With its Caribbean coastline, Andean peaks and stretch of Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers an extraordinary range of landscapes. Tourism has grown considerably in recent years, helped in part by improved safety in several regions. The country now draws hikers looking for mountains, jungle and tropical scenery. Routes, kit and practical advice: here’s what you need to know before trekking in Colombia.
Key takeaways:
- Colombia has routes for different levels of hiking experience.
- Choose your kit according to the climate and altitude.
- Some treks, including Ciudad Perdida, require advance booking and a certified guide.
- Check health and safety advice before you travel.
A destination that draws hikers
Where to trek in Colombia
Colombia packs an exceptional variety of landscapes into one country. In the north, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is home to Tayrona National Natural Park and the legendary Ciudad Perdida.
The Serranía de la Macarena, in the centre of the country, is crossed by Caño Cristales, nicknamed the "river of five colours". To the south, the Amazon offers plenty of trails around Leticia and Amacayacu Natural Park.
The country is also crossed by the Colombian Andes, where you can take in the green landscapes of the Cocora Valley and Los Nevados National Natural Park.
A country unlike any other
Colombia has plenty to rival its neighbours. Ciudad Perdida predates Machu Picchu by several centuries. Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada, it can only be reached after a multi-day trek. Meanwhile, the Cocora Valley is famous for its wax palms, which can grow to several dozen metres tall.
The country is also known for its biodiversity. Colombia has more recorded bird species than any other country in the world. It is home to almost 20% of the world’s bird species.
The natural areas also offer opportunities to meet local communities, including the Indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada.
Is it dangerous to hike in Colombia?
Safety in Colombia has improved over the past several years, but conditions still vary by region. Before trekking in Colombia, check the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ travel advice. For hikes, the ministry particularly recommends using recognised trekking operators and professional guides.
The best times to trek in Colombia
In Colombia, the seasons are mainly defined by rainfall. The dry seasons, from December to March and from July to August, are the best times for trekking. Trails are more stable then, and views of the peaks are generally clearer.
Top trekking routes in Colombia
Ciudad Perdida
Ciudad Perdida is one of Colombia’s most iconic routes. This demanding trek usually starts in the Santa Marta region. It involves three to five days of walking and covers around 44 km there and back, depending on the route.
The Ciudad Perdida trek must be done with a guide. It crosses dense jungle and several rivers. The ground can be uneven, and the heat and humidity are intense, so good physical preparation is recommended. The effort is worth it: the trek leads to the ruins of an ancient Tayrona city, hidden in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The Cocora Valley and Los Nevados
The Cocora Valley offers one of Colombia’s most recognisable landscapes. The one- to two-day hiking route crosses pastures and the famous wax palm forest, where the palms can reach 80 metres in height.
After exploring the Cocora Valley, experienced hikers can continue towards Los Nevados National Natural Park. Climbing Nevado del Tolima, which reaches 5,215 metres, is not for beginners. It requires good physical preparation, acclimatisation to altitude and appropriate support.
Tayrona National Natural Park
One of the most accessible options for trying hiking in Colombia is Tayrona National Natural Park. Its trails offer one to three days of walking through tropical forest, with the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop. You can combine hiking, tropical scenery and time on the beach without taking on a demanding trek.
Caño Cristales
In the Serranía de La Macarena, several guided hikes take you past waterfalls, natural pools and rock formations. Above all, the routes offer views of Caño Cristales, the famous "river of five colours", with shades of red, yellow, green, blue and grey.
Caño Cristales is not accessible all year round. The tourist season generally runs from June to November, although dates vary with conditions and local permits.
For more route ideas, explore our guides to trekking in Sri Lanka, trekking in Namibia, trekking in Bolivia and trekking in Oman.
What to pack for Colombia’s varied climate
The challenge of a varied climate
Packing for a trek in Colombia can be a challenge because of the wide range of temperatures. On the Caribbean coast, particularly around Ciudad Perdida, temperatures can reach around 30 °C, with humidity close to 90%. In the Andes, by contrast, temperatures can drop to around 5–10 °C, with wind, rain and fog.
In these conditions, avoid cotton clothing. Once wet, cotton dries slowly and can become uncomfortable or even leave you feeling cold. Choose synthetic or technical fabrics instead.
Pack light for Ciudad Perdida
For a Ciudad Perdida trek, clothing suited to a tropical or equatorial climate is recommended. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics, ideally synthetic fibres. They dry quickly after heavy sweating or river crossings.
To protect yourself from vegetation and insects, opt for long-sleeved tops and long trousers. Alongside your hiking shoes, consider packing a pair of water-friendly sandals. They’re useful for crossing streams without soaking your walking shoes.
Three layers for the Colombian Andes
Hikes in the Andes, around the Cocora Valley and Los Nevados park, are subject to more unpredictable weather. Temperatures can fall quickly at altitude, so the three-layer system is the best way to adapt to changing conditions.
For hikes at altitude, choose clothing designed for travel and trekking. Ideally, pack a breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or insulated jacket, and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Add a beanie and gloves to keep your extremities warm.
Essential accessories
A few accessories can make a real difference on Colombian trails. In the Sierra Nevada, a DEET-based insect repellent can be particularly useful for keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
A dry bag, or at least a waterproof cover for your backpack, will protect clothing and electronics during downpours and river crossings.
Finally, lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes are a good compromise for wet trails without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.
Practical tips for hiking in Colombia
Booking the Ciudad Perdida trek
The Ciudad Perdida trek must be done with an authorised operator. Only five or six local operators offer this route, at a regulated price that depends on the length of the trek. Expect to pay between USD 400 and 650, all included.
With so few operators, book ahead. In peak season, aim to book two to four weeks before your trek starts.
Altitude and yellow fever
Bogotá sits at over 2,600 metres above sea level. If you plan to continue to higher routes in the Andes, allow one or two days to acclimatise in the capital.
Before travelling, check the latest health advice. Yellow fever vaccination is often required to enter Colombian national parks and is recommended for several regions, including the Amazon. Get vaccinated well in advance, ideally at least 10 days before departure.
Speaking Spanish
Spanish is Colombia’s official language. In the main tourist destinations, a few words and phrases are usually enough to get by. On organised treks, English- or French-speaking guides may also be available, depending on the operator.
Getting around Colombia
Intercity buses are an affordable and relatively comfortable option for travelling between major cities and tourist regions. For more distant destinations, such as Santa Marta or Leticia, domestic flights can save time.
Trekking in Colombia lets you experience the country at a different pace, close to nature and local communities. With good preparation and the right kit, hikers can make the most of the adventure. It’s a strikingly different way to experience South America.
