Closer Than You Think: Magical Destinations for Colombia’s August 7 Long Weekend Magical escapes within reach

August 7 is a public holiday in Colombia, and many are already looking for the perfect short getaway that combines rest, nature, and new experiences. If you’re short on time but craving a break from the city noise, this guide is for you.

Here are five charming destinations within easy reach of Colombia’s major cities—perfect for a stress-free, adventure-filled long weekend. Each one offers something unique: history, coffee, jungle, beach, silence, or excitement. All you need to do is pack light and let yourself be surprised.

1. Villa de Leyva (Boyacá)

📍 Ideal if you’re in Bogotá | 🚗 3.5 hours by road

Villa de Leyva is one of Colombia’s most charming and best-preserved colonial towns. Its massive cobblestone plaza, whitewashed architecture, and crisp mountain air invite you to slow down and reconnect.

Things to do:

Visit the Fossil Museum and the Santo Ecce Homo Monastery.
Taste wines at Ain Karim Vineyard and stroll through the vines.
Go hiking in the Candelaria Desert or to La Periquera Waterfall.
Try local cuisine at restaurants like Mercado Municipal or El Solar de la Guaca.

Best for: Couples, groups of friends, and lovers of history and wine.
Tip: Stay an extra night if you can—you’ll enjoy the town much more without the daytime tourist rush.

2. Jardín (Antioquia)

📍 Ideal if you’re in Medellín | 🚗 3.5 hours by road

Named one of Colombia’s heritage towns, Jardín wins hearts with its authenticity, colorful balconies, friendly locals, and mist-covered coffee mountains.

Things to do:

Visit coffee farms and learn about the bean-to-cup process.
Ride La Garrucha, a wooden cable car offering panoramic town views.
Sip coffee in the main plaza while enjoying live music.
Take a nature walk to Cueva del Esplendor, a waterfall inside a cave.

Best for: Travelers seeking peace, nature, and great photos.
Tip: Come ready to walk and unplug—time moves slower here.

3. San Cipriano (Valle del Cauca)

📍 Ideal if you’re in Cali | 🚗 2.5 hours + a ride on a “brujita”

Tucked deep in the lush Pacific jungle, San Cipriano is a unique natural reserve where the main mode of transport is the brujita: wooden platforms powered by motorcycles on train tracks.

Things to do:

Float down the crystal-clear San Cipriano River in an inner tube.
Swim in natural pools surrounded by rainforest.
Hike to waterfalls through the jungle.
Try local dishes like arroz atollado, shrimp empanadas, and borojó juice.

Best for: Adventurers, backpackers, and eco-tourism lovers.
Tip: Bring cash, quick-dry clothing, and be ready to unplug—there’s little to no cell signal.

4. Filandia (Quindío)

📍 Central for the Coffee Region | 🚗 1 hour from Pereira or Armenia

Filandia is a hidden gem in Quindío, offering a more peaceful alternative to the popular Salento. Its charm lies in its authenticity: a cozy plaza, coffee farms, and fresh mountain air.

Things to do:

Climb the Quindío Viewpoint for a 360° view of the coffee landscape.
Take a coffee tour at family-run farms.
Dine at Helena Adentro, one of Colombia’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Visit artisan workshops and photograph the town’s colorful doors.

Best for: Slow travelers, coffee lovers, photographers, and families.
Tip: Many farms offer rural lodging with kid-friendly activities.

5. Palomino (La Guajira)

📍 Ideal if you’re on the northern coast | 🚗 1.5 hours from Santa Marta

Halfway between the Caribbean Sea and the sacred Sierra Nevada mountains, Palomino is a natural and spiritual refuge. You can swim in the ocean, float down a jungle river, and meet indigenous communities—all in one day.

Things to do:

Float down the Palomino River in an inner tube, surrounded by tropical forest.
Take eco-hikes to discover wildlife and local flora.
Join a sunrise surf or yoga class.
Enjoy local fusion cuisine at restaurants like Sua or La Sirena.

Best for: Those seeking peace, nature, and the ocean without crowds.
Tip: Respect the customs of the Kogui and Wiwa indigenous communities who live in the area.

🌟 Final Tips for Your Long Weekend Escape:

Book early, especially if you’re traveling in a group or heading to popular spots.
Leave early to avoid traffic.
Travel with purpose: support local businesses, be a respectful tourist, and minimize your impact.
Carry cash: many small towns still lack reliable banking infrastructure.
Pack light and smart, and don’t forget your camera—every place offers unforgettable views.

Colombia is waiting… just a few hours away.
This long weekend, you don’t need to fly far to have a transformative experience. Just a short road trip away, Colombia offers magical towns, lush nature, and vibrant culture. Step off autopilot and let yourself be moved by what’s close, deep, and real.