Colombia is the most biodiverse country on earth. From flourishing cities to lavish landscapes, the country offers a taste of everything for the multifarious traveler. You’d be remiss not to experience everything the country has to offer. Yet, the average traveler knows little about the bountiful secrets that Colombia has in store.

If you want to experience the country fully, check out these seven unique places to visit in Colombia:

1) Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is a protected reserve along the Caribbean coast that attests to the diverse landscape of Colombia. One minute, you’re walking along the coast, and the next, you’re hiking under a canopy of trees home to the indigenous monkey population.

If you have the time, consider spending the night in one of the hammocks at Cabo San Juan and waking up along the beach. The sunrise in Tayrona is not something to miss. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee and hike 3 hours to your destination, but the experience is well worth it.

2) Minca

This small village of roughly 800 inhabitants is ideal for unplugging and relaxing. There is hardly anything to do here except enjoy the nature. Limited cell reception means a deeper connection with your surroundings. Plus, Minca is an ideal place for hiking.

Set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Santa Marta, this forested region is full of the wildlife that makes Colombia great. It is also where you can find an impressively large hammock that overlooks a beautiful gorge (perfect for photo ops). While there, don’t forget to hike or motorbike up to the summit that overlooks the valley, then head down to La Candelaria Coffee and Chocolate Farm, where they offer tours and delicious samples.

3) Palomino

Palomino is the perfect beach town: calm waves, a peaceful shore, and the warm Caribbean coast. Not to mention the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. This is the ideal scene for a quiet and romantic getaway with someone special or even a relaxing weekend with friends. If you’re keen on adventure, grab some friends, rent an inner tube, and wade down the Palomino River past a scenic nature backdrop.

Hint: skip the guide, hire a moto-taxi to take you as far as possible, hike to the mouth of the river, then hop in your tube and enjoy.

4) Guatapé

Guatapé is a resort area that is arguably one of the most picturesque towns in all of Colombia. It is comprised of a man-made reservoir with indigo-blue waters surrounded by mounds of green land and orange-roofed houses. The entire scene is postcard-worthy.

However, the main attraction of Guatapé is El Peñón, a 70 million-year-old, 7,000-ft monolithic rock that emerges out of the water and sits a few meters from the center of the town. The 740-step staircase alongside the rock will lead you to the most spectacular aerial view of the entire town.

5) Salento

Colombia is known for many things, and coffee is certainly one of them. While the country has several coffee-growing regions, Salento should be at the top of your list.

The main road in this charming little town, called Calle Real, is where you’ll find the quaint, colorful houses typical of Colombia and shops selling traditional goods. Just beyond the town center, a staircase leads to El Mirador, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by coffee estates looking out onto a breathtaking landscape view. The Valle de Cocora near Salento is one of the best hikes in Colombia.

6) Parque Jaime Duque

Parque Jaime Duque is a hidden gem just a few hours outside Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city. Even though it’s difficult to ignore the large Taj Mahal replica peeking over the highway, the park isn’t very well known among locals.

It appears to be a remote fortress with randomly positioned statues and buildings from the outside. Once you venture inside, however, you’ll find that this amusement park has everything: arcades, water rides, animals, a food court, a circumventing train, and, of course, bumper cars. The best part is that it’s virtually nowhere, meaning shorter lines and more time to enjoy.

7) Medellín

You’ve likely heard of the city: home to the most infamous Colombian drug lord, overcome with violence and unimaginable murder rates. Fortunately, the image perpetuated by one particular Netflix show is not an accurate depiction of the third-largest city in Colombia.

Medellín is a mecca for innovation, technology, and advancement in Colombia. The infrastructure alone speaks to the city’s progressive nature, which boasts a metro line, high-rise buildings, and monuments resurrected in honor of peace.

The city is far from the place that it was several decades ago. It’s much like having the best of both worlds—a first-world city infused with the warm, jovial energy of the Colombian people. It’s an ideal scenario that attracts travelers and expats from around the world and is undoubtedly a place to add to your travel list.