Bogotá

Step inside one of Colombia’s most unique architectural works — the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. It is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a former salt mine 200 m underground. The quaint town of Zipaquirá is worth a visit for its old city centre. Its main square is surrounded by old buildings in the Spanish Colonial style. Another salt mine is located nearby in the town of Nemocón. Zipaquirá can be reached by train from Bogotá, but taking a guided tour that includes transportation by bus might be more practical.

Villa de Leyva is an enchanting colonial town from 1572 with the largest plaza in Colombia. Explore the 400 years of history and walk around the historic cobbled streets lined with white facades. Visit the house of Antonio Nariño, the Colombian ideological precursor of the independence movement. Some day trips include a stop at the Pozos Azules — fluorescent blue natural pools that shimmer like giant emeralds. The Casa Terracota is a fully liveable house made entirely out of clay. The corridors, bedrooms, kitchen and terraces are all part of the biggest ceramic creation that looks like an enormous honeycomb from afar.

Lake Guatavita is a small forest-fringed crater that was a sacred site for the Muisca people. They would cast elaborate gold offerings into its depths, inspiring the legend of El Dorado and several ill-fated attempts to drain the lake. Learn the legends, hike forest trails and spot some exotic birds. The nearby town of Guatavita has charming colonial architecture and a popular craft centre. If you're in the mood for a more active holiday, Tominé Reservoir is a hub for water sports.

Get up close and personal with the fascinating process of growing and producing Colombian coffee at the Hacienda Coloma in Fusagasugá. Explore the entire journey from seed to cup, surrounded by the lush landscape. The tour will take you from the coffee seedbed to a flowering coffee plantation of shade-grown Arabica varieties. Continue on to the traditional Colombian Beneficiadero — where each coffee bean is washed, pulped, dried and hand picked. Then on to the Thresher and the roasting of the coffee. Of course, you will be able to taste freshly brewed coffee at the end. You have probably seen the red Willys Jeep photos all over social media. Get yours at Hacienda Coloma!

Spend a day immersed in nature on a full-day waterfall hike thought the Andean jungle. The 3-4 hour hike up to Colombia's highest waterfall, La Chorrera, is filled with breathtaking views and a jaw-dropping diversity of vegetation. The smaller waterfall El Chiflón gives you the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall and be enveloped in the magical mist. If you are adventurous, you can always take a swim at the waterfall's base. Most tours will include a meal in a family-run restaurant with panoramic view, as well as snacks along the way.

Tatacoa Desert is one of Colombia’s most astonishing natural wonders. If we are being realistic, this is definitely a weekend trip than a single-day trip. You can camp under the stars, far away from any light pollution. This enormous desert was actually once dry tropical forest. The red sand part has the characteristic of American Western films. In the grey sand areas, discover sand mazes, canyons and moon-like landscapes.

Chicaque is a mountainous park with over 20 km of scenic hiking and horseback riding trails. A total paradise for nature enthusiasts that stands in stark contrast to the busy streets of Bogotá just an hour away. If you are lucky and attentive, you'll spot sloths, plenty of gorgeous hummingbirds, majestic eagles and many more tropical animals. The park conveniently offers two restaurants, lodging and a zip line.