Then, select your preferred date, the number of participants, and proceed with your booking.

View prices and details for the tour starting from Pereira

View prices and details for the tour starting from Armenia

Recommended package: Coffee Cultural Landscape - 4 days / 3 nights

Man walking among wax palms in Valle del Cocora

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: $1,879,000 COP

Request more information

8. Jericó (Antioquia)

The Hundred Steps Street in Jericó
Photo credit: @luisgomezll

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

Charming towns near Medellín
Photo by: @nickylasco

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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Location of the Puente de Occidente
Puente de Occidente. Photo by: @santiago___marquez
Travel routes through Colombian towns
Photo by: @tati.aristi

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

Accommodations in Minca Santa Marta
Sunset from Casas Viejas by Masaya

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

Muralism in Minca Magdalena Colombia
Pozo Azul, Minca, Magdalena. Photo: Travelgrafía
Muralism in Minca Magdalena Colombia
Muralism in Minca, Magdalena. Photo: Travelgrafía

Are you planning a trip abroad? When organizing an international trip, we often focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we tend to forget about the possibility of falling ill, having an accident, being robbed, or needing to return home earlier than planned due to a family member’s hospitalization.

If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about unexpected medical expenses or logistical problems, it is essential to purchase international travel insurance. Additionally, in many countries, presenting travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when going through immigration.

This international insuranceoffers you comprehensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase it, click here, select your trip’s start date and duration. It is valid for any destination, and you can buy it even if you are already traveling.

You can buy the insurance here and receive a 5% discount as a Travelgrafía reader!

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

We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:

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Travelgrafía

At Travelgrafía, we connect travelers passionate about nature and culture with travel guides that inspire them to discover unexplored Colombia and explore Latin America.

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