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

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