Colombia itineraries

From the lush greenery of the Amazon rainforest to the stunning Caribbean coastlines, Colombia draws many travelers to its rich culture, captivating history, and natural beauty. Whether you are planning on discovering the rhythm of salsa in Cali, trying world-class coffee Medellin, or embarking on a wildlife safari in the wilderness of the Amazon, here is your guide to planning the perfect Colombia itinerary. 

Itinerary tips from Isabella: your Colombia travel expert

“Creating an itinerary is all about finding a balance between preparing and being flexible,” advises Isabella, one of our in-house Colombia travel experts. “Colombia has so much to offer in terms of travel experiences, so it really helps to research as thoroughly as possible before you go.”

“The weather in Colombia can really vary depending on where you plan on going — especially as you change altitudes — so you’ll definitely want to think about this when you’re deciding on your itinerary,” she adds.

When asked what was the one thing you shouldn't miss, Isabella shares, "For me, nothing beats Cartagena. I remember my first trip there, and to this day, I am still amazed."

Feeling overwhelmed by the task of planning your dream itinerary? Why not let us do the heavy lifting? With our tailor-made trip service, you can kick back and focus on the excitement of your journey while we take care of all the nitty-gritty details for you. Crafted by local travel experts like Isabella, our trips are fully customizable to cater to your every desire. And with 24/7 support at your fingertips, you can rest easy knowing that we're always here to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Recommended Colombia itineraries

If you’re planning your trip to Colombia, here are some suggested itineraries created by our local travel experts to serve as a starting point. For more inspiration, see our itineraries for different durations: 10-days - 14-days - 3-weeks

10 day itinerary in Colombia

10 days in Colombia might seem short, but with careful planning, you can still enjoy a great trip.

On this 10-day itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore the best of Colombia’s highlights. Your trip will begin in in Bogota, where day one promises a deep dive into the city's rich history. Visit Plaza de Bolivar, soaking in the charm of colonial architecture with views of the majestic Andean peaks behind.

Day two transfers you to Leticia, followed by a boat journey through the lush jungle reserves of Parque Santader and Natural Reserve Victoria Regia. 

Day three offers a chance to meet with the Tikuna ethnic community in San Martin de Amacayacu, indulge in a traditional meal with a local Indigenous family in Mocagua, and explore the Maikuchiga foundation.

Next up: day four is spent in Medellin, known as the "City of Eternal Spring". On day five you’ll go for an exciting horseback riding adventure, followed by a leisurely exploration of landmarks like the Botanical Garden and Plaza Botero at your own pace on day six.

On day seven, you’ll have the chance to uncover Medellin's fascinating history with a private guide before hopping over to Cartagena. Day eight is spent with visits to Mercado de Bazurto and a hands-on cooking class.

Day nine invites you to delve into Afro-Colombian culture with a visit to San Basilio de Palenque. And finally, on day ten, you’ll wind down your journey with leisurely strolls through Cartagena's Walled City before bidding farewell.

14-day itinerary in Colombia

With 14 days to spare, you can delve deeper into Colombia's attractions and even add a few more destinations to your itinerary. 

If you’re ready to escape the city and spend a full two weeks exploring Colombia’s best beaches, this 14-day itinerary is for you. Your trip kicks off with a touchdown at Rafael Núñez Airport in Cartagena on day one. After getting comfy in your hotel, you’ll have a moment to take a breather and prepare for the fantastic two weeks ahead. 

Day two will be spent exploring Cartagena's history, with stops at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the enchanting Walled City. 

From there, you’ll take a gorgeous boat ride to Isla Barú on day three. Days four and five are all about leisurely taking in the tropical beaches of this island. Spend time discovering the pristine sands and clear waters, or indulge in spa treatments. Dive into activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun. 

Day six brings a change of scenery at Playa Los Naranjos, perfect for a laid-back day at the beach.

Day seven is spent exploring Tayrona National Park's Arrecifes sector, with lush hikes and breathtaking beaches. Day eight takes you to Taironaka Reserve for a taste of nature and archaeology. Then take it easy on day nine with a relaxing tubing excursion through Taironaka's tranquil surroundings.

Days ten to thirteen are spent exploring Cabo de la Vela. On day ten you’ll dive into Wayuu culture at Ranchería Wayuu, visit the Wind Farm, and settle into your hotel. On day eleven, you’ll enjoy stunning views at Pilón de Azúcar, and experience Wayuu cuisine at Wayuu Inn. Then you’ll have the chance to spend days twelve and thirteen on pristine beaches: kitesurfing, enjoying local cuisine, and beach lounging.

Finally, on day fourteen, you’ll have the chance to explore Riohacha before departing for home.

3-week itinerary in Colombia

If you have three weeks to spend in Colombia, you can experience all of the best things to do in Colombia.

If you want to spend your time discovering Colombia’s art, music, and cultural wonders, then this is a great trip for you. Touching down in Bogotá on day one, you'll find yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of Colombia's vibrant capital. Day two starts with a visit to Paloquemao’s Market, followed by a jaunt through the historic streets of La Candelaria and a breathtaking ascent up Monserrate Hill. While here, you’ll explore Bogotá's artistic gems like the Gold Museum and Botero’s Museum. 

Day three takes you on a tour of the La Macarena neighborhood and Independence Park, offering a glimpse into Colombia's rich artistic heritage. On day four, you’ll join a Bogotá graffiti tour to experience the city's colorful street art scene. 

Then, it's off to Medellín on day five for a leisurely exploration of the "City of Eternal Spring." Day six is all about soaking in the sights of Medellín, from Pueblito Paisa to Botero Plaza. As night falls on day seven, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city's lively nightlife scene.

Transfer to Cali on day eight for some downtime before diving into the city's salsa culture on day nine. Day ten unfolds with a guided tour of Cali's historic landmarks, leading up to a transfer to Aracataca on day eleven, where Gabriel García Márquez found his inspiration. Explore this literary landmark on day twelve before heading to Barranquilla on day thirteen to uncover its rich history. 

Then, it's off to Cartagena on day fourteen for a stroll through its charming walled city. Discover the beats of Champeta music on day fifteen and dive deep into Afro-Colombian culture in San Basilio de Palenque on day sixteen. Day seventeen offers a tranquil canoe tour in La Boquilla, while day eighteen leaves you with free time to enjoy your last moments before departing.

The best time to go to Colombia

The best time to visit Colombia depends on your preferences, and what you want to see during your trip. Most people prefer the dry seasons (December to March).

December kicks off the festive season with vibrant Christmas celebrations and a buzzing atmosphere. Expect bustling streets and higher costs as travelers flock to popular spots like Bogotá and Cartagena.

January and February offer a sweet escape from winter blues in the northern hemisphere with sunny days and comfortable temperatures across the country. It's prime time for exploring Colombia's stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Coffee Triangle to the lush jungles of Tayrona National Park. 

As March rolls around, crowds start to thin, and prices drop slightly post-holiday season, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers. April, May, and June bring the rainy season, with occasional downpours. However, these months also bring vibrant flora and fewer tourists

July and August are considered the shoulder seasons and strike a balance between the wet and dry seasons. September to November sees occasional rain showers but also lower costs and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to explore Colombia's hidden gems if you want to do so on a budget.