3-Week Colombia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Colombia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffColombia travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day Colombia Itinerary, incl. Bogota and Cartagena

  A 20-day Colombian tour spans 16 destinations from Bogota to Cartagena. Watch Amazon wildlife, visit coffee farms in Salento, and relax on Caribbean beaches of Rosario Islands. Domestic flights and stays at hotels like Tequendama included.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bogota Region

    Start in Colombia's capital at 8,000 feet elevation. Take time to adjust to the altitude before exploring La Candelaria historic district. Join an early morning bike or walking tour through the city to see Plaza Bolivar, and take the cable car up Monserrate Hill for city views. Plan a day trip to Guatavita's sacred lagoon and the underground Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira. Get there before 9 AM to avoid the crowds.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Amazon Adventure

    Take a 2-hour flight to Leticia in the Amazon Basin at the intersection of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Explore the Three Borders area by boat and visit indigenous villages and the Sacambu Reserve for piranha fishing. "The contrast between hot and cold waters in the lagoon was incredible - bring water shoes as the bottom can be slippery."

    
  • Days 7-9

    Coffee Region & Cocora Valley

    Stay in Salento to explore coffee country. Visit a historic coffee farm to learn about production and tasting. The Cocora Valley offers great hiking trails among the world's tallest palm trees. Remember to pack boots since trails get muddy during rainy season.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Medellin & Guatape

    See Medellin's transformation in Comuna 13 district and ride the cable car system. Visit colorful Guatape and climb El Peñol rock's 740 steps for lake views. Start your day early to avoid the strong midday sun.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Caribbean Coast

    Visit colonial Cartagena before taking a boat to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling. Travel east to Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park. The 2-hour hike to Cabo San Juan beach requires some effort but offers great rewards. You can take horses back if you're tired.

    
  • Days 17-20

    La Guajira Peninsula

    Explore Colombia's northern tip. See the Manaure salt mines and experience Wayuu indigenous culture. Visit Rainbow Beach and Pilon de Azucar for beautiful coastal scenery, but expect basic facilities. "The contrast between the desert meeting the Caribbean Sea is unforgettable - but bring plenty of water and sun protection."

    

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• Classic Colombia

  Colombian culture comes alive in this 16-day tour across 10 cities, from Bogota to Santa Marta. The itinerary features coffee regions in Calarca, colonial Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park, with traditional hacienda stays and three included lunches.

  

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  • Bogota Colombia

    81 mi

  • Villa De Leyva Colombia

    168 mi

  • Armenia Colombia

    3 mi

  • Calarca Colombia

    8 mi

  • Salento Colombia

    110 mi

  • Medellin Colombia

    288 mi

  • Cartagena Colombia

    106 mi

  • Santa Marta Colombia

    2 mi

  • Taganga Colombia

    8 mi

  • Tayrona National Park Colombia

    10 mi

  • Santa Marta Colombia

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• 21 Days in Colombia and Ecuador, incl. Cartagena and Quito

  A 22-day Colombian adventure spans 7 major cities, from coastal Cartagena to mountainous Pasto. Two nights in colonial Cartagena, 2 days in Tayrona National Park, and visits to Medellin's salsa clubs included. Features hiking, coffee tours, and optional volcano climbs.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Cartagena & Caribbean Coast

    Visit Cartagena's UNESCO-listed old town early morning before 9 AM when the streets are quiet and cool. Walk the city walls (Las Murallas) in late afternoon once the heat subsides. Plan a weekday trip to Playa Blanca to avoid the local weekend rush. Take a drive east to Taganga and stop at El Totumo Mud Volcano along the way. When visiting Tayrona National Park, plan for a 1-hour hike to reach the best beaches. If you're staying overnight, you'll sleep in hammocks so pack light and bring rain gear for afternoon showers.

    
  • Days 5-10

    Medellín & Coffee Region

    The mountain drive to Medellín takes 8-9 hours but offers beautiful views. Book your stay in El Poblado for a safe area with easy access to restaurants and bars. A recent visitor shared: "The free walking tour starting at Plaza Botero was incredible - our guide explained how Medellín transformed from the world's most dangerous city to a tourism hub." Move on to Salento to explore coffee country. Book your coffee farm tour in advance since spots fill quickly. For the Valle de Cocora hike, wear sturdy shoes as the trails get muddy. Take photos of the famous wax palms before noon to avoid the afternoon fog.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Tatacoa Desert & Puracé

    Visiting the Tatacoa Desert needs careful planning. Bring extra water and strong sun protection since you won't find much shade. Plan your stargazing around the new moon for the best views. In Puracé National Park, start your condor watching between 6-7 AM. Spend your afternoons relaxing in the hot springs after hiking. If you want to climb Volcán Puracé, spend a day getting used to the 4,750m altitude first.

    
  • Days 14-21

    Southern Colombia to Quito

    Start in Popayán's white colonial center early in the day. Continue to Ipiales and visit Las Lajas Sanctuary around 4 PM for optimal photos. The border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador often takes 2-3 hours. Stop at Otavalo Market on your way to Quito - Saturday is the best market day. In Quito, stay in the historic center but use taxis after dark. Many visitors feel the effects of the altitude (2,850m), so take it slow on your first day and try some coca tea.

    

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