10 Days Colombia Itinerary For First Time Visitor

This is a suggested ten day travel itinerary for Colombia that includes Bogáta, Medellín, Guatapé & Cartagena.

Why Travel To Colombia

• Biodiverse landscapes
• Friendly people
• Delicious food & coffee 
• Colorful cities & towns
• Gorgeous beaches
• Unique culture

Best Month To Visit Colombia

Generally the best time to visit most of Colombia is December to March when it rains the least in the Andes regions. Keep in mind that the prices of accommodations and flights will be high during these months. Also keep in mind that Colombia is a vast country and the climate changes from region to region.

Colombia Top Experiences

• Graffiti tour in Bogotá
• Tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín
• Climbing the Peñol Rock
• Beautiful & historic city of Cartagena
• Delicious Colombian coffee

Colombia Travel Route

Colombia Travel Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá
• Day 2: Explore Bogotá
• Day 3: Explore Bogotá
• Day 4: Bogota to Medellín in Morning, Explore Medellín
• Day 5: Explore Medellín
• Day 6: Day trip to Guatapé & El Peñol from Medellín
• Day 7: Medellín to Cartagena
• Day 8: Explore Cartagena 
• Day 9: Explore Cartagena
• Day 10: Depart from Cartagena

If you've more days then you can include Salento (part of coffee triangle region) and Cali (hub for salsa dancing).

Day 1 - Arrive In Bogotá

After a long flight to Bogotá, it would be best to relax in your hotel and recover from the jet lag. Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia.

Best location to book your stay in Bogotá is Zona Rosa or Chapinero.

Day 2 - Explore Bogotá

After a good night sleep and a hearty morning breakfast at your hotel, start your day with a guided walking tour of the historic area La Candelaria. After the walking tour enjoy some nice lunch at one of the local Colombian restaurants. After lunch visit Museo Botero and Museo de Oro. Then travel to Parque de Los Periodistas and relax with a delicious Colombian coffee.

La Candelaria (Bogotá)

Parque de Los Periodistas (Bogotá)

Day 3 - Explore Bogotá

In the morning take the funicular to visit Cerro de Monserrate. At the top you can visit the church as well as enjoy the views of the city. Since this church is visited by lots of pilgrims, be prepared to wait in long lines for the funicular specially on the weekend. Also don't forget to take the sunscreen to prevent sunburns at the top. In the afternoon join Bogotá graffiti tour. After the graffiti tour visit Iglesia de San Francisco. 

View from Cerro De Monserrate (Bogotá)

Bogotá Graffiti

Day 4 - Bogotá to Medellín in Morning, Explore Medellín

Take an early morning flight to Medellín from Bogotá. Medellín is Colombia’s second-largest city and is tucked into a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Check into your hotel in El Poblado area. In the afternoon join a guided walking tour of Medellín historic downtown area. End your day with a dinner at one of the nice restaurants in El Pablado area.

Best location to book your stay in Medellín is El Pablado area.

Parque De Las Luces (Medellin)

Day 5 - Explore Medellín

In the morning join a guided walking tour of Comuna 13 district. On the tour you'll enjoy some lovely street art and also understand how this once a troubled neighborhood has now transformed. After the walking tour take the Metro Cable to Santo Domingo station to enjoy the lovely views along the way and at the top. Then visit Museo Casa de la Memoria to understand the history of the city of Medellín. If you enjoy bars and nightlife then Medellín has some great choices.  

Comuna 13 (Medellín)

Medellín Metro Cable

Day 6 - Day trip to Guatapé & El Peñol

Plan for this day trip to Guatapé a day or two before. After you leave from Medellín in morning make your first stop at El Peñol. The Stone of El Peñol is over 200 meters in height. One would have to climb over 650 steps to get to the top. From the top you'll enjoy stunning view of cluster of tiny islands. From El Peñol continue your journey to the town of Guatapé where you'll enjoy colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

The Stone of El Peñol

View From El Peñol Stone

Plazoleta de Los Zócalos (Guatapé)

Day 7 - Medellín to Cartagena

Travel to Cartagena from Medellín and settle down into your hotel. Cartagena is a historic port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. You can walk to the walled city of Cartagena later in the day.

Best location to book your stay in Cartagena is El Centro or Getsemani.

Cartagena Clock Tower Monument

Day 8 - Explore Cartagena

After having a good breakfast at your hotel start your day by visiting the historic Spanish fort Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. From the top of the fort enjoy some lovely views of the Cartagena city. In the afternoon join guided walking tour of Cartagena city. After the tour go to one of the lookout points to enjoy the amazing sunset at the ocean.

Spanish Fort Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (Cartagena)

Plaza San Pedro Claver (Cartagena)

Cartagena Sunset

Day 9 - Explore Cartagena

If you enjoy the beach then make a day to trip to the Rosario Islands. If you decide to go the Rosario Islands then be prepared for a fast and a rough boat ride to the islands. Other option would be to spend the day exploring the walled city of Cartagena. You can visit Palacio de la Inquisicion museum. Later in afternoon walk over the wide walls of the city to enjoy some great views of the ocean and the city along the way.

Rosario Islands

Palacio de la Inquisicion Museum

Day 10 - Depart from Cartagena

On this last day of your trip you can do last minute souvenir shopping if you've some time. Then depart from Cartagena to your destination.

What To Shop In Colombia

Colombia is known for Colombian coffee, Emeralds, artisan products, and hammocks.

Foods To Try In Colombia

• Bandeja Paisa (regarded as the national dish of Colombia)
• Sancocho (hearty soup)
• Ajiaco (hearty soup)
• Arepas (cornmeal pancake)
• Patacones de Colombia (fried plantains)
• Colombian Empanadas 
• Exotic fruits

Bandeja Paisa (Vegetarian)

Do you have any other suggestions about this itinerary, places to see or things to do? Please share in the comments section below.