Holidays in Colombia for couples

Scenic Colombia can be a veritable paradise for couples. Here is a country where you can not only bask on deserted beaches, but stroll through lush coffee plantations, amble along the cobbled streets of romantic colonial capitals, and even try out exhilarating extreme sports. Whatever your idea of the perfect romantic holiday, you're bound to find something to suit in Colombia.

Culture vultures

If you and your partner love exploring cities and visiting cultural attractions, Colombia has some absolutely perfect destinations. Without doubt, one of best balances of culture and romance can be found in beautiful Cartagena, with its immensely scenic historic centre. Filled with charming cobbled streets, impressive mansions and historic churches, this is the ideal place for an aimless, hand-in-hand stroll losing yourselves in this historic urban scenery. Cartagena is also one of the best destinations to choose if you're keen to stay in a chic, romantic hotel.

Of course, being so famously beautiful, Cartagena is typically very busy with tourists. If you like the sound of somewhere quieter, consider Santa Marta. Smaller than Cartagena, this destination also sits in the Caribbean coast region and is Colombia's oldest surviving city. This lovely colonial spot has a particularly charming centre, while the picturesque Parque de los Novios and its many restaurants are other high points for couples.

The nation's capital, Bogota, is another excellent choice if you're seeking culture, as is a day trip to Zipaquira. Easily reached from Bogota, Zipaquira is famous for its salt mines and underground salt cathedrals - attractions that combine culture and awe. Join a tour into one of these cathedrals to experience its cavernous chambers, as well as the largest cross ever to be built in a subterranean church.

Adventurous couples

If you and your partner yearn for adventure, Colombia will certainly not disappoint. The Caribbean coast is a particularly good spot for adventurous activities - especially if you like the sound of trekking through the jungle. In fact, this is where you'll find the famous Ciudad Perdida trek, which takes between five and six days and runs all the way from Santa Marta to the atmospherically named Lost City (Ciudad Perdida).

Alternatively, if you want to explore the landscape but fancy something a little less strenuous, why not pay a visit to Valle de Cocora in the heart of the coffee region? This is a wonderful way to admire Colombia's natural beauty together.

Those who like the sound of making the most of the coastline, however, can head to one of the Caribbean islands of San Andres or Providencia - both are excellent spots for scuba diving. Back on the mainland, San Gil is the ultimate place to go for water and adventure sports, with white water rafting and paragliding among the exhilarating activities on offer.

Nature and relaxation-loving couples

Colombia is also wonderful for a more tranquil break spent admiring the scenery and relaxing - especially as there is such an incredible variety of landscapes to discover. Tayrona National Park, for instance, allows you to see not only the sights of the Amazon jungle, but also the Caribbean coastline. Indeed, the beaches here are very secluded and perfect for getting away from it all. Plus, there's the opportunity to explore on horseback and spot some of the park's exciting wildlife.

It's possible to enjoy the coastline if you're staying in Cartagena too. Not far from here is the Bocagrande peninsula, which has a lovely stretch of sand. If you'd rather relax in Colombia's verdant landscapes, a trip to the gorgeous coffee region in a must. Here, green plantations stretch as far as the eye can see and provide a perfect base for relaxing walks; guided tours will help you spot the local wildlife and learn more about this important region's culture.