This is a suggested ten day travel itinerary for Colombia that includes Bogotá, Medellín, Guatapé & Cartagena.
Why Travel To Colombia
- Vibrant cities
- Diverse landscapes
- Fantastic street art culture
- Coffee plantation tours
- Most biodiverse country
- Amazing outdoor adventures
- Delicious food
- Friendly people
- Rich cultural heritage
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
- Historic & charming city of Cartagena
- Delicious Colombian coffee
Colombia Itinerary Map
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A:Bogotá B:Medellín C:Cartagena
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Colombia Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá
- Day 2: Explore Bogotá
- Day 3: Explore Bogotá
- Day 4: Bogotá to Medellín, 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/or 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's sleep and a hearty morning breakfast, 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 del Oro which displays a collection of pre-Columbian gold and other metal alloys. The Gold Museum contains the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world.
- Next visit Museo Botero which houses mostly works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Then travel to the lovely Parque de Los Periodistas and relax with a delicious Colombian coffee.
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| La Candelaria (Bogotá) |
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Parque de Los Periodistas (Bogotá)
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Day 3: Explore Bogotá
- Start your day with visit to Cerro de Monserrate. Take the funicular to the top where you can visit the church as well as enjoy the amazing views of the city. Travel Tip: 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 where you'll appreciate Bogotá's street art scene.
- After the graffiti tour visit Iglesia de San Francisco which is a 16th century church and one of the oldest preserved church in Bogotá.
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| View from Cerro De Monserrate (Bogotá) |
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| Bogotá Graffiti |
Day 4: Bogotá to Medellín, 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.
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| 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 to spend your evening.
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Comuna 13 (Medellín)
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| Medellín Metro Cable |
Day 6: Day trip to Guatapé & El Peñol
- Plan for this day trip to Guatapé a day or two before. Guatapé is located 79 km from Medellín. 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.
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| The Stone of El Peñol |
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| View From El Peñol Stone |
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| 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. If you're not too tired then 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.
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| Cartagena Clock Tower Monument |
Day 8: Explore Cartagena
- After having a good breakfast start your day visiting the historic Spanish fort Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. The fortress was built in 1536 and is located on the hill. The fortress was involved in several battles between the late 17th to early 19th centuries between European powers. 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.
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| Spanish Fort Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (Cartagena) |
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| Plaza San Pedro Claver (Cartagena) |
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| Cartagena Sunset |
Day 9: Explore Cartagena
- If you enjoy the beach then make a day to trip to the Rosario Islands which is an archipelago located around 20 km from Cartagena. You can do activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, etc. at the islands. Travel tip: 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 which was built in 1770 and currently serves as a museum showcasing historical artifacts. Among the many historical artifacts, the museum displays torture equipment used on victims during the inquisition.
- 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.
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| Rosario Islands |
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| 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.
- 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
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| Bandeja Paisa (Vegetarian) |
Please do let me know in the comments section below if you like this itinerary or if you've any questions/suggestions about the itinerary.
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