The Great Outdoors: Three of the Best Adventure Activities and Eco-Tours in Colombia

Colombia is fast becoming as well known for its exciting outdoor excursions, adrenaline-packed activities and adventure travel experiences, as it is for colonial towns, idyllic islands and intriguing cultural history. There are horse riding trails, ATV tours and skydiving to be enjoyed from Bogotá, hiking through the Cocora Valley and wider Coffee Region, waterfall walks surrounding Bogotá, mountain biking through the Colombian countryside and much, much more. Here, we give a rundown of three and unmissable outdoor activities to be enjoyed during your trip to Colombia, in amongst time on the beach and those all-important city tours, of course!

Hiking to Ciudad Perdida: the ‘Lost City’

Lesser-known than neighbouring Peru’s world-famous Inca Trail and site of Machu Picchu, Colombia has an ancient ‘Lost City’ all of its own, and for anyone seeking a truly memorable off-the-beaten-path adventure, the four-day Ciudad Perdida Trek is just the ticket. Situated amidst gloriously dense jungle, this relatively unknown complex of steep steps, terraces and accommodation structures was once the capital of Colombia’s Tayrona civilisation some 1,300 years ago and, due to its hidden location, has remained remarkably untouched to this day. The hike itself is one of the best and most memorable highlights of Colombia, with its river crossings, lookout points and thick forest found within 29 fascinating miles of national park pastures, villages, waterfalls and wildlife. Camp each night will be comfortable and the romance of each day’s hiking through the jungle is as enjoyable as the moment you arrive at Ciudad Perdida itself. There are four, five or six-day options to choose from, so for anyone with enough time to spare during their trip to Colombia, this lost city trek is an absolute must!

Paragliding in Medellin

The phrase ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ can be somewhat overused, however, paragliding over Medellin with its sprawling urban patchwork and surrounding mountains, is surely among them! With Colombia fast becoming one of Latin America’s best places for adventure sports and adrenaline activities, there are few better locations to take to the skies – in the hands of an experienced guide – and view this region of Colombia from above. During a tandem paraglide above Medellin, you’ll take in both the stunning Andes Mountain views and evocative city skyline from this altogether alternative angle, offering a different, peaceful perspective on such a busy cosmopolitan town. So, selfie sticks at the ready, for a Colombian adventure experience you certainly will not forget any time soon!

Scuba diving in Providencia

With the world’s third largest barrier reef on your doorstep, no trip to Colombia would be complete without at least one scuba diving or snorkelling adventure! The kaleidoscopic corals, fish, turtles, sharks and even submerged shipwrecks off Providencia and San Andres Islands are an untamed joy to behold, with this UNESCO protected underwater biosphere consisting of dozens of world-class dive sites suitable for those of all abilities. You can learn to scuba in these Caribbean waters or – for more experienced divers – simply make the most of the myriad marine life to be found here. Whether spending time on the coast as part of a wider adventure tour of Colombia or simply seeking a moment away from it all, head to the lesser-visited islands of Providencia and San Andres, for some of the best scuba diving tours in the Caribbean!

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