7-Day Colombia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Colombia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffColombia travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Colombia, incl. Bogotá and Cartagena

  7-day Colombian journey covering 5 destinations: Bogota's Gold Museum, Medellin's Comuna 13, Guatape's El Peñol, Cartagena's fortress, and Rosario Islands. Includes 6 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, and entrance fees, averaging $343 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bogotá Arrival & Orientation

    Arrive at El Dorado International Airport and make your way to your hotel. Look for accommodation in La Candelaria district to stay close to the main attractions. The city sits at 8,660 feet so you might feel slightly breathless. Take it slow and try some coca tea to help with the altitude.

    
  • Day 2

    Historic Bogotá Exploration

    Get an early start in La Candelaria before the crowds fill the cobblestone streets. Visit the Gold Museum when it opens at 9 AM to beat the rush. Take the cable car to Monserrate for panoramic city views but plan to go before 2 PM to avoid afternoon cloud cover. "Bring good walking shoes for La Candelaria's steep streets, and keep your camera handy - the street art here is incredible."

    
  • Day 3

    Medellín Introduction

    Catch a morning flight to Medellín (1 hour). Visit Pueblito Paisa first for the best views of the city. In the afternoon take the MetroCable to Comuna 13 to see the city's social transformation. Book your walking tour for the morning when it's cooler - Medellín's temperatures climb quickly after noon.

    
  • Day 4

    Guatapé Day Trip

    Start early at 7 AM for the 2-hour drive to Guatapé. Tackle El Peñol's 740 steps in the morning before it gets hot and crowded. Pack water and stop for breaks on your way up. Take a boat ride on the lake to see beautiful vacation homes and islands. "Don't miss the zócalos (colorful house decorations) in Guatapé town - each tells a story about the family or business inside."

    
  • Day 5

    Cartagena Transfer & Old City

    Take a flight from Medellín to Cartagena (1.5 hours). Head to the walled city and visit San Felipe fortress in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong midday sun. The old city walls are perfect for evening walks. Spend extra for a hotel in the walled city - the location makes a big difference in your experience.

    
  • Day 6

    Rosario Islands

    Take the morning boat from Muelle de la Bodeguita to the Rosario Islands (1 hour). Pack reef-safe sunscreen snorkel gear and motion sickness pills if you need them. The boat ride can get rough. Most day trips include lunch but bring extra water and snacks since options are limited on the islands.

    
  • Day 7

    Cartagena Departure

    Spend your last morning exploring quiet corners of Cartagena's old town before heading to Rafael Núñez International Airport. Leave plenty of time for the airport drive - it can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

    

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• 7 Days in Colombia, incl. Santa Marta and Lost City Trek

  Ancient pathways lead through 44km from Santa Marta via El Mamey to Ciudad Perdida. Daily 4-6 hour treks pass Kogi villages to camps like Teyuna Paraiso, culminating at the Lost City's ruins beyond 1,200 historic steps.

  

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  • Day 1

    Santa Marta

    Arrive in Santa Marta and get your bearings. Take time to buy any supplies you still need. Insect repellent is essential - as one traveler points out: "Nothing dries in the jungle...you don't need more than two outfits. One to sleep in and another to hike in, wash, and wear again the next day." The area near Parque de Los Novios is ideal for finding gear shops.

    
  • Day 2

    Santa Marta to Ricardito Camp

    Start with a 2.5-hour 4x4 ride to El Mamey village where your trek begins. The first day includes a 4-hour hike through farmland and jungle. Pack light since you'll carry your own gear unless you opt for a mule ($40-50/day). The path takes you through Kogi indigenous communities before reaching the first basecamp.

    
  • Day 3

    Ricardito Camp to Teyuna Paraiso Camp

    This is one of the toughest days with steep climbs. The intense humidity (35-45°C) makes everything more difficult. A traveler's tip: "Bring a swimming outfit - the river stops at camp are a welcome relief from the heat." You'll reach camp in the afternoon with time to cool off by the river.

    
  • Day 4

    Lost City Exploration

    Start before sunrise to climb the 1,200 ancient steps to Ciudad Perdida. You get about 3 hours to explore the sacred sites at 1,200m elevation. "The experience of hiking in the Lost City fully delivers," one reviewer shared. Afterward walk 5 more hours through banana and cacao plantations to Mumake Camp.

  • Day 5

    Mumake Camp to Las Cascadas Camp

    Begin early for another full day of hiking. In rainy season (April-November) river crossings can be waist-deep. Bring dry bags for your daypack. The camp offers basic facilities with power only from 5-9pm. You can refill treated water at all camps.

  • Day 6

    Return to Santa Marta

    Your final morning of jungle trekking takes you back to Machete Pelao before a 4x4 returns you to Santa Marta. One experienced trekker advises: "Light long hiking pants are a must on the last day to avoid ticks!" The afternoon is free for rest.

  • Day 7

    Departure

    The tour ends after breakfast. If time allows visit the free Gold Museum or Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino (23,000 COP entry) to learn about local history.

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• 7 Days in Colombia Beach, incl. Cartagena and San Andrés Island

  Caribbean beauty unfolds across Cartagena's historic sites, Rosario Islands' beaches, and San Andrés's attractions. Highlights include San Felipe Fortress, crystal water snorkeling, and Naval Persistence Museum. Comfortable stays at GHL Relax Corales.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cartagena Arrival

    Arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena in the afternoon to avoid peak humidity. The trip to most historic center hotels takes 20-25 minutes. Get better exchange rates by changing money at the airport instead of the old town tourist areas.

    
  • Day 2

    Historic Cartagena

    Get an early start at 8 AM to see Cartagena's walled city before it heats up. Visit San Felipe Fortress first since it gets busy and hot later. Plan 4-5 hours for the historic district. One visitor shared: "Walking through the colorful streets of old Cartagena in the early morning was magical - the vendors weren't out yet and we could really appreciate the colonial architecture."

    
  • Day 3

    Rosario Islands Day Trip

    Take a speedboat from Bodeguita pier to reach the Rosario Islands in 45 minutes. Pick the 8:30 AM departure when the water is calmest. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the sharp coral beaches. Bring motion sickness pills if needed since afternoon return trips can get bumpy.

    
  • Day 4

    Cartagena to San Andrés

    Catch a morning flight to San Andrés (1 hour 40 minutes). Book right-side window seats for great Caribbean views. Hotels are 15-20 minutes from the airport. Check out the nearby beaches in the afternoon when the western side has calmer waters.

    
  • Day 5

    San Andrés Island Tour

    Take the island tour to see highlights like the Baptist Church and Hoyo Soplador blowhole. One visitor noted: "The Hoyo Soplador was incredible - wait for a big wave and you'll see water shoot up to 20 meters high!" Bring good shoes for walking on rocks near the blowhole and small bills for refreshments.

    
  • Day 6

    Free Day in San Andrés

    Visit the island's best beaches. Get to Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park early since boats stop at 4 PM and afternoon winds make water rough. Spratt Bight beach offers great swimming and plenty of food options nearby.

  • Day 7

    Departure

    Most flights leave in the afternoon. Shop at the port's duty-free stores in the morning for better prices than the airport. Remember San Andrés has strict luggage limits because of smaller planes.

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