Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera?

• Most travelers spend 10-11 days in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera combined
• Visiting Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera in 8 or 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extension is Tayrona National Park

How Many Days to Spend in Bogotá
How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena
How Many Days to Spend in Medellín
How Many Days to Spend in Colombia's Coffee Region

Recommended Itineraries for Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera

Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

Check off three unforgettable cities on this whirlwind 10-day tour, starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight at a coffee farm, where you'll hike the green mountains of Cocora Valley, dotted with towering palm trees. From here, head to Medellín—a city with outdoor art and spring-like weather—before ending on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore the romantic streets of Cartagena's Old Town. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days

Travelers who like to be on the move can check off three cities on this whirlwind 11-day tour, starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight at a coffee farm and hiking through the famous Cocora Valley. From here, head to Medellíb and end the trip on the Caribbean coast, where you'll take a day trip to the Rosario Islands and explore the narrow streets of Cartagena's inner-walled city. Read more

Extended Itineraries

2-Week Itinerary Including Tayrona National Park

From the buzzing nightlife of Bogotá to the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Medellín and the romance of Cartagena's Old Town, this well-rounded journey covers Colombia's best urban highlights and yet breaks it up with outdoorsy adventures along the way. Starting in the capital, the two-week adventure is ideal for travelers who want to experience culture and historic sights but who are also enticed by hiking in coffee fields, exploring a rainforest on the Caribbean coast, and relaxing on white-sand beaches in Tayrona National Park. Read more

How to travel between Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera

How to get from Bogotá to Medellín
The distance between two of Colombia's largest cities, Bogotá and Medellín, is 260 miles (419 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about an hour. Going by car is also an option—the route takes significantly longer (over 10 hours), but this is a great way to see the hilly, scenic countryside, and there are a few noteworthy stops you can make along the way. Private transfers are recommended over self-driving, though it can be an expensive option at this distance. Read more

How to get from Bogotá to Pereira
The distance between Bogotá and Pereira in Colombia's Zona Cafetera is about 200 miles (325 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about one hour via a direct flight. Driving overland takes at least nine hours with no stops, and private transfers are recommended over self-driving the mountain roads (though it can be an expensive option at this distance). Going by bus is also a possibility, though a less convenient one. Read more

How to get from Medellín to Cartagena
The distance between Medellín and Cartagena is 389 miles (636 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about an hour. Buses run from Medellín to Cartagena numerous times every day and are an economical way to go; you can expect at least thirteen hours on the road. Private transfers are recommended over self-driving, though it can be an expensive option at this distance. Read more