3-Week Colombia Tour Packages
Colombia is a wonderful assault on the senses. Picture exploring Bogota by bike or on foot, hiking to Monserrate for city views, or visiting the underground Salt Cathedral. Take a boat trip on the Amazon River, and discover the Tatacoa Desert's landscapes. Colombia's diversity across three weeks is impressive, and you’ll truly immerse yourself in it all.
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.
- 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."
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.
- 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.
17 Day Colombia Itinerary, incl. Bogota and Cartagena
This 15-day trip takes you to 13 Colombian cities, from Bogotá's La Candelaria neighborhood to Cartagena's UNESCO-listed colonial center. Trek through Cocora Valley among towering wax palms, ride Medellín's metrocable up to Santa Elena's flower gardens, and hike the jungle trails of Tayrona National Park along the Caribbean coast.
- Days 1-2
Bogota and Coffee Region
Land in Bogota, Colombia's capital sitting at 2,644m elevation. Visit Paloquemao Market early in the morning. "The fruit selection was incredible, but go before 9am when it's less crowded." Take a flight to Salento in the Coffee Region and try tejo, Colombia's explosive national sport while enjoying a cold beer.
- Days 3-4
Coffee Estate Experience
Spend two nights at a traditional coffee estancia. Explore the beautiful Cocora Valley with its iconic wax palms. You'll need proper hiking boots and trek poles since the trail gets very muddy. Learn about coffee production through hands-on demonstrations. One visitor noted: "Walking through the misty coffee fields at sunrise was magical - but pack warm layers as mornings are chilly at altitude."
- Days 5-7
Medellin Transformation
Take a 6-hour bus ride to Medellin. Get amazing city views by riding the cable car system to Santa Elena. Learn about the city's remarkable transformation on a barrio tour and see Botero's art at the Museo de Antioquia. Want to be close to great food and nightlife? Stay in El Poblado neighborhood.
- Days 8-9
Colonial Cartagena
Catch a flight to colorful Cartagena. Skip the touristy walled city and stay in authentic Getsemani instead. Start your days early since temperatures reach 90°F/32°C by noon. Visit San Felipe fortress first thing to avoid the crowds. Take a side trip to El Totumo volcano for a fun mud bath.
- Days 10-11
Caribbean Coast & Tayrona
Take a 6-hour trip to Guachaca where jungle meets beach. Go hiking in Tayrona National Park to Cabo San Juan beach. The trail is challenging but beautiful. Bring water shoes for stream crossings. A previous visitor suggests: "The humidity is intense - bring twice as much water as you think you need and start hiking by 8am."
- Days 12-14
Colonial Heritage Towns
Fly to Bucaramanga and head to historic Barichara. Walk the Camino Real to Guane village and look for fossils along the stone path. Watch local artisans work with fique plant fibers. Looking for adventure? San Gil nearby offers excellent rafting and paragliding.
- Days 15-17
Bogota Culture & History
Circle back to Bogota for cultural experiences. Walk through La Candelaria's cobblestone streets and visit the Gold Museum. Take the "War and Peace" tour to understand Colombia's complex history. Book your Monserrate cable car ticket online to avoid long weekend lines.
