Colombia in 2 weeks
Colombia’s Itineray
Get ready for an incredible journey through Colombia!
Hereby you'll find a 2 weeks adaptable itinerary that you can tailor to meet your own preferences and needs. Unveil the magic of Cartagena's streets, bask in Tayrona's natural wonders, find peace in Minca's mountains, dive into Medellin's vibrancy, savor Eje Cafetero's aromas, and explore Bogota's eclectic charm.
Your adventure starts here!
Index
- General Tips
- Day 1, 2 & 3: Cartagena & Islas del Rosario
- Day 4 & 5: Tayrona National Park
- Day 6 & 7: Minca
- Day 8 & 9: Medellín & Guatapé
- Day 10, 11, 12: Eje Cafetero
- Day 13 & 14: Bogotá & Back
General Tips
📅When was I there? July-August 2023
☀️Weather: Colombia's climate varies due to its diverse geography. Coastal areas tend to be warmer, while higher altitudes can be cooler. Pack accordingly, with lightweight clothing for warmer regions and layers for cooler areas. Always bring with you a rain jacket.
✅Visa: Check the visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. For EU members the only requierements are: >6 months valid passsport and fill in "CheckMig" prior to arrival.
💪🏻Healthcare: Consider travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad.
💉Vaccination: Check with your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations before traveling to Colombia. Yellow fever vaccination might be required for some regions (e.g. Tayrona).
🚨Safety: Exercise caution, especially in crowded places, tourist areas and during the night. Having said that, when my partner and I travelled to Colombia we didn't experience any safety issues.
💰Money: The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it's advisable to always carry cash. I reccomend to use Revolut Debit Card to avoid expensive currency exchange fees.
📱SIM Card: It's easy to purchase prepaid SIM cards upon arrival at airports or local shops. You can also buy Airalo eSIM directly from the app - it provides internet access but not a proper phone number.
🎒Luggage: I prefer traveling light to avoid checking in luggage. To ensure you do so while paying the minimum fair in Colombia, it's best to go with a backpack (that fits under the seat in front) and a funny pack. I chose the one bellow but it might be too small for you ;)
🥙Local Cuisine: Colombia offers a rich culinary experience. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like arepas, bandeja paisa, and tropical fruits. The Limondada de Coco is a must when in Cartagena.
🍽️Restaurants: if you want recommendations for having lunch, dinner, coffee and cocktails follow the list in "Colombia's best restaurants". I will be mentioning though some key gems.
🏨Hotels: check "Colombia's best hotels" to see if you can at least add one of them to your itinerary.
⭐️Musts: If you have less days and you don't know what to choose, I have marked the musts with a star.
💡Add-ons: If you have more days, you might want to include other proposals marked in between with a light bulb.
🙋🏽♀️Doubts?: If you have any questions you can reach me at my IG account.
Day 1 , 2 & 3: Cartagena & Islas del Rosario
- Cartagena: the enchanting jewel 💎 -
Day 1: Cartagena amurallada
⭐️Wonder around Cartagena's historic center (Ciudad Amurallada), visiting: Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, San Pedro Claver Square and San Pedro Church and Convent, Bolivar Square and Inquisition Palace, Santo Domingo Square and Santo Domingo Church, Gold Museum, Santa Catalina Cathedral, Santa Teresa Square.
While you do so, take the chance to take some coffee and/or "Limonada de coco", like for example in Ábaco (bookstore café) and grab some lunch following "Colombia's best restaurants" post.
Next to "Ciudad Amurallada", you have the neighbourhood of San Diego, which is also worth exploring. The highlights encompass: Carrera 9, the picturesque Calle 37 and Calle 38, Plaza Fernández de Madrid, Carrera 7, the legendary García Márquez House, San Diego Square, and Bóvedas de Santa Clara.
Now is time for some drinks with sunset views, right? Head to ⭐️Café del Mar, a chill-out restaurant & bar in front of the sea line for perfect golden hour and sunset. Although it is expensive, the views and the vibes are worth it. While reservations are attainable, we effortlessly secured entry at 5pm without a reservation.
After that you can have dinner in any of the restaurantes mentioned in "Colombia's best restaurants".
Are you up for a night out? Take a cocktail at ⭐️Alquimico (or two) and let the night decide for you.
Day 2: Cartagena continues
⭐️Today is time for colored murals and streets. Head to Getsemaní Neighbourhood, allowing yourself to wander its charming streets and uncover some of the following notable spots: Tripita y Media Street, Trinidad Square, La Sierpe Street, San Juan Street, Plazoleta Del Pozo, Narrow Alley, Espíritu Santo Street...
Ensure to grab some coffee along your walk and later on have lunch in this amazing neighbourhood following "Colombia's best restaurants".
If you have a bit of more energy, you can consider checking Cartagena from above. Go to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas to get some nice views of the city and then to go even higher, grabing a taxi, to Cerro La Popa and maybe check the golden hour or sunset from above.
After that, grab a beer at ⭐️Donde Fidel and check out some salsa dances and then have dinner at any of the places suggested in "Colombia's best restaurants".
- Islas del Rosario: a tropical paradise retreat 💦-
Day 3: Diving into Islas del Rosario
After some land tourismo is time to get into the turquoise waters of Islas del Rosario!
You have different options - all of them will usually take a full day. You might want to visit just one island and relax over there, booking a "Pasadía", or you might want to get a tour that can take you to different islands. It's up to you! You can find the tours in every corner of the city or in your accomodation.
Our recommendations: Island Hopping, Isla de Baru, Playa Blanca, Isla Coralina.
💡Extra time?
If you have 1 or 2 extra days and you don't mind travelling a bit more, you might want to change Islas del Rosario for San Andrés y Providencia and stay the night in one of these 2 islands to explore their crystal-clear waters.
Day 4 & 5: Tayrona National Park
- Tayrona: a natural sanctuary 🏝️ -
Day 4: Travelling to Tayrona
From Cartagena to Tayron the best option is to book a van with other people with the company Marsol (or similar) to Santa Marta and then take a bus or a taxi to your hotel. In total it takes around 5 hours and half to get to Tayrona area. Therefore, my recommendation would be to take it as a travelling and relax day, where after ariving to your hotel you get some late lunch and then get a massage and/or go to the closest beach or river.
I strongly encourage you to check Colombia's best hotels post, as it offers invaluable insights that can truly enhance your entire Tayrona adventure.
Day 5: ⭐️Exploring Tayrona
Today's the day! But let me point out some considerations for you to plan ahead:
- It is less crowded during week days.
- You can buy the ticket in the entrance and they might ask you there for your vaccionation against yellow fever.
- Get enough cash for horse riding and food.
With that said... Rise and shine early to catch the opening of Tayrona (usually around 8 am is a good time), kickstarting your adventure along its natural trails. Here's a nifty tip: hop on a horse and ride straight to Cabo San Juan for a peaceful start - you will be able to enjoy the beach almost by yourself. On your way back, take a leisurely stroll to soak in the whole landscape and explore more of the park's stunning beaches.
After enjoying refreshing swims and leisurely strolls along the stunning shores of Cabo San Juan, as well as taking in the breathtaking views from the viewpoint, the main stops you will find on your way out are the following:
- Playa Arenillas and Playa Piscina: Beaches with small restaurants, great for swimming. At Piscina, we enjoyed a delicious shrimp rice dish. At Arenillas, we had a refreshing passion fruit juice and fantastic arepas.
- Playa Arrecifes: A wild beach not suitable for swimming, but you can find food options.
After this you can just go back to the hotel to enjoy the swiming pool and a well deserved dinner.
💡Extra time?
If you have 1 or 2 extra days and you don't mind travelling a bit more, you might want to get some relaxation days at the beach at Palomino.
Day 6 & 7: Minca
- Minca: a tranquil mountain escape ⛰️ -
You may want to stay just 1 day and night and then leave to Medellín, but it will be hectic!
Day 6: Getting to Minca
To reach Minca from the Tayrona area, you'll embark on about an hour (or possibly more) of travel. My strong recommendation is to choose from the exceptional hotels listed in the link below. Trust me, they're a match made in heaven for this location.
Take this day to unwind and soak in ⭐️Minca's ambiance. You might opt for a gentle activity, like a short hike or an alternate sunset viewpoint, or maybe explore a different place for dinner like the one below.
Day 7: Exploring Minca's surroundings
Should you choose the recommended hotel (pictured above), planning your day's activities becomes a breeze. You can directly coordinate with them. You might even be treated to some free complimentary options offered directly by them, like a morning workout session with fellow guests.
Here's a glimpse of the exciting options you may consider:
- Waterfalls: Discover the enchanting cascades of Pozo Azul, Marinca, and Oido del Mundo.
- Viewpoints: Don't miss the captivating perspectives from Los Pinos and Mirador de Minca
- Coffee Tours: Immerse yourself in the world of coffee at La Victoria Coffee Farm and La Candelaria Coffee Farm.
For a comprehensive experience, you might consider hiring a taxi-jeep or motorbike to whisk you around. Alternatively, handpick the activities that resonate most with you.
Ensure to spend at least one of the Golden & Sunset hour in the hotel to enjoy the happy hour cocktail of the day and the amazing views.
Day 8 & 9: Medellín & Guatapé
- Medellin: the Eternal Spring 🌸 -
Day 8: Soaking in Medellin's Vibes
Start your day with a taxi ride from Minca to Santa Marta and then catch a quick flight to Medellín. If you arrive early, get ready to soak up the city vibes – but if there's no availability of early flights, then priortize Comuna 13.
Once in Medellín, let the adventure begin, visiting the following spots:
- La Candelaria: the heart of Medellín, where you'll find Plaza Botero and more. The statues at Plaza Botero are cool, but the atmosphere might be a bit meh.
- ⭐️Comuna 13: This place is the real deal – colorful, artsy, and full of good vibes. Street art, dancing, and singing create a unique energy. Don't miss a guided tour to understand how this neighborhood transformed. And don't forget to grab some mango-biche "cremas" (ice cream) while you're there and also find a place to have lunch.
- Medellin from above: Take your Medellín view to new heights with a ride on the San Javier teleferico, gliding above Comuna 13 and beyond.
Wrap up the day with a⭐️ chill dinner and drinks at Chapinero and la Provenza. And if you're up for a night out, Zona Rosa is where the fun's at – Medellín style!
Check some drink bars and restaurants recommendations in "Colombia's best restaurants" post.
Day 9: Exploring Guatapé & El Peñol
Rise and shine for a day of exploration beyond Medellín's borders! Join a thrilling day tour to Guatapé and El Peñol, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
We recommend you to take a tour so that you can check
- Guatapé: A town straight out of a fairytale, Guatapé enchants with its colorful streets and intricate zócalos. Stroll around, snap some Instagram-worthy shots, and feel the lively local atmosphere.
- El Peñol: Prepare for a climb! Conquer El Peñol rock, boasting panoramic views that will take your breath away. The journey up might be a workout, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it.
- Boat Ride: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the mesmerizing Guatapé Reservoir. Drift along the peaceful waters, taking in the stunning surroundings and unwinding with the tranquility of nature.
As the day winds down, return to Medellín and enjoy another delicious dinner and drinks at Chapinero or Provenza.
Day 10, 11 & 12: Eje Cafetero
- Eje Cafetero: Aroma-filled Coffee Paradise 🌴-
Day 10: ⭐️Filandia & Salento
Catch an early flight from Medellín to Pereira, and kickstart your Eje Cafetero journey with a scenic drive.
Begin by uncovering Filandia's charms, ensuring a delightful lunch at one of its exceptional eateries featured in my guide to Colombia's best restaurants.
Continue your adventure to Salento, where you'll spend the afternoon soaking up the town's essence, settling into your chosen accommodation, and indulging in a delicious dinner
Day 11: ⭐️Valle del Cocora & Coffee tour
Get ready for an action-packed day that promises incredible experiences – feel free to adjust as needed.
Rise and shine early to embark on your journey to Valle del Cocora. Whether by car or Willy (a local jeep), make your way to this captivating valley of towering wax palms and lush cloud forests.
Once you arrive, embrace the hiking trails and viewpoints, opting for a leisurely walk or horseback riding (based on availability). Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes to make the most of this enchanting escapade.
After a fulfilling morning, treat yourself to a satisfying meal – either at Valle del Cocora or upon returning to Salento.
Next, dive into the world of Colombian coffee at Finca Don Eduardo, where you'll experience authentic cultivation practices and savor the result of an Englishman's passion for coffee-making.
Now, it's time for a change of scenery. Following my recommendation in Colombia's best affordable hotels, head to Santa Rosa de Cabal. Unwind in charming cottages, enjoy a delightful evening, and revel in the magical ambiance around a bonfire, illuminated by the dance of the fireflies.
Day 12: ⭐️Termales de Santa Rosa
Today is the earliest you will wake but it will be worth it. Wake up very early and drive to arrive around 6.30am to Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal. Book ahead with your accomodation if possible and if you avoid weekedns it will be better.
Now is time to enjoy Termales de Santa Rosa, an amazing....
Head back to the hotel and enjoy a paradisiac breakfast. Make friends over there, tell them to show you the horses and explore around. Is time for you to rest.
During the afternoon/ evening take the car back to Pereira's airport and take a flight to Bogotá to be able to enjoy one cool dinner in one of the restaurants mentioned in my guide.
💡Extra time?
If you have more days you might want to explore this area even more and change a bit the itinerary to be able to drive to Pijao as well.
Day 13 & 14: Bogotá
- Bogotá: Where history and modernity converge 🏢-
Day 13: Exploring the city
Welcome to Bogotá! No rush to rise early – take your time. While Bogotá may not boast the typical allure, there's plenty to savor, especially for food enthusiasts.
Recommended Activities:
- Ascend Montserrate: Embark on a journey to Montserrate, an iconic peak that offers unparalleled panoramic views of Bogotá sprawled below. Whether you choose to hike or take the funicular, the breathtaking vistas from the top are worth every step or ride.
Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at one of my recommended restaurants, ensuring your Colombian journey ends on a flavorful note.
Day 14: Departure Time
As your journey winds down, savor your remaining moments in Bogotá. Consider picking up unique souvenirs and specialty coffees like Amor Perfecto (refer to my restaurant guide), adding a touch of Colombia to your memories.
With flights ahead, bid farewell to Bogotá and return to reality – or perhaps venture to another exciting destination?
💡Extra time?
If you have 1-2 extra days, you might definitely consider the following spots, depending on your time and preferences:
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