Colombia brilla con luz propia en el turismo rural: municipios nominados por la ONU
Colombia is not only rich in landscapes, but also in diverse ways of doing tourism. This is proven by the recent selection of Colombian towns nominated for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 by ONU Tourism—an international recognition that highlights rural destinations using tourism as a tool for sustainable development.
This achievement is more than just a symbolic medal; it’s an opportunity to shine a light on communities that have preserved their cultural, natural, and social heritage by embracing a form of tourism that respects the essence of their land.
What Are the Best Tourism Villages?
This ONU Tourism (formerly UNWTO) initiative identifies and supports villages that offer authentic experiences, preserve traditions, and promote a responsible tourism model. It’s essentially a global platform for sustainable rural tourism.
Selected villages receive not only international recognition but also access to exchange networks, technical support, and continuous improvement programs. For Colombia, being part of this selection is a solid step toward strengthening its tourism identity beyond major cities.
Who Represents Colombia in 2025?
While final results will be announced later this year, Colombia has already submitted its nominations—choosing towns that represent the best of our rural diversity. Although the official list from ONU Tourism has not yet been released, we celebrate that in previous years, towns such as these have stood out:
- Jericó (Antioquia): known for its traditional architecture, colorful balconies, and vibrant cultural life.
- Zapatoca (Santander): a colonial gem nestled in the mountains—ideal for hiking, history, and tranquility.
- Choachí (Cundinamarca): gateway to the páramo and an example of spiritual and nature-based tourism.
- Pijao (Quindío): the first “slow town” in Latin America, where time flows differently and coffee tastes richer.
These and many other municipalities continue to inspire new destinations to build their tourism offerings with social, environmental, and economic responsibility.
Tourism That Transforms from the Ground Up
Beyond the award itself, this initiative promotes a new way of traveling—more mindful, slower, and deeply connected to people. It’s the kind of tourism that leaves a mark on visitors and brings value back to the communities.
At Tierra Querida, we celebrate this recognition as an invitation to explore the rural heart of Colombia: to stay in family homes, visit local markets, walk ancestral trails, and learn from the wisdom of towns that keep their stories rooted in the land.
Because small towns hold great treasures.
And our Tierra Querida is full of them.
