Colombian Islands Travel Guide
Explore the best places to visit, hikes to take, food to taste, and more in Colombian Islands. This comprehensive tour guide covers everything you need to know before planning a trip.
- Introduction to Colombian Islands
- List of Places to Visit in Colombian Islands
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Colombian Islands
- Best Things to Do in Colombian Islands: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Colombian Islands
- Food and Drink Scene of Colombian Islands
- Where to Stay in Colombian Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Colombian Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Colombian Islands
- Best Time to Visit Colombian Islands
- Do’s and Don’ts of Colombian Islands
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Colombian Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Colombian Islands
- Where to Go Next from Colombian Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Colombian Islands
Colombian Islands, located off the Caribbean coast of Colombia, offer a perfect combination of sun, sand, and sea. The islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and pristine beaches. These beautiful islands have something for everyone, including outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine.
List of Places to Visit in Colombian Islands
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle
- Cartagena’s Old Town
- Bolivar Square
- Palace of the Inquisition Museum
- Museum of Modern Art
- Gold Museum Zenu
Natural Attractions of Colombian Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Rosario Islands National Park
- Tayrona National Natural Park
- El Totumo Mud Volcano
- La Cienaga Grande
- The Lost City of Teyuna
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Hiking/Biking Routes of Colombian Islands
The Colombian Islands offer some of the most incredible hiking/biking trails that any nature lover would appreciate. These are some of the best ones:
- Bahia Solano
- El Cocuy National Park
- Corcovado National Park
- Chicamocha National Park
- Los Nevados National Park
Best Things to Do in Colombian Islands: Activities and Tours
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Boat tours
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
- Parasailing
- Stand-up Paddleboarding
- Deep-sea Fishing
Week-Long Itinerary for Colombian Islands
Here is a week-long itinerary for exploring Colombian Islands:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit San Felipe Castle and explore Cartagena’s Old Town |
| Day 2 | Visit Bolivar Square and the Gold Museum of Zenu |
| Day 3 | Take a boat trip to Rosario Islands National Park and explore the island |
| Day 4 | Hike through La Cienaga Grande and visit a traditional village in the area |
| Day 5 | Explore Tayrona National Natural Park and relax on the beach |
| Day 6 | Take a city tour of Santa Marta, and visit the Los Nevados National Park |
| Day 7 | Visit the Lost City of Teyuna and return to the mainland |
Food and Drink Scene of Colombian Islands
Must-Try Dishes
- Fried Fish
- Arroz con coco
- Patacones (Fried Plantains)
- Coconut Rice
- Sancocho
Local Beverages
- Aguapanela
- Limonada de Coco
- Guanabana Juice
- Hot Chocolate
Where to Stay in Colombian Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Casa Hotel Boutique
- Casa de la Chicheria
- Palma Hostel
- Hostal Casa Blanca
- Posada Ecoturistica Wiwa
What to Buy in Colombian Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handcrafted Jewellery and Accessories
- Coffee Beans
- Hand-painted Ceramics
- Woven Bags and Baskets
- Traditional Hammocks
Local Culture and Customs of Colombian Islands
The people of Colombian Islands are warm, welcoming and proud of their unique culture. Visitors to the Colombian Islands are expected to behave respectfully towards local customs, and it’s important to learn about local customs before your visit.
Best Time to Visit Colombian Islands
The best time to visit Colombian Islands is between December and March when the weather is sunny, and there is little chance of rain.
Do’s and Don’ts of Colombian Islands
Do:
- Learn a few words in Spanish
- Embrace the local culture
- Be respectful towards local customs
Don’t:
- Overpack
- Take unnecessary risks
- Forget to tip your service providers
Safety and Health
Safety in Colombian Islands
Tourists visiting Colombian Islands should take standard precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding walking alone at night and protecting valuables.
Health in Colombian Islands
Tourists are advised to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using DEET-based repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing.
Getting to Colombian Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Colombian Islands
- Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena
- Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta
Bus Stations Near Colombian Islands
- Terminal de Transporte Cartagena
- Terminal de Transporte Santa Marta
Other Options
Ferries and speedboats are also available for travel between the islands and mainland.
How to Get Around in Colombian Islands
The easiest way to get around Colombian Islands is by taking a taxi, renting a car, hopping on a bus, or bicycles.
Where to Go Next from Colombian Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Cartagena
- Minca
- Barranquilla
- Santa Marta
Conclusion
The Colombian Islands offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its natural beauty, unique culture, and plenty of activities to enjoy, the Colombian Islands should be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list.
