Out in Colombia, NOT Columbia!

Rich in history, a wealth of biodiversity and most importantly, a warm, friendly, and hospitable population, Colombia is in many ways the embodiment of everything we hope to find in a Latin American destination.  It is also a country that has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing modern sensibilities, and an inclusive, progressive perspective on diversity, social justice, and equality.  There’s never been a better time to discover what is decidedly one of the most sought-after gay destinations in Latin America.

And the talented team behind Out in Colombia are the perfect people to guide you through this enchanted country.  Their professionalism, knowledge of the country and thoughtful approach to curating a memorable vacation is indeed the ticket to introducing you to what we know will become your new favorite destination. 

In addition to one of their skillfully planned itineraries, they can customize your trip in a way that best suits your schedule and priorities.  Regardless of what you do, their hospitality will make you feel like a local and part of what makes this country so special.  We recommend starting your trip in Medellin because it’s the perfect launching point to discover what makes Colombia one of the best keep secrets on the continent. 

Medellin is a city which embodies so much of what is special about this country. It is a cosmopolitan oasis of culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife.  Nestled between lush green mountains, and fresh spring water feeding the rivers that run through the city, “The City of Eternal Spring” is more than a catchphrase for a metropolis with a near perfect climate.  Even the tap water is drinkable and reverence for all that grows is evident in the streetscapes and stunning annual flower festival which attracts massive crowds each year. Provencia is the ideal neighborhood to base your stay.  It’s on its walkable streets where you find a plethora of unique shops, beautiful restaurants and boutique hotels suited for every taste and budget.  The city is quickly attracting fashion designers focused on urban street clothing and Orozco Clothing is fantastic boutique where you will find interesting originals handcrafted right in the store.

There is no shortage of gay nightlife in this city, and most of it is clustered within a few blocks of the famous El Poblado neighborhood, also known as Commune 14.  This sanctuary of the city is also home to many of our favorite restaurants including The Kitchen Test Lab, where artfully prepared dishes are served in a beautiful dining room, and Carmen’s a stylish restaurant featuring a fresh take on sustainable Colombian cuisine celebrating the biodiversity of the country.  After dinner, consider starting your evening on the patio at Donde Aquellos Bar before roaming a block away to the always fun and campy Bar Chiquita.  If remaining in a state of perpetual motion is your plan for the night then don’t miss out on Club Oraculo.  It’s the epicenter of gay nightlife in the city, with sophisticated drag shows, renowned DJ’s, and a notorious crowd of handsome Colombian men.

If you would like to discover how renewal is happening in real time, there is no better example than an excursion to Barrio Moravia.  Many tourists typically visit Comuna 13, however the Moravia district has a complex and interesting past which is giving birth to a vibrant cultural and arts scene. The Centro Cultural Moravia is a great starting point to your tour and exemplifies the perseverance, creativity and resourcefulness of its’ citizens.  

The best boutique hotels are perfectly situated to explore the city on foot. And there’s no hotel more in the center of the action than the Click Clack. A plethora of dining options all converge in stunning central courtyard, and a short elevator ride sends you to the roof where the pool with plenty of eye candy compliments the beautiful skyline and surrounding mountains.  Other boutique hotels we love include the Zarzo Hotel with its romantic rooftop bar and the Selvario 36 Hotel which feature cozy, thoughtfully designed guest rooms. 

Many travelers have heard of beautiful Cartagena, but we would encourage you to explore the easily accessible and often overlooked city of Santa Marta. The first Spanish settlement in the country. It is simply one of the best cities on the coast to discover and serve as base to explore a wide variety of surrounding attractions and natural wonders. One of these beauties is Tayrona National Park by Sea, a protected 58-square mile refuge of biodiversity, stunning virgin beaches, romantic warm waters and an idyllic escape.  

The recently opened Hilton Hotel Santa Marta located in the hotel zone provides generously sized contemporary guest rooms with stunning views of the Caribbean. One of the many dining options at the resort is the stunning Waku Restaurant.

If escape if truly what you’re looking for, schedule a private tour to The Lost City.  The ‘Ciudad Perdida’ recently discovered in 1972, and founded in 800 CE, is 650-years older than Manchu Picchu. Surrounded by jungle and only for the adventurous, ‘Ciudad Perdida’ requires fit climbers to navigate 1,200 rugged stone steps to reach the entrance and experience a myriad of rugged, unaltered ancient terraces, tiled streets, and plazas.

For a more accessible excursion, a short drive from the city center and yet a world away lies the delightful tiny village of Minca where a steep, rocky road will carry you to the serene Sierra Nevada Chocolate Experience "Finca la Candelaria". Here generations of cocoa farmers organically farm and handmake chocolate in a time-honored tradition. Sensational views from the farm will provide you with views to the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains teaming with wildlife. 

Evenings downtown are highlighted by a lively open-air market in the town center, plenty of dining options and a festive atmosphere.  One of our favorite choices is Guasimo Restaurante where local cuisine is featured and carefully prepared and enjoyed with live musicians performing in the dining room.  After dining a short stroll will take you some fun gay nightlife, Bar Elles Disco Social. A perfect place to dance off dinner and meet some friendly locals.   The citizens of Santa Marta are proud and engaged with their city, and you find no better example than a visit to Pescao Restaurant.  This unique restaurant is owned and operated by a local family, supports the local community through their restaurant, hiring single moms and providing support and outreach to the surrounding community.  Live music plays nightly on the patio.

Planning and experiencing all that Colombia has to offer can be overwhelming, particularly if it’s your first time to the country. The knowledge and insight of the Out in Colombia team allow them to expertly guide and customize a trip in order for you to make it the most memorable and vacation possible.  You will not only feel like you’re a local, but part of the family, and if there’s no place to feel more at home than in Colombia.