10 Day Itinerary: Colombia’s Top Highlights from Cartagena to Medellín
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to Colombia contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Only have 10 days in Colombia and want a perfect itinerary to explore multiple cities?
10 days in Colombia (with one cushion day for travel) is a great amount of time to see 3 famous cities in the country. This itinerary combines visiting the vibrant cultural capital of Bogotá, the sprawling metropolis of Medellín with deep history and fantastic innovation, and Cartagena, a seaside town with a slow pace of life.
Planning a trip with only 10 days certainly can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. My family and I have traveled to Colombia several times and combined our trips into this itinerary for your convenience.
This travel guide will outline how to spend 3 days in Bogotá, 3 days in Medellín, and a final 3 days in Cartagena. Read along for tips on where to stay and extra considerations.
While you could certainly spend more than 10 days in Colombia, Sampler Platter Travel is dedicated to fast itineraries helping you prioritize things to do if you only have a short amount of time.
Happy sampling!
10 Day Itinerary Colombia at a Glance
- 3 Days in Bogotá: Explore Colombia’s capital with mouth-watering food and rich culture
- 3 Days in Medellín: Learn about Medellín’s history and the innovation that has led it to become a thriving metropolis
- 3 Days in Cartagena: Walk around the vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Site Old City and relax on the beach
Days 1-3: Bogotá
Start your tour of Colombia by heading to the capital, Bogotá. We had the pleasure of spending 2 weeks in the city last December and greatly enjoyed our time there. We have distilled our top experiences into 3 perfect days.
Even if you are tight on time, Bogotá makes for a wonderful layover destination.
Bogotá is home to some of the kindest people on the planet as well as wonderful food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. It is also one of the easiest cities in Colombia to fly into. We recommend beginning your adventure here.
Things to Do in Bogota
(1) One of the biggest heartbeats of Bogotá is La Candelaria, an old neighborhood with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Hang out in the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), or pay a visit to the gardens of the Museo Botero.
If you are a fan of walking tours, Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo is frequently the meet-up for graffiti and historical tours.
For one of our favorite restaurants, try the pizza at Madre Restaurante, an eclectic restaurant tucked into an indoor alleyway.
(2) Explore the neighborhood of El Chicó. It has super hip bars, restaurants, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere. The streets of El Chicó are lined with lush, green trees with a ton of parks to explore.
We recommend visiting Parque El Virrey, where people flock to enjoy the warm weather. At dinner time, head to Parque del 93, a square lined almost entirely with wonderful restaurants.
(3) Looking to be more adventurous and take a day trip? A half-day trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is worth a visit. This cathedral is located deep underground and is made entirely of salt.
Take a private taxi or ride the bus around 1 hour outside the central city. The Salt Cathedral was named the first wonder of Colombia in 2007.
(4) Take the cable car to Monserrate and admire the views of Bogotá from high above. Monserrate is a famous hillside, home to a church and shrine at the very top. It’s accessible via funicular or cable car. Getting up is a bit of a mess – so much so that we have written an entire blog on visiting Monserrate!
Luckily, once you’re up, it is so worth it. The views are great, and there are restaurants and gardens to explore.
Dedicate at least ½ a day to this activity. With the lines and the commute, it eats up a bit of your time.
Our Top Pick: Feed the pigeons in the Plaza de Bolívar! Plaza de Bolívar is located in La Candelaria and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. You will certainly be in awe at the beautiful buildings that surround the plaza, including a cathedral and the capitol building of Colombia.
It will be hard to ignore the sheer number of pigeons that call Plaza de Bolívar home, and if you are an animal lover, you will adore this activity.
For only 2,000 pesos, buy a packet of corn from one of the local vendors to feed the pigeons. Don’t try this at home, but in Plaza de Bolívar, you can hold the corn in your hand, stretch out your arm, and the pigeons will fly to you.
It may come as a surprise, but they are very gentle and will softly peck your hands.
This was a highlight for my mom and me while my dad kept a very safe distance away.
Where to Stay in Bogotá
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget Option | The Luun Hostel Bogota (10.0 stars on Hostelworld) | – Has a restaurant and bar on premise – Evening entertainment and local tours are organized – Private and shared bedroom options |
| Budget Option | Selina Parque 93 (8.9 stars on Hostelworld) | – Selina is a wonderful hostel chain (I’ve stayed in multiple!) – Fully equipped coworking space and fitness center – Incredibly social hostel |
| Mid-Range Option | Casa Dann (where we stayed!) (8.8 stars on Booking.com) | – Beautiful pool, gym, and spa facility – 2 great restaurants on site – Large rooms and apartment-style suites available |
| Luxury Option | Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia (9.1 stars on Booking.com) | – Located within walking distance to Parque de la 93 – Has a French restaurant and bar with a terrace – Breakfast and massages available |
Days 4-6: Medellín
From Bogotá, we are going to make our way to Medellín, the next stop in this 10 day itinerary Colombia. 3 full days in Medellín gives you time to get a good taste of the city.
Medellín is certainly well-known due to its infamous drug history, but it’s important to note that over many decades, Medellín has become a vibrant city that is beautiful and safe to visit.
The complicated history of the city makes it a good destination for history lovers looking to learn about Medellín’s past and its new innovations.
Plus, Medellín is given the nickname of La Eterna Primavera (Eternal Spring), meaning that the weather year-round is gorgeous.
The best way to get from Bogotá to Medellín is to fly, taking only 1 hour.
You are more than welcome to take the bus if you are a budget traveler, but keep in mind that it takes over 9 hours thanks to the mountainous terrain!
Things to Do in Medellín
(1) We highly recommend taking a free walking tour of Medellin’s center. One of the most famous landmarks in the central area is Plaza Botero, showcasing Colombian artist Fernando Botero’s art. Most free walking tours depart from this plaza, and the knowledgeable guides point out notable places.
Frequent stops on the tour include an artisan market, a food market, and a plaza where a bomb attack killed dozens of people in 1995. English speakers should take a look at this tour, and Spanish speakers should look at this one.
(2) Take a walk around the Pobaldo neighborhood, known as Medellín’s trendy and upscale area. It is a gorgeous neighborhood with a lot of greenery, relaxing bookstores, and cafes.
It reminds us a lot of El Chicó in Bogotá.
Visit Parque Lleras, right in the heart of the area. It is a pedestrian street with amazing energy at night. Bars, restaurants, and outdoor seating take over the street.
(3) Plan in advance to be able to watch a soccer match! This is one of our biggest regrets as we were not able to purchase a ticket ahead of time, but it’s a big deal if you are in Medellín when their two home teams face off.
On game day, the entire city is either rushing to the stadium or glued to their TVs. Pick your team in advance – go green for Atlético Nacional or red for Independiente.
(4) Take a day trip to explore Guatapé, a small town located around 1.5 hours from the center of Medellín. The village is known for its colorful architecture and quaint cobblestoned streets.
Apart from walking around the town, you must climb up a massive rock that has become a popular spot! El Peñon de Guatapé, or The Rock, is (as would be expected), a massive rock near the town. Looking a bit out of place in the landscape, the rock has 708 steps taking you to the top, where you are greeted with an observation deck and the opportunity to buy a beer.
Will you have to wade through lots of people on your climb? Yes, absolutely.
Will you enjoy the views? Totally! Especially if you are in good shape, the climb will take you no time at all.
(5) Ride the metro, a public transit system that the residents of Medellín are incredibly proud of. It helped revitalize and innovate the city, bringing a clean and efficient metro to the Colombian people.
If you’re already riding the metro, we recommend taking the cable car, also part of the same line. You will get a glimpse into the steep residential neighborhoods within Medellín’s hills.
At the end of the line is Parque Arví, a beautiful nature preserve that is worth a visit. You may not see any fun rainforest animals, but feel free to take on a couple of the short hiking trails.
Our Top Pick: You absolutely MUST tour La Comuna 13. It is one of Medellín’s most famous activities for a reason. La Comuna 13 is a neighborhood that was once known for its incredibly high levels of violence and crime.
Over the last few decades, La Comuna 13 has transformed significantly, partially thanks to outdoor escalators built into the hillside. These connect the separated zones within the steep neighborhood.
We toured with AIC Tour Company and loved it. Our tour guide was born and raised in La Comuna 13. He was able to tell us personal stories and behind-the-scenes facts that made the experience a lot more special. Absolutely book with Christian if he is available during your visit!
Where to Stay in Medellín
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget Option | Black Sheep Hostel | Close to the Zona Rosa (shopping, restaurant, bar district)New Zealand/Colombian owned!10 minute walk to the Poblado metro stop |
| Budget Option | Los Patios Hostel | Great amenities – coworking room, gym, rooftop pool2 rooftop bars and a sun deckTours office helping you plan excursions |
| Mid-Range Option | Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín | We stayed in the Bogotá location and it’s great!Outdoor pool and sun deck3 restaurants on premise |
| Luxury Option | Hotel Marquee | Outdoor swimming pool and hot tubBreakfast available in the morningBeautiful modern and green design |
Days 7-9: Cartagena
The final stop on the tour of Colombia is Cartagena, a beautiful city along the Caribbean coast. The city provides visitors with wonderful colonial architecture and a laid-back lifestyle, similar to being on an island.
As opposed to Bogotá and Medellín, which are two sprawling mountainous cities, Cartagena is your chance to relax, walk around the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and spend time on a beach or the open ocean on a boat tour.
Cartagena is located only 1 hour away from Medellín by plane. Just like Bogotá to Medellín, flying is definitely your better option. Thanks to the mountains, the drive can take over 12 hours!
3 full days in Cartagena allows you to take a boat trip, walk around the Old City, and enjoy the slow pace of life.
Things to Do in Cartagena
(1) Take a free guided walking tour of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While it can be nice to explore on your own, the knowledgeable guides will point out special buildings and places of historical significance.
(2) Within the Old City, don’t forget to walk the Old City Walls, stretching over 6 miles long. While you certainly don’t have to walk the entirety of them, they provide a beautiful view of Cartagena and the Caribbean.
(3) If walking 6 miles isn’t your cup of tea, pay a visit to Cafe del Mar, one of the coolest spots to drink a cocktail with an ocean view. Cafe del Mar is best to visit during sunset hour, but get there early to reserve a table.
(4) Walk around the neighborhood of Getsemani, a lively and vibrant part of town with independently owned art galleries. Snap photos of street art and buy your own slice of Colombia to take back home. Check out Plaza Trinidad, a local hangout with performers constantly bringing energy.
(5) Take a walk around Centenario Park. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot a sloth! If you’re a fan of iguanas or monkeys, they call Centenario Park home. Visiting Cartagena on the weekend? The park hosts an extensive market showcasing arts, crafts, and artisanal items.
(6) History lovers should visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress from 1536 that sits atop the hill of San Lazaro. You get a wonderful view of the city below.
The entrance fee of 25,000 pesos allows you to walk around the grounds and climb the walls. Don’t visit in the middle of the day! There is no shade or sun coverage.
Our Top Pick: Take a boat tour of the Islas del Rosario. This is one of the coolest island hopping and boat adventures you can take. While Cartagena has a shoreline with relaxing beaches, many spots are only accessible by boat, making it a necessary day trip.
We loved our boat trip which had a mix of exploring, relaxing, and snorkeling. Of course, there are many tours tailored to different travel styles. Some are more adventure-focused and some are more relaxing.
If you are like my family and enjoy a bit of everything (dare I say a sampler platter of everything?), definitely check out the tour that we went on.
Our tour guides were very knowledgeable, and even when we got caught in a thunderstorm, they were able to shift the itinerary in a way that still allowed us to accomplish everything in the end.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget Option | Los Patios Hostel | – In the heart of the Old City – Homey Caribbean feel – Co-working area, rooftop bar and restaurant |
| Budget Option | Hostal Casa Torres | – Private and dorm rooms available – Breakfast included – Clean rooms and bathrooms |
| Mid-Range Option | Hotel Casa Agustina | – Boutique hotel in the Old City – Cute indoor courtyard – Balconies overlook the street for people watching |
| Luxury Option | Hyatt Regency Cartagena | – Beachfront property with stunning views – A la carte breakfast available – Free private parking and outdoor pool |
More Options for a 10 Day Itinerary Colombia!
Tayrona National Park
Now, if any of the proposed options don’t tickle your fancy, you are more than welcome to swap out one of the cities in favor of Tayrona National Park, a beautiful park in the north of the country. It sits between the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean Sea.
If you are a fan of snorkeling, biodiversity, and are looking for an eco-lodge experience, this is your place to be! Tayrona National Park allows you to be up close and personal with nature.
It may not be the easiest to get to, as you have to fly to Santa Marta Airport and then take a 1-hour transfer, but once you’re there, you will certainly enjoy your time.
For a guided experience in Tayrona National Park, check out these tours.
Explore a Coffee Region
No matter where you go in Colombia, you will certainly get to taste wonderful Colombian coffee. However, if you want a deeper experience ~connecting to locally-grown coffee~ we recommend visiting a coffee town. Here are the 5 best options:
Salento
One of the more popular towns, Salento is located in the heart of the Coffee Triangle. Visit the local coffee farms, wander through colorful streets, and spend time in the Cocora Valley, where wax palm trees grow.
Armenia
Home to the National Coffee Park, learn about the history and culture of Colombian coffee as well as participate in local tasting sessions in the area.
Manizales
Another great option within the Coffee Triangle, sitting high in the Andes Mountains! Better yet, you can relax after your coffee tasting at a nearby hot spring.
Pereira
One of the bigger cities when it comes to coffee tasting, Pereira is a bustling town surrounded by plantations. This city is for you if you want a more urban experience.
Jardín
For a quieter experience within the Andes Mountains, head to Jardín. This charming town has one vibrant main square, and everything else is tranquil! Jardín is a good option for travelers interested in sustainable farming, and if you’d like to go horseback riding or hiking, this is your place to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About a 10 Day Itinerary Colombia
Is Colombia Still Dangerous to Visit?
Going to Colombia’s cities is no different than visiting a large city such as New York or Rome when it comes to general safety concerns.
This is a common question that is frequently asked about Colombia. While it’s fair to be curious, we want everyone to understand that no, Colombia is not a dangerous country.
Sure, Colombia had a dark history up until recently with Pablo Escobar and the drug trade, but since then, it has undergone a wonderful re-vitalization with innovation.
The country is welcoming to tourists regardless of where you are from. The people of Colombia are incredibly warm and kind.
Just remember to do your research before venturing into the depths of the country. Just like everywhere else on the planet, there are definitely areas that are less safe for tourists!
Furthermore, in the large cities that are listed in this itinerary, remember to take the normal precautions that come with traveling in populated areas. Keep your bags close, and don’t be flashy with valuables.
What to Do in Colombia for a Week
If you’re only in Colombia for a week, we suggest picking 2 places out of our list of favorite locations below. You won’t have enough time (unfortunately) to travel throughout the entire country.
Pick 2 out of Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, the Coffee Triangle, and Tayrona National Park.
Is Colombia Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Colombia is such a vibrant country with kind people, wonderful weather, and mouth-watering food. Whether you prefer exploring large metropolitan areas, learning about the history of the country, or relaxing on the beach, Colombia has something for everyone in its distinct cities.
Is Colombia Expensive to Visit?
If you are conscious about where your money is going, Colombia is not expensive. For the most part, meals are cheap (even those listed as $$$ on Google Maps). However, if you are taking Uber and taxis everywhere, the cost can certainly go up.
If you are a budget traveler, we recommend walking as much as possible to cut down on taxi fees. You will find that it is affordable to visit Colombia, even the major cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
We hope you enjoyed this 10 day itinerary Colombia. Whether you want to explore history in Bogotá, ride the metro and visit the markets of Medellín, or relax on the beach of Cartagena, there’s something for everyone in Colombia.
Don’t forget to check out other destinations in South America!
Happy sampling!