Colombia: a family destination
Colombia offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities. You can visit nature parks, beaches, museums, local markets and historical sites. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena also offer child-friendly attractions.
Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your family trip to Colombia:
Bogotá : Visiting Bogotá as a family can be an enriching experience, as the city offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
Parc Metropolitano Simón Bolívar: This vast park is an excellent place to spend time with the family. Here you can cycle, jog, rollerblade, picnic and enjoy the children's playgrounds. The park is also home to ponds where you and your family can go pedal-boating.
Maloka Children's Museum: This interactive museum features exhibits on science, technology and the environment, designed especially for children. The interactive exhibits allow children to have fun while learning, making it an ideal activity for families.
Bogotá Planetarium: Located next to Simón Bolívar Park, the planetarium offers film screenings on astronomy and educational activities about space.
Monserrate cable car: Taking the cable car to the top of Monserrate mountain offers a panoramic view of Bogotá. It's a memorable experience for the whole family.
Visit the La Candelaria district: A stroll through the historic district of La Candelaria reveals colonial architecture, ancient churches, picturesque alleyways and colorful graffiti. It's a pleasant walk for the whole family, with plenty of cafés and restaurants for rest and refreshment.
There's also the botanical garden and the gold museum, which offer an opportunity to learn about Colombian nature & culture.
Pereira: the coffee capital of Colombia! Here you can visit a coffee plantation and learn all about the roasting process. You can also take part in the harvest!
Cocora Valley: The Cocora Valley is a wonderful place to visit with the whole family in Colombia. Located in the Quindío region, near the town of Salento, this valley is famous for its picturesque landscapes, giant wax palms and hiking trails, suitable for all fitness levels. For a more relaxed experience, you can hire horses at the valley entrance and explore the surrounding area on horseback. A fun activity for all ages, the Cocora Valley is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that you can observe with the whole family. Tip : Bring a packed lunch and enjoy an open-air picnic in the heart of the valley. There are several places along the trails where you can stop and enjoy a family lunch break while admiring the spectacular scenery.
Cartagena: A must-see, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America, Cartagena 's old town is a true colonial gem: you and your family can stroll through the narrow streets, admire the colonial architecture and visit emblematic sites such as the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the Cartagena Walls . Another place not to be missed: Cartagena's ramparts, which offer panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Cartagena has several beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. The beaches of Bocagrande and Castillogrande are popular with families. Off the coast of Cartagena are numerous islands and islets accessible by boat. You can book a family excursion to places like theRosario Islands and Barú Island, where you can swim, snorkel and explore the seabed.
Be sure to sample Cartagena's delicious Caribbean cuisine. You'll find plenty of restaurants serving traditional dishes such as ceviche, fried fish and arepas de huevo. Don't forget to enjoy a coconut ice cream or coconut lemonade to refresh yourself.
Be sure to teach your children about the importance of preserving the environment and respecting nature during your visit. Encourage them not to leave litter behind, and to stay on the marked trails to protect the local flora and fauna.
The family road trip ...
A family road trip to Colombia can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering the chance to discover the country's diverse landscapes, cultures and attractions together. Here are some tips for planning and making the most of a family road trip in Colombia:
Child-friendly itinerary: Choose an itinerary that's suitable for children, taking into account their ages and interests. Opt for family-friendly destinations and activities such as child-friendly beaches, nature parks with easy hiking trails, theme parks or interactive museums.
Car rental: Rent a car from a reputable rental agency. Make sure the car is in good condition and suits your needs in terms of size and comfort, especially if you're traveling with the family.
Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, taking your itinerary into account. You'll find a variety of options from hotels to youth hostels to eco-friendly lodges.
Involve the kids in the planning: Involve the kids in the planning of your road trip by allowing them to choose certain activities or destinations. This can make them more enthusiastic and involved in the trip.
By following these tips, you can plan a safe and memorable family road trip to Colombia, offering everyone the opportunity to create unforgettable memories while exploring this beautiful South American country.
