Why Colombia Is a Dream Destination for Citygoers and Adventure Lovers Alike

From bird-watching adventures to sleek hotels, new offerings reveal different sides of Colombia.

With the South American nation finally at peace, it’s safer than ever to tour both its dynamic cities and its wild places. Savvy travelers are looking to Bogotá, the country’s capital, and Medellín, which has gone from crime-ridden to trendsetting in the blink of an eye.

Both cities have hotels to suit every taste. When the Grand Hyatt Bogotá opens this month, it will have the country’s largest spa. The seven-room Casa Legado offers a bright, homey take on Modernism that will appeal to design lovers. The rooms in the ultra-chic Click Clack Hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the city. Early next year, a branch of the hotel will open in Medellín with a commercial development attached. Patio Del Mundo is a seven-room villa in the heart of Medellín surrounded by lush gardens.

Related: The Best Cities in Central and South America

The new luxury operator Boutique Colombia creates custom itineraries that connect you with notable locals. In Bogotá, journalists give insight into the country’s road to peace. In Medellín, you’ll gain access to the ateliers of up-and-coming designers.

The country is among the world’s most biodiverse, with more than 1,900 species of birds. Beginning in November, a new itinerary from the Travelling Naturalist circles Colombia in search of rare and colorful specimens.

Our series Reasons to Travel Now highlights the news, events, and openings that have us scoping out plane tickets each day.