1 Week in Colombia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Colombia Highlights Tour

Split between Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, this highlights itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Colombia with an affinity for the finer things in life. Throughout, you'll seek out the finest gems and golden treasures of Bogotá, helicopter over the lush Antioquia countryside, and cruise amid the Rosario Islands onboard a private catamaran. Come evening, dine at high-end restaurants and settle into stunning accommodations, each carefully picked for its charm, opulence, and superb location. 

Welcome to Colombia! Your luxury-wrapped adventure begins in Bogotá, and after a quick refresh at the French-inspired Sofitel Victoria Regia, you'll join a private guide to learn about the Emerald District's unique jewels. Continue your discovery of the city's treasures the following morning during a guided visit to the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). Then, don your finest for a splendid evening dining at El Chato. Transfer by plane to Medellín next, where an afternoon at the flower-filled town of Santa Elena awaits, followed by a gourmet dinner at Elcielo Restaurant.

While based in Medellín, you'll also explore the gorgeous Antioquia countryside on a private tour, which whisks you between the colorful hill town of Guatapé and the summit of El Peñón de Guatapé and includes a thrilling helicopter flight. Next, continue by flight to Cartagena and check into the 5-star Casa San Agustín. Spend your first afternoon here discovering the Walled City on a photography tour. Then, embark on an insightful trip to Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas, before wrapping up your adventure with a delightful sailing experience among the Rosario Islands. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Tour of Colombia's Mountains, Valleys & Zona Cafetera

Immerse yourself in Colombia's aromatic cuisine, storied traditions, and lush landscapes on this weeklong luxury getaway. Ideal for travelers seeking private and authentic experiences, you can look forward to browsing markets alongside a local guide, learning the secrets of coffee farming at a traditional finca, and hiking amid the steep green hills of the Cocora Natural Reserve. In addition, relax and rejuvenate while staying at premium accommodations in Bogotá, Pereira, and Medellín. 

Upon arriving in Bogotá, your luxury tour begins with a gourmet foodie experience, followed by relaxation time at your accommodation—the 5-star Sofitel Victoria Regia. Delve deeper into the city's food culture the following morning during an exclusive municipal markets tour. Then, wrap up your stay in Bogotá by ascending Cerro Monserrate in a cable car and visiting Zipaquirá's magnificent cathedral. From Bogotá, your journey takes a scenic turn westward to Pereira, where you'll delve into the heart of the region's celebrated coffee culture with a comprehensive bean-to-cup tour at a local finca.

Your base in Pereira is Hacienda Bambusa, and its peaceful surroundings are sure to energize you for a fascinating hike through the hillsides of Cocora Natural Reserve. Afterward, fly to Medellín, and upon arrival, join a local guide to learn about the city's notorious past and present-day charm. Continue your cultural immersion into the evening with a thrilling dinner and tango show, and throughout the next day during a trip to El Carmen de Viboral—home to some of the finest artisans in the country. Lastly, squeeze in a spirited game of trejo before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Adventure on Colombia's Rainbow River: Bogotá, Caño Cristales & Medellín

Crafted for travelers eager to experience the natural wonders of Colombia without compromising on their comforts, this nature-focused adventure features a cable car ride to the summit of Cerro Monserrate, three days tucked near the breathtaking "Rainbow River," and a day trip to the countryside town of Jardín. Between adventures, spend your nights at hand-selected, lavish accommodations, including Sofitel Victoria Regia, Elcielo Hotel, and the jungle-tucked La Manigua Lodge. Other notable highlights include an eco-cooking class and ​​Bogotá and Medellín city tours.

After arriving in Bogotá and refreshing at your 5-star accommodation, you'll shake off any lingering travel fatigue during a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Cerro Monserrate. Wake refreshed and eager to explore more city sights the following morning, and with a private guide leading the way, you'll effortlessly hop between historic sites and funky bars. Then, trade the urban sprawl for the rainforest-surrounded La Macarena, reachable by a 1.5-hour flight. Here, you'll check into the luxurious La Manigua Lodge and spend the evening boating along the rainbow-hued Caño Cristales waterway.

Continue your discovery of Serranía de La Macarena National Park the following morning and top off the day with a sunset boat ride back to your accommodation. Then, board a flight bound for Medellín and check into the well-appointed Elcielo Hotel for a two-night stay. Spend your first evening in Medellín experiencing the rowdier side of the city on a foodies tour, but get a good night's rest, as you'll spend the following day meandering through the charming countryside town of Jardín. Lastly, sneak in a decadent culinary workshop hosted by a local community leader before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Culture & Cuisine in Colombia

Savor fresh seafood, local rum, and exotic fruits on this culture and cuisine-focused tour. Carefully crafted for luxury-loving foodies, you'll have the opportunity to sample street classics like arepas (corn cakes) and patacones (fried, smashed plantains) and dine at world-renowned restaurants as you make your way from Medellín to the Caribbean coast. Other highlights include a cooking workshop in Barichara, dinner onboard a private catamaran, and a hike on the storied Camino Real.

Hopefully, you've arrived hungry, as after landing in Medellín and slipping into your most elegant attire, you'll dine at your accommodation's world-famous Elcelo Restaurant. Get to know the region's produce the following morning while visiting Jardín Botánico, and sample many of the same exotic fruits during a private visit to a local farmers market. Next, wake early for a morning flight to Barichara, deemed one of Colombia's most beautiful towns, and check into the royalty-worthy Casa Yahri. Pause to refresh, then split the evening between an immersive basket-making workshop and a three-hour cooking class.

After the indulgent evening, you'll be eager to tackle the following day's hike on the Camino Real, famous for its 18th-century stone pathway. Then, fly to Cartagena on Colombia's Caribbean coast and uncover the city's best street food, rums, and artisanal chocolates alongside a guide. A day trip to Palenque is featured next on your itinerary, and while here, you'll learn about the lives of the Afro-Colombian inhabitants through food and music. Lastly, return to Cartagena for an evening of exquisite seafood dining before celebrating the end of your adventure onboard a private catamaran. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Authentic Luxury in Colombia's Interior: Bogotá, Villa de Leyva & Cali

Perfect for return travelers to Colombia and those eager to head beyond the usual routes, this off-the-beaten-path trip features the country's fascinating culture, cuisine, and history. Between cooking lessons, a cheese workshop, and a "hidden dinner" experience, you'll get to know the rich flavors and passionate locals who bring Colombian cuisine to life. In addition, you'll be let in on the secret location of Guatavita, attend a professional salsa show, and soar over Cauca Valley in a helicopter.

Your off-the-beaten-path adventure begins in Bogotá, where you'll immediately delve into local traditions during an ajiaco cooking class led by a private chef. Start the following day off with a side trip to the sacred lake of Guatavita, then take a cable car to the summit of Cerro Monserrate for panoramic city views. Next, transfer north to Villa de Leyva and check into Casa Alcstre, a colonial home turned luxury boutique hotel. Here, you'll spend the afternoon checking out the town's historic sites alongside a private guide, including a home built from a massive boulder and a rather unique collection of upright stones.

Delve even deeper into Villa de Leyva's culture the following day during a cheese workshop at a rural farm, complete with wine and a country barbecue. Next, catch a flight to Cali and check into the lavish Alko Hotel Casa Níspero. It won't take long to discover why this city is deemed the "salsa capital of the world," as soon, you'll be attending a professional show at El Mulato Cabaret. The following day promises to be just as thrilling, with a helicopter tour and "hidden dinner" experience on the agenda, which marks the end of your extraordinary trip to Colombia. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Colombia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Colombia? Check out these other one-week Colombia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.