Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

Welcome to Colombia

I have created the ultimate 2 week Colombia itinerary as Colombia is a remarkable and unique destination. Distinguished by a rich history and, at times, a challenging reputation linked to drug trafficking and Pablo Escobar. However, Colombia transcends its complex past, offering a mosaic of art, beauty, and diversity. When we planned our year-long sabbatical, we chose Colombia as our first stop. The question of “Why Colombia?” was met with curiosity by many. Concerns about safety, crime, and poverty were raised. However, we quickly found that these preconceptions didn’t align with our experiences. Instead, we were immersed in Colombia’s cities and landscapes. Unearthing the nation’s history, savoring its coffee, and enjoying its pristine beaches and lush rainforests. For anyone seeking to delve into history, taste exceptional coffee, and explore picturesque landscapes, Colombia is a highly recommended destination.

Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

Colombia is a land of cultural richness, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. In just two weeks, you can explore diverse cities and gain insights into the country’s multifaceted heritage. Why is Colombia unique? It’s a place where vibrant cities celebrate the best of graffiti art, culinary excellence with empanadas, and the world’s finest coffee. This journey allows you to discover the natural beauty of Tayrona’s pristine beaches and the towering palm trees of Cocora Valley. If you have a penchant for dance, Cali offers some of the world’s best salsa experiences.

Colombia is not merely a destination. It’s an invitation to explore, savor, and dance your way through a country that defies stereotypes and captures the soul. Welcome to Colombia, where adventure and culture blend seamlessly. My Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary is based on our travel around Colombia and at the end I include many places that we didn’t go to that may interest you.

Preview of Your Journey

Get ready for an extraordinary adventure as we take you on a whirlwind tour of Colombia, a country that promises surprises at every turn. In this two-week escapade, we’ll explore the essence of Colombia, from its bustling urban centers to its pristine natural wonders.

Week 1: Exploring Vibrant Cities

Day 1-3: Bogota

• Visit Monserrate Mountain for stunning panoramic views.
• Explore the city with walking tours to learn about its history and culture.
• Indulge in the flavors of Bogotá with food tours, savoring local cuisine.

Day 4-6: Cartagena

• Discover the artsy Getsemaní area, known for its vibrant street art and culture.
• Explore the historic Walled City of Cartagena, where colonial architecture and history await.
• Take a leisurely beachside walk to reach the iconic Cartagena sign.

Day 7: Casa en el Agua from Cartagena

• Spend 1 night at a unique hostel in the middle of the Caribbean.

Week 2: Immersion in Natural Beauty

Day 8-10: Santa Marta 

• Visit the famous Tayrona National Park.

Day 11- 14: Medellin

• Do Paragliding in the eternal spring city.
• Visit the historic Comuna 13 with Zippy Tours
• Take a day trip to the famous Guatape

Week 1: Exploring Colombia’s Vibrant Cities

Bogota: Capital of Culture

If you’re contemplating whether to include Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city, in your Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary, allow me to guide your decision. For us, Bogotá served as an excellent starting point for our Colombian journey. The free tours provided us with a rich understanding of the country’s history, allowed us to savor local cuisine, and introduced us to fellow travelers with exciting travel plans.

However, it’s important to note that Bogotá didn’t emerge as our absolute favorite city, as we encountered similar experiences elsewhere in Colombia. Therefore, if your schedule permits or if you have specific interests in mind, you might consider the option of either skipping Bogotá or utilizing it as an entry or exit point for your Colombian adventure.

Day 1: Free Walking Tour with Beyond Colombia

Embarking on a free walking tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to immerse yourself in any city. It’s an opportunity to absorb local history, gain valuable safety insights from residents, and discover hidden corners you might otherwise miss when exploring on your own, all while feeling secure.

Our experience with Beyond Colombia was nothing short of exceptional. Their guides were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly enthusiastic and proud to share their expertise. We found their tours to be an enriching and engaging way to kick off our Bogotá adventure.

If you find yourself pressed for time or unsure about how to make the most of your visit, investing a few hours in a free walking tour is a fantastic choice. For more information, including how to book and tour schedules, check out my dedicated blog post on Bogotá tours.

Day 2: Hike Monserrate Mountain for Panoramic Views

Our absolute favourite thing to do in Bogota was the hike up to Monserrate Mountain for the best views of the city. Its about an hour walk up a paved route and you get to see how big Bogota truly is from the top. A top tip would be to walk up just before sunset so you can get a view of the top during the day and night. Read my blog post all about how to hike Monserrate Mountain.

Day 3: Free Food Tour and Graffiti Tour

On your last day you might only have time for one of these tours, but if time permits then you could definitely do both! A free food tour is pretty obvious, but its a great way to taste all local delicacies of Colombia. If you have visited other parts of Colombia then you may have already tried the local food before, so maybe this tour wouldn’t be great for you. We found it fantastic because we had just arrived and wasn’t sure what is a must try! Luckily for us, we tried so many delicious foods and even had a coffee presentation and taste.

If a food tour isn’t for you, then you could do the Graffiti Tour, which was super insightful and beautiful. We learnt so much of the country’s history through this art tour as well. If you would like to find out more about these tours then read all about them on my blog post Bogota Tours.

Bogota Accommodation 

We stayed at the Fatima Hostel in La Candaleria area, which was close to all the tours, mountain hike and some great restaurants. If you are backpacking then this was the perfect place to stay for a few days.

Bogota Restaurants

• Taqueria- Great Mexican Place that is cheap and delicious.
• Bakery and Cafe- Delicious cakes and pastas- On the corner near Fatima Hostel.
• Bogota Beer Company- Great craft beers.
• Maria Candela- Brilliant Vegan Restaurant with the traditional soup, ‘Ajiaco’

Cartagena: A historic city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia, is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture within a UNESCO-listed walled city. The city boasts historic fortifications, such as Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, guarding against pirate raids. Its beautiful Caribbean beaches, like Playa Blanca, offer relaxation and water sports. Cartagena’s vibrant culture includes traditional music and dance, and its culinary scene features seafood and tropical delights. The city hosts various festivals, including FICCI and the International Music Festival, while its romantic ambiance makes it a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons. Literary connections, a rich history, and a beautiful coastal setting further enhance Cartagena’s appeal.

Day 4: Arrival to Cartagena + Explore the artsy Getsemani Area 

I would say there are two main areas of Cartagena that are must sees. One of them is the Getsemani neighborhood which has great artwork surrounding the area. Getsemani has transformed from a gritty neighborhood into a hub of creativity, with colorful houses, lively plazas and a thriving art scene. This place should make anyone’s Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary.

As you explore Getsemaní, you’ll encounter bustling markets, local vendors selling street food, and residents enjoying lively conversations on their stoops. It really gets very crowded and is such a good vibe of energy. The neighborhood’s main square is a focal point, where you can savor the flavors of Cartagena at food trucks offering delicious local cuisine and drinks. At night, Getsemaní transforms into a hub of nightlife, with drinking alleys filled with bars and live music. It’s a great place to visit and definitely a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Cartagena.

Day 5: Visit the Historic Walled City- A must in Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

Those vibrant streets and old colonial architecture you have seen on Instagram…yes that is all within the historic walled city of Cartagena. It’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has narrow cobblestone streets, cool, old buildings and historic churches. As you walk around you’ll find cute cafes, boutique shops selling beautiful pieces of art and lots of colourful walls. Its definitely a must for my Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary.

A Little Pirate History

Pirates have a significant historical connection with Cartagena. During the colonial era, Cartagena was a major port city for Spain, and its wealth made it a prime target for pirates and privateers. Notable figures like Sir Francis Drake and Captain Henry Morgan launched attacks on the city, seeking to plunder its riches.

The city’s defensive fortifications, including the formidable Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the thick stone walls surrounding the Old Town, were constructed to protect against pirate raids and invasions. These fortifications played a crucial role in the city’s history, repelling numerous attacks and contributing to Cartagena’s status as a well-fortified colonial stronghold.

Day 6: Walk along the beach to the Cartagena Sign

If you fancy a day out at the local beach and a chance to walk the coast line of Cartagena then you could walk to the iconic Cartagena sign. The Cartagena sign is perched on the beachfront which offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to capture the Caribbean Sea in the background. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to appreciate the city’s coastal charm. However, we walked from the walled city and it took about 45 minutes one way and we did feel a little uncomfortable at times. We were offered drugs from a few people and we were the only foreigners walking along the beach, so got a lot of stares and interest. Therefore, I would say its not a must-visit place, especially if you decide to stay at Casa en el Agua.

Day 7: Stay in the middle of the Caribbean at Hostel Casa en el Agua

I think the number 1 thing to do whilst in Cartagena is to visit this crazy hostel in the middle of the Caribbean. It really made our time in Cartagena special and magical. Making it a must on my Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary. It is a little expensive, but its so worth it and between that, the walled city and Getsemani art area, we had a great time visiting Cartagena. I would say Casa en el Agua is a must-visit place whilst there and you can read all about it in my dedicated blog post.

We did stay for 2 nights, but to make sure you have the best 14 day trip, I would suggest staying for just 1 night. It is more affordable and we found that most people only spent 1 night there.

Cartagena Accommodation 

We stayed at Casa Mama Waldy in the Getsemani area and this hostel was in the perfect location for visiting everything mentioned above. Right in the Getsemani area we got to explore a lot of the food trucks and restaurants during the day and night. It was a 10 minute walk to the Walled City and very close to the port to catch the boat ride to Casa en el Agua.

Cartagena Restaurants

• Maria Bonita Taqueria- Mexican place in Getsemani area
• Food Trucks in Getsemani area
• Di Silvio Trattoria- Italian Restaurant
• A number of places in the alleys of Getsemani

Week 2: Immersion in Natural Beauty

Day 8: Travel to Tayrona National Park

Welcome to Week 2 of your adventure! This week promises to be action-packed and, admittedly, a tad exhausting, but the experiences will be well worth it. Today’s agenda involves your journey to Tayrona National Park. Opting for the most convenient and budget-friendly mode of transportation, we recommend taking the bus. Starting from Cartagena, your first step is to locate the Berlinastur bus station. From there, catch a bus bound for Santa Marta. The ride typically spans around 5 hours and, admittedly, the bus might feel a bit snug. However, it’s your best bet for the journey.

We should note that while we visited Santa Marta, it didn’t quite capture our hearts, prompting us to swiftly move on. Consequently, we suggest bypassing an extended stay in Santa Marta and proceeding directly to Tayrona. Upon arriving in Santa Marta, you have two options for reaching your hostel in Tayrona: hiring a private car or taking another bus. The private car service will set you back around 100,000 COP/ 23$, while the bus is the more economical choice at 8,000 COP/ 1.89$. The bus journey spans approximately 1 hour and conveniently drops you off right outside your chosen accommodation (assuming you decide to stay where we did). The bus stop is conveniently situated at Calle 11/Carrera 9.

Accommodation: The Journey Hostel

When it comes to accommodations in Tayrona National Park, you do have the option of roughing it out in hammocks or tents within the park itself. However, we had heard stories of pesky bugs and rather uncomfortable nights. Consequently, we decided to go with a fantastic alternative: The Journey Hostel.

Situated in close proximity to the entrance of Tayrona National Park, The Journey Hostel offers a splendid solution. It boasts the added convenience of a bus stop right outside, facilitating seamless transportation to both the park entrance and back to Santa Marta. What’s more, there’s only one bus route, so you can’t possibly get lost! With its prime location, a lovely outdoor pool, and the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains, The Journey Hostel emerges as the top choice for accommodations just outside the park.

Day 9: Tayrona National Park- A must in my Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

First off, Tayrona National Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is a diverse natural reserve that has both tropical rainforests and stunning beaches with crystal clear waters. It really is a beautiful place and definitely worth the time taken to visit it. When researching Tayrona National Park, we were overwhelmed with information and were conflicted with where to stay and how to do it.

Like I said previously, we opted to stay at the Journey Hostel and just do a day trip. With the day trip you can see the main look out spots and get a taste of what the park has to offer. The downside to doing the day trip is that you are limited on time as the park closes at 5pm and you need to make sure you get back for that time, so I recommend getting to the entrance at 8am as soon as it opens, to give yourself as much time as possible inside the park.

We decided to get the bus outside the hostel to the Zaino entrance for 5000COP and its about a 10 minute drive. DO not try and walk it, we did and its way to dangerous. There are four entrances to the park and the most popular is the Zaino entrance. If we had longer, we could have explored alternative routes. However, for first timers with limited time, we opted for the most popular starting point which is the El Zaino entrance.

Alternative Starting Points:

1. El Zaino Entrance: The El Zaino entrance is one of the most popular and commonly used entrances to Tayrona National Park. It provides access to some of the park’s most well-known beaches, such as Cabo San Juan and La Piscina. This entrance is often the starting point for many visitors exploring the park.
2. Calabazo Entrance: The Calabazo entrance is located on the eastern side of the park and provides access to the less-visited and more remote areas of Tayrona National Park. It’s a starting point for more challenging hikes and offers a quieter experience.
3. Palangana Entrance: The Palangana entrance is another access point to the park, mainly used for those wanting to explore the western section of Tayrona.
4. Neguanje Entrance: The Neguanje entrance is situated to the west of the park and allows access to the Neguanje and Playa Cristal areas, known for their stunning beaches and snorkeling opportunities.

Arriving at Tayrona National Park: El Zaino Entrance

When you get off the bus, you will see the entrance to the park and its pretty straightforward. First you have to buy the park insurance, this you have no choice on. Then you get your belongings searched before buying your entrance ticket. When you have done all this, you will start the hike. Almost immediately there will be some cars with people waiting outside them. I recommend you wait for these cars to take you to the true start of the hike because the road is long and boring and we hardly saw anyone doing this. It will cost you 5000 COP and is well worth it. We actually saw 2 brave souls who had begun walking and were now trying to flag down drivers to take them to the start, which is impossible because the cars only go when full.

Hiking to Cabo San Beach

When visiting the park, you will often hear of the main attraction Cabo San Juan Beach as it is also the place that most people camp and sleep in the national park. It is also the furthest point from El Zaino entrance and it is a beautiful place to aim for. There are a lot of enticing places to stop along the way to Cabo San Juan Beach, including Arrecifes Beach, La Piscina, and various lookouts.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that reaching Cabo San Juan Beach is a considerable trek that demands several hours of hiking. Given the distance and the time it takes to reach this iconic destination, you won’t have time to stop to spend any real time at any other location. Remember, the park closes at 5pm, so you need to consider the time it takes to hike back. While you won’t have the opportunity to explore every stop along the way, the views and hike itself to Cabo San Juan Beach is breathtaking and we did stop a lot to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Top Tips for Visiting Tayrona National Park

• Arrive at the entrance for 8am to avoid feeling super rushed
• Take cash as card is not accepted anywhere inside the park
• Take water and sunscreen as the hike is around 2.5 hours to reach Cabo San Juan Beach
• There is a restaurant at Cabo San Juan Beach and you will have just enough time to eat before heading back
• You get great views at the top of the rocks, where the hammocks are at Cabo San Juan Beach
• If your hands swell, this is normal!
• You can get a horse ride back from Cabo San Juan Beach for 60,000COP

Downsides to NOT camping within Tayrona

• No time for swimming at any of the lookout points for more than a quick dip
• You only get to see one area, in our case Cabo San Juan Beach
• You feel a bit rushed for time with the limited hours

Upsides to NOT camping within Tayrona

• Your nighttime sleep will be bug free and less sticky
• The Journey Hostel is so close to the entrance that you won’t need to get up super early to reach it
• If you aren’t a big beach person, then you won’t miss out on much
• You can see pretty much the same view throughout the hike to Cabo San Juan Beach on the day hike

Overall thoughts on spending a Day only in Tayrona National Park

Although we felt a little rushed in Tayrona National Park, it was enough time to see most of the views. It is a beautiful place with rainforest and a stunning coastline and a must in my Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary. However, most of the sea is dangerous and you can’t swim in a lot of the places within the park. Therefore, we only really missed out on swimming in the water, which you can only do in a few of the places. If you can rough it and want to take your time, then stay in the park. If you like more comfort and are ok with hiking for a day and heading back, then stay at the Journey Hostel.

Day 10: Travel Day to Medellin

This will be a long travel day, but worth it for all the fun activities that await in Medellin (our favourite city in Colombia). You will need to get a bus back to Santa Marta. Thank you Journey Hostel for being so close to the bus! Then you have two options: You can fly from Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellin. Another option is to take a bus from Santa Marta to Barranquilla, which is closer to Medellin, and then fly from Barranquilla to Medellin. Which can reduce the overall travel time.

Accommodation in Medellin

We stayed in the El Poblado area which is the very touristy, rich area of Medellin. We felt very safe here and there are plenty of hostels and Air bnbs to stay in. The closer to town you are the more expensive the hostel. Therefore, we stayed at an Air Bnb that was a 5 minute Uber ride to wherever we wanted to go. City Go Suites was the Air bnb we stayed in and it had a beautiful gym and cafe. Our Air BnB came with a kitchen, so we bought a few things for breakfast every morning which saved on costs.

Day 11: Paragliding and Mercado Del Rio

Your first day in Medellin could start off with an adventurous activity like Paragliding over the mountains and city, to get the best views! I was a little nervous about doing paragliding, but was pleasantly surprised at how fun it was. You get a professional strapped to you and you fly for 15 minutes. Which is actually plenty of time as a lot of people felt a little nauseous up in the air. Top tip as well, would be to wear warm clothes because it gets cold up in the sky! This activity was a must in my Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary.

After paragliding, you will be hungry and the best place to grab food is the Mercado Del Rio warehouse of many different types of food. Both international and local foods can be tried here and its in a really cool location. From Indian to Italian to Mexican and Colombian classics…you can’t go wrong here.

Day 12: Comuna 13 in the Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, is a neighborhood with a remarkable history and a must in my Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary. I had an eye-opening experience with a free walking tour from Zippy Tours, guided by Laura, a Comuna 13 local. Her personal insights added depth to the tour. We explored vibrant streets covered in stunning graffiti art, learned about the neighborhood’s journey, and wrapped up with a visit to Laura’s home, offering great views and tasty local food. Don’t miss this tour—it’s a fantastic way to experience the heart and history of Comuna 13.

Day 13: Day Trip to Guatape- A great place for a Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

Going on a day trip to Guatapé from Medellín with Medellin Tours was a real highlight of my ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary. For only $25, you get transportation, a delicious lunch, a boat ride, and an informative guide sharing intriguing area stories. Guatapé is a lovely town with colorful buildings and a welcoming atmosphere. But the standout feature was undoubtedly climbing the famous Guatapé Rock. With 740 steps, the ascent provided incredible panoramic views of the surroundings. The boat ride on the river gave us a fresh perspective on Guatape Rock. The guide’s insights added depth to the experience, making this Guatapé day trip my absolute favorite in Colombia, seamlessly combining adventure, natural beauty, culture, and history.

Day 14: Final Day and Flight Out

Spending the last day in Medellín can be a wonderful way to wrap up your Colombian adventure. A visit to Medellín’s Botanical Garden is a tranquil option. Where you can stroll amidst lush greenery, admire the diverse plant species, and unwind in the city’s natural oasis. Alternatively, exploring the bustling local markets, such as Plaza Minorista, can offer a taste of authentic Colombian culture. Sample delicious street food and pick up some unique souvenirs. For those seeking a bit of history and art, the Museum of Antioquia.  Home to a striking collection of works by Fernando Botero, is a must-visit. In any case, Medellín has something for everyone, even with just a few hours to spare.

Restaurants in Medellin

• Malevo Argentina’s Steak Place
• Olivia Restaurant- Fantastic Italian food and Sangria
• Mercado Del Rio– Warehouse filled with international and local cuisine

There are so many good food places and rooftop bars to try in Medellin. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to sample all of them. However, Olivia and Malevo as well as Mercado Del Rio I can personally vouch for. They were all so tasty and delicious. If these aren’t what you are looking for then you will find plenty of restaurants next door to these ones. We saw a very popular Mexican place and what looked like a British pub all in the same area.

Practical Tips and Recommendations for the Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

• Revolut and Wise cards work in Colombia.
• Davivienda Banks are great and fee free. There is a maximum of 400,000 COP a withdrawal. However, you can put the card back in as many times as you like.
• Uber works but not in Santa Marta or Tayrona.
• Berlinastur Bus is a fantastic bus company to use to get to Santa Marta from Cartagena.
• Download Maps.Me instead of using Google Maps- it works way better and you can use it offline.
• I would recommend getting a SIM card. They can be found everywhere.
• Download Google Translate and download Spanish so you can use it offline.
• Buy the local sunscreen as that stuff really works for their sun.

Other Bucket List Places to Visit if More Time

Bogota

If you have spare time in Bogota or prefer not taking free tours, take a day trip to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. Located just outside Bogotá, this underground cathedral carved into a salt mine offers a unique cultural and geological experience.

Cartagena

Cartagena offers diverse experiences for those with extra time. Although Café del Mar was missed due to illness, it’s highly recommended for sunset views and cocktails on the city walls. History enthusiasts should explore the Palace of the Inquisition, a historic building filled with intriguing artifacts and stories from the past. For a unique adventure, try floating in the volcanic mud of Volcán del Totumo. Shopaholics will enjoy Las Bóvedas, a historic complex with artisan shops brimming with Colombian handicrafts. Beach lovers can head to Isla Barú and Playa Blanca for pristine coastal beauty and water activities.

Santa Marta

If you have more time in Santa Marta, consider a day trip to Minca, about an hour’s drive away. Explore coffee farms, waterfalls, and beautiful nature. Another option is the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) Trek. A multi-day jungle hike to discover ancient ruins older than Machu Picchu.

Medellin

There are a lot of museums and attractions to visit in Medellin. One that we didn’t do, but a friend did was the Plaza Botero. Where you can see the iconic sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero in a very lively square. Being the city of eternal spring, Medellin has a lot of plants! You could visit the Botanical Garden of Medellín. Enjoy the diverse range of plants and greenery. Finally, consider a cable car ride to Parque Arvi, a nature park in the hills, offering hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Conclusion of Ultimate 2 Week Colombia Itinerary

Colombia is a vibrant place with many different landscapes and art to enjoy. In 2 weeks, you can do some unique things and popular tourist places. We chose our activities carefully, acknowledging time limitations and the impossibility of doing everything in a short period. Travel does get tiring, so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t do everything in this list! Maybe you won’t get tired at all and you will do even more than we did. This itinerary suggests activities and offers options for your trip, showcasing what’s possible during your journey.