Colombia rewards travellers with snow peaks, Caribbean coast, coffee hills and colonial streets, often in the same week. Here are six cities that show off the country's range.
Bogotá
The high-altitude capital sits at 2,640 metres and runs on cool mountain air. Wander La Candelaria, the historic centre, where coloured houses climb toward the Andes. Highlight: the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), home to more than 30,000 pre-Hispanic gold pieces. Ride the cable car up Monserrate for a view over the whole city.
Medellín
Once notorious, now one of South America's most dynamic cities, Medellín enjoys spring-like weather year-round. Ride the Metrocable over the hillside neighbourhoods and visit Comuna 13, transformed by street art and outdoor escalators. Highlight: the bohemian Comuna 13 graffiti tour, led by locals who lived the change.
Cartagena
The jewel of the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is all bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages and 16th-century stone. Highlight: walking the walled old town (Ciudad Amurallada) at sunset, then watching the colours fade from the city walls. Day-trip to the Rosario Islands for clear water and white sand.
Cali
The self-declared world capital of salsa, Cali is hot, friendly and rhythmic. Take a class, then watch the pros in a salsoteca in the Juanchito district. Highlight: an evening of live salsa where even beginners are pulled onto the floor.
Santa Marta
Colombia's oldest surviving city is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, where jungle meets golden Caribbean beaches. Highlight: hiking into Tayrona to swim at Cabo San Juan. Adventurous travellers use Santa Marta as the launch point for the multi-day trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida).
Villa de Leyva
A few hours from Bogotá, this colonial town has one of the largest cobbled plazas in the Americas. Highlight: the vast Plaza Mayor, ringed by whitewashed buildings, plus nearby fossil sites and vineyards in the dry Boyacá countryside.
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