Colombia Itinerary: A Detailed Guide for 10 Days in Colombia
Last Updated on November 18, 2024
Explore the best of Colombia with this 10-day Colombia itinerary compiled by my friends Dorene and Troy from Travel Life Experiences.
Colombia has become quite a popular place to travel in recent years because of its own reinvention. Since the end of the 50-year civil war, there is a massive wave of optimism, economic development, and tourism. Now that the country has more political stability, it has opened up a whole new world to travelers.
Those curious enough to venture here will find a gorgeous and diverse country chocked full of beautiful beaches, tropical climates, mountainous areas, and coffee farms.
We spend several months each year living and traveling in Colombia, so this country has become a second home to us. Here is the perfect Colombia Itinerary for those who want to witness and experience its incredible diversity.
Table of Contents
- Colombia Itinerary
- Colombia Itinerary 10 days
- Colombia Itinerary Day 1-2: Bogota
- Colombia Itinerary Day 3-4: Cartagena
- Take a Day Trip to the Islas
- Where to Stay in Cartagena
- Colombia Itinerary Day 5: Tayrona National Park
- Colombia Itinerary Day 6: Medellín
- Colombia Itinerary Day 7: Guatapé
- Colombia Itinerary Day 8: Jardín
- Colombia Itinerary Day 9: Jardín
- Colombia Itinerary Day 10: Medellin
- Colombia Travel Guide
Colombia Itinerary
Is it Safe to Travel Colombia?
This is a common question from most travelers, which is no surprise because of the civil war in the ’80s and ’90s. Since the half-century-long civil war ended, the country has worked hard to improve everyone’s safety. We’ve traveled all around Colombia for the last three years with not one issue or any concern for our safety.
However, Colombia is still fighting the COVID19 pandemic and there have been a series of violent nationwide protests going on since 2009. Not to forget the ongoing guerilla activities, cartel fightings and petty crime. Read my article “Is Colombia Safe to Travel?” for full details.
There are some things you can do to be prepared. The common saying in Colombia is ‘No Dar Papaya’ which literally means don’t give papaya or don’t be a target. This means you should never openly show your valuables (including your cell phone) and keep your bag close to you in crowded areas like buses, metros, busy attractions and even restaurants.
How to Get to Colombia
The most common entry point for travelers is the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Colombia’s capital. El Dorado Airport is served by several non-stop international service, mainly from Europe and the Americas.
Avianca is Colombia’s national airline and the largest carrier to fly there. The cheapest flights from US to Colombia are usually on Avianca. Flights from New York to Bogota are affordable and direct, with airfares as cheap as US$500 return. Flights from Los Angeles to Bogota are only slightly more expensive, at around US$570.
Madrid is usually the main hub if you’re flying from Europe. Direct flights from London to Bogota on Avianca usually cost around US$750 return. Madrid to Bogota flights are slightly cheaper at $700 and are direct too. From India, you can secure a good deal if you book in advance. For example, flights from Manila to Bogota can be pricey, so booking early is the best way to secure a better price.
Colombia Itinerary 10 days
Even with just 10 days in Colombia, you’ll be able to pack in quite a lot and experience the best of the country. In that time frame, you can easily see the major historical attractions, hike through national parks, relax on the beaches, find the thrill of adventure sports, walk through colonial towns and drink lots of coffee while you learn about this country’s transformation.
Colombia Itinerary Day 1-2: Bogota
This Colombia itinerary starts in Bogota, the bustling cradle of Colombia. It’s a fascinating city, but it is often misunderstood. It’s gritty, rough around the edges, cool in temperature, but eclectic, artsy, and oh so fascinating. That is why it’s one of our favorite cities for culture, food, and history. Check out our full list of things to do in Bogota, Colombia.
Explore the Candelaria District
Wander through history in the historic area of Bogota, called Candelaria. People watch at Plaza Bolivar, a vast cobblestone plaza surrounded by the important government buildings named after Simon Bolivar, the man who played a crucial role in Colombia’s independence from Spanish rule.
Be awestruck by the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) where intricate gold artifacts are on display from the original Tayrona people over 2000 years ago. Wander through the cobblestone streets to find colorful graffiti and take a coffee break in some of the best cafes in the country. If you can’t miss your Starbucks, there are many locations now, and you can also try its Colombian equivalent, Juan Valdez.
Joining a city tour will allow you time to take a cable car up to Mount Montserrate, a hill that rises 3100m and offers the best views of this enormous city. On top is a 17th-century church, as well as restaurants and viewing areas you should not miss. Other great neighborhoods worth exploring include Chapinero, Usaquen, and Zona Rosa.
Book A Day Tour: Bogota Breaking Borders Tour
Colombia is a country in transformation with so many stories to tell about its dark past over the 52 years of civil war. The Breaking Borders Tour is located in the Egipto neighborhood above Candelaria. There, former gang members turned tour guides share their stories of crime, reform, and resilience. Read more about our experience on the tour.
What to Eat and Drink in Bogota
Bogota is the best place to eat in Colombia because there is everything! When in Bogota, you need to try a steaming bowl of Ajiaco (a chicken and corn chowder accompanied with rice and avocado.) Almost every restaurant in Bogota serves it. Don’t miss a frosty pint from Colombia’s first microbrewery, BBC (Bogota Beer Company), especially their signature location in Candelaria. There are many locations in major cities in Colombia if you miss your chance in Bogota.
Where to Stay in Bogota
There are so many options for accommodation in Bogota, you’ll be spoiled for choice. We recommend staying in the Candelaria district which is the charming historical district with lots of museums and places of interest. Two highly recommended options where we’ve stayed are:
An outstanding hotel with modern and yet charming rooms plus colorful interiors that boast the character of Colombia. It’s just 1km from Bolivar Square and has an excellent location. Great value for money! Book here now!
Housed in a historical building, this affordable hotel is great for those on a budget but who still want some comfort and a good location. It doesn’t feel quite like a hostel, it has modern private rooms as well as dorm beds and a spacious roof terrace. Check for the latest rates here.
Colombia Itinerary Day 3-4: Cartagena
Looking for some Caribbean heat, culture and the famous Walled City? Get ready for Cartagena. This city couldn’t be more different than Bogotá, so shed that jacket and prepare for the sun!
Fly from Bogota to Cartagena (it’s a short trip but a long distance by bus), shed some clothing, and take a short cab into the main town. The flight from Bogota to Cartagena takes just 1 hour and 30 minutes, so you’ll arrive before you know it. Taking the bus, on the other hand, would mean spending over 22 hours on the road, which is not only much longer but also exhausting.
Cartagena may look like Miami, but as soon as you spot the large walled old city of Cartagena you’ll know that you’re in a unique place.
Within the walled city are plenty of museums, restaurants, and shops, wander to your heart’s content, but you will need to find shade there in the afternoon. Quench your thirst with a refreshing limonada de coco (merely a delicious lemonade and coconut cream drink). Check out this list of 33 fun things to do in Cartagena!
Take a Day Trip to the Islas
It’s beach and boating time! The best beaches in Colombia aren’t found here off the islands surrounding Cartagena. Sure, the beaches in the Boca Grande neighborhood are nearby, but the water is dark and choppy. If you’re looking for turquoise waters, your best bet is to take a speedboat trip to the islands in the area.
You can book these island day trips online or ask around at the main pier at El Muelle de la Bodeguita, across the walled Old City. These boat trips bring you to either the Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca. Both options have beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters, each about an hour away by speedboat. From Cartagena de Indias to Rosario Islands, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride to pristine beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters just an hour away.
Book Your Island Day Trip here!
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Staying inside the walled city is amazing, but also expensive. Many budget travelers stay in Getsemani, the neighborhood across from the walled town, which is about a 5-minute walk away. Now, this gentrified neighborhood is brimming with markets, shops, restaurants, and guesthouses. The district is historic and colorful by day, and lively and exciting by night.
You’ll find that Cartagena is the most expensive place to visit during your travels to Colombia. However, you can find some quality/decent value options. Refer to my guide on where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia.
Hotel Boutique Casa San Miguel
The gorgeous and stylish boutique hotel is a small but intimate place to stay. It’s surprisingly reasonably priced, considering it has a swimming pool and a great location. We loved our time here and highly recommend it! Check the latest rates here.
This affordable hotel is set in a charming colonial-style building, with rooms overlooking Cartagena’s historic centre. It’s very well located, within easy walking distance from the interesting sights. Suitable for those on a budget. Check the latest rates here.
Colombia Itinerary Day 5: Tayrona National Park
A trip to Colombia is not complete until you have visited the magical Tayrona National Park. Relax on empty, gorgeous stretches of golden beaches, thick rainforests, and palm tree forests while learning about the indigenous tribes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Plan to leave Cartagena early so you can maximize your time in the park.
To get there from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park, you need to take a bus (4.5 hours) or taxi/private car (3h45min). We recommend taking the bus as it’s cheap and comfortable. Book your bus tickets online to ensure availability.
There’s plenty to do in Tayrona: Wander through the park, hike, swim, canoe, or dine whatever suits you. Entrance fee to the park is 54,500COP ($17.65USD). Remember to bring a copy of your passport! The student price is 8,500COP ($2.75USD), eligible if you are under 25 years old and have a student card and copy of your passport. The park closes at 5 pm, unless you plan to stay in the park for the night.
If you stay overnight in or near the park, you will need to plan accordingly to get from Tayrona National Park to Santa Marta for your flight to Medellín the next day. A bus to Santa Marta could be as long as 1.5 hours or a 30-minute taxi drive, depending on where you’re staying. Give yourself ample time or stay in Santa Marta for the night.
Where to Stay in Tayrona
For a real treat, camp in a hammock or tent in the national park. That is allowed but it means you’ll need to carry your own gear. Here are some budget and comfortable options:
This rustic but tastefully designed eco tented lodge is perched right on a wild and untamed beach. Each bungalow has a balcony and unobstructed sea view — you are literally staying right on the sand. It’s 7km from the national park, and a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Santa Marta. You’ll have to book WAY in advance. Check the latest rates here.
Viajeros Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs
This stylish eco-lodge has a great atmosphere and location right on the beach, just 13km from Tayrona National Park. Thatched-roof huts feature spanking clean and all-white interiors. It is surrounded by palm trees, plenty of hammocks. and lounging areas. It has a big swimming pool and lots of space to hang out after a day of hiking. Check the latest rates.
Affordable and sparkling clean, this guesthouse is a good budget option located in Calabazo, just 10 minutes outside of the Tayrona National Park. It has a swimming pool and billards, plus the area around it is great for hiking. Check the latest rates.
Colombia Itinerary Day 6: Medellín
Catch an early-morning flight from Santa Marta to Medellin (around US$60 return) so you can enjoy your day in the city of Eternal Spring. Medellin is one of the places we call home for several months a year, and definitely our favorite city in Colombia. There are SO things to do in Medellin you can easily spend weeks here and not see it all. Search for flights here. Search for flights from Santa Marta to Medellin here.
Spend your afternoon on a Medellin city walking tour to get your bearings of the city. Take the Metro Cable and learn about the importance of El Metro de Medellin that give thousands of people access to the city each day. Head downtown and see the Parque de las Luces, and the round and peculiar statues at Parque Botero, created by the beloved Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero. While you are there, take the opportunity to visit the Museo de Antioquia that includes paintings from Botero.
I also recommend sampling many of the exotic fruits grown in Colombia at the Mercado Minorista. It’s the best place to try Colombian snacks like empanadas (fried corn filled with meat or potatoes) and buñelos (deep fried dough). If you’ve got a big appetite, don’t miss the bandeja paisa which is a plate of chicharron (fried pork belly), ground beef, chicken, egg, sausage, rice, beans, and avocado.
Where to Stay in Medellin
El Poblado is the most popular area with tourists. It has the most restaurants, most hotels, and it is the most expensive. Laureles would be in between, with a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars with lower prices than Poblado. Envigado is the city beside Medellin and closest to Poblado. It is a more authentic neighborhood with fewer travelers, a beautiful central park and many good and more Colombian in style, with some Western restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Here are a few options for places to stay:
El Poblado – Art Hotel Boutique Medellin
Stylish and modern, the Art Hotel is a boutique hotel featuring brick walls, contemporary art and a New York flair. All of its rooms feature brown leather furnishing, designer lighting and bright red chaise lounges. Art Hotel also has a wine bar, as well as an art gallery and movie theater. Check the latest rates here.
Laureles – Inntu Hotel
Another modern and slick hotel, Inntu Hotel offers good value for money with big, spacious and comfortable rooms. It also has a restaurant that serves American breakfast, and a beautiful spa with an indoor whirlpool that’s open to all guests. Check the rates.
Envigado – Arame Hotel
This is a cheaper option but just as comfortable and modern as the Inntu Hotel. It’s great for budget-conscious travelers who are looking to immerse in the local community. Check the rates here.
Colombia Itinerary Day 7: Guatapé
After spending some time in the big city of Medellin, now is the time to get back into the outdoors for some adventure! That is where Guatapé comes into your Colombia Itinerary 10 days. It is the adventure playground of the Antioquia region and just a short (1hr to 1hr 20min) bus ride from the city. Get your bus tickets here.
Once you arrive from Medellin to Guatape, this playground is yours. Enjoy the colorful streets of the town, admire the zocalos (colored and themed borders on each home and business), bike around the ring road, hop on a boat along the dam, and definitely climb up to La Piedra del Penol (The Big Rock) to see some of the best views in the country.
Where to Stay in Guatapé
Located right on the central plaza (main square), this budget hotel is a great base from which you can walk all over town and enjoy some views of the lake. It’s clean and comfortable, plus it’s good on the pocket. Check the latest rates here.
This casual and cosy hostel has the best lake views in town. There’s a laidback atmosphere here that we love. You can also book activities like horseback riding and fishing at the hostel. Be sure to ask for a room that overlooks the lake. Book here!
Colombia Itinerary Day 8: Jardín
Spend the next two days in one of the prettiest coffee town, Jardin. Here you will get a taste of traditional living, drink freshly harvested coffee or hike the mountains. Here’s an expert tip: many travelers travel further south to the coffee zone, but there are world-class coffee regions all over Colombia, and Jardin is no exception.
After a day of getting lost in the cobblestoned alleys of Jardin, I recommend spending the evening of people watching in one of the most gorgeous town squares in all of Colombia. For traditional food, check out the local favorite haunt, El Zodiaco, or try classic Italian pizza at Café Europa. Read my full guide to Jardin, Colombia.
How to Get to Jardín
Take a bus to Jardin from Medellin. There are several bus companies and different options of buses from Terminal Sur (the south terminal). Find your bus type and time, and pay approximately $26.000 COP ($9USD). Relax and enjoy a comfortable 3-hour bus trip winding through the coffee farms of Antioquia.
Where to Stay in Jardín
This stylish boutique hotel is housed in a colonial building, featuring clean Scandinavian-style interior and rustic Colombian decor. I absolutely love the design of this hotel: its unique, simple and extremely tasteful. Prices are reasonable and location is great too. Check the latest rates here.
Located right next to the cloud forest, this country-style retreat is a beautiful and comfortable lodge set amidst lush gardens. It’s close to the town of Jardin but still gives you the experience of staying in the forest. Check the latest rates.
Colombia Itinerary Day 9: Jardín
Jardín is one of our favorite spots for hiking and drinking coffee. Some of the best things to do in Jardin include climbing the Cristo Rey Hill for spectacular views of the town, take La Garrucha (wooden cable car) up the mountain, and walk the Camino de la Herrera.
Active travelers can also choose to book a guided hike to explore one of the many waterfalls like Salto de Angel or La Cueva del Esplendor, take a coffee farm tour with Jardin Eco Tours and enjoy one of the many fantastic coffee shops to appreciate your own cup of black magic.
Bus travel between Jardin and Medellin is frequent, so you can decide to take a bus back to Medellin this evening or stay another night in Jardín. It’s up to you! Read more on what to do in Jardín.
Colombia Itinerary Day 10: Medellin
Spend your last day in Medellin and enjoy the activities you didn’t get a chance to see on your previous trip here. We highly recommend you learn about the transformation and social enterprise projects happening in Medellin. One of the most popular and most exciting tours is the Comuna 13 Grafitti and Neighborhood Tour.
Learn about this notorious neighborhood, find out why and how it has changed, see the incredible history-telling graffiti, and ride the surprising outdoor escalator. If you haven’t had the chance to take a cable car up the mountain, this is your opportunity to do on this tour.
Visit the Casa de Memoria Museum in central Medellin. It is a free memorial of the people of Medellin where you will see what they’ve loved and lost over the last many decades. It is sobering, humbling and should be seen by every visitor to the city. For a lighter afternoon, visit the Jardin Botanico (Botanical Garden), take a cable car up to Parque Arvi park or wander through Parque Explora, an innovative science exhibition and planetarium.
Colombia Travel Guide
Visa Entry to Colombia
Entry into Colombia is relatively easy, and travelers from most countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and EU citizens) do not need a visa to enter Colombia. For those who do need a visa, you are eligible to stay for 90 days on a tourist visa, which can be easily extended for 6 months.
Canadians (the only nationality) are required to pay a reciprocity fee on arrival of 201.000 COP ($66USD) in cash or credit card on arrival. Although our 10-day Colombia itinerary won’t require you to be here that long, we feel confident knowing these visa requirements may encourage you to come again and stay longer!
How to Stay Connected in Colombia
Most hotels and guesthouses have decent WiFi (I only struggled with internet connections in Cartagena). I recommend getting an eSIM card with data plan as that works faster than the WiFI in hotels. I personally use eSIMs wherever I travel these days as they are SO much more convenient – you can buy them online, and don’t need to go to the shop or activate your eSIM through the store.
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store and it has eSIMs from over 190 countries and regions around the worlds. I have bought eSIMs from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Ecuador and Peru from Airalo and never had any issues.
Check out Airalo’s eSIMs here.
How to Travel around Colombia
Colombia is very mountainous, so it takes time to maneuver around the mountains, canyons, and rivers. Having said that, your domestic airlines and buses are not only comfortable but they are also of high standard and reasonably priced.
By Air
Flying within Colombia is very affordable. Viva Colombia, LATAM, and Copa Airlines are all popular for flying within Colombia.
VivaAir – It is Colombia’s low-cost airline. It is safe and comfortable, but just be aware that they will charge you for everything including carry-on bags. Check their policies before booking. They usually fly from Bogota to Cartagena for just $50 return.
Latam and Avianca – They are high-quality airlines that often have good promotions to save money, as long as you book at least two weeks in advance.
EasyFly – Flying from Bogotá to Cali is affordable, with several airlines offering budget-friendly options. EasyFly often has tickets for as low as $50.
Keep in mind when flying in and out of Medellin that you can fly into the main Airport, Medellín’s José María Córdova international airport (MDE), or you can also find domestic flights at Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) situated in the city.
Search for Domestic Flights in Colombia
By Bus
Numerous bus lines operate regionally and also throughout South America. It is best to visit the main terminals in the major cities to explore your options for price, size of bus and comfort or VIP class. Just bring a jacket because the air conditioning will be cranked up and be prepared for a long journey around the mountains.
For this 10-day Colombia itinerary, you’ll be flying for most of this journey to maximize your time in the country. But some segments will need to be done by bus. In general, bus travel in Colombia is convenient and comfortable. Pre-book your bus tickets here to ensure availability.
For example, a bus from Bogotá to Tunja takes you through scenic mountains. In Tunja, you can visit the historic Puente de Boyacá, the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana, and explore the colonial architecture and local markets.
By Taxi
They are easily available and very reasonably priced. Most are metered, so make sure that the meter is on when you enter. Having your GPS to your location is a good idea because at times taxi drivers don’t always know the best directions. You can take a taxi from Bogotá airport to the city center for around $25.
Uber is available throughout the major cities with low pricing. However, you cannot use it from the airport in Medellin, only due to legalities in this city.
Best Time to Travel Colombia
Colombia is great to visit all year, except for the peak tourist season from December to February and Semana Santa (Easter Week) when prices are at their highest.
Colombia’s proximity to the equator means temperature along the coast stays pretty much the same all year around, approximately 24°C (75°F). Changes in temperature and rainfall are determined more by region rather than season and it’s best to pack for all weather conditions — a sweater is needed along the coast at night and a jacket in the mountains.
In the Andean region, there are two dry and two wet seasons per year — the driest months are December to March and July to August. The rainy season hits the Andes between May to July and October to December when heavy rains can fall on a daily basis.
What to Pack for Colombia
As mentioned, be sure to pack for all seasons regardless of when you’re visiting. You won’t need an ultra thick winter coat, but you’ll need at least a down jacket for the mountains and Bogota.
1. Soft Shell Jacket: Pack a thin waterproof, soft shell jacket regardless of the weather you’re traveling. It’s particularly useful for the rain. Alternatively, you can opt for an ultra light down jacket that is compact and can be squashed into a ball.
2. Quick-dry pants: Bring at least two pairs of comfy trousers for the hikes. Quick-dry and lightweight hiking trousers are the best options as they are comfortable, breathable and easy to wash and dry. I recommend bringing convertible pants that allow you to zip off the bottom part and convert them to shorts.
3. Hiking shoes: Make sure you bring some comfortable and light hiking shoes. Some say high ankle boots are better as they protect you from mosquito bites and keep your ankles safe during the hikes. Others say low ankle shoes are better as it gets too hot otherwise. I say anything works as long as your shoes are comfortable and sturdy enough to protect you.
4. Sports sandals: These are the best options for traveling Colombia as they let your feet breathe in the hot weather and still provide comfort and support. I don’t recommend bringing flip-flops as those are only useful for the beach and showers.
5. Bug Spray: This is a MUST, whether you are a mosquito magnet or not. There are lots of mosquitoes especially along the coast, regardless of season, so be sure to carry bug spray. Make sure to buy one with DEET.
6. Sunscreen: Another essential thing to bring on this trip as you’ll be on the beach, island-hopping, hiking and doing lots of outdoor activity under the tropical sun. I recommend getting at least SPF 30.
7. Dry bag: You’ll need a small dry bag to protect your valuables when you’re island-hopping or kayaking and hiking around waterfalls. A 10L bag will be enough for you and your partner (unless you’re carrying an SLR).
Further Reading on Colombia
This Colombia Itinerary allows you to cover the best of the country in a short time. We hope you enjoy your travels to this incredible country as much as we have! Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
If you’re planning to travel Colombia, check out other articles I’ve written on Colombia:
- Is Colombia Safe to Travel in 2021?
- 33 Cool Things to Do in Cartagena
- Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
- Jardin, Colombia: The Cutest Town in the Coffee Triangle
- Exploring Cocora Valley in Colombia
- 22 Things to Do in Medellin
- Bogota Travel Guide
- My 2-Week Ecuador Itinerary
- My 2-Week Peru Itinerary
- My 2-Week Chile Itinerary
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
Inspired? Pin it!
The Comments
Simon
Amazing! Delicious Delicacies. Very informative.