Apart from the many famous destinations on the tourist route, Colombia also boasts plenty of less-known yet gorgeous places scattered all around the country. Real traditional markets, forgotten colonial cities, isolated archaeological parks – these are just few of the list.
If you’ll ever visit Colombia and decide for a more off the beaten path route, we couldn’t suggest you enough to pay a stop at the following 4 amazing destinations away from the tourist masses!
1. Tierradentro Archaeological Park
Overshadowed by the nearby San Augustin (also archaeological park), this quite but isolated site is nothing but the best place to witness the long-forgotten history of the country. Located just next to the small village of Inza, the whole area of the park is an ancient necropolis (pre-Columbian times) featuring some incredible underground tombs and human-like statues. If that is not enough to swing by for a visit then you should know that visitors are not only allowed to walk around the place but also to access the depths of the tombs! The park also has a small on-site museum worth a look.
How to get there: The easiest most common way to get to Tierradentro is taking a bus from Popayan. The ride shouldn’t be more than 4h but sometimes it can take up to 7h!
Where to sleep: In both Tierradentro and San Andres de Pisimbala there are plenty of accomodation options; a cheap yet comfortable place is Mi Casita which at 15k COP/pp offers you a nice private room with shared bathroom.
2. Silvia Market
On Tuesdays, it’s the market day for the small village of Silvia. For this occasion, all the surroundings communities of the indigenous Guambiano people head over to the “city” to trade, buy or sell goods. This is a unique opportunity not just to see a real traditional market relatively tourist-free but also to see a different reality of Colombia. On top of selling normal goods, Guambiano people also sell some gorgeous hand-knitted bags made from alpaca/llama wool. Definitely a great souvenir to bring back home with you!
How to get there: Currently, the only way to get to Silvia is to take a direct bus from the Popayan bus station. In order to see the market “alive” we suggest you to make sure to take the bus no later than 8am!
Where to sleep: In Silvia there are some basic accommodations (not available in internet) which can be booked the day you arrive but also sleeping in Popayan is not a bad idea.
3. Santa Cruz de Mompox
On their trip throughout Colombia, many people usually leave out the huge swamp-lagoon area that separates the beaches (Tayrona, Cartagena etc…) from the big cities such as Medellin, Bogotá, Cali and Popayan. Even though this area is usually not visited much, the city of Santa Cruz de Mompox is a must for a short stop. The town is a bit secluded but its lovely colonial architecture and laid-back riverside atmosphere are definitely worth the journey!
How to get there: Getting here can be pretty challenging. From Cartagena there’s a shuttle and bus service that run to here just once a day. Optionally, from Santa Marta is also possible to get a direct shuttle service (not private but still more expensive than average).
Where to sleep: There aren’t many budget-friendly option in town but a good choice is the La Casa del Viajero, a relatively central and very cosy homestay located in a very quiet neighbourhood.
4. Chichamocha Canyon
This not-so-famous Canyon located just next to the adventure town of San Gil, is the perfect destination for all those loving walking and trekking. Entering the Canyon is not only free but you can also find some basic accomodation options and have the chance to sleep at the bottom of it for a couple of days! In & around the canyon there are plenty of paths to choose from but most people usually either decide only to walk until the rim.
How to get there: From the highway heading to San Gil, there are many lookout points overlooking the Canyon and even an official water-themed park. That said, an easy way to reach the canyon is to get a bus from San Gil to Villanueva and from there follow a 3-4h path to the canyon rim.
Where to sleep: Basic accomodation is available inside the canyon but bringing a tent will insure you to have a place for the night. It is also possible to overnight in San Gil and simply head for the canyon Rim in the morning, making the trek just a one-day activity.
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I never thought to wonder what it’s like to go camping in a foreign country. I also found the marketplace intriguing. I love buying local because whenever I go traveling
It’s actually quite funny to camp around but truth to be said also pretty challenging in some places. And we love markets, so much variety of food, friendly people and crazy cheap prices for those on a budget!