7 Picturesque Mountain Towns to Explore in Colombia

Barichara epitomizes Colombia’s Andean charm, with sloping, cobbled streets; fuschia flowers spilling over the walled courtyards; and crowds mingling in the leafy churchside plaza. Spend some time exploring quiet backstreets before heading out on a hike from Barichara to neighboring Guane.

Start early in the morning to avoid running into the day-trip crowds and follow the mostly downhill country path for around two hours. Hourly bus services carry travelers back to Barichara from Guane, or consider a guided hike so you won’t have to worry about figuring out how to get back once you've finished.

Guadalupe’s main attraction is a truly bizarre spectacle—a red and purple river that runs through the Santander hills, just a short hike away from the town. The kaleidoscopic waters of Quebrada de las Gachas are filled with plunging pools of water, which are cutouts in the river bed where swimmers can bask in a natural, violet jacuzzi.

On the hike back from the red river, admire the views of picturesque Guadalupe, which seems to pop from the background of verdant countryside. Opt for a tour from Bucaramanga to see this unique natural phenomenon and the quaint town of Guadalupe.

Adventurous travelers can hike, paraglide, canyon, and white-water raft their way to San Gil, known as Colombia’s capital of active excursions. It’s an essential stop for thrillseeking travelers that want to make the most of the extreme Andean landscape. Starting on the steep cobbled streets of the whitewashed town center, you can book full-day or multi-day trips out to the surrounding mountains. And if you prefer relaxing to jumping off cliffs and into ravines, roam the quiet, forested trails of El Gallineral Natural Park.

The vast central plaza of Villa de Leyva, Plaza Major, is one of the biggest in South America. It’s bordered by cozy wine bars and traditional restaurants, indulgent chocolate shops, and the sociable front steps of the town’s white-walled church.

The last bastion of Spanish colonial power in Colombia, Villa de Leyva has an interesting and complex history dating back to the 16th century, which is best uncovered with a well-versed guide. You can also combine your trip to the town with a tour of the nearby paleontology museum, which has one of the most impressive natural history displays in the country.

Guatavita feels nearly indistinguishable from the airy villages that pepper the Andalucian countryside in Spain. Topped with ochre tiles, its architecture seems unchanged since the earliest Spanish settlement in the area—including a bullfighting ring, which is still in use for occasional performances.

But travelers shouldn’t visit just to roam the scenic streets. Guatavita sits on land inhabited by the Muisca people (long before the Spanish colonizers arrived) and is a short distance from Laguna Guatavita, which the Muisca people believed to be the source of life. Take a tour from Bogotá with an Indigenous guide to learn about the famous, mythical lagoon waters.

Built atop a maze of artificial cobalt lakes, the colorful streets of Guatapé have made it a popular resort town for Colombians for decades. Take a tour of the town from Medellín to spot the Botero-inspired sculptural reliefs built into the buildings, or head out onto the water by boat, jet ski, or kayak.

A trip to Guatapé isn’t complete without venturing up El Penol, either, a gigantic rock that dramatically juts out of the earth, and serves as the defining point of the Guatape skyline. A handy staircase wraps around the rock, so travelers can walk up 740 steps to enjoy the best viewpoint in town.

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Stetson-clad cowboys park their horses outside Jardín’s cozy coffee shops, stopping for a strong black brew before heading back into Antioquia’s hills. Most of the surrounding region is entirely rural—sprawling coffee plantations, hidden waterfalls, and rare, colorful birds that nest above the town’s hilly alleyways.

If you aren’t inclined to laze your days away watching characters in the town square or sipping beers in a local bar, take to the hills on one of the many hiking trails accessible from the edge of the town or plan a visit to a nearby coffee farm.