Family holidays in Colombia

Colombia might not be a traditional or obvious choice for a family holiday, but it is an excellent one. Few countries offer such a wide variety of sights and activities for families - from spotting whales swimming in the water and colourful birds flitting between the trees to exploring historic castles and verdant coffee plantations. Perhaps the best thing is just how much this country has to offer visitors of all ages, meaning a holiday here is equally rewarding and exciting for the whole family.

Generally speaking, it's better suited to slightly older children and teens, but it's possible to introduce younger children to Colombia too - just be sure to pick a child-friendly hotel and be prepared to take things at a slower pace.

See wonderful wildlife

Colombia's incredibly diverse landscape is home to a similarly dizzying array of wildlife - something that's a real joy for visitors of all ages to discover. On the Pacific coast, for example, it's possible to catch sight of humpback whales between July and November. These vast creatures can reach up to 60 ft long, and therefore are really thrilling to see in the wild.

The jungle provides ample opportunity for wildlife spotting too. For example, in Tayrona National Nature Park, there are 59 species of mammal, plus 40 species of bats! It's possible to explore this stunning park, which is where the Amazon jungle hits the sands of the Caribbean coast, on horseback too - another memorable experience for families.

Explore the great outdoors

Colombia is a real paradise for families who love the great outdoors. One of the best thrills is a canopy walk in the Amazon. Head to Leticia, the gateway to the Amazon, and bravely step onto the 200 ft suspension bridge in Amacayacu National Park - the views are absolutely stunning.

The celebrated coffee zone is another outstanding choice if you want to explore the great outdoors together. Exceptionally beautiful, the coffee plantations are also offer excellent places to spot wildlife, including yellow butterflies and more than 200 species of bird. And of course, it has the added bonus of allowing you to discover a little local culture too, what with the coffee plantations being such a cornerstone of the Colombian culture and economy.

Soak up culture

There are plenty of places with a lot of history and culture for families to discover, but perhaps few that provide as much excitement for young imaginations. After all, Colombia is a place where you can explore centuries-old walled towns, towering mansions, colossal castles and museums filled to bursting with gold - all things that will set young minds racing! Among the highlights is the Castillo de San Felipe in Cartagena - among the finest Spanish-built fortresses in the world! Vast and imposing, this fortress has never been conquered and is thrilling to explore.

Over in the capital city Bogota, the Museo del Oro is a must-see. This is one of the very best museums in the whole of South America, and it is home to tens of thousands of gold artefacts. Plus, as well as having incredible displays, this museum has plenty of information in English, so you and your children will be able to understand the cultural significance of the wonders you see.