3-Week Colombia Travel Itinerary: Daily Route Guide

Planning a trip can often lead to confusion, especially when trying to map out the perfect route. Colombia is no exception. To ease your journey, we've crafted what we believe to be the ultimate three-week travel itinerary for Colombia, ensuring you experience the country's finest without feeling overwhelmed.

Our goal was to create a realistic and diverse route, allowing you to savor the best of this vibrant Latin American nation over 21 days. This itinerary differs from our own experience, as we faced limitations during our trip. However, we’re excited to share this improved version with you. Ready to embark on this adventure? Let’s dive in!

Start Your Adventure in Bogotá

Your journey will likely begin at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. Contrary to popular belief, Bogotá is a city rich in cultural offerings and intriguing sights. It might surprise you with its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional gastronomy.

Allocate the first two days to explore the city's main attractions: the Gold Museum, Monserrate Hill, the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria, and the Botero Museum. Consider joining a free walking tour to gain a deeper understanding of the city.

On the third day, take a day trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Guatavita Lagoon. This will give you a chance to experience the beautiful surroundings outside the city.

→ Discover 20 things to see and do in Bogotá
→ Find the best accommodations in Bogotá

Exploring the Charm of Villa de Leyva

On day four, it’s time to visit Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most picturesque towns. You have two options for getting there:

• Join a day tour from Bogotá
• Rent a car or take a bus and spend the night in this charming town

The first option is ideal if you want to save time, while the second option allows for more freedom to explore. The drive takes approximately three hours, and once you arrive, you’ll find numerous attractions to enjoy.

Don’t miss visiting the impressive Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in Latin America, and the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the stunning colonial mansions like Casa Juan de Castellanos and Casa Quintero.

→ Find the best accommodations in Villa de Leyva

Days of Delight in the Coffee Region

For the next four days (days five to eight), return to Bogotá and take a flight to Pereira, the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Once there, rent a car to embark on a scenic adventure.

This region is filled with exciting activities: unwind at the Santa Rosa Hot Springs, trek through the breathtaking Cocora Valley, explore Salento, and visit a coffee farm. The charming villages of Buenavista, Pijao, and Filandia are also worth a visit.

To optimize your car rental experience, use the price comparison tool from Discovercars.

We returned our car in Manizales and continued our journey by bus to the next destination.

→ Check out our tips for visiting the Coffee Region
→ Best places to stay in the Coffee Region

Discovering Medellín

Days nine to eleven are reserved for Medellín, a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once infamous, Medellín is now vibrant and full of life, attracting digital nomads and travelers alike.

This “City of Eternal Spring” is brimming with attractions. Be sure to visit the Botero Park, take part in one of the free tours, explore the famous Comuna 13, and experience the lively district of El Poblado.

If time allows, dedicate a day to one of Colombia's must-do activities: a trip to Guatapé, where you can climb the iconic rock and enjoy breathtaking views.

→ Discover 20 things to see and do in Medellín
→ Find the best accommodations in Medellín

Relaxing in San Andrés and Providencia

Days twelve through fifteen take you to the Caribbean paradise of San Andrés. Picture a small island surrounded by turquoise waters where time seems to slow down. Welcome to San Andrés!

Here, you can choose to relax on the beach or engage in various activities. At the very least, consider taking a tour of the cays.

If you're feeling adventurous and your budget allows, you might also want to visit the beautiful island of Providencia. Splitting your stay between San Andrés and Providencia is an excellent idea, although you may prefer to focus on one for complete relaxation.

→ Your guide to San Andrés
→ Find the best accommodations in San Andrés

Exploring the Enchantment of Cartagena de Indias

Days sixteen and seventeen are set aside for Cartagena de Indias, one of Colombia's most enchanting cities. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, Cartagena boasts a rich history and stunning colonial architecture.

Among the must-see sites are the historic center itself, preferably with a free walking tour, the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní, and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. If you're still craving sun and sand, consider excursions to the nearby Rosario Islands.

→ Discover 25 things to see and do in Cartagena de Indias
→ Best places to stay in Cartagena de Indias

Adventuring in Santa Marta and Tayrona

On days eighteen, nineteen, and twenty, you’ll head to Santa Marta, which is just over 200 km away. Why Santa Marta? Because it serves as the gateway to the stunning Tayrona National Park, a natural sanctuary teeming with breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

This national park, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains, can be explored independently (just remember to book accommodations in advance if you want to camp inside) or through convenient day tours from Santa Marta (like this one).

→ Tips for visiting Tayrona Park

Finally, your journey will come to an end with a budget-friendly internal flight from Santa Marta back to Bogotá (around €20), especially if your return flight departs from Bogotá.

Have More Time? Explore Further!

If you have additional time, consider yourself lucky! Colombia offers an abundance of adventures. For instance, if you have an extra week, you could explore:

• The Amazon rainforest, flying to Leticia and taking guided excursions from there.
• The Pacific coast, where you can spot humpback whales between July and November.

Alternatively, you can extend your stay in specific areas. For us, the Coffee Region deserves extra time; we spent five nights there and would have loved to add a couple more.

⭐ Check out the best travel insurance for Colombia to keep yourself protected.

Don’t forget to get the Revolut card (with a €10 promo) to avoid fees when withdrawing and spending money abroad.

We also provide a map of our proposed three-week route through Colombia to help visualize your journey and plan effectively.

We hope you find this three-week travel itinerary for Colombia enjoyable. While 21 days may not seem like a lot, as you can see, it’s sufficient to create unforgettable memories. Would you change anything in the route? Did we miss any must-see spots?

Follow our day-to-day adventures in Colombia on our Instagram stories.

Where to Stay in Colombia's Coffee Region: Areas and Hotels