Colombia conjures images of steaming cups of coffee, soaring Andean peaks, and vibrant Caribbean shores. But this South American gem offers a wealth beyond these familiar attractions. Did you know Colombia boasts the second-highest level of biodiversity in the world, surpassed only by Brazil? Thanks to the staggering variety of plant and animal species it houses, the country is blessed with a vast natural vegetation. Now that we’ve got you intrigued, let’s dive in and plan your Colombia itinerary.
Nestled in the northwestern corner of South America, Colombia instantly captivates you with enchanting diversity, verdant landscapes, and natural wonders that range from sun-soaked beaches and colourful cities to snow-peaked mountain ranges and lush green national parks. From bustling Bogota to charming Medellin, historic Cartagena to the ecological haven of Minca, Colombia is home to tourist hotspots for every kind of traveller.
For a short-term trip (think a week or ten days), it’s most rewarding to craft a Colombia itinerary that focuses on specific cities, experiences, and attractions depending on your interests. Take inspiration from our selection of four must-visit places in Colombia that offer comfort and the beauty of nature.
Best time to visit Colombia
Colombia mainly has two seasons: dry and rainy. The best time to visit Colombia is during the dry season from December to March and June to September. This is also the best time to experience the Caribbean coastal weather and enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, there are fewer chances of rainfall during these months. However, the weather varies from region to region and changes based on where you are travelling: the coastal side, the Amazon rainforests, or the Andean mountains.
Colombia itinerary days 1-2: Arriving in Bogota
El Dorado International Airport | Image credit: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
As the Colombia itinerary starts from Bogota, the tickets should be booked for the El Dorado International Airport (BOG). It’s recommended you fly out from the city you’re likely to end your trip, to save time flying back to the original destination.
Visa tip: If you hold a US or Schengen visa, you are exempted from the tourist visa.
After landing, you can reach your hotel or the nearest city centre by taxi or bus – a 30-minute drive. Download the popular taxi apps used in Colombia, including Uber, Cabify, Tappsi, DiDi, or Taxis Libres. If travelling solo or on a budget, an array of buses drop you to Bogoto’s city centres like Santa Fe and Chapinero.
La Candelaria | Image credit: Pedro Szekely/Flickr
On day 1 in Botogo, step out for a lazy evening strolling around La Candelaria (old city), a vibrant neighbourhood that is known for Spanish colonial architectural buildings, artsy streets, urban art installations, quaint cafes, and unique graffiti murals. Explore the Plaza de Bolívar, the main square area boasting many museums, monuments, and cathedrals. End your day with a wholesome meal and indulge in local flavours at the iconic La Puerta Falsa, one of the oldest eateries known for traditional Colombian dishes. Order the tamales, Ajiaco (traditional Colombian chicken and potato soup), and hot chocolate with cheese.
Start day 2 of your Colombia itinerary with a hearty breakfast at La Castana, a restaurant chain that serves Colombian breakfast classics like bandeja paisa (a platter with rice, beans, meat, and eggs), changua (a milk-based soup with eggs and scallions), and arepas (corn cakes).
Image credit: Pedro Szekely, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Bogota offers free 3-hour-long walking and graffiti tours (typically starting at 10 am from Santander Park in front of the Gold Museum) – make sure you sign up for these for the best introduction to the capital city and to get a deeper understanding of the city’s culture, architecture, and history. Later, have lunch at Casa Vieja, another Colombian restaurant chain, and head straight to the Gold Museum (or Museo del Oro), a must-visit in Bogota. Storing and showcasing over 50,000 gold pieces, the museum boasts some of the most extensive collections of pre-Columbian gold artefacts, including jewellery, figurines, and religious items.
Monserrate | Image credit: Michu2709, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Next, head to another iconic landmark in Bogota – Monserrate, a mountain peak perched 10,000 ft above sea level offering a panoramic view of the city. The fastest way to reach the peak is by taking a scenic cable car ride. Explore the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate (a Catholic shrine), souvenir shops, and restaurants, and witness a magical sunset as the sun casts its golden light over the cityscape.
Once back from Monserrate, have a quick dinner, and hop on to an overnight bus for Salento. While there is no direct bus to Salento, you can take the seven-hour bus to Armenia, offering frequent 40-minute local bus rides to Salento.
Best hotels in Bogota: Hilton Bogota, Selina Bogota, Hotel de la Opera, Fairfield by Mariot, Andes Plaza, and Biohotel Organic Suites.
Travelling within Bogota: There’s a good network of buses to travel internally at cost-effective prices. Otherwise, you can hire local taxis or book cabs from multiple cab booking apps.
Book your stay at Hilton Bogotá via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hilton Bogota via Agoda.com
Days 3-5: Salento and Medellin
Salento | Image credit: McKay Savage/Flickr
Tucked away in the foothills of the Andean mountains, Salento is a picturesque town located in Colombia’s coffee region. Start day 3 of your Colombia itinerary with a wholesome breakfast and a delicious cup of coffee at Café Jesús Martín in the city’s heart. Next, head straight to the iconic Cocora Valley, a 30-minute drive away. The valley houses the tallest palm trees in the world and is a magnet for nature lovers. You can hike through multiple trails, immerse yourself in the varied flora and fauna, or get Instagramming against the popular panoramic viewpoints with the lush green valleys in the background. Head back to Salento for a traditional Colombian lunch at one of the iconic restaurants like Brunch Salento, La Casona de Lili, or La Eliana Restaurante.
Evenings are lively at Salento’s Plaza Bolívar, the main square that’s a hub for local souvenir shops, quaint cafes, and cultural events. Take a stroll and admire the city’s architecture, colourful facades, charming streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Depending on how energetic you feel, you could spend the night in Salento or embark on another overnight bus journey to Medellin.
Best hotels in Salento: Casa de las Dos Palmas, Panorama Salento, Cocli Hotel Boutique, and Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero.
Book your stay at Casa de las Dos Palmas via Booking.com
Book your stay at Casa de las Dos Palmas via Agoda.com
Depending on when you reach Medellin, one of the most beautiful urban cities in Colombia, step out on day 4 for traditional breakfast/brunch/lunch at Mondongos, El Rancherito, or Hacienda Junín. After fueling your soul with some comfort food, head for the Commune 13, another mandatory mention in your Colombia itinerary. Take a tour to learn about the city’s dubious past and amazing transformation. Commune 13 was renowned as one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in all of Latin America.
Jardin Botanico | Image credit: Jeikson Andres Gomez, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
After the tour, enjoy a picnic or a leisure stroll at Jardin Botanico, a beautiful 13-hectare botanical garden in the heart of the city known to house hundreds of species of plants and flowers, a pristine lake, a butterfly garden, and Orchideorama, an entire section dedicated only to orchids. Next, put on some glittery party clothes and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Medellin. Some of the city’s best clubs, pubs, and rooftop bars are tucked away in Parque Lleras, Calle Colombia, and El Social, the nightlife hubs in Medellin. Enjoy craft beer, good food, live music and dance the night away to salsa, reggaeton, and Latin hits.
Also read | I Spent 4 Days Exploring The LGBTQ+ Scene in Medellín, Colombia — Here’s Where To Go
Museo de Antioquia | Image credit: Jorge Láscar/Flickr
Start day 5 of your Colombia itinerary with a hearty breakfast at Pergamino Café, known for its speciality coffee, or head to OCI.Mde, a beautiful garden restaurant that serves healthy and innovative dishes. Next, stroll around the Botero Plaza, an open-air gallery boasting 23 bronze sculptures and statues donated by Fernando Botero, one of Colombia’s most famous artists. Visit the nearby Museo de Antioquia, one of the oldest museums in the country. Lunch at Mondongo’s and give the iconic Colombian soup a shot. Adventure lovers can soar through the sky and absorb Medellin’s breathtaking landscape and mountain-covered vistas by signing up for a paragliding session. At night, you can either have a relaxed dinner or opt for something exciting like a street food tour that enables you to sample an array of Colombian street food and experience its lively nightlife.
Best hotels in Medellin: The Click Clack Hotel, Living By Armoniko, Terra Biohotel, Marquee Hotel, The Charlee Hotel, and York Luxury Suite.
Travelling within Medellin: The best way to get around in Medellin is by using the metro.
Book your stay at The Click Clack Hotel Medellín via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Click Clack Hotel Medellin via Agoda.com
Colombia itinerary days 6-7: Guatape and Cartegena
Guatape | Image credit: Daniel Esteban Abad González/Flickr
Drive two hours to the picturesque town of Guatape on day 6 of your Colombia itinerary. Start by ticking off the most popular tourist experience in Guapape – rock climbing in El Penol. Also called the Rock of Guapape, you have to climb up 740 steps to reach the top of this massive granite rock formation, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city and its pristine lake.
Restaurante La Fogata | Image credit: La Fogata/Facebook
Next, take a break at a cafe or an iconic eatery like Casa Cuba, Restaurante La Fogata, Don Tómas, Namaste Vegan Food, and Café de la Plaza. Spend a relaxing afternoon amidst the tranquil waterways of Laguna Guatape or take a boat tour of the Penol-Guatape Reservoir. Surrounded by lush greenery, there are ample opportunities here for swimming, kayaking, or simply sitting by the water. Spend the rest of the evening strolling around the charming city and embracing its colourful houses, artistic streets with murals, and local shops. After an eventful day at Guatape, head back to Medellin.
Pack your bags on day 7 and take a short flight to Cartegena, another beautiful city. The airport is located 30 minutes from the city centre. Explore more with our Cartegena travel guide, one of the best South American destinations.
Cartegena | Image credit: Bernd Lutz, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Nestled on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, this city is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, cobblestone streets, and colonial architecture. Head out for a quick brunch/lunch at La Cevicheria for lip-smacking Caribbean dishes, including Ceviche (a dish made of raw fish), Arroz con Coco (coconut rice), Arepa de Huevo (cornmeal patty), and Limonada de Coco (a beverage made from coconut water). Next, head for the iconic tour of the Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will introduce you to Cartegena’s cultural landmarks like Clock Tower, Plaza de los Coches, and its beautiful streets and well-preserved architecture. Then visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a magnificent fortress overlooking the city and the Caribbean Sea. Offering panoramic views from the top, tourists can explore the unique architecture and extensive network of tunnels and bastions.
Tip: You can sign up for night tours to experience the fortress under the stars and enjoy theatrical performances.
Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at one of the beautiful beaches in Cartegena. Playa Blanca comes highly recommended owing to its crystal clear waters and white sand. You can have a simple dinner and head back to the hotel or experience Cartegena’s thriving nightlife that involves salsa nights, beach parties, and live music on rooftop bars. Getsemaní and the Old Town are the popular hubs for nightlife in the city.
Best hotels in Cartegena: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Casa San Agustin, Casa India Catalina, Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, and Hotel Boutique Callecitas de San Diego.
Book your stay at Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa via Agoda.com
Colombia itinerary days 8-10: Santa Marta and Minca
Rosario Islands | Image credit: stolzz0613, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Start day 8 with a cup of good coffee and breakfast at Juan Valdez Café, a popular coffee chain known for its high-quality Colombian coffee. If you’re up for a unique experience and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, drive to the Totumo mud volcano, a natural attraction only an hour away from the city. Climb up to the top of the volcano and take a mud bath in its crater, nature’s very own spa said to have therapeutic and medicinal properties for the skin.
Post lunch, explore Rosario Islands on Cartegna’s coast, roughly a 45-minute boat ride away. Enjoy outdoor activities like snorkelling with the coral reefs, scuba diving, kayaking, exploring wildlife and mangrove forests, and more. Return to Cartegna’s harbour with the same boat tour.
Santa Marta | Image credit: Alexander Schimmeck/Flickr
Start day 9 early and travel five hours to Santa Marta, a quaint city on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range featuring pristine beaches, landmark monuments, and natural wonders. Another popular attraction that makes it to most Colombia itineraries is Tayrona National Park, a natural oasis known for its lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and palm-fringed beaches. From rugged mountains to coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps, this protected area boasts diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Adventure geeks and nature lovers can opt for hiking through the jungles, overnight camping, water activities at the beaches, and exploring wildlife. If you’re not camping, drive back to Santa Marta with memories and experiences to cherish forever.
Best hotels in Santa Marta: Grand Marina Santa Marta, Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina, Casa de Isabella, Hotel Estelar Santamar, and The Orange House.
Book your stay at Grand Marina Suites Santa Marta via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Marina Apartasuites via Agoda.com
Pozo Azul | Image credit: Fernando Flores/Flickr
Start early on day 10 to visit the nearby Minca city (an hour’s drive away), popular for bird watching, waterfall hikes, and coffee tours. Go for a coffee tour and visit a local coffee farm here. Go for a scenic hike to one of the waterfalls like Pozo Azul or Marinka Waterfall. Keep an eye out for colourful birds like parrots, hummingbirds, and more as Minca is home to over 300 species of birds. Stop for a late lunch at one of the iconic eateries in Minca including Minca Ecohabs Restaurant (offering dining options amidst the rainforest), Cafe Minca, Casa Vieja Restaurant, or Lazy Cat. Drive back to Santa Maria and start preparing to head to the airport. It’s best to hire a direct cab to the Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR). When at the airport, you can enjoy a last Colombian meal, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax in sleeping zones or lounge areas.
Things to remember when travelling to Colombia
It’s ideal if you carry a copy of your passport while travelling internally for entry tickets, bus passes etc. It’s best not to carry your original passport along and leave it safely in your room.
For network connectivity and internet, it’s recommended to buy a Claro SIM (the most popular network provider in Colombia) card from the city area. It will cost approximately HKD 47-75 for 30 days. The cards are cheaper in the city versus the airport.
Keep some amount of cash in your wallet all the time, especially for petty expenses like street food or shopping.
Pack your clothes as per the altitude and not the time of the year. As Colombia is pretty diverse, you may be hiking to a mountain one day and sunbathing on a beach the other. So, it depends largely on the type of region you’re in.
Internal flights in Colombia are pretty cost-effective. So, don’t hesitate to book flights over buses.
Be aware of altitude sickness (even if you have climbed or hiked before) when visiting high-altitude destinations like Bogota or the Andes mountains. Take time to acclimatise and drink lots of water.
Pickpocketing can be an issue in Colombia, so keep your belongings carefully, place your backpack in the front and not the back, and leave your valuables in your hotel room.
It’s recommended to learn basic Spanish words, as there might be instances where some locals might not understand English. And, keep Google Translate or any other app handy.
Be cautious when exploring remote areas or hiking trails during late night hours. It’s best to consider hiring a local guide for safety.
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(Feature Image Credit: Enrique Hoyos/Pexels )
Related: 20 Best Places To Visit In Colombia, According To Locals And Experts
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Publish date : 2024-07-12 22:00:00
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