This is a suggested ten day travel itinerary for Colombia that includes Bogotá, Medellín, Guatapé & Cartagena.
Why Travel To Colombia
- Vibrant cities
- Fantastic street art culture
- Diverse landscape
- Fascinating wildlife
- Amazing outdoor adventures
- Friendly people
- Rich cultural heritage
- Unique local cuisine
- Delicious Colombian coffee
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 reach Bogotá, it would be best to unwind at your hotel and recuperate. Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia.
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 contains 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 charming Parque de Los Periodistas to unwind with a delightful 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 soak in the breathtaking views of the city. 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.
- In the afternoon, take part in the Bogotá Graffiti tour to explore and enjoy the vibrant street art scene of Bogotá.
- After the graffiti tour, make sure to stop by the Iglesia de San Francisco, a stunning 16th-century church that stands as one of the oldest preserved churches 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
Start your day with an early morning flight from Bogotá to Medellín. As Colombia's second-largest city, Medellín is beautifully nestled in a valley embraced by the Andes Mountains. Once you arrive, settle into your hotel located in the El Poblado neighborhood. In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking tour to explore the historic downtown of Medellín. Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at one of the charming 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 guided walking tour of the Comuna 13 district. During the tour, you'll get to appreciate beautiful street art and learn about the incredible transformation of this neighborhood, which was once known for its challenges.
- Once you've completed the walking tour, hop on the Metro Cable to Santo Domingo station for some stunning views both during the ride and from the top.
- Then visit Museo Casa de la Memoria to understand the history of the city of Medellín. 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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| Medellín Metro Cable |
Day 6: Day trip to Guatapé & El Peñol
- Join a guided day trip to Guatapé which is located about 79 km from Medellín. Alternatively you could explore Guatapé on your own. 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 continue your journey to the charming town of Guatapé, where you can explore colorful houses and quaint, 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
Head to Cartagena from Medellín and check into your hotel. This charming port city is rich in history and located along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. If you’re feeling up to it, take a stroll to the lovely 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
- Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast and then head over to the historic Spanish fort, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Constructed in 1536, this impressive fortress sits atop a hill and played a significant role in numerous battles from the late 17th to early 19th centuries, involving various European powers. Be sure to take in the stunning views of Cartagena city from the fort's summit!
- In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking tour to discover the beauty of Cartagena. Alternatively explore the city at your own pace. After your walk, make your way to one of the picturesque 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, consider taking a day trip to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago situated about 20 km from Cartagena. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Travel Tip: If you choose to visit the Rosario Islands, be prepared for a speedy and bumpy boat ride!
- Other alternative to the Rosario Islands would be to spend the day wandering around 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.
- Take a stroll along the expansive city walls in the afternoon to soak in some stunning views of both the ocean and the city as you go.
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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) |
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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