Colombia has a way of sneaking into your heart, even if you’re just visiting for a few days or a few weeks. I’ve traveled there twice in the past year, and each trip left me more captivated than the last. As a naturalist guide, I spend my days immersed in nature and wildlife, but Colombia manages to thrill on every level: from the warmth of its people to the intensity of its landscapes. Here are five things that keep me dreaming about Colombia long after I’ve left.
1. The Food
Colombian cuisine isn’t about fancy plating or imported ingredients; it’s about authenticity, heart, and flavor. Every meal feels like a celebration of the country’s heritage. I can’t resist starting the day with a bowl of ajiaco, a comforting chicken-and-potato soup that never fails to hit the spot. For lunch or dinner, my plates are usually piled high with rice, fresh meats, fish, and vegetables, often accompanied by a juice made from fruits I’ve never even heard of before. Desserts aren’t the focus, and they’re mostly fresh, local fruits, but honestly, you don’t need sugar when every bite tastes this alive. In Colombia, food isn’t just nourishment; it’s a story you can taste.
2. The People
Colombians have a warmth that feels genuine and unforced. Every host I’ve stayed with went out of their way to make me feel welcome, often staying up late to share drinks, swap stories, and laugh long into the night. Strangers, too, have been just as inviting. Birdwatching with binoculars often attracts curious locals, and their excitement when I spot a rare bird is contagious. People here take pride in their world, and being shown that world is an honor.
3. The Landscapes
Colombia’s landscapes are breathtakingly diverse. Towering forests stretch as far as the eye can see, mountains hide behind veils of cloud and snow, volcanoes occasionally erupt with dramatic flair, and rivers roar through vegetation that seems almost Eden-like in its lushness. On the road, wildlife surprises are everywhere: a male Golden-headed quetzal singing next to construction, an Ocellated tapaculo appearing in an unexpected spot, or a Cock-of-the-Rock casually perched by a gas station like it owned the place. At night, encounters continue, like a tiny endemic opossum whose species remains a mystery or a sleeping Canada warbler sharing a tree with an Oilbird. Each moment feels like nature’s way of reminding me that anything is possible in Colombia.
4. Canopy Vistas
One evening, I found myself perched in a canopy tower with a cup of tea, watching a mixed flock of glittering tanagers drift past at eye level as the sunset painted the sky behind us. That quiet moment, the rhythm of the forest from above, remains one of my favorite experiences in Colombia. There’s nothing quite like seeing the world from a bird’s perspective, feeling the pulse of life in every branch and leaf.
5. And of Course, the Wildlife!
If there’s one thing that truly defines Colombia for me, it’s the wildlife. The country’s biodiversity is staggering—home to more bird species than anywhere else on Earth and an incredible array of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that seem to appear around every corner. On any given day, I might spot jewel-toned hummingbirds flashing through the mist, antpittas hopping confidently along forest trails, or monkeys crashing through the canopy overhead. Even the unexpected moments feel magical: a Cock-of-the-Rock perched beside a gas station, or an Ocellated tapaculo boldly singing in a place it “wasn’t supposed to be.”
Whether I’m birding at dawn, scanning the canopy at sunset, or spotting nocturnal creatures after dark, Colombia delivers constant surprises. For wildlife lovers, it’s a paradise—a place where every rustle in the leaves might lead to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Colombia doesn’t just reward travelers; it embraces them. From the food to the forests, the people to the sunsets, there’s a reason I keep coming back. Every visit leaves me with more stories, more memories, and a deeper appreciation for a country that truly has it all.
Ready to experience Colombia for yourself?
Reefs to Rockies has a group trip departing in December 2026, and it’s a fantastic way to see the country’s incredible diversity with expert guides and local insight. Or, if you prefer something more personal, we can help plan a custom trip for individuals, families, or groups of friends. However you explore it, Colombia is a destination that will capture your heart just as it has captured mine.
Carly Crow is a naturalist guide and field biologist specializing in avian research and tropical ecology. Her work has taken her across the U.S. and Latin America, where she shares her love of wildlife, conservation, and wild places with travelers from around the world.