Why Americans should skip Cabo and try Colombia instead - Despite Mexico becoming further entrenched in the drug war every year, tourism from the US hasn't slowed down one bit. Many Americans are still fearful of traveling to Colombia due to its violent history in the 1980s despite improvements in development and safety levels. Don't let 'Narcos' dissuade you, check out the following gallery to see 22 reasons why you should add Colombia to your travel bucket list ASAP.

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The coffee country is to die for - The valleys of Napa Valley have nothing on the Cafetero region. Traveling through the dense forests of Colombia's Coffee Triangle is truly an extraordinary experience. 

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See the world's tallest palm trees - Beneath the Andean mountains lies the lush Cocora Valley. Here you can find Colombia's national tree, the Quindío wax palm, that appears to come straight out of a Dr. Suess book and reaches up to 200 ft tall.

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Experience one of the world's biggest Carnivals - Shakira's hometown of Barranquilla is home to one of the country's most important folklore festivals, the annual Carnival. The street celebrations are a sight to see with booming music and dances inspired by the country's Spanish, African, and indigenous roots. 

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Lose yourself in Tayrona National Park - Arguably one of the most astonishing national parks in South America, this protected area on Colombia's Caribbean coast remains one of the country's most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. 

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Voyage to the Lost City - The "Ciudad Perdida" is an ancient archaeological site deep in the Colombian rainforest that is believed to have been founded roughly 650 years before Machu Picchu.

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Feel the Caribbean culture in Cartagena - Colombia's quintessential colonial town is known for its eye-catching colors. The country's African influences can be seen all over the city from the cuisine to the street dance performances.

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Feel the Caribbean culture in Cartagena - Flowers spill over balconies on vibrant multicolored buildings lining every cobblestone street in Old Town. If you want a break from the tropical heat, you can take a quick boat trip to the beautiful Rosario Islands.

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Frolic with the flowers - Caño Cristales is a river in the Serrania de la Macarena province. It is dubbed the "Liquid Rainbow" for the water's dazzling red, yellow, green, blue, and black colors that come from fauna lying underneath.

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Behold a colossal cathedral - The Las Lajas Sanctuary is a breathtaking basilica church built inside the canyon of the Guáitara River. This Gothic-style cathedral in Colombia's southern region was built between 1916 and 1949. 

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Gaunt up to the glorious Guatapé - No trip to Colombia would be complete without making a stop at this beloved small town on the outskirts of Medellín. Climb up 649 steps of the 70-million-year-old Peñol Rock to take in a truly awe-inspiring view.

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Gaunt up to the glorious Guatapé - At the top, you can see the view of an impressive reservoir created by the country's government for a hydro-electric dam in the 1960s.

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Gaunt up to the glorious Guatapé - Aside from the Peñol Rock, the town of Guatapé itself is overflowing with charm. Each building is brightly painted with multi-dimensional tiles lining the streets. These often display images of the community's farming heritage and a variety of other artistic symbols.

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Medellín is infinitely safer - The city of Medellín has undergone perhaps one of the most remarkable transformations in the country, evolving from a drug war hub to a hipster hangout spot.

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Medellín is infinitely safer - The new cable car system has connected the rural areas to the city and remarkably cut down on local poverty rates. The city is now known for its art community and booming tourism industry.

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Stunning street art - Eye-catching artwork can be found on street corners in Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, and beyond. Since the capital city decriminalized graffiti, marvelous murals now decorate metropolises across the country.

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Bogotá is bustling - Though some aspects of the capital remain rough around the edges, it is in the midst of a major tourism upswing with restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries popping up all over the city.

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Bogotá is bustling - Aside from superb Spanish colonial architecture, visitors are flocking to Bogotá for its fascinating bike and walking tours, which take you through the politics and history of this fascinating country.

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Devour a delicious arepa - These little sandwiches made of maize dough or flower are typically filled with cheese and avocado, but can also be made with a mixture of meats and beans. This dish is a staple in Colombia and Venezuela. 

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Relish the spectacular nature of Minca - This small village nestled in the Colombian hills is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of Santa Marta. With endless forests, swimming holes, and waterfalls, Minca still remains a hidden treasure untouched by mass tourism.

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Kick back in paradise near Panama - If you want the crystal-clear waters of Tayrona National Park without the crowds, then hitch a bus and head to the sleepy fishing village of Sapzurro. Though it remains a bit tricky to reach, the beauty of these beaches—especially in the summer—is well worth the effort.

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Trek through the jungle - Colombia's southernmost town, Leticia, lies on the border of Brazil and Peru. This Amazonian destination is home to a wide range of biodiversity and several different indigenous communities. It remains one of Colombia's greatest ports along the Amazon River.

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Check out ancient indigenous sites - The San Agustín National Park is home to 35 pre-Columbian statues in various burial and ceremonial sites spread out over 250 sq mi.  

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Check out ancient indigenous ruins - In the Andean town of San Agustín, there are hundreds of volcanic stone figures and tombs. Most of these can be found in the Forest of Statues along with various trees and flowers native to the area.

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Buy a fluorescent handmade purse - Get a souvenir and support an indigenous tribe at the same time! These handmade Wayuu Mochila Bags can be found across Colombia. If you can, visit a beach on the Guajira Peninsula and buy them directly from an actual Wayuu-owned business.

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Look no further for scuba diving or snorkeling - The islands of San Andrés and Providencia are home to some of the most astonishing coral reefs on earth. This area is known as the "sea of seven colors" due to the range of deep-green to aqua-blue hues.

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Look no further for scuba diving or snorkeling - There's a little something for everyone on these islands. San Andrés remains a highly popular destination among travelers from South America for its recreational activities and stunning scenery. Providencia is a bit more difficult to reach but offers a less touristic and more laid-back island atmosphere.

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Unwind in breath-taking natural pools - The Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs at the base of the Los Nevados mountains is the perfect place to relax after a weekend of sight-seeing and salsa dancing in Medellín.

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Witness an underground salt cathedral - Just a bit outside of Bogotá, the small town of Zipaquirá boasts one of the country's top tourist attractions. This subterranean church made in 1954 was traditionally used by miners, but now attracts Catholics from around the globe.

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Bask in the quaint charm of Jardín - This small Andean village is a must-see for those who want to venture a bit away from the "Gringo Trail." Jardín has a picturesque town square where cowboys freely roam the streets and do tricks on horseback. If you want to get the feel of an authentic Colombian town not yet overwhelmed by tourists, this is it.

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