For most travelers, 13 to 15 days is the perfect amount of time for a Colombia trip, with stops in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera, and Tayrona National Park. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as nine to 12 days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country. Keep reading for more inspiring itineraries.
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Tarannum N.
Canada
"My husband and I had a very memorable vacation in Colombia . All our excursions and meals were carefully arranged ..." read more
Traveled to Colombia as a couple in May, 2025
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Rebecca B.
Virginia, United States
" We spent 2 weeks in Medellin and the coffee growing region of Colombia. Michael helped us create the itinerary based..." read more
Traveled to Colombia as a couple in May, 2025
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Cara Z.
Virginia, United States
"We loved out trip to Colomba and Michael was always very responsive to accomodating with all my questions and adustin..." read more
Traveled to Colombia as a family in April, 2025
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Rebecca H.
Maryland, United States
"We had a blast on this trip and the planning process was extremely easy. Michael designed an itinerary that nailed ex..." read more
Traveled to Colombia as a family in April, 2025

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

  • Most travelers spend 13-15 days in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera, and Tayrona National Park combined
  • Visiting Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera, and Tayrona National Park in 9 to 12 days is possible, but will feel rushed
  • With 16 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip

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

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Recommended Itineraries for Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera & Tayrona National Park

Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks

Walk around Plaza de Bolívar, Bogota's main square, upon arrival
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bogotá, Explore Bogotá
Day 2 Ajiaco Cooking Lesson in Bogotá Bogotá
Day 3 Transfer to Zona Cafetera, Stay at a Coffee Finca Pereira
Day 4 Hiking, Explore Salento Pereira
Day 5 Driving Tour of Zona Cafetera Pereira
Day 6 Transfer to Medellín, Explore Medellín
Day 7 Medellín City Tour Medellín
Day 8 Guatapé Day-Trip Medellín
Day 9 Fly to Santa Marta, Transfer to Tayrona National Park Tayrona National Park
Day 10 Tour of Tayrona National Park Tayrona National Park
Day 11 Transfer to Cartagena, Explore Cartagena
Day 12 Free Day, Salsa Dancing Lesson Cartagena
Day 13 Rosario Islands Day Trip Cartagena
Day 14 Depart Cartagena  


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 & Tayrona National Park

How to get to Tayrona National Park
Found in Northern Colombia, Tayrona National Park is most often accessed via nearby Santa Marta. From the entrance, you can catch the shuttle bus to venture farther into the park or walk to your accommodation. If you are headed from Riohacha or Palomino, you'll want to get a bus headed in the direction of Santa Marta and depart near the park entrance. Read more

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

Map

Map of Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas