Colombia is a country of contrasts, which has something to offer for everyone. Explore with this Colombia 2-week itinerary the best of its culture, nature, and adventure.
Best tours in Bogota:
1. Walking tour in La Candelaria, Bogota
2. Mount Monserrat tour in Bogota
3. Zipaquira and Salt Cathedral
Best tours in Medellin:
1. Walking tour in El Poblado, Medellin
2. Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13 tour in Medellin
3. Private tour to Guatape
Best tours in Cartagena:
1. Cartagena walking tour
2. Transfer to Tayrona Park from Cartagena
BOGOTA
Where to Stay
When I visited Bogota I stayed in Chapinero. It is a very cool and safe neighborhood that offers a variety of dining, shopping, and lively nightlife options. Chapinero has some of the best hotels in the city, catering to every budget.
Read here more information about the safest areas to stay and recommended hotels.
Day 1
Bogota, Colombia’s capital is the first city in this CoIombia 2-week itinerary. I recommend to start by exploring the charming historic center of La Candelaria. Visit the Plaza Bolivar, the Cathedral of Bogotá, and the Palace of Justice. You will be captivated by the colorful colonial architecture and the narrow cobblestone streets.
Don’t miss the fabulous Gold Museum, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. (Opens at 9:00am and admission fee is $1). Next, visit the Museo Botero, which showcases the artwork of the renowned Fernando Botero, the painter of “fat characters”. Entrance is free.
For lunch, I recommend La Puerta Falsa, a popular and very affordable restaurant where you can try authentic Colombian cuisine. It’s located next to the Cathedral in Plaza Bolivar.
A walking tour of La Candelaria can be a fantastic introduction to the city. For your convenience, you can take the tour at either 10:00am or 2:00pm.
DAY 2
Start your day with a visit to Monserrate mountain and take a cable car to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. If you arrive at the Cable Car and Funicular Station at 10:00am, you can take a guided tour (book in advance) and learn about Catholicism and Colombian traditions while visiting the shrine on the summit.
Book your Monserrat Tour and Tickets here
In my Colombia 2-week itinerary I visited Paloquemao Market and loved the variety of fruits and traditional Colombian food I found there. In the afternoon, it’s a nice experience to stroll the trendy neighborhood of Chapinero.
DAY 3
On your final day in Bogota, take a tour of the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira located just outside the city. This underground cathedral, carved out of salt, is one of the most unique and beautiful attractions in Colombia. A tour will pick you up from your hotel at 8, 9, or 10 am.
Reserve in advance your tour to the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral here.
Your next destination is Medellin, which is just a one-hour direct flight from Bogota. The first flight leaves Bogota at 5:00am, and the last one departs for Medellin at 21:45h.
MEDELLIN
Where to Stay
There are 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Medellin, among which my favorite is El Poblado. Considered by travelers the safest and most beautiful area, it has excellent hotels that can suit every budget, from high-end to nice and cozy hostels.
DAY 4
For your first day in Medellin, most itineraries recommend visiting the city’s historic center and Plaza Botero. Currently, Medellín is widely regarded as a safe city. However, as with any other major metropolis, it is crucial to remain vigilant. In the city center, areas like Plaza Botero can be risky in the evenings, and I would recommend avoiding visits during those hours. Therefore, I strongly recommend visiting during the daytime.
If you are staying in El Poblado, there is a very interesting walking tour that offers you an immersion into one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. The tour starts at 4:00 pm. Walking tours are not expensive and can give a glimpse of the new city you are arriving at.
Day 5
Take a tour of the Comuna 13 neighborhood, which was once one of the most dangerous areas in the city but has since undergone a transformation. The neighborhood is now home to colorful murals, street art, and a lively music and dance scene. It was one of the most interesting visits of my Colombia 2-week itinerary and it will be the same for you, too. As with the center, it is best to visit in the mornings and avoid being there in the evenings.
Read here more about the past and present of Comuna 13.
Book the Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13 tour here
Day 6
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Guatapé, where you can climb the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé, a massive granite rock that offers stunning views of the surrounding lakes and countryside.This round-trip private tour to Guatapé takes 9 hours and includes breakfast and lunch at charming locations.
This round-trip private tour to Guatape takes 9 hours to charming locations and includes breakfast and lunch.
Day 7
On your final day in Medellín, you can choose among the best things to do in Medellin and continue exploring the city on your own. Get ready for your trip to Cartagena.
CARTAGENA
Day 8
Arrival to Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities, which is always included in a Colombia 2-week itinerary.
Take a stroll through the historic walled city, which is filled with colorful colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and charming cafes and shops.
Visit the iconic Clock Tower and the Plaza de los Coches, which was once a slave market but is now a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. In the evening, enjoy some delicious seafood at one of the city’s many restaurants.
If you want to gain more insight into the city’s history, pirates, and legends, it is better to book a Cartagena walking tour.
Day 9:
Visit the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, a 17th-century fortress built to protect the city from invaders. Take a walk through the Getsemani neighborhood, known for its street art, live music, and lively atmosphere. You can also go shopping at La Serrezuela.
Day 10:
There are two options for you to spend the remaining days in Cartagena, depending on whether you prefer to enjoy the Caribbean beaches or explore the lush rainforests of Tayrona National Park.
In the first case, I recommend exploring Rosario Islands, particularly Isla Grande, the largest of the 28 islands that form the Rosario Island Archipelago.
Find here full information on how to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande, as well as recommended resorts to stay in.
If you are ready for hiking and adventure, then Tayrona is the perfect option for you.
How to Get from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park
You can take a public bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta, the closest city to Tayrona National Park. From Santa Marta, you can take another public bus or a taxi to the park. This option is the most affordable, but it is also the most time-consuming and the least comfortable.
The most convenient way is to take a transfer to Tayrona Park from Cartagena. This service picks up clients anywhere within Cartagena, whether it be hotels, hostels, Air Bnbs, or vacation rentals.
Day 11:
Upon arrival in Tayrona National Park, spend the day exploring the park’s beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, and Arrecifes, which offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 12:
On your second day in Tayrona National Park, take a hike through the lush rainforest to explore some of the park’s many trails and waterfalls. Some of the most popular hikes include the Pueblito trail, which leads to the ruins of an ancient indigenous village, and the Quebrada Valencia trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Day 13:
Spend your final day in Tayrona National Park relaxing on the beach or taking a boat tour of the park’s many coves and bays. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Colombian meal and reflect on your unforgettable journey through this beautiful country. Take your bus back to Cartagena.
Day 14:
After enjoying this 2-week Colombia itinerary get ready for your flight back to your country or back to Bogota.
