This is a proposed ten-day travel itinerary for Colombia, covering Bogotá, Medellín, Guatapé, and Cartagena.
Why Travel To Colombia
- Vibrant cities
- Fantastic street art culture
- Diverse landscape
- Fascinating wildlife
- Incredible outdoor adventures
- Friendly locals
- Rich cultural heritage
- Delicious Colombian coffee
- Unique local cuisine
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 bear 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: Travel to Medellín, Explore Medellín
- Day 5: Explore Medellín
- Day 6: Day trip to Guatapé & El Peñol from Medellín
- Day 7: Travel to Cartagena
- Day 8: Explore Cartagena
- Day 9: Explore Cartagena
- Day 10: Depart
If you've more days for travel, then include Salento (part of coffee triangle region) and/or Cali (hub for salsa dancing).
Day 1: Arrive In Bogotá
After a long flight to reach Bogotá, it would be best to unwind at your hotel and recuperate. Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia. Since Bogotá is situated at about 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level, take it slow on your first day to help your body adjust to the elevation.
Best areas to stay in Bogotá: Best location to book your stay in Bogotá is Zona Rosa or Chapinero.
Day 2: Explore Bogotá
- After a restful 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 has the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world.
- Your next stop should be Museo Botero, where you'll find a fantastic collection of pieces by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. After that, head over to the beautiful Parque de Los Periodistas. Find a nice cafe nearby to relax with a delicious cup of 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
- Begin your day with a visit to Cerro de Monserrate. Ride the funicular to the summit, where you can explore the church and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The church, built in the 17th century, has the statue of El Señor Caído, a highly respected representation of Christ. Travel Tip: This church attracts many pilgrims, so expect to wait in long lines for the funicular, especially on weekends. Also, remember to bring sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn at the top. The elevation at the top is 3,152 meters above sea level.
- After the graffiti tour, visit Iglesia de San Francisco, a beautiful 16th-century church that is one of Bogotá's oldest remaining structures.
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| View from Cerro De Monserrate (Bogotá) |
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| Bogotá Graffiti |
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| Bogotá Graffiti |
Day 4: Travel to Medellín, Explore Medellín
Take an early morning flight from Bogotá to Medellín. Medellín is Colombia's second-largest city and is located in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Once you arrive, settle down into your hotel in El Poblado neighborhood. In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking tour to explore the historic downtown of Medellín. End your day with a nice dinner at one of the restaurants in El Poblado.
Best area to stay in Medellín: 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
- Start your day with a Comuna 13 Guided Walking Tour. During the tour, you'll get to appreciate the beautiful street art of Comuna 13 neighborhood and also learn about the incredible transformation of this neighborhood, which was once known for its challenges.
- After the walking tour, hop on the Metro Cable to Santo Domingo station for some stunning views, both during the ride and from the top.
- In the afternoon visit Museo Casa de la Memoria to understand the history of Medellín city.If you're a fan of bars and nightlife, you'll find plenty of fantastic options to enjoy your evening in the city.
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Comuna 13 (Medellín)
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| Comuna 13 Street Art (Medellín) |
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| Medellín Metro Cable |
Day 6: Day trip to Guatapé & El Peñol
- Join a guided Guatapé & El Peñol Day Tour from Medellín. Alternatively you could explore Guatapé on your own from Medellín, using bus service or a private taxi.
- Guatapé is located about 79 km from Medellín. After departing from Medellín in the morning, your first destination will be Stone of El Peñol. This impressive rock stands over 200 meters tall, and reaching the summit requires climbing more than 650 steps. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of a group of small islands.
- From El Peñol, you'll travel to Guatapé main town which is nearby. Guatapé is a lovely town with colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Also explore the lovely main square of the town.
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| The Stone of El Peñol |
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| View From El Peñol Stone |
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| Guatapé |
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| Guatapé |
Day 7: Travel to Cartagena
Fly to Cartagena from Medellín and settle down into your hotel. This charming port city is located along Colombia’s Caribbean coast and has very rich history. If the afternoon, take a stroll through the beautiful streets of the walled city and explore.
Where to stay in Cartagena: 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
- Start your day with a nice breakfast and then head over to the historic Spanish fort, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. This spectacular fortress, built in 1536, sits on a hill and played an important role in numerous battles fought between the late 17th and early 19th centuries, involving various European powers. Enjoy the amazing views of Cartagena from the fort's summit!
- In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour of the city to understand it history and architecture. After the walking tour, make your way to one of the viewpoints to enjoy the stunning sunset over 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 love the beach, then consider taking Rosario Islands Day Tour from Cartagena. Rosario Islands is an archipelago situated about 20 km from Cartagena. At the islands there are many activities to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, etc. Travel Tip: If you choose to visit the Rosario Islands, be prepared for a speedy and bumpy boat ride!
- If you decide to skip the Rosario Islands, then in the morning you could visit Palacio de la Inquisicion which was built in 1770. It currently serves as a museum showcasing historical artifacts. Among the many historical artifacts, the museum displays torture equipment used on victims during the inquisition.
- In the afternoon, take a stroll along the expansive city walls to soak in some stunning views of both the ocean and the city as you go. This being your last day in Colombia, spend some time shopping.
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| Rosario Islands |
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| Palacio de la Inquisicion Museum |
Day 10: Depart from Cartagena
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 (soup)
- Ajiaco (soup)
- Arepas (cornmeal pancake)
- Patacones de Colombia (fried plantains)
- Colombian Empanadas
- Exotic fruits
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| Bandeja Paisa (Vegetarian) |
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.
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