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Introducing Colombia

Visiting Colombia
Explore one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, not only in terms of wildlife and flora, but also in terms of landscape, culture and gastronomy. Visit both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, then head off into the Andes and Amazon. Read more

Things to do

Whether you’re seeking adventure, local culture, or simply looking to relax by the Caribbean Sea, Colombia offers a wonderful experience, and the warmth of its people will make you feel at home.

When is the best time to visit?
Located near the equator, weather conditions in Colombia vary only slightly throughout the year, making Colombia a great year-round destination. Read more

How many days do you need to visit Colombia?

To get a good taste for Colombia you will need at least a week, and ideally a bit more. Learn more

Getting Around Colombia
There are a number of ways to travel between Colombia's cities and regions, navigating the country's diverse topography as you go. Domestic flights, car transfers, and boat transfers are all common ways to get around, depending on your route. Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is the most common arrival point for international travelers, while Cartagena and Medelliín also have airports with plenty of flight options. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Colombia Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
One of Tayrona's stunning beaches on the Caribbean Sea
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Coast  - 7 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 7 Days

This 7-day land and sea adventure covers all the highlights along Colombia's northern coast. You'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, explore the beautiful Tayrona National Park, hike through mountainous jungles, go birdwatching, visit a coffee farm, and finish your trip with a relaxing trip to the Rosario Islands by private speedboat.

The lush coffee region of the Cocora Valley
Map of Bogotá, Cocora Valley, Medellín, and Cartagena - 9 days
Bogotá, Cocora Valley, Medellín, and Cartagena - 9 days

On this 9-day tour, you'll get to explore the historical and cultural side of Bogotá before heading to the wax palm forests of the Cocora Valley. After spending some time on a local coffee plantation, head over to the beautiful city of Medellín, the home town of the famous Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Finally, head north to the Pearl of the Caribbean, the colorful town of Cartagena.

Beach at Tayrona Park
Map of The Real Colombia - 9-Day Adventure
The Real Colombia - 9-Day Adventure

In nine days, explore the ice-capped summits of the Sierra Nevada to the white sand beaches of the tropical Caribbean coast to discover a range of indigenous and contemporary cultures, as well as astounding biodiversity. Drive across city centres and take scenic mountain roads through the famous coffee region. Experience Colombia’s warm climate and culture by river and sea on rafting and sailing expeditions. 


Cartagena
Map of Best of Cartagena - 5-Day Itinerary
Best of Cartagena - 5-Day Itinerary

Explore Cartagena’s colonial architecture by foot, partake in its rich culinary scene, and meet the local characters for an authentic glimpse into Colombia’s Caribbean culture. Cartagena’s old town is like an outdoor museum, whose stories will be told by an experienced local guide.

Sky and trees reflected in the Amazon River
Map of Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary
Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary

This tour takes you off the beaten path and truly epitomizes the diversity that runs through Colombia and its people. Colombia's mountains, jungles, Caribbean beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, rural and indigenous cultures combine to offer a quite unforgettable tour in one of the world's great (and yet uncharted) destinations.

A mountainous plantation in Colombia's Coffee Triangle
Map of Bogotá, Coffee Triangle & Caribbean Coast - 7 Days
Bogotá, Coffee Triangle & Caribbean Coast - 7 Days

Colombia is a nation of vibrant cities, sleepy pueblos, and extraordinary landscapes. This action-packed seven-day tour gives you a taste of the true diversity of this country. Within the span of a week, you'll visit the museums of Bogotá, savor freshly roasted coffee near Salento, and gaze at the sea from Cartagena's ramparts. 

Make The Most of Your Time in Colombia

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Street scene in the historic old city of Cartagena
How Many Days to Spend in Colombia

A great trip to Colombia requires at least five days to get a taste of one big city and its surrounding areas. The more days you can add, the more opportunities to explore...

Colombia Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Tayrona Parque, Colombia
Best Time of Year to Visit Colombia

Colombia has tropical weather and a stable equatorial climate throughout the year. High seasons for tourism are December-February and June-August, coinciding the driest...

Cartagena
Best Places To Visit In Colombia

Colombia’s diverse culture and geography attract visitors from across the globe. You’ll discover an incredible range of places and people. Everywhere you go, you’ll enjoy the...

Colombia Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping in Colombia
Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping in Colombia

Beyond the untamed landscapes and Spanish Colonial heritage of Colombia's mainland, coral islands beckon. For visitors looking beyond the country's highlights, these gems offer...

Colombia Honeymoon
Great Honeymoon Ideas for Colombia

The romantic city of Cartagena, white-sand Caribbean beaches, beautiful Coffee Country and sizzling salsa dancing combine to make Colombia a wonderful honeymoon destination....

Colombia Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Colombia Coffee Country
Ultimate Guide to Colombia's Coffee Region

Colombia's coffee region set amidst the rugged hills between Medellin, Cali and Ibague produces some of the finest coffee in the world. Besides learning how the coffee is made,...

Colombia Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Medellín
5.0
(6)
Situated in the Astorga neighborhood of Medellín, Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant offers a luxurious experience in a beautiful location. Just a short drive from Lleras Park and Santafé Mall, you'll have easy access to some of the city's most popular attractions. Additionally, the hotel is only 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from Plaza Mayor Convention Center and 4.4 miles (7 km) from Botero Plaza, making it an ideal base for exploring Medellín's vibrant culture and history. Elcielo Hotel's 28 air-conditioned rooms are designed for your comfort and relaxation. Featuring Smart TVs, free WiFi, and cable programming, you'll have everything you need to unwind after a day of exploring. The private bathrooms come with separate bathtubs and showers, rainfall showerheads, and fluffy towels. Kimkim travelers have praised the hotel's eco-conscious approach, pristine cleanliness, and turn-down service with delicious treats. What sets Elcielo Hotel apart is its unique blend of character, authenticity, and exceptional service. The hotel's lush greenery creates a tranquil atmosphere, as does the beautiful outdoor pool and sun deck. Don't miss out on the hotel's signature cuisine restaurant, which offers sensory and gastronomic experiences based on neuroscience and local Colombian ingredients. 
Photo courtesy of Hotel Casa Medina Four Seasons
Bogotá
5.0
(6)
Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá Casa Medina is an iconic architectural masterpiece that dates back to 1946, designed by Colombian artist-architect Santiago Medina Mejía. This urban property, declared an official Monument of Cultural Interest, is wrapped in historic elegance, with its beamed ceilings and hand-carved wooden furnishings. Its location in Bogotá's Financial District allows you to be steps away from the buzzy center and the foodie paradise of Zona G. Despite its urban setting, the hotel is a short drive to major attractions such as Torre Colpatria, Plaza de Bolívar, Bogota Botanical Garden, and Monserrate. The rooms and suites of Casa Medina are each a work of art—no two are alike. They are characterized by their quiet elegance, featuring beamed ceilings, hand-carved wooden furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and modern conveniences. The rooms offer a diverse range of experiences, from the rustic charm of the Premier Room with its hardwood floors to the Colonial Suite, the most unique suite with its spa-like whirlpool tub and wood-burning fireplace. For those in need of extra space, these more expansive options provide separate sleeping and living spaces. At Casa Medina, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of amenities. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers wellness rituals featuring Colombian coffee, various massages, facials, and nail care. The Mediterranean-style bar and restaurant, Castanyoles, offers a conservatory-like interior patio...
Photo courtesy of Hotel Boutique Sazagua
Salento
4.8
(8)
Sazagua Hotel Boutique, located in the bustling Coffee Region of Colombia, promises a unique retreat. This family-run gem, previously a private home, offers a tranquil respite just about a 20-minute drive from the urban center of Pereira, including its central Bolívar Plaza. Surrounded by a lush tropical garden, a variety of native trees, and a collection of palms, you'll enjoy the serenity provided by nature.  Each room at Sazagua Hotel Boutique is a testament to the hotel's rich history and the family's travels through Colombia and around the world. Past kimkim travelers have praised the rooms for their spaciousness, cleanliness, and attention to detail in the decor. The hotel's charm is evident in the handcrafted furniture and the distinct interpretation of the region each room offers—featuring interior gardens, hammocks for rest, and comfortable beds. All rooms come equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and views of the garden or private terraces. Sazagua Hotel Boutique ensures your stay is not just about relaxation but also about indulgence. Start your day with an à la carte breakfast in the dining room, accompanied by the melodious songs of wild birds. Savor global flavors with a local twist at the Tributo Cocina Peregrina restaurant. For ultimate relaxation, visit the Turukao SPA, which offers natural treatments and rituals inspired by the region. The hotel also has a refreshing pool, hidden amid the tropical foliage, where you can unwind after a day of...

Best Experiences in Colombia

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Low lying fog over an Andean lagoon
The drawback to Colombia is that the country is so beautiful that many perfectly lovely areas often get overlooked. The nation's Boyacá Department is one such place. This highland region near to Bogotá has a rich history (it's the site of a turning point in the war for independence), and it's home to time-warp colonial towns like Villa de Leyva and Tunja. Its rugged highland landscapes also make for great excursions, particularly around Iguaque Lagoon, a lake so abounding in natural beauty that it was declared a sanctuary in 1977. A six-hour guided hike follows a scenic path through the Andes near Villa de Leyva. From here the trail winds upwards to Iguaque Lagoon, which sits at a whopping 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). This lake has special significance in Colombia: the ancient indigenous Muisca people believed it to be the origin of all life on earth. Standing among the calm banks of its shores, surrounded by all that natural beauty, it is easy to feel the spiritual energy that the Muisca felt.What's also interesting about this region is that even slight increases in altitude determine the type of vegetation that grows there, so over the course of a single hike folks can see a wide array of fauna. Everything from moss-covered-trees and ferns to pine forests to frailejones plants—which look like a mix of sunflowers and cactus—exist here. If it's a clear day, the 360° views of the Andean lakes and mountains dotted with farms and villages will be unforgettable.
Playa Azul, Rosario Islands
Rosario Islands
Cartagena de Indias is not only a beautiful Caribbean coastal destination, but it's also one of the most well-preserved Spanish Colonial cities in South America. Back when the Spaniards were in charge, they utilized a network of offshore islands to help protect their shipments of gold. Beyond these defensive fortifications, though, about 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Cartagena, lie the Rosario Islands, an archipelago of unspoiled Caribbean islets that make for great day trips from the city.  This seven-hour tour starts at the pier in Cartagena. A quick speedboat trip leads to the Barú Peninsula, passing Tierra Bomba Island and Boca Chica, ancient forts that once protected Cartagena from hostile invaders. The final destination is the Rosario Islands and Playa Azul, a crescent beach with soft white sands hugging the turquoise Caribbean Sea. A buffet lunch will be served, and there will be ample time for sunbathing. An optional add-on is to rent a kayak and embark on a two or three-hour paddling excursion before returning to Cartagena in the late afternoon.
Bogotá
A mere 50 minutes north of Bogotá lies the town of Zipaquirá, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. While certainly a charming colonial town, Zipaquirá is a must-visit Colombian destination for one single landmark: the Salt Cathedral, located just outside of town. This is indeed a church made out of salt, as it was constructed in the tunnels of a salt mine in the 1930s so the working miners had a place to worship. The salt mine has been shut down since 1992 and has been a tourist site ever since. A tour of the mine takes visitors some 200 meters (656 feet) into a rock-salt mountain. Here there are 14 "stations of the cross"—small chapels carved out of walls that signifies Christ's last journey. The cathedral also boasts a dome and three naves. This day trip also includes a visit to the Nemocón Salt Mine, 30 minutes outside of Zipaquirá. There, 80 meters (262 feet) underground, are a collection of immaculately preserved tunnels where eight million tons of salt were extracted between 1816 and 1968. Atmospheric lighting effects with the help of mirrors turn these tunnels into an exciting subterranean excursion.

Our Latest Colombia Content

 A colorful street corner in Cartagena, Colombia
Map of Bogotá, Cartagena & the Rosario Islands: Best Itinerary Ideas
Bogotá, Cartagena & the Rosario Islands: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten days to two weeks is the most popular trip length for Colombia travelers interested in visiting Bogotá, Cartagena, and the Rosario Islands, especially when also including Medellín. If you're not interested in Medellín, a week to nine days is enough for your Bogotá, Cartagena, and Rosario Islands trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Bogotá, Cartagena, and the Rosario Islands and beyond.

 Santa Marta, Colombia
Map of Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, eight to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a Colombia trip, with stops in Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca, and Tayrona National Park. It's also possible to hit the highlights in seven days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Bogotá or Medellín. See more ideas for Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca, and Tayrona National Park itineraries below.

 Tintinpan and Isla Múcura in San Bernardo Islands, on Colombia's Caribbean Coast
Map of Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands & Cartagena: Best Itinerary Ideas
Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands & Cartagena: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 10 to 12 days is the perfect amount of time for a Colombia trip, with stops in Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands, and Cartagena. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Zona Cafetera, Tayrona National Park, or Leticia and Puerto Nariño. See more ideas for Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands, and Cartagena itineraries below.

Colombia Travel Videos

Tour of Tayorna Parque, Palomino and Bogota
Tour of Cartagena, Baru and La Boquilla
Family Trip in Colombia

Colombia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Colombia map: 5 Main Regions of Colombia: A Guide To Planning Your Trip
5 Main Regions of Colombia: A Guide To Planning Your Trip
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Colombia map: 7 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Colombia map: 10 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Colombia
Travel specialist Michael Gold
active 4 hours ago

Michael Gold

Since I was little, I have been fascinated by getting to know the great wide world. The exchange with other cultures has always been my focus. Therefore, I have made my interest my profession. In...

read more...
Travel specialist Margoth Rico
active 4 hours ago

Margoth Rico

I have seen how Colombia has evolved from a dangerous destination to a safe, welcoming, and upcoming destination, and I am therefore extremely passionate to be part of my country's tourism...

read more...
Travel specialist Felipe Rico
active 4 hours ago

Felipe Rico

I have seen how Colombia has evolved from a dangerous destination to a safe, welcoming, and upcoming destination, and I am therefore extremely passionate to be part of my country's tourism...

read more...
Travel specialist Leo Cuesta
active 9 hours ago

Leo Cuesta

I'm the founder and president of Uncharted Earth, an adventure travel company that specializes in lesser known and relatively undeveloped travel destinations. We seek out unspoiled nature...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Colombia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

It was very well organized. We had people fro...
Colombia | Nov 16 - Nov 24, 2018

C
Carla L.
Longwood, FL | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

It was very well organized. We had people from different ages and we were all able to have a great time!
I will recommend.

Local specialist: Lisa A Calabrese

Hello, Filipe … We are now back to our home i...
Colombia | Aug 26 - Sep 7, 2023

R
ROBERT M.
Evanston, IL | Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

Hello, Filipe … We are now back to our home in the US and sorting through dirty laundry and backed up mail. After our own stops and starts on the trip planning, we are very pleased with the overall trip experience that you and your guides assembled.

· Guides. Each of your three assigned guides were excellent, with English language communication skills and insights into Columbia’s past drug lord issues. Guide Diago realized that Robert was not as nimble-footed as he once was, and... read more

Hello, Filipe … We are now back to our home in the US and sorting through dirty laundry and backed up mail. After our own stops and starts on the trip planning, we are very pleased with the overall trip experience that you and your guides assembled.

· Guides. Each of your three assigned guides were excellent, with English language communication skills and insights into Columbia’s past drug lord issues. Guide Diago realized that Robert was not as nimble-footed as he once was, and suggested wheel chairs when necessary. Using such a vehicle, Diago pushed Robert up the very steep walkway in Medellin for a very interesting neighborhood visit. Quite a task!

· Hotels. We were pleased with our hotels in Bogota and Cartegena However, Patio del Mundi there needs some help. We were first booked into a back room that could only be accessed by a crazy quilt of patio and unlit steps. The following day, due to our complaints, we were changed to another smaller room, but with door keys that did not work. In addition, breakfast each morning offered only the same scrambled eggs plate, a couple of the pastries that did not seem that fresh, and coffee where it took forever to get a second cup and that tasted like instant. Patio del Mundi is a small pleasant hotel that really needs some work.

· Restaurant Meals. We planned the trip by asking you to book us in top restaurants in each city. You really achieved our expectations throughout! The lady at the front desk in Cartagena, when we asked each day for a cab to our designated restaurant, said that we were really going to the best restaurants in Cartagena. Our only comment regarding asl of these restaurant reservations was Medellin’s El Ciello, which was perhaps too much over the top for us. They featured a 17 -course tasting menu. That was just too much for our tastes. We skipped that and ordered a lesser selection from their menu.

Overall, we are very pleased with our trip to Columbia and your schedule adjustments, despite our own personal back and forth changes. We would be pleased to provide a favorable reference to others as you may wish.

If I have a grumble about your trip organization, it is your failure to communicate via standard MICROSOFT email. For example, you spent far too much time claiming I should us an application called "Whats App". I wasted too much time and never got the application to work.

Local specialist: Felipe Rico
Felipe
Felipe Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Sep 14, 2023

Dear Robert and Lois,

We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time in Colombia! And it is wonderful to hear that you found our guides to be excellent and knowledgeable as we strive to provide the best possible service to our clients. Your kind words about Diego's assistance are greatly appreciated, and we will certainly pass on this positive feedback to him. Regarding the restaurant choices, it is great to hear that you enjoyed our recommendations.

I am also glad you liked your... read more

Dear Robert and Lois,

We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time in Colombia! And it is wonderful to hear that you found our guides to be excellent and knowledgeable as we strive to provide the best possible service to our clients. Your kind words about Diego's assistance are greatly appreciated, and we will certainly pass on this positive feedback to him. Regarding the restaurant choices, it is great to hear that you enjoyed our recommendations.

I am also glad you liked your Hotel options and thank you for your feedback regarding Patio del Mundo. This is a very unique local boutique hotel in Medellin, located in a nice and safe neighborhood, and usually our travelers have a very good experience with them especially when they like boutique style hotels with an authentic nature and a garden. Very valuable for us to have your feedback though and thank you for taking the time to write your comments.

I understand that you expressed your frustration with the different communication methods used, especially with WhatsApp. We use Whatsapp as a service for our travelers to stay connected to our local agency in Colombia at all times, and to assist you at anytime and be there for you for anything you need, but it is an optional way of communication that most of our travelers appreciate, and not mandatory to use. Having said this, please know that we have certainly taken this feedback into account and are making efforts to be more adaptive and ensure that we only use the preferred communication channel of each of our travelers.

Should you require any further assistance or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, and thank you once again for visiting Colombia!

Warmest regards,
Felipe

9 perfect days in Colombia!
Colombia | Aug 26 - Sep 3, 2023

S
Shailee V.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2023

Margarita and her team were amazing. She planned a our trip to Colombia including Cano Cristales! Despite Cano being off the typical itinerary, it was a perfect plan! The plan was just right for us as we were travelling with a 6 year old. There was enough downtime for resting, while also options to add on more. The trip was tailor made for us with small private tours and all the tour guides were all prepared to guide us to kid friendly and vegetarian friendly options. The took out all the stress of trying to figure things out on our own. Thank you so much for a super time !

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Sep 08, 2023

Hi Shailee!
Thank you so much for your feedback; I'm thrilled that Colombia exceeded your expectations!
Seeing the excitement on your family's faces when you arrived from Caño Cristales was incredibly gratifying.
Thank you for entrusting me and the team with crafting a memorable experience for you.

We look forward to the opportunity to dazzle you and your family again, this time exploring new and enchanting regions of Colombia. The wonders of this magical country are waiting for you, and so are we at The Colombian Trip.

Best,
Margarita