Colombia

Like South America in miniature, Colombia is a lively medley of Andean cities, Amazon basin, colonial towns and stately haciendas. But, it has its own one-of-a-kind characteristics, too: wax palms rising like ships’ masts in the Zona Cafetera (where you can taste some of the world’s best coffee), a cathedral hollowed out of a salt mine, and San Agustín, a set of pre-Inca ruins that still confound archaeologists.

Architecture enthusiasts can start their journey in Bogotá, exploring centuries-old churches that date back 400 years. Heading north, you'll find the historic walled city of Cartagena, where you can join locals for an afternoon paseo (stroll) around its majestic fortifications. Alternatively, venture south to the previously hard-to-reach San Agustín ruins, where a mysterious, unnamed culture dating back 5,000 years still puzzles historians. Another option is to stay at a traditional finca in the Zona Cafetera, the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing region.

While in Bogotá, be sure to visit the Salt Cathedral in the nearby town of Zipaquirá. To the west, Cartagena stands as one of South America's finest examples of preserved colonial architecture, where you can take a city tour through its vibrant buildings and cobblestone streets. In other parts of the country, embark on a coffee tour through the Cordillera in Colombia's coffee region, or head to Tayrona National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where you can spot colorful macaws.