The Most Awe-Inspiring Places to Watch the Sunset in Colombia

In stark contrast to the desert wilderness of the Guajira, Cartagena’s sunsets are best observed from atop the city walls which surround the stunning Old City. Sitting in Cafe del Mar with a fresh rum cocktail, watching the sun setting into the Caribbean, is an iconic Colombian experience, and one not to miss out on.

The vast Caribbean deserts of La Guajira have some of the best sunsets in Colombia, and there are several places where you can watch the sun setting directly into the Caribbean Sea. The little town of Cabo de La Vela has some of the best sunsets in the region (watch them from the El Faro Lighthouse), while the most northerly point on the continent – Punta Gallinas – is perhaps the most romantic place to watch the sunset in the Colombian Caribbean.

This small, jungle town in the far east of Colombia might not be on many traveller’s radars, but it is home to some of the most stunning Amazonian sunsets you could ever hope to see. As the town faces towards the west on the Inirida River, you can see the sun setting over the waters, casting a bright-orange glow over the river – just head to the docks at dusk and prepared to be amazed!

The Colombian Pacific coast looks out over the ocean to the west and is, therefore, one of the best places in the entire country to watch the sunset over the ocean. Ecolodges El Cantil or El Almejal both have observation towers so that you can be in prime viewing position for sunsets that are sure to stay in your memory for years to come.

Colombia’s huge Eastern Plains region is so utterly flat and almost featureless, that it is an awesome place from which to observe some mindblowing sunsets. Riding a horse across the plains at dusk, watching the sun setting on the distant horizon, surrounded by cattle, wild animals and birds, and not much else, is a truly unique Colombian experience.

The lovely church that sits on the mountains overlooking Bogotá not only offers excellent views over the city but is also a great place to watch the sunset over the Colombian capital. Facing to the west, the sunsets from Monserrate are usually pretty spectacular and are often made even more so – sadly – by the pollution of the city. Regardless, if you want to watch the sun setting over Bogotá, then Monserrate is the place to visit.

One of the more off-the-beaten-track spots on this list, Buenavista in Quindio department – in the Coffee Region – can boast some truly stunning sunsets. Its name literally means “good view” and it’s not an inaccurate name – the view across the plains towards the Western Andes is always gorgeous, but especially so at sunset. For prime viewing, head to Cafe San Alberto to enjoy a locally grown coffee on their deck and watch the sun going down.