Explore authentic towns in ColombiaDo you like the idea? It's true that this American country is super diverse, both in its nature and its culture. Diversity and wealth go hand in hand.
And what better than a Colombian institution to tell us, the travelers, which towns are among the best on the program's list? Best Tourism Villages? 2025 has barely begun, but these are the best Colombian towns the government nominated in this international competition.
Puerto Nariño
Our list titled Explore authentic Colombian towns This quiet, jungle destination leads the way, in the middle of the Amazon, which for many is a perfect place: Puerto Nariño. It is part of the municipality of the same name and can be reached from Leticia by the river itself or by land roads.
Puerto Nariño It is on the banks of the Loretyoyaco River, 87 kilometers from Leticia, the departmental capital, and 1240 kilometers from Bogotá, the country's capital. It has no large buildings, and its small size is home to several ethnic groups, namely the Yagua, the Cocama, and the Ticuna.
If you want to learn about the history and way of life of these people, Puerto Nariño is the best. A boat ride takes you to the Lake Tarapoto and its dolphins, in whose waters you can canoe or walk the many trails surrounding the lake, listening to and watching birds. While mornings are the best time of day for these experiences, the sunset over the dark waters of the lake is unparalleled.
On the hill that can be seen behind Puerto Nariño there is a viewpoint at 18 meters highThe views are beautiful as you see the town, the rivers, the Loretocayu and the Amazon itself, the Zancudillo Canal and Correo Lake as well.
Puerto Nariño is a small town, but it still offers accommodation: simple hotels, guesthouses in wooden cabins, eco-hotels on the outskirts but on the riverbank. Nothing luxurious.
So, during the day you have many outdoor activities, in the jungle and on the river or exploring the surrounding indigenous settlements; at night, eating, drinking, gazing at the sky, listening to the river flow, and falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
The cocuy
In our list titled Explore authentic towns in Colombia It is the turn of the capital of the province of Gutiérrez, department of Bocayá: The cocuy, known by the romantic name of Snowy city, haven of peace.
In pre-Columbian times, the lands were home to indigenous people under the command of Chief Choqui, and from this name comes the current word cocuy. The Europeans arrived in the second half of the 16th century, seeking riches and almost eliminating the entire local population.
This part of Colombia is a natural wonder of jungle, forest, moorland and glacier. Yes, you read that right, there is a glacier here! It is the largest glacier in tropical Colombia and is in the lands of the Güican, Cocuy and Chita National Natural Park, founded in 1977.
From the skies of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, you can see a pearly necklace beneath the sun bathing the Andes Mountains. This is Colombia's largest glacier. formed by more than 25 snow-capped peaks and two mountain ranges about 25 kilometers longThe peaks are between 4800 and 5000 meters high.
You may or may not dare to climb, but you can always stay in the surroundings visiting forests, lagoons, waterfalls, moors, all inhabited by fauna among which we highlight the wonderful Andean condor, eagles, deer, bears...
Beyond nature, the town should also be enjoyed. To start, it is best to visit the Living Museum of the Sa RouteIt's reminiscent of the route used by the indigenous people of the area. Its streets feature ancient buildings, including the House of Culture, the Palace of Justice, and the Bocayá Theater—almost all painted emerald green and white.
Cocuy is a charming colonial town, with friendly people, crafts that are worth buying so that when you see them you remember, and with the national park super close to enjoy and experience American nature.
Useful information:
- If you want to visit the park, keep in mind that it opens between 6 and 8 am and closes between 1 and 5 pm.
- The entry is preceded by an introductory talk, after registration.
- You must pay for rescue insurance and medical insurance.
Garden
In our select list of Colombian towns to explore It's Jardín's turn, just 134 kilometers from Medellín, departmental capital.
Garden is beautiful and It is part of the Network of Heritage Towns of Colombia, an initiative of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Due to the distance from Medellín, he estimates that it takes three hours, It is very visited on weekends, by locals and tourists alike. Tourists also come motivated to learn everything about coffee.
The town, with its architecture of colonial houses With beautiful balconies and rosebushes everywhere, it is the gateway to a charming area. Sightseeing tours focus on the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Monument to the Mother, the Santa Ana Asylum or the Convent of the Conceptionist Sisters.
The basilica is on the El Libertador Park, the best place to watch local life go by. There are restaurants and cafes from which to enjoy the colors and sounds of Jardín. There you can decide which coffee farms you will visit to learn everything about this very Colombian product.
Another option to soak up the local culture is visit the traditional trout farms Jardín, places to connect with the countryside and experience the local cuisine. There are also many possible tours, by quad bike, on the famous Chivas locals, a very traditional transport from the Antioquia and coffee region, or walk hand in hand with a local guide who will tell you everything important in two hours...
El Camino de la Herrera, the Waterfall of Love are other possible destinations here in Jardín.
Orocué
It is a town that is part of the Casanare department, a natural pearl inhabited by very warm people. Orocué is a Colombian town banks of the Meta River, in the middle of the eastern plains. It is 190 kilometers from the capital Yopal and 450 kilometers from Bogotá.
The Meta River is one of the important tributaries of the Orinoco River, partly on the border with Venezuela. It is also a waterway that connects towns that are difficult to reach by land, including Orocué itself.
The people It was founded in 1850 by indigenous people and Spanish settlers, and the name derives from the Yaruro language and means "resting place"Nothing could be more accurate.
A good time to visit Orocué is now, in Easter, since religious events are organized by the community and are very colorful. Also in the Festivals of the Virgin of Candelaria, in January.
Other towns on the list authentic towns in Colombia we can add Paicol, with the beautiful Páez River, ideal for rafting, El Cairo, in the Cauca Valley with its cloud forests, and I was scalded, in Cundinamarca, with the beautiful Laguna de Guatavita, cradle of the legend of El Dorado.