Colombia: Cities, Culture & Coast
10-day itinerary

Colombia: Cities, Culture & Coast

Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena in 10 days
10Days
3Cities
€€Budget
Dec–Mar, Jul–AugBest time
✍️ Customize with Tony

From the electric streets of Bogotá to the flower-filled neighbourhoods of Medellín and the sun-drenched colonial walls of Cartagena, Colombia is one of South America's most thrilling destinations. This 10-day journey blends history, gastronomy, nightlife and Caribbean beauty into an unforgettable adventure.

Explore Bogotá's La Candelaria and the Gold MuseumRide the Metrocable and visit Comuna 13 in MedellínStroll Cartagena's walled city at golden hourTaste world-class Colombian coffee and street foodDance salsa and soak up vibrant local nightlife

Your day-by-day plan

Day1
Bogotá

Arrival in Bogotá

Morning: Fly into El Dorado International Airport, check into your hotel in the Zona Rosa or Chapinero district and freshen up.

Afternoon: Head to La Candelaria to visit the Plaza de Bolívar, the stunning neoclassical Cathedral Primada and the colourful surrounding streets.

Evening: Have dinner at a classic bandeja paisa restaurant and enjoy a craft beer at a local bar in Chapinero.

💡 Use the official yellow taxis or Uber from the airport to avoid overcharging.
Day2
Bogotá

Bogotá Culture Day

Morning: Spend the morning at the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), one of the most impressive museums in Latin America with over 55,000 pre-Hispanic gold pieces.

Afternoon: Visit Botero Plaza to see Fernando Botero's iconic sculptures, then explore the nearby Museo Botero free of charge.

Evening: Head to the Usaquén neighbourhood for a lively dinner and bar-hopping along its charming cobblestone streets.

💡 The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Day3
Bogotá

Monserrate & Markets

Morning: Take the cable car or funicular up to Cerro de Monserrate for sweeping panoramic views over the entire city of Bogotá.

Afternoon: Browse the Paloquemao market for fresh tropical fruits, flowers and local snacks — a true feast for the senses.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell Bogotá dinner at a rooftop restaurant in the Zona G gastronomic district.

💡 Go to Monserrate early on a weekday to avoid long queues and better visibility.
Day4
Medellín

Fly to Medellín

Morning: Take an early Avianca or LATAM domestic flight from Bogotá to Medellín (about 50 minutes) and check into El Poblado.

Afternoon: Stroll through Parque El Poblado and the Lleras neighbourhood, exploring the trendy cafés, boutiques and street art.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and cocktails in Parque Lleras, the buzzing social hub of Medellín's nightlife scene.

💡 Book your domestic flight at least 2 weeks in advance for the best prices (around €40–60 one way).
Day5
Medellín

Comuna 13 & Metrocable

Morning: Visit the famous Comuna 13, once the most dangerous neighbourhood in Medellín, now a vibrant hub of street art, graffiti tours and outdoor escalators.

Afternoon: Ride the Metrocable Line K to Santo Domingo Savio for incredible hilltop views and a glimpse into authentic Medellín barrio life.

Evening: Try local food at a traditional arepa stall and end the night dancing at a salsa or tango venue in Barrio Colombia.

💡 Join a free walking tour of Comuna 13 in the morning — local guides provide incredibly moving stories of transformation.
Day6
Medellín

Coffee & Culture

Morning: Visit the Museo de Antioquia to see Botero's donated collection and explore the vibrant Plaza Botero just outside.

Afternoon: Take a half-day coffee experience tour to a nearby finca to learn how Colombian coffee is grown, harvested and brewed.

Evening: Dine at one of El Poblado's farm-to-table restaurants and enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar with city views.

💡 The coffee finca tours typically depart from El Centro — book through your hotel or a reputable local agency.
Day7
Medellín

Day Trip to Guatapé

Morning: Take an early bus from Terminal del Norte to the colourful town of Guatapé (about 2 hours) and begin climbing El Peñol rock.

Afternoon: Climb the 740 steps to the summit of El Peñón de Guatapé for jaw-dropping views of the reservoir and surrounding islands.

Evening: Return to Medellín by late afternoon and enjoy a relaxed dinner in El Poblado before your flight the next morning.

💡 Wear comfortable shoes for the climb and bring sunscreen — there is zero shade on El Peñón.
Day8
Cartagena

Fly to Cartagena

Morning: Take a morning flight from Medellín to Cartagena (about 1 hour) and check into a boutique hotel inside or near the walled city.

Afternoon: Walk the iconic Cartagena city walls (Las Murallas) and explore the vibrant streets of the Old Town with its colourful balconies and flowers.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Café del Mar on top of the city walls, then enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant in Getsemaní.

💡 Staying inside the walled city is magical but pricier — Getsemaní is a great, more affordable and lively alternative.
Day9
Cartagena

Islands & Caribbean Sea

Morning: Take a boat tour to the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) for snorkelling in clear Caribbean waters and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Afternoon: Return to Cartagena by early afternoon and visit the imposing Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a 17th-century Spanish fortress.

Evening: Wander through the romantic Old Town at night, stopping for a ceviche or lobster dinner and a Colombia Sour cocktail.

💡 Book the Rosario Islands boat from the Muelle Turistico pier the evening before to secure a spot, especially in high season.
Day10
Cartagena

Final Day & Departure

Morning: Spend your last morning browsing the handicraft markets of Las Bóvedas inside the walled city for unique Colombian souvenirs.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch of coconut rice and fried fish at a local Costeño restaurant before heading to Rafael Núñez Airport.

Evening: Depart Cartagena with memories of three extraordinary Colombian cities and a strong desire to return.

💡 Arrive at Cartagena airport at least 2 hours before your flight as security lines can be slow during peak travel periods.

Budget estimate

Flights~€550
Hotels~€280
Food~€150
Activities~€80
Transport~€90
Total~€1,150 per person

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