The Ultimate Itinerary Guide for Colombia

Colombia is the perfect country to kick off your South American adventure! Forget the stereotypes because this vibrant country has moved way beyond its tumultuous past. Picture this: colonial charm, bustling local markets, beautiful rainforests, and white sand beaches – Colombia’s got it all.

So, if you’ve got Colombia on your radar, you’re in for a treat! From exploring historic cities to traversing the Andes and uncovering hidden gems, Colombia is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. And yes, there’s more to this country than just coffee (though the coffee is pretty amazing too if you are into that). Stay tuned as we guide you through the ultimate Colombian adventure, hitting all the high notes along the way.

How to Get Around Colombia

Colombia is a very large country and therefore we do not recommend to rent a car, but use the very good bus system in the country instead. There are a lot of options to travel around by bus or mini bus, and for larger distances you can board one of the domestic flights to get around faster. It is very easy to book buses through 12GO, where you can compare timetables and prices of the many bus companies.

Recommended Colombia Itineraries

From the vibrant streets of Bogotá and Medellín to the stunning Caribbean beaches of Tayrona National Park and Cartagena, Colombia is a country of contrasts with something for every type of traveler. Below you will find the best places to visit, with everything you need to know before planning your trip.

Colombia Itinerary 1 Week

If you only have a week in Colombia, we recommend focusing on the Caribbean coast for a mix of culture, history, and beach time.

Cartagena: Start your journey in Cartagena, a colorful colonial city filled with lively plazas, cobblestone streets, and great food. Spend a couple of days exploring the old town and nearby Rosario Islands for a day of snorkeling and relaxation.

Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park: From Cartagena, travel to Santa Marta and use it as a base to visit Tayrona National Park. Hike through lush jungle trails that lead to some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for both nature and relaxation.

Minca (Optional): With an extra day, head into the mountains above Santa Marta to the laid-back town of Minca. Known for waterfalls, coffee farms, and cooler weather, it’s a refreshing change from the coast.

Colombia Itinerary 2 Weeks

With two weeks, you can combine Colombia’s coast with the excitement of its major cities and unique landscapes.

Option 1: Caribbean + Medellín
Start in Cartagena and explore the coast, including Santa Marta, Tayrona, and Minca. Then fly to Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín offers incredible views from the cable cars, vibrant neighborhoods like Comuna 13, and a buzzing nightlife scene.

Option 2: Bogotá + Tatacoa Desert + Cali + Medellín
Begin in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, and spend a few days exploring La Candelaria, the Gold Museum, and Monserrate for panoramic views. From there, travel to the Tatacoa Desert, a surreal landscape perfect for stargazing and hikes among its red canyons. Continue south to Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital, where the rhythm of the city is infectious. End your trip in Medellín, enjoying its modern transformation and lively atmosphere.

Both routes offer a well-rounded mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure.

Colombia Itinerary 3 Weeks

With three weeks in Colombia, you can dive deeper and explore the country’s incredible diversity at a comfortable pace.

Start in Bogotá: Explore the capital’s historic center, museums, and surrounding day trips like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá or the charming town of Villa de Leyva.

Tatacoa Desert & Cali: Journey south to the Tatacoa Desert for hiking and astronomy before continuing to Cali, where salsa dancing and vibrant nightlife are a must-experience.

Medellín & Coffee Region: Continue to Medellín, then make your way to Salento in the Coffee Triangle. Hike through the Cocora Valley with its famous wax palm trees and visit coffee farms to learn about Colombia’s world-famous beans.

Caribbean Coast: Head north to the coast for Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona, and Minca. Soak up the mix of colonial charm, jungle adventures, and Caribbean beaches.

Optional Add-ons: If you want to go off the beaten path, consider diving in San Andrés, Providencia, or Rosario Islands, whale watching along the Pacific near Nuquí, or even a liveaboard to Malpelo Island. For more inspiration, check out our complete Colombia diving guide.

The Best Places to Visit in Colombia

Colombia is a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From tropical beaches to towering mountains, there’s something for every traveler. Here are some of the best places to visit in Colombia.

Tayrona National Park

Nestled along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is a stunning paradise of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The park’s most famous beach, Cabo San Juan, is a picture-perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty.

Travel time Santa Marta-Tayrona NP: It takes about 45 minutes to reach Tayrona NP from Santa Marta. Buses, small shuttle buses and taxis are your best option.

Santa Marta

As the gateway to Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history. Wander through the colonial streets of the historic center, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (Simón Bolívar’s final resting place), and enjoy the lively atmosphere at El Rodadero Beach. Santa Marta is also a great starting point for the Lost City Trek, an adventurous multi-day hike through the jungle to an ancient indigenous city.

Travel to Santa Marta: Santa Marta has its own airport and is therefore easy to reach by domestic flight. If you are arriving from Cartagena, then you can take a 4-5 hour bus.

Minca

A short drive from Santa Marta, Minca is a small mountain village known for its lush landscapes, coffee farms, and eco-friendly lodges. It’s the perfect escape from the coastal heat, offering cooler temperatures and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Enjoy activities like bird watching, waterfall hikes, and visits to organic coffee plantations.

Travel time Santa Marta-Minca: Frequent buses connect Santa Marta to Minca and take about 40 minutes. You can also take a taxi or shuttle bus that should take around 25 minutes to reach Minca. If you have booked accommodation in the mountains, expect to travel another 45-60 minute by jeep or motorbike.

Cartagena

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most beautiful and historic cities. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful streets, and lively plazas make it a must-visit destination. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, stroll along the city walls, and take in the views from the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Cartagena also offers a vibrant nightlife and easy access to the idyllic Rosario Islands.

Travel to Cartagena: Cartagena has its own airport and is therefore easy to reach by domestic flight. If you are arriving from Santa Marta, then you can take a 4-5 hour bus.

Medellín

Once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has transformed into one of Colombia’s most dynamic cities. The “City of Eternal Spring” boasts a pleasant climate, innovative urban development, and a thriving cultural scene. Ride the Metrocable for panoramic views, visit the Botero Plaza to see the famous sculptures, and explore the trendy neighborhoods of El Poblado and Laureles. Medellín is also a great base for day trips to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol.

Travel to Medellín: Medellín has its own airport and is therefore easy to reach by domestic flight. If you are arriving from Salento, then you can take a 5-6 hour bus.

Our Medellín guide will take you through the top things to visit in this amazing city.

Salento

Located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, Salento is a charming town surrounded by verdant hills and coffee farms. It’s the perfect place to experience Colombia’s coffee culture, with tours of local plantations and tastings of freshly brewed coffee. Don’t miss the Cocora Valley, home to the towering wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Hike through the valley’s stunning landscapes to fully appreciate its beauty.

Travel to Salento: Salento can be reached in a 1.5 hour bus ride from either Pereira or Armenia airport. It can also be reached directly by bus from Medellín in 5-6 hours, or about 8 hours from Bogotá.

Bogotá

Colombia’s capital city, Bogotá, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern and colonial architecture. Visit the historic La Candelaria district, home to colorful buildings, museums, and the impressive Plaza Bolívar. Take a cable car or funicular to the top of Monserrate for panoramic views of the city. Bogotá also offers excellent dining, vibrant nightlife, and cultural experiences like the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum.

Travel to Bogotá: Bogotá has its own airport and is therefore easy to reach by domestic flight. If you are arriving from Salento, then you can take a 8 hour bus.

Cali

Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali is a city with a contagious rhythm and energy. Dance the night away in one of its many salsa clubs, visit the historic San Antonio neighborhood, and explore the Cali Zoo, one of the best in South America. The nearby Hacienda Cañasgordas offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past, while the Cristo Rey statue provides sweeping views of the city.

Travel to Cali: Medellín has its own airport and is therefore easy to reach by domestic flight.

Tatacao Desert

The Tatacoa Desert is a surreal landscape of red and gray rock formations, canyons, and dry tropical forest. It’s an ideal destination for stargazing due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. Explore the unique terrain on foot or by bike, visit the small town of Villavieja, and cool off in the natural pools of Los Hoyos. The Tatacoa Desert offers a stark contrast to Colombia’s lush regions and is a photographer’s dream.

Travel to the Tatacao Desert: Neiva is the closest airport, 1 hour away from the Tatacao desert. A direct trip from Bogotá will take about 6 hours.