Colombia is one of those countries that captivates you from the very first trip.The warmth of its people, the variety of landscapes, and the blend of cultures that permeates every corner leave you wanting more. Beyond the well-known destinations, the country is full of undiscovered gems where nature still reigns supreme and mass tourism hasn't quite taken hold.
If you fancy discovering almost secret places, away from the hustle and bustle and with a brutal charmHere you will find a very complete guide and suggestions for Places in South America you have to seeSacred high-altitude lagoons, rivers of impossible colors, mythical hills in the heart of the Amazon, tranquil Caribbean beaches, reddish deserts, jungles that merge with the ocean, and indigenous communities that proudly protect their territory. All this accompanied by gastronomy, festivals, crafts, and tips for traveling respectfully and enjoying life like a local.
3 secret places in Colombia you have to know
When people talk about "secret places in Colombia," many people only think of unspoiled spots in the Caribbean.But the country holds hidden gems scattered across its mountain ranges, jungles, and plains. To whet your appetite, here are three less-crowded spots that combine wild nature, history, and a touch of adventure.
Siecha Lagoons (Cundinamarca): sacred moorland very close to Bogotá
Located in the heart of Chingaza National Natural Park, at an altitude of over 3.000 meters.Hidden away are the Siecha Lagoons, a collection of glacial lakes surrounded by high-altitude moorland and vegetation. This territory was sacred to the Muisca people, and walking its trails is almost like traveling back in time and treading the ancient ceremonial paths of this indigenous group.
The biodiversity of this area is extremely delicateThe frailejones, mosses, Andean birds, and páramo mammals depend on the ecosystem remaining intact. That's why it's essential to respect the marked trails, stay on the official routes, and avoid leaving any kind of waste. The water that originates in Chingaza supplies a large part of Bogotá, so every responsible step counts.
How to get to the Siecha Lagoons: Access is via the north entrance of Chingaza National Park. It is usually reached by vehicle from the municipality of Guasca, following the road that connects La Calera with Guasca and taking the turnoff towards the park. From the checkpoint, the hike begins along authorized trails, with steep inclines and cold weather, so it is advisable to dress warmly and be in good physical condition.
Mavecure Hills (Guainía): Sacred Mounds in the Amazon
In the remote department of Guainía, near the city of IníridaThe Mavecure Hills rise up, three enormous tepuis of dark rock called Mavecure, Mono, and Pájaro. The term “tepuy” comes from indigenous languages and translates as “house of the gods,” a clear indication of the spiritual significance these mountains hold for local communities.
The landscape around the hills is otherworldly.The Amazon rainforest stretches as far as the eye can see, and impressive rivers like the Orinoco, the Atabapo, and the Guaviare converge there. Climbing one of these stone giants requires significant physical effort, but the panoramic views of forests, waterways, and plains more than compensate for every drop of sweat.
How to get to the Mavecure Hills: The usual starting point is Inírida, the capital of Guainía, which can be reached by air from cities like Bogotá. From there, you take a boat along the Inírida River for about two hours to reach the communities near the hills. It is essential to hire local guides and always respect the rules of the indigenous communities that manage the territory.
Caño Sabana (Guaviare): the “discreet brother” of Caño Cristales
Caño Sabana is located a few kilometers from San José del Guaviare.Formerly known as Tranquilandia and often confused with Caño Cristales, this river shares the same natural phenomenon of multicolored waters, but it is much less famous and, in general, more affordable and accessible.
The chromatic spectacle occurs between the months of June and NovemberThe aquatic plant Macarenia clavigera reproduces and dyes the riverbed intense reddish hues, creating patches that blend with yellows, greens, and areas of clear water. The combination of rocks, natural pools, and small waterfalls results in landscapes that seem straight out of a painting.
How to get to Caño Sabana: From San José del Guaviare, take the road towards Villavicencio until you find a turnoff signposted "Puerta de Orión y Tranquilandia". From there, it's a short walk along rural trails to the areas where you can best appreciate the river and its colorful vegetation.
Beyond these three destinations, Colombia is full of beautiful places that often go unnoticed. for international tourism. Some are little-visited national parks, others charming towns, and there are also places that are currently inaccessible for conservation reasons, but which are worth visiting to understand the country's natural wealth.
Laguna Verde del Azufral (Nariño): a crater from another planet
At the top of the Azufral volcano, at an altitude of over 4.000 metersA lagoon formed, its emerald green so intense it seemed unreal. The color comes from the high concentrations of sulfur associated with volcanic activity. The surrounding landscape, with its cold mountains, fumaroles, and low clouds, reinforces this feeling of being in an otherworldly environment.
For years it was one of the most spectacular places for hiking in Nariñowith routes that climbed up hillsides covered in high-altitude vegetation to reach the crater's edge. However, tourist pressure and environmental impact led indigenous authorities and the government to take drastic measures.
Current situation and access: Access to the Azufral volcano and Laguna Verde is indefinitely suspended due to accumulated damage to the ecosystem. It is important to respect this decision: attempting to access it illegally is not only dangerous, but also exacerbates the environmental and cultural problems of the protected area. In other Andean contexts, such as the secret places in ArequipaSimilar decisions have also been made to protect fragile ecosystems.
Salinas de Galerazamba (Bolívar): the Colombian “pink sea”
The salt flats of Galerazamba are located an hour north of Cartagena.popularly known as the "pink sea" of Colombia. This striking hue is due to a microscopic algae (artemia) and high concentrations of salt that tint the waters of the area a deep pink when the right conditions are present.
The spectacle only occurs during the dry seasonThe pink hue lasts until approximately April. With the arrival of the rains, the particles responsible for the color dilute, and the water gradually loses its pinkish tone. Therefore, it's advisable to check the condition of the salt flats before planning a visit to avoid disappointment.
How to get to the Galerazamba Salt Flats: From Cartagena, you can travel north by car or regional public transport along the Caribbean Coast Highway. The journey usually takes about an hour, and in the last few kilometers, you'll take signposted side roads to the salt flats and the small nearby village.
Cave of Splendor (Antioquia): waterfall hidden in the rock
In the mountains surrounding the municipality of Jardín, in southwestern AntioquiaNearby is the Cave of Splendor, a curious geological phenomenon where a waterfall cascades through the ceiling of a cavern, forming a jet of water that falls inside the grotto. The combination of filtered light, moss, and damp walls creates a truly magical atmosphere.
The surrounding area corresponds to the Alto de las Flores forestIt's an area of lush vegetation with abundant birds, streams, and coffee farms. Many travelers take advantage of their visit to go hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the rural trails surrounding Jardín, one of the most beautiful towns in Antioquia.
How to get to the Cave of Splendor: From Medellín, you travel by road to Jardín, a journey of about three hours south. From the town, you hire jeeps or 4x4 vehicles to the Alto de las Flores area, where the hike begins along mountain trails that eventually lead to the cave entrance.
As you can see, Colombia is a land brimming with natural beauty. Add to that its culture and cuisine, and you have the perfect trip.