Itinerary
- Day 1
Bogotá
Your flight lands in Bogotá and you'll be transferred to your accommodation in the Andes foothills. After settling in, take some time to acclimate to the altitude and get a feel for the city. The mountain air mixed with urban energy creates an interesting first impression of Colombia's capital.
Landmarks Bogotá - Day 2
Bogotá
Start early at Cerro de Monserrate for views across Bogotá with the Andes as your backdrop. After coming down, walk through La Candelaria district where you'll see pink balconies, yellow colonial buildings, and street art on nearly every corner. The neighborhood has a bohemian feel that's worth spending a few hours exploring.
Included Activities
- Visit Cerro de Monserrate with city panorama views
Optional Activities
- Hike Cerro de Monserrate (payable on site)
- Cable car to Cerro de Monserrate (payable on site)
- Funicular to Cerro de Monserrate (payable on site)
- Gondola descent from Cerro de Monserrate instead of walking (payable on site)
Landmarks Cerro de Monserrate La Candelaria - Day 3
Bogotá to Salento
A flight takes you to Pereira, then drive through mountain scenery toward Salento in the coffee triangle. Once you arrive, check out Calle Real lined with colorful colonial facades. Grab a fresh cup of local coffee and wander around to get oriented with the town's layout and rhythm.
Included Activities
- Walking exploration of Calle Real in Salento
Optional Activities
- Coffee break at local café
Landmarks Salento Calle Real - Day 4
Salento
Head out by jeep into Cocora Valley to see wax palm trees reaching up to 60 meters high. You'll travel through jungle trails with giant ferns and can spot wildlife along the way. Lunch features traditional Colombian food, so you'll refuel before heading back through the lush vegetation.
- Meals
- Lunch (Traditional Colombian dishes)
Included Activities
- Jeep tour through Cocora Valley
- Visit to wax palm trees (up to 60 meters high)
- Guided jungle trail experience
- Lunch with traditional Colombian dishes
Landmarks Cocora Valley - Day 5
Salento
Check out El Mirador viewpoint first thing for panoramic views of Salento and the surrounding jungle. From there, walk down to Plaza Bolívar checking out local cafés and shops. If you want, take a colorful 'Willi' jeep tour of nearby coffee farms to learn how coffee grows in this region.
Included Activities
- Walking exploration of Salento
- Visit to El Mirador viewpoint
- Visit to Plaza Bolívar
Optional Activities
- Colorful 'Willi' jeep tour to surrounding coffee farms with coffee tasting and production explanation (payable on site)
Landmarks El Mirador viewpoint Plaza Bolívar Salento Coffee Farms - Day 6
Salento to Medellín
Travel by bus through green mountain landscapes to Medellín, known locally as the city of eternal spring because of its year-round climate. The city blends modern skyscrapers with parks and street art. After you check into your accommodation, walk around to sense the creative energy the city's known for.
Landmarks Medellín - Day 7
Medellín
Visit Comuna 13 and ride the famous escalators upward while looking at bold street murals with political and artistic messages. Talk with street performers and locals who'll share stories about the neighborhood's transformation. Take the cable car up to Santo Domingo, then descend into the green forests of Parque Arví.
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Comuna 13 with street art and escalators
- Cable car ride to Santo Domingo
- Visit to Parque Arví
Landmarks Comuna 13 Santo Domingo Parque Arví - Day 8
Medellín
Spend your time in El Poblado, Medellín's trendiest neighborhood. Walk past palm-lined streets with modern buildings and green parks. Browse concept stores, have excellent coffee, and chat with friendly locals. This area really shows off the city's best qualities and why people find it welcoming.
Included Activities
- Exploration of El Poblado neighborhood
Optional Activities
- Shopping in concept stores
- Coffee tasting at local cafés
Landmarks El Poblado - Day 9
Medellín
Head to Guatapé, a small town famous for brightly colored house facades with decorative zócalos telling local stories. Take a boat through the lake past green islands and historic ruins. If you're up for it, climb 650 steps up Piedra del Peñol for 360-degree views of the surrounding lagoons and landscape.
Optional Activities
- Bus transfer to Guatapé (payable locally)
- Boat cruise through lake landscape including islands and Escobar villa ruins (payable locally)
- Climb 650 steps to Piedra del Peñol summit with 360-degree lagoon views (payable on site)
Landmarks Guatapé Piedra del Peñol - Day 10
Santa Marta
You'll arrive in Santa Marta and immediately feel Caribbean vibes in the air. Walk through the old town with colonial houses, palm trees, and views toward Sierra de Nevada mountains in the distance. Head to Parque de los Novios for dinner with fresh ceviche, tropical drinks, and local musicians performing.
Included Activities
- Exploration of Santa Marta old town
Optional Activities
- Visit Parque de los Novios with ceviche and local entertainment
Landmarks Santa Marta Parque de los Novios Sierra de Nevada de Santa Marta - Day 11
Palomino
Drive to the coastal village of Palomino where jungle meets the Caribbean. Spend time on golden sand beaches watching pelicans fly overhead. You can cool off in Rio Palomino estuary, though strong currents make open water swimming risky there. River tubing is available if you want a different water activity.
Included Activities
- Beach time at Palomino
- Rio Palomino estuary swimming in shallow water
Optional Activities
- River tubing on Rio Palomino (payable locally)
Landmarks Palomino Palomino Beach Rio Palomino - Day 12
Palomino
Hike through Sierra Nevada National Park on trails covering about 40 kilometers. You'll move through four different climate zones from snow-capped peaks down to Caribbean beaches. Valencia waterfalls with natural pools are optional if you want to take a dip, or grab local snacks at Rio Palo's mouth.
Included Activities
- Hiking trails in Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Optional Activities
- Moto-taxi to park entrance (payable locally)
- Guided tour to Valencia waterfalls (payable locally)
- Swimming in natural pools at waterfalls
Landmarks Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Valencia Falls - Day 13
Palomino
Start the morning with fresh tropical fruit smoothies before hitting the water. Try surfing with board rentals available, or kayak down Rio Don Diego to spot howler monkeys and other wildlife. Paddle toward the estuary to watch the final surfers catch waves at sunset, then take in Caribbean vibes as the day ends.
Included Activities
- Tropical fruit smoothie breakfast
Optional Activities
- Surfing with board rental at Playa Palomino (payable locally)
- Kayak adventure on Rio Don Diego (payable locally)
Landmarks Playa Palomino Rio Don Diego - Day 14
Tayrona National Park
Take a minibus into Tayrona National Park where rainforest opens onto pristine beaches. You'll see colorful birds and thick vegetation along the way. Once there, choose between swimming in turquoise water, relaxing in hammocks between palm trees, or exploring hidden bays along the coast.
Included Activities
- Jungle trails exploration
- Access to Cabo San Juan Beach and surrounding bays
Optional Activities
- Minibus to park interior (payable locally)
Landmarks Tayrona National Park Cabo San Juan Beach - Day 15
Tayrona National Park
Hike through dense rainforest to El Pueblito ruins from the ancient Tayrona culture. Starting at Calabazo with water and supplies, the trek takes about 2 hours through green terrain where you might see howler monkeys and toucans. Continue to Cabo San Juan for a Caribbean swim, have street food, then hike back to Cañaveral.
- Meals
- Lunch (Local street food at Cabo San Juan)
Included Activities
- Guided hike to El Pueblito ruins with provisions and water
- Jungle trail trekking through tropical terrain
- Swimming at Cabo San Juan Beach
- Local street food break
Landmarks El Pueblito Cabo San Juan - Day 16
Minca
Drive through spectacular Sierra Nevada and Caribbean scenery to reach Minca, a mountain village. After checking in, you can join a yoga class, have freshly squeezed juice, then explore around town. Cool off at Pozo Azul lagoon with its emerald color fed by a small waterfall.
Included Activities
- Village exploration
- Visit to Pozo Azul emerald lagoon
Optional Activities
- Yoga classes at local studios
Landmarks Minca Pozo Azul - Day 17
Minca
Pick your activity in Minca: trek through tropical trails to waterfalls and natural pools, hike to Los Pinos Viewpoint for jungle and sea views, or take a relaxed nature walk to Marinka Falls. Coffee lovers can visit La Victoria Coffee Farm for tasting and roasting demonstrations before watching a stunning sunset.
Optional Activities
- Day hike to Los Pinos Viewpoint with jungle and sea views
- Nature walk to Marinka Falls and natural pools (approximately one hour)
- Hammock relaxation at Marinka Falls
- Visit to La Victoria Coffee Farm with coffee tasting and production explanation (payable locally)
Landmarks Los Pinos Viewpoint Marinka Falls La Victoria Coffee Farm - Day 18
Minca to Cartagena
A bus takes you along the coast toward Cartagena with palm tree and sea views the whole way. Explore the UNESCO old town seeing historic palaces and pastel-colored houses. Horse-drawn carriages and street musicians add to the atmosphere. Try Caribbean cuisine like fresh fish, crispy patacones, and ceviche.
Included Activities
- Exploration of Cartagena old town
Optional Activities
- Caribbean cuisine tasting: fresh fish, patacones, ceviche
Landmarks Cartagena Cartagena Old Town - Day 19
Cartagena
Visit Castillo San Felipe, one of Colombia's impressive fortresses with views across Cartagena. Return to town to walk through colorful colonial buildings in various plazas and streets. End the afternoon cooling off with a Caribbean swim at La Boquila, Bocagrande, or Playa Marbella with its iconic Cartagena artwork.
Included Activities
- Visit to Castillo San Felipe fortress
Optional Activities
- Beach time at La Boquila
- Beach time at Bocagrande
- Beach time at Playa Marbella
Landmarks Castillo San Felipe La Boquila Bocagrande Playa Marbella - Day 20
Cartagena to Playa Blanca
Make the most of your last full day with a trip to Playa Blanca on the Barú peninsula. Travel by bus or speedboat through turquoise waters to discover mangroves and incredibly fine sand. Snorkel to see colorful underwater life or relax on the beach, then have Caribbean lunch with fresh fish, coconut rice, and tropical juice.
Optional Activities
- Bus transfer to Playa Blanca
- Speedboat transfer to Playa Blanca
- Snorkel mask and snorkel rental to explore underwater coral (payable on site)
- Caribbean lunch: fresh fish, coconut rice, tropical juice
Landmarks Playa Blanca Barú Peninsula - Day 21
Departure
Your flight departs from Cartagena today and your trip comes to an end. As you head home, you'll reflect on everything you've seen and done across Colombia's diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and the warmth of the people you met along the way.
