The Heritage Towns of Colombia are part of the Cultural Heritage of our country. Although this is their main and greatest attraction, you should know that each of them has beautiful natural attractions that are also part of our natural heritage.
That is why in this blog we will tell you what activities in nature you can do when you visit each of the Heritage Towns of Colombia.
If you want to know more about the heritage towns and their cultural attractions read our post Complete Guide to the 17 Heritage Towns of Colombia.
Introduction
Throughout the Colombian territory you will have the opportunity to explore 18 magical towns, where you will be able to learn about the extensive history, culture and architecture of the country.
18 opportunities to connect with people from different regions to marvel at unique landscapes, walk along cobblestone roads in historic towns and discover churches built hundreds of years ago. They’re the perfect place to experience new cultures and destinations hand in hand with the most biodiverse country in the world.
Heritage Towns in the Caribbean Corridor of Colombia
1. Santa Cruz de Mompox – Bolivar
Mompox is one of the most important trading points in the whole country. This heritage town has a high religious and historical tourism.
It is located in Isla Margarita and has the protection of the imposing waters of the Magdalena River. It is believed that it was once the settlement of the Malibu indigenous tribe.
Discover Heritage Towns
- Visit Mongui and Know its Heritage, Football Balloons and the Ocetá Páramo
- What to do in and around Jericó, Antioquia?
- Salamina, Caldas: Colombia’s Quiet Alternative to Salento & Wax Palm Paradise (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Colombia’s Heritage Towns?
Colombia’s Heritage Towns (Pueblos Patrimonio) are 17 municipalities recognized for their exceptional historical, cultural, and architectural value. They are protected and promoted by the Colombian Ministry of Commerce and Tourism.
Which Heritage Town is the most popular?
Barichara in Santander is widely considered the most popular, known for its whitewashed colonial architecture and canyon-edge setting. Villa de Leyva and Salento are also among the most visited Heritage Towns.
Can I visit Heritage Towns on a day trip from Bogotá?
Yes. Villa de Leyva (3 hours), Honda (3 hours), and Guaduas (2.5 hours) are all accessible as day trips from Bogotá, though an overnight stay is recommended to fully appreciate each town.
What makes Colombian Heritage Towns special for nature travelers?
Many Heritage Towns serve as gateways to exceptional natural areas — Salento to the Cocora Valley wax palms, Jericó to Andean birding reserves, and Mongui to the Ocetá páramo, combining cultural heritage with wildlife experiences.
Are Heritage Towns expensive to visit?
No. Most Heritage Towns are affordable destinations with locally owned accommodations and restaurants. Budget options start from approximately $15-25 USD per night for comfortable lodging, and meal costs are typically very reasonable.
Sara Colmenares holds a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Ecology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a Master’s degree in Botany from the same institution. Her doctoral research focused on palm ecology in the Atlantic Forest, supported by the Rufford Foundation conservation grant.
A published researcher in the Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology and a member of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC), Sara has presented her work at international conferences across Latin America and beyond. She was awarded the COLCIENCIAS “Virginia Gutiérrez de Pineda” fellowship, one of Colombia’s most competitive academic distinctions for young researchers.
Sara founded the Sula nature tourism brand in 2018, applying her scientific expertise to develop birding and wildlife experiences across Colombia’s six natural regions. Her fieldwork took her from the cloud forests of the Andes to the Amazon basin, the Pacific coast, and the plains of the Orinoquía. She combined deep ecological knowledge with firsthand experience to create content that is both scientifically accurate and practically useful for nature travelers.
She holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the National University of Colombia, where she also taught plant ecophysiology. She speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and English.