10 Days in Colombia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Tour of Colombia's Cities: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena

This luxury highlights tour features a decadent blend of Colombia's renowned sights, tastes, and experiences. Throughout, you'll uncover the alluring highlights of each destination, from Medellín and Bogotá's world-renowned restaurants to the Caribbean islands of Cartagena, making this a fantastic itinerary for first-time travelers to Colombia. Plus, with stays at 5-star accommodations and numerous private excursions, you'll wrap up this adventure feeling rejuvenated and well-acquainted with Colombian culture.

Welcome to Colombia! Your journey begins with a private transfer from Bogotá airport to the 5-star Hotel Casa Medina, where you'll refresh and meet up with a guide for a museum tour. Then, over the following two days, tour Zipaquirá's Salt Cathedral, admire expansive views from Cerro Monserrate, and encounter the city's renowned cuisine through market visits and fine-dining experiences. Next, fly to Medellín and check into the opulent Elcielo Hotel for a three-night stay. From here, you'll visit a working coffee farm and embark on a day trip to the charming villages of Santa Elena and Guatapé.

Your final day in Medellín promises to be just as memorable, with a private city tour on the agenda, followed by dinner at the top-rated Carmen restaurant. Next, continue your journey by plane to Cartagena, where you'll call the lavish Casa San Agustín home. Spend your first evening getting your bearings during a private walking tour, then dedicate the following day to unwinding on the dreamy Islas del Rosario. Lastly, take part in a local-led cooking class, learn the fundamentals of salsa dancing, and sample gourmet coffees before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Island Hopping in Colombia's Caribbean

Land yourself in the lap of Caribbean luxury on this island-hopping adventure in Colombia. With two-day stays on Isla Barú, Isla Múcura, Islas del Rosario, and Isla San Andrés—all renowned for their sugary beaches and crystal-clear waters—you'll be treated to unhurried afternoons filled with exclusive water-themed excursions. In addition, nights spent at accommodations selected for their amenities and privileged locations ensure you're never far from a cocktail or the beach.

Straight off the plane in Cartagena, your luxury-wrapped adventure begins with a water taxi ride to the pristine Isla Barú and time to unwind at your luxurious bungalow. Then, spend the following day admiring tropical birds at Aviario Nacional and further rejuvenating at your accommodation before transferring to Isla Múcura. This island is renowned for its tranquil beaches and turquoise waters, and over two days here, you'll effortlessly experience both. Next, continue the island hopping theme with a boat transfer to Islas del Rosario, and upon arrival, join a snorkeling guide for a lovely afternoon at sea. 

On Islas del Rosario, you'll spend your time as you please, and with options like kayaking, a mangrove tour, and a gourmet sunset dinner, you'll fly to Isla San Andrés feeling fully at ease. Your home on Isla San Andrés is the elegant Hotel Casablanca, which is in the perfect location to enjoy the island's powdery beaches, lively bars, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Afterward, bid farewell to island life and return to Cartagena for a quick but immersive overnight stay. Thanks to a local guide, you'll visit the Convento de la Popa, San Felipe de Barajas, and Plaza de Bolívar before prepping for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Highlights of Colombia

Perfect for first-time travelers to Colombia seeking a well-rounded yet fast-paced tour, this alternate highlights itinerary features two-night stays in Bogotá, Pereira, Medellín, and Isla Barú. Such diversity in destinations allows you to experience bustling cities, quaint farms, and idyllic islands—all while hopping between 5-star accommodations. In addition, plenty of hand-picked activities, including a diving lesson, a climb up El Peñón de Guatapé, and a dinner and tango show, further elevate this adventure.

Begin your finely curated Colombian trip in Bogotá, where you'll easily shake off any travel fatigue over dinner at the renowned Elcielo Restaurant, a bespoke markets and museums tour, and a trip up Cerro Monserrate. More relaxation is on the agenda the following day, as, after a short flight west to Pereira, you'll spend the evening soaking at the Santa Rosa Hot Springs. Then, join an expert for an insightful visit to a working coffee farm before continuing to Medellín. Upon arrival, get to know this turbulent turned charming city through a guided highlights tour and a tango dinner show.

Your Colombia journey continues with a day trip from Medellín to the imposing El Peñón de Guatapé. Next, transfer by flight and water taxi to the dreamy Isla Barú and check into your luxurious bungalow at Hotel Las Islas. From here, you'll embark on an evening bioluminescent plankton cruise and explore the region's vibrant underwater world during an introductory scuba course. Then, take advantage of a free afternoon to laze on the soft sands of Playa Blanca, as the following day, you'll return to Cartagena and wrap up your adventure over a guided city, photography, and rum-tasting tour. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Colombia's Road Less Traveled in Luxury

Venture off the beaten path on this authentic journey through Colombia's countryside and colorful villages. Perfect for those seeking an in-depth introduction to the country's rural culture, you'll join local guides for food tours, 4WD among ancient sculptures, and meander through Villa de Leyva's cobbled streets lined with colonial buildings. In between, spend your nights at serene hacienda-style retreats and enjoy the leisure of private transfers.

Your adventure begins in Bogotá, but for now, bid farewell to the bustling city and transfer to the beautiful colonial village of Villa de Leyva. An overnight here ensures you have time to enjoy the comforts of your lavish accommodation, Hotel Casa Tierra, and learn about the region's history during a guided tour. Then, after returning to Bogotá and digging into the city's history through a private tour, you'll set your sights on Pitalito. This region is famous for its coffee farms, nature reserves, and archaeological sites, and through a thrilling countryside Jeep excursion, you'll experience the hidden wonders of each.

From Pitalito, a scenic four-hour transfer brings you to the colonial city of Popayán, where you'll delve right into the region's tasty cuisine over a local-led food tour. Next, continue to Salento and check into Hacienda Bambusa for a two-night stay. This serene town is surrounded by historic coffee villages, and you'll have a chance to visit the most quintessential ones during a day trip around Valle de Cocora. Afterward, transfer to Jardín and split the day between lazing at the lavish Hotel Boutique Casa Passiflora and checking out city highlights before wrapping up your trip in Medellín. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Getaway on Colombia's Caribbean Coast

Hop between unspoiled beaches and islands, enhance your scuba diving and golfing skills, and seek out tropical birds on this luxurious escape to Colombia's Caribbean coast. Carefully crafted for ocean and nature-loving travelers, you can look forward to exploring on foot, by kayak, and with expert local guides leading the way. In addition, minimal travel time and overnights in 5-star resorts and colonial homes ensure you leave well-refreshed and sun-kissed.

Your Caribbean-focused trip begins in Santa Marta, where, after refreshing at the boutique Casa de Leda, you'll wander the historic center with an expert guide. Then, wake early for an enchanting tour of Minca, featuring tropical birds and coffee farms, before transferring to Taironaka Nature Reserve. Located within Tayrona National Park, this is an excellent base to embark on guided hikes through pre-Hispanic terraces and hop between unspoiled beaches. Your next destination is Cartagena, and upon arrival, you'll sip artisan rums in the Walled City and relax at the Bastión Luxury Hotel. 

The second half of your adventure kicks off with a round of golf at the swanky Club Karibana Cartagena, followed by a salsa dancing lesson. Afterward, board a water taxi bound for Isla Barú and spend the afternoon as you please, perhaps joining a bike tour or booking in for a spa treatment. Then, with two more days based on Isla Barú, you'll have plenty of time to join a scuba diving mini-course, witness the otherworldly bioluminescent plankton, and island hop around the Islas del Rosario. Lastly, squeeze in a birding excursion to Aviario Nacional before catching your onward flight from Cartagena. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Colombia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Colombia? Check out these other 10-day Colombia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.