Colombia Itinerary Ideas

It can be challenging to create a travel itinerary for Colombia, as there is so much to see and do in this country of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich histories. Did you know that Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world?

In this post I’d like to help you navigate the process of planning a trip to Colombia. I’ll share Colombia itinerary ideas for 7 days, 14 days, 3 weeks, or even an extended adventure of 1 month and beyond.

My goal is to help you experience the diversity of Colombia’s wonders in a manageable timeframe. My Colombia itineraries include destinations such as the Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, Caribbean beaches, and charming colonial cities. If you’re seeking to travel off the beaten path in Colombia, I’ve also shared some hidden gems to look into.

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Travel Destinations in Colombia

I’ve written detailed travel guides for each Colombia destination I’ve visited. Having authentic experiences is important to me, and in these guides I provide insight into how exactly to achieve this.

• San Gil
• Minca
• Santa Marta
• Tayrona National Park
• Cartagena
• Rosario Islands
• Salento
• Valle de Cocora
• Medellín
• Guatapé
• Cali

Colombia Travel Itineraries

How to Build an Itinerary for Colombia

For day tours in Colombia, check out Viator and Get Your Guide!

The Colombia itinerary ideas I’ve suggested are versatile, suitable for solo travelers or groups. I’ve recommended itineraries for Colombia trips ranging from 1 to 4 weeks and beyond. These itineraries are designed with the minimum time I’d recommend in each destination. Feel free to extend your stay for a more leisurely pace. If you have more than 4 weeks (lucky you!), I’ve shared additional destinations in Colombia worth considering.

All of these Colombia itineraries are possible with overland travel only and do not require domestic flights. The one exception is Leticia, which is reached by direct flight from Bogotá. 

If you’re planning a Colombia itinerary including Tayrona National Park, ensure that your visit doesn’t coincide with its annual closing dates.

1 Week Colombia Itinerary

First of all, I assure you that 7 days is enough time in Colombia to see plenty of places! Colombia’s diversity allows you to experience a rich variety of landscapes and cultures even within a single region.

With this in mind, for a week-long vacation in Colombia, it’s best to focus on one geographic area to maximize your time exploring. Colombia is a big country, and you don’t want to spend the majority of your 1 week trip in transit.

1 Week Colombia Itinerary, Option 1

• Cartagena (3 days)
• Tayrona National Park (2 days)
• Minca (2 days)

If you want to relax on the beach and visit a tropical rainforest during your 1 week trip to Colombia, choose this option. 

You’ll fly into Cartagena and explore the colorful colonial city and its tropical islands. Next, take the bus to Santa Marta and venture into Tayrona National Park, home to Colombia’s most famous and beautiful beaches. Lastly, travel to the hills above Santa Marta to reach Minca, a town situated in a tropical cloud forest. In Minca you can hike to waterfalls, birdwatch, and visit coffee farms. Fly out from Santa Marta or take the bus back to Cartagena and fly home from there.

1 Week Colombia Itinerary, Option 2

• Medellín (3 days)
• Guatapé (1 day)
• Salento (2 days)
• Valle de Cocora (1 day)

Choose this itinerary if you’d like to spend 7 days in Colombia exploring the modern city of Medellín, visiting colonial towns, and seeing the tallest palm trees in the world. 

You’ll fly into Medellín, a lively city with vibrant street art and scenic gondolas that navigate high above the hilly landscape. Take a day trip to Guatapé, a colonial city known for its colorful artwork, picturesque reservoir, and impressive El Peñol monolith. From Medellín travel by bus to Salento, a colonial town where you’ll visit traditional coffee plantations. Take a day trip to Valle de Cocora to hike amongst the iconic and towering wax palm trees. You can fly out from Armenia or from other nearby airports (Perreira, Cali, Medellín, Bogotá).

2 Week Colombia Itinerary

If you’re taking a 14 day trip to Colombia, combine the 1 week Colombia itineraries shown above to thoroughly explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

14 Day Colombia Itinerary

• Tayrona National Park (2 days)
• Minca (2 days)
• Cartagena (3 days)
• Medellín (3 days)
• Guatapé (1 day)
• Salento (2 days)
• Valle de Cocora (1 day)

For this 2 week Colombia itinerary, fly into Santa Marta or Cartagena. Between Cartagena and Medellín, you can either fly or take an overnight bus. Fly back home from airports near Salento (in order of distance: Armenia, Perreira, Cali, Medellín, Bogotá). This 14 day Colombia travel itinerary also works in reverse! 

For a 10 day Colombia itinerary, I suggest skipping Minca and shortening your stays in Cartagena, Medellín, or Salento.

3 Week Colombia Itinerary

If you have 3 weeks to travel in Colombia, you’ll be able to get a good feel for the country and its diversity.

3 Week Colombia Itinerary

• Bogotá (2 days)
• San Gil (2 days)
• Santa Marta (1 day)
• Tayrona National Park (2 days)
• Minca (2 days)
• Cartagena (3 days)
• Medellín (4 days)
• Guatapé (1 day)
• Salento (2 days)
• Valle de Cocora (1 day)
• Cali (1 day)

For this 3 week trip to Colombia, you’ll fly into Bogotá and out of Cali. The trip between Bogotá and San Gil can be made by bus. From San Gil to Santa Marta, take an overnight bus and connect in Bucaramanga. From Salento to Cali, travel by bus and connect in Armenia.

The 3 week Colombia travel itinerary includes the 2 week itinerary described above, plus the following destinations:

• Bogotá: Explore the historical monuments and Salt Cathedral of Colombia’s capital. 
• San Gil: Get an adrenaline rush from adventure activities, explore colonial towns, and visit a waterfall.
• Santa Marta: Relax in Colombia’s oldest city before venturing into Tayrona National Park.
• Cali: Try dancing in the salsa capital of the world, or just watch professionals put on a dazzling show. 

4 Week Colombia Itinerary

With 4 weeks in Colombia, you can include a visit to the stunning Colombian desert and the Amazon rainforest.

4 Week Colombia Itinerary

• Bogotá (1 day) 
• San Gil (2 days)
• Santa Marta (1 day)
• Tayrona (2 days)
• Minca (2 days)
• Cartagena (3 days)
• Medellín (3 days)
• Guatapé (1 day)
• Salento (1 day)
• Valle de Cocora and Los Nevados National Park (3 days)
• Cali (2 days)
• Tatacoa Desert (3 days)
• Bogotá (1 day)
• Leticia (3 days)

For this one month Colombia trip, you’ll fly in and out of Bogotá. The 4 week itinerary includes the 3 week itinerary, plus the following:

• Los Nevados National Park: Trek through a unique landscape featuring volcanoes and tropical glaciers. 
• Tatacoa Desert: Explore the unique orange and red formations of this mesmerizing desert landscape.
• Leticia: Embark on an adventure in the Amazon jungle.

Los Nevados National Park can be accessed from Salento. Travel by bus from Cali to the Tatacoa desert and from the Tatacoa desert to Bogotá. Leticia can only be reached by flight, so book a round trip flight from Bogotá.

More Than 4 Weeks Colombia Itinerary

If you have more than one month to travel, I recommend building upon the Colombia itinerary ideas shown above. Travel flexibly and spend more time in places that you fall in love with – there’s guaranteed to be many! Try to fit a local festival into your plans for an authentic immersion into Colombian culture. Additionally, consider traveling off the beaten path to discover some of the lesser-known gems listed below.

Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Colombia

Before traveling to any of these places, ensure you have the latest information on their safety status and current accessibility conditions.

If you have the time, explore some of Colombia’s lesser-known destinations. I’ve marked in green the places that offer a good blend of interest for tourists and reasonable accessibility. Honestly speaking, traveling to some of these places may present logistical challenges. However you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and little to no crowds. For help with the logistics aspect, look into tours offered by platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator.

Caribbean Sea

• San Andrés and Providencia. These islands are a tropical paradise that can be reached by domestic flight from major cities in Colombia.

Caribbean Coast

• Palomino. Go tubing on the river and enjoy the beach. Recommended tour.
• Barranquilla. Experience this city’s legendary carnival in February. It’s also the hometown of Shakira. Recommended tour.
• Capurganá and Sapzurro. Relax on these tropical beaches near the Darien gap with Panama. 
• Rincón del Mar. Enjoy the picturesque beach at a quiet fishing village.

Pacific Coast

• Bahía Solano and Nuquí. Visit beautiful beaches and go whale watching.

North of Bogotá

• Guadalupe. Discover a river filled with round “jacuzzis”.
• El Cocuy National Park. Trek among glaciers and alpine lakes. Recommended tour.
• Villa de Leyva. Colonial town with a giant terracotta house. Recommended tour.
• Bucaramanga. Partake in adventure activities and explore the huge Chicamocha canyon.
• Monguí. Colonial town in the mountains.
• Ráquira. Colonial town famous for pottery.

Remote Destinations Accessed by Flying From Bogotá

• Caño Cristales. See a multi-colored, “liquid rainbow” river (June – Nov). Recommended tour.
• Leticia. Embark on an adventure in the Amazon jungle. Recommended tours.
• Cerros de Mavecure. Be amazed by these giant monoliths and the surrounding scenery.
• San José del Guaviare. Swim with pink dolphins and explore the unique landscape of forests, jungles, and plains.
• Chiribiquete National Park. See unique mountain formations in the Amazon jungle.

Between Medellín and Cali

• Jericó and Jardin. Discover colonial towns in the coffee region near Medellín. Recommended tour.
• Los Nevados National Park. Trek through a unique landscape featuring volcanoes and tropical glaciers. Recommended tour. 
• Santa Rosa de Cabal. Relax in hot springs located at the base of a giant waterfall. Recommended tour. 
• Buenavista, Salamina, Pijao, Filandia. Visit colonial towns in the coffee region.
• Cañón Del Río Claro Nature Reserve. Explore a river, a cave, and adventure activities.

South of Cali

• Pasto. See the unique Las Lajas sanctuary, which is built into a canyon. 
• San Agustín. Visit the archeological park, which is known as the “Andean Easter Island”. Recommended tour.
• Tierradentro. Discover an archeological park with painted underground tombs. 
• Tatacoa Desert. Explore the unique orange and red formations of this mesmerizing desert landscape. Recommended tour.
• San Cipriano Nature Reserve. Go tubing and explore waterfalls. Recommended tour.

How to Get From Colombia to Neighboring Countries

There’s many options to travel from Colombia to neighboring countries.

Colombia to Ecuador: Cross the border into Ecuador from the Colombian town of Ipiales, easily reachable from Cali. 

Colombia to Peru: Fly from Bogotá to Leticia, from where you can take a boat to Iquitos, Peru.

Colombia to Brazil: Fly from Bogotá to Leticia, from where you can take a boat to Manaus, Brazil.

Colombia to Panama: Tour boats from Cartagena travel to Panama, passing through the San Blas Islands. For a cheaper option, take a boat from Capurganá.

Colombia to Venezuela: The border between Colombia and Venezuela may be closed, and there is conflicting information regarding whether Venezuela is safe for travel.

To reach other destinations from Colombia, flights from Colombia’s major international airports (Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Cali) will have many options.

Thanks for reading, and I hope these Colombia itinerary ideas are helpful as you plan your trip! Which destination in Colombia are you most excited about visiting? Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.

Looking for more Colombia travel tips and destination guides? Head to my Colombia page.

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