Colombia Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Colombia

Wondering where to go in Colombia?
Colombia's great diversity offers an endless list of travel possibilities. In addition to the beautiful (yet popular) coastal city of Cartagena, there is a wide range of amazing and unique places to visit:

Beautiful beaches: San Andrés and Providencia, the Rosario Islands (near Cartagena), The Tayrona Park
Colonial towns: Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Salento
Coffee region: Cocora and the beautiful 'coffee triangle' region of Colombia
Ethnic villages: The Lost City, Guajira
Arid deserts: Guajira and the Tatacoa Desert
Tropical rainforests: The Amazons and the Pacific
Modern cities: Bogotá, Medellín and Cali
Snowy mountains: El Cocuy and Los Nevados National Park

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Highlights of Colombia: Cities, Coast, & Colonial Highlands - 15 Days

Visit Colombia's cities, countryside, and coast on this comprehensive tour. Visit charming colonial towns like Barichara and Villa de Leyva, the modern metropolitan city of Medellín, and the colorful village of Guatape. Visit a working coffee farm and learn the entire process that goes into your morning cup. Once you reach the coast, you'll spend a few days exploring Cartagena and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Rosario Islands.

Rock of Guatapé (Piedra de Penol), near Medellín.

Highlights of Colombia: Cities & the Caribbean Coast - 16 Days

This classic Colombia itinerary starts in Bogotá and then travels north to the Caribbean. Along the route, you'll visit famous salt mines and charming colonial towns like Barichara and Villa de Leyva, with a couple of days to explore the modern metropolitan city of Medellín. Once you reach the coast, you'll spend a few days exploring Cartagena before relaxing on the pristine beaches of the San Bernardo Islands.

Highlights of Colombia: Cities, Caribbean Coast, & Tayrona National Park - 15 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this classic Colombian itinerary starts in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá and then travels north to the Caribbean Sea. Along the route, you'll visit the rolling green hills and colorful colonial houses of the coffee region. Once you reach the coast, you'll spend a few days exploring Tayrona National Park before heading to the romantic inner-walled city of Cartagena and jetting off to the San Bernardo Islands.

Luxury Colombia Eco-Adventure: Amazon Rainforest & Pacific Coast - 15 Days

This high-end itinerary starts in the capital of Bogotá before heading deep into the heart of the mighty Amazon River—from here, you'll head out on a series of unforgettable days via foot, canoe and other small boats. Then, fly to Medellín to explore the history and vibrant modern culture of the city before flying to the Pacific Coast, a dense rainforest where you'll explore tiny villages and partake in a variety of activities including hiking and soaking in hot springs.

Bogotá, Medellín, & the Pacific Coast - 13 Days

Colombia's wild and undiscovered region of Chocó on the Pacific coast takes center stage in this 13-day itinerary. The adventure starts in the country's capital city and nearby national parks. From there, visit Medellín, take in the dazzling views from a hike around lakeside Guatapé, and taste Colombia's coffee at the source. End in Nuquí, a dense rainforest where you'll spend three days exploring tiny villages and partaking in outdoor activities.

Medellín & the Los Nevados Trek - 8 Days

Colombia Outdoor Adventure: Medellín & Los Nevados Trek - 8 Days

This active Colombian adventure includes three days of trekking in the snowy mountains of Los Nevados National Park, which sprawls across 143,000 acres of the Colombian Andes. Enjoy hiking through a unique high-elevation ecosystem, where rare species of flora and fauna thrive. You will also have time to explore the charming colonial town of Salento, the coffee region hub of Manizales, and the revitalized city of Medellín—the best of both worlds.

Explore Colombia: Medellín & Los Nevados - 9 Days

The core of this adventure includes three days of trekking in the high, snowy mountains of Los Nevados National Park. With ancient ancestral pathways, your journey passes through an extraordinary ecosystem with rare species of flora and fauna that rely on the snow for preservation. You will land in the up-and-coming city of Medellín, along with taking a day trip to a coffee farm to close out your Colombian exploration.

Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona, Cartagena, Rosario Islands - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary explores the diverse Caribbean coast of Colombia, from the sand dunes of La Guajira desert to the mountain village of Minca. Start in Cartagena, with its charming streets and markets, before a tubing excursion on a jungle river in Palomino. Next, you'll hike through Tayrona National Park. Your adventure finishes back in Cartagena and ends with a relaxing day trip to the beaches of the Rosario Islands.

December in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, & Cartagena - 16 Days

This festive itinerary begins in Bogotá, where you'll discover museum, restaurants, and nightlife. Next, jet over to Medellín to explore historical sights and see the Christmas lights. From there, drive to the Zona Cafetera to tour the coffee fields and stay on a farm. On your last leg, ring in the New Year in Cartagena and snorkel in Tayrona National Park.

Colombia: From the North to the Caribbean Coast - 16 Days

This urban-meets-outdoorsy Colombian itinerary is jam-packed with sightseeing and excursions. The 16-day trip starts in the capital of Bogotá, then heads north for a challenging hike in the heart of Iguaque Sanctuary, and a cycling tour through along the Suarez River. From there, you will fly to the Caribbean Coast and spend time exploring a stunning national park, followed by birding in Minca. You will end your adventure in romantic Cartagena, with a relaxing trip to Múcura Island.

5 Hidden Towns Near Medellín

Tucked neatly in a valley at the base of towering Andean mountains, Medellín is a city where the scent of freshly-cooked empanadas wafts down palm tree-lined streets, where graffiti art transforms neighborhoods into open-air museums and where the peaks that overlook the city offer a lush, flowery landscape and impeccable views from above.

Stop in colorful Raquira to pick up a souvenir or two or three

Colombia's Cultural Interior - 14 Days

This two-week cultural adventure is perfect for travelers who don’t mind skipping the Amazon, Pacific, or the Caribbean and want to get to the heart of Colombia's interior. Start the trip with plenty of time to explore the vibrant capital of Bogotá, and then travel north to the famous salt mines and one of the most well-preserved cobblestoned towns in the country, Villa de Leyva. You’ll then swing over to the striking metropolis of Medellín, throwing in day-trips to lakeside Guatapé and a working coffee farm before heading to Cali, the salsa capital of the world, and ending your journey in the “white city’ of Popayán.

Discover the ochre-colored sand formations of the Tatacoa Desert

Southern Colombia Loop - 14 Days

Discover Colombia's southern region on this two-week adventure, covering major highlights of the country from the capital city of Bogotá to the Pre-Columbian idols of San Agustín and to the well-preserved colonial town of Popayán. It's an itinerary fit for active travelers, history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife aficionados, and anyone with a thirst for adventure. You'll even have an opportunity to shake your hips to the sultry rhythms of Colombia's lifeblood: salsa music.

Discover the red sand and rock formations of the Tatacoa Desert

West-Central Colombia: Bogotá, San Agustín, Popayán & Cali - 8 Days

This well-rounded tour perfectly combines cultural and historical exploration with adventure in eight days. Immerse yourself in the bustling and vibrant barrios of Bogotá, trek through the white and gray landscape of Los Hoyos in the Tatacoa Desert, and dive into the pre-Colombian past with sightings of ancient monuments in San Agustín. You'll also meander the charming stone streets in colonial Popayán before capping off your stay with a salsa lesson in colorful Cali.

Explore the unique wilds of the Páramo de Ocetá in the Colombian Andes

Páramo, Plains & Colonial Villages - 9 Days

This nine-day adventure features the flat plains of Colombia's Llanos Orientales, the alpine tundra of the páramo, and colonial villages in the Andean highlands. Starting and ending your stay in the capital city of Bogotá, you'll alternate your time between venturing off the beaten path to traditional "fincas" of the Colombian savannah in search of native wildlife and wandering the charming streets of picturesque Spanish-era towns. You'll meet locals in Yopal, safari in Encanto de Guanapalo, hike the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes, and visit a 17th-century convent in Villa de Leyva.

Wander Cali de Santiago's bustling streets on a walking tour of the city

Cauca Valley & Gorgona Island - 9 Days

Discover Colombia's Cauca Valley on this nine-day adventure. Start in modern Cali of the region to take in the food and art scene, and hike the Andes in the Los Farallones area. Along the way, you'll spend three nights on Gorgona Island off Colombia's Pacific Coast where you'll trek through the jungle and snorkel inviting coastal waters.

San Andrés & Providencia - 6 Days

These twin islands off the coast of Nicaragua actually belong to Colombia, making it a multi-cultural beach trip like no other. Start in San Andrés, the more developed of the two isles, where you'll have time to experience Raizal culture before heading to Providencia for three days of hiking, diving, and slow island life. Finish back in San Andrés for one more Caribbean sunset and a reggae show.

Discover Medellín, Bogotá, & Tayrona National Park - 12 Days

Start your fast-paced tour in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá, where you can explore street art, museums, and restaurants. Then you're off to the hip metropolis of Medellín and Cali, known as the World Capital of Salsa. Santa Marta and a visit to a coffee farm in the Andes are next. End your trip with the beaches of Tayrona National Park and yet another vibrant city scene in beautiful Cartagena.

The ocean and rocks from Tayrona National Park

Cartagena, Carnival & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

This fun itinerary hits the highlights along Colombia’s northern coast, balancing colonial history, beaches, hiking, and relaxation. Wander Cartagena's pretty Old Town and take a speedboat to the Rosario Islands. Drive to Barranquilla, where a raging carnival celebration is held each year. You'll also spend two active days exploring Tayrona National Park and visit a coffee farm in the rolling hills of Minca.

Dancers in Barranquilla during the Carnival

Vibrant Colombia: The Caribbean to Cali - 10 Days

This diverse, action-packed itinerary covers a lot of Colombian ground in two weeks. The trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast with time to explore Tayrona's beautiful national park, sandwiched between the turquoise sea and rugged mountains. From here, you'll visit Colombia's carnival city, Barranquilla, and spend a few days in the stunning inner-walled city of Cartagena before taking a flight to Cali, the salsa capital of the world.

Aerial view of Amazon's lush rainforest.

Colombia's Amazon Rainforest & Canyons - 7 Days

This adventurous 7-day itinerary starts in the exciting capital of Bogotá before delving into the Amazon rainforest (by charter plane) to get to one of the hardest-to-reach places in the country. This wild location will be your home for the next three nights, and the itinerary combines hiking and boating around two dramatic canyons, plenty of wildlife viewing, and interactions with two local tribes. Return to "civilization" and spend your last night in Villavicencio dancing alongside Colombian cowboys.

5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Colonial Cities in Colombia

The Spaniards came to Colombia in the early 16th century with dreams of gold and visions of El Dorado. After the new country won its independence from Spain in 1819, the colonialists were finished, but they left behind a legacy that's still seen today in Colombia's many well-preserved colonial towns. This article lists the most unique throughout the nation.

5 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Colombia is enough to visit one major city and explore the surrounding area. Enjoy the best of Cartagena with a city tour, a private boat trip to nearby Rosario Island, and tasting menus at the city's best restaurants. Or, combine the charm of Bogotá with two nights in the Amazon rainforest, where you'll sleep in hammocks and explore via canoe. Learn about these options and more below.

Bogotá & the Amazon Adventure - 5 Days

This outdoorsy adventure highlights some of Colombia's most fascinating and unique landscapes in the Amazon region. Start off by exploring Bogotá's arts and culture scene before flying south to Leticia; from here, you'll head out on two unforgettable days via foot, canoe and other small boats in Colombia, and across the border in Peru and Brazil. At night, you'll sleep in hammocks with mosquito nets in order to fully experience the rainforest.

Explore Zona Cafetera - 5 Days

Experience a taste of Colombian culture on this 5-day trip to the Coffee Triangle. You'll go to the heart of the country's coffee region in charming Salento for an overnight at a working farm and hike through the picturesque green mountains of the Cocora Valley (and the famous wax palms). Then, head to Manizales, the most adventurous of the three cities that make up Colombia's coffee triangle, where you'll visit the Rio Blanco Nature reserve. Like the coffee this region is known for, this trip is designed to awaken all of your senses.

Discover Colombia's Cities & Islands - 12 Days

This 12-day trip highlights four of Colombia's most exciting cities—perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture. Start off with tours in Bogotá and Medellín, two cities with their own treasures to discover, then head north to Cartagena for colonial romance, art galleries, and rooftop bars. End your trip with two nights on the San Bernardo Islands, including picture-perfect Isla Múcura.

Bogotá & the Colombian Highlands - 8 Days

With this outdoorsy, yet culturally rich 8-day tour, you'll explore the historic and cosmopolitan side of Bogotá before heading north through the scenic Colombian highlands towards two of the country's most photogenic cobblestoned towns. Here, you’ll visit the underground salt mines, hike the Iguaque Lagoon, bike the Suarez Canyon, and finally explore the Spanish Colonial wonder that is Barichara — oozing with charm — before flying back to the capital's buzzing restaurants and nightlife.

Colombia's Quintessential Highlights - 14 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this classic Colombia itinerary starts in cosmopolitan Bogotá, ending in charming Cartagena. Visit the salt mines and colonial towns of Barichara and Villa de Leyva, hike the Iguaque Sanctuary, and bike in the Suarez Canal. Once you reach the coast, spend a few days exploring Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, where you'll encounter white sand beaches, rainforests, and one of the few coral reefs in Colombia.

Colombia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Colombia in October is a relatively tranquil time, as the summer crowds are gone and the rainy season in Bogotá is coming to an end. It's a good time to hop over to this country and enjoy it without having to contest with the tourist hordes. Let this guide clue you in as how to best enjoy Colombia during October.

Colombia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With the summer tourist crowds gone and not to be seen again until Christmas, November is a notoriously sleepy month for Colombia. But if you're traveling during this time you'll be rewarded with cheaper fares, great weather and empty beaches all to yourself.

Colombia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

You won't find a more festive month in Colombia than December. Everyone here prepares weeks in advance for Christmas and the New Year, with seemingly non-stop parties and celebrations leading up to the big day. Higher lodging and airfare prices are to be expected, as is great weather throughout the country—even famously rainy Bogotá stays mostly dry this month.

Guatiquia River in Chingaza National Park

Bogotá's Active Adventure: Bike, Hike, and Climb - 6 Days

If you're interested in the kind of vacation that revitalizes body and mind while pushing the limits of your endurance, consider this active six-day Colombian itinerary. It's centered in and around the capital of Bogotá and packs enough high-intensity exercise to really get those endorphins pumping. Even better, all these activities occur outdoors, on city streets, and in all that surrounding nature for which Colombia is deservedly famous.

Medellín's cablecar system ascending a hill at dusk

Medellín and the Caribbean Coast - 6 Days

What's better than immersing yourself in the culture, cuisine, and nightlife of one famous Colombian city? Doing so in two famous Colombian cities. In less than a week you'll get to do just that, starting in the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín. Enjoy the trendy restaurants and cocktail lounges of this revitalized metropolis. Then, fly to Cartagena—a well-preserved fortress city and a throwback to a time when the kingdom of Spain ruled the New World. Snap photos as you wander its colonial streets, sample the fresh seafood and visit the nearby Rosario Islands.

Colombian Coffee & Colonial Towns: Bogotá & Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

This trip starts in the capital, where you'll discover colorful neighborhoods and museums on a walking tour, along with famous restaurants and nightlife. Then, fly into the heart of the Zona Cafetera and spend the night at a working coffee farm. Visit nearby Salento, a colonial town that wears its exuberance on its sleeve. While here, hike the unspoiled green mountains of the Cocora Valley, dotted with towering wax palms.

Colombia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

If you want to visit Colombia during the lull between peak tourist seasons, September is a good time to do so. You'll experience all the famous sights and places without having to contend with masses of tourists—plus, there are seasonal activities and events to enjoy.

Colombia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Whether you're trying to escape the summer heat back home or are looking to ramp up the thermometer on a tropical holiday, there are plenty of spots in Colombia that will appeal to you. Also, one of the most famous festivals in the entire country takes place during this month.

Colombia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

If you've reached July and have still to decide on that perfect summer adventure, give Colombia a shot. Sure, it will be busy with other peak-season travelers, but its diversity of topography and climate means you'll be able to find a place of your own. The Amazon region is particularly nice this month, when low river waters make more of the region accessible to explore.

Colombia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June kicks off the summer travel season, and there are few better destination in which to enjoy it than Colombia. From arid deserts to tropical beaches and everything in between, there's something here that will appeal to any traveler—though you should expect bigger crowds and higher prices than you'll find in shoulder season months.

Colombia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

May is a real sweet spot on the calendar to visit an eclectic paradise like Colombia. It's still low season, so you can travel the country without being engulfed by the crowds. Take a unique Caribbean beach vacation, visit the northernmost point of South America, or check out the huge Festival of Wayúu Culture.

Colombia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is the perfect month to visit Colombia—prices are low and the crowds have thinned. Plus, one of the most popular music festivals in the country takes place this month. Let this guide point you to the fun and adventure.

Colombia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Colombia is a country as pious as it is fun-loving, and March features one of the biggest religious celebrations: Semana Santa. Aside from Holy Week, there's also the chance that Carnival lasts into the beginning of the month. Let this guide direct you to the biggest celebrations (and best locations) for a March trip to Colombia.

Colombia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

There are few better times of the year to visit Colombia than February. Prices are low, there are fewer crowds, and one of the biggest carnival celebrations on the entire continent takes place in Barranquilla at the end of the month.

Colombia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January in Colombia is one big party. It's the tail end of holiday season, and locals and tourists alike are out in force, enjoying the last weeks of a much-deserved vacation. The crowds may be formidable, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy this diverse nation.

Flowers growing in the window of a typical colonial house in Cartagena

Cartagena, Flower Festival, and the Colombian Amazon - 11 Days

Colombia's heritage extends from the shores of the Caribbean to the rainforests of the Amazon. This unique 11-day itinerary hinges on an event which takes place in Medellín every August: the Batalla de Flores, or "Festival of the Flowers," is one of the biggest spectacles in the entire country. So set aside some time at the end of summer and prepare for an excursion that you won't soon forget.

Discover Colombia's Cities & Beaches - 8 Days

This fast-paced 8-day itinerary highlights three of Latin America’s most exciting cities. You'll start off in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá to explore the thriving food and art scenes, then fly to scenic Medellín, a hip metropolis making a comeback after a turbulent past. End the trip in Cartagena's Old Town, a romantic inner-walled city with colonial history. Too much city? You'll spend an outdoorsy day visiting Tayrona National Park for a dose of rainforest and the Caribbean Sea.

Colombia's Food & Culture Tour - 15 Days

On this 15-day culinary tour, you're never far from the flavors that comprise Colombian culture. You'll dive right in, sampling exotic fruits, savory street food, and local rum. You'll even participate in cooking classes and prepare some of the nation's most famous dishes. In between food-related adventures, take time to relax on some of Colombia's pristine beaches in Tayrona National Park.

Trekking in Colombia's Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

In this itinerary, you'll embark on a high-altitude 4-day trek into Los Nevados National Park. You'll visit a working coffee farm and enjoy the unique scenery of the Páramo Eco-system here. While many travelers only see the Cocora Valley and Salento on a quick day trip, you'll get to know Colombia's Zona Cafetera from an in-depth perspective over the course of your 6 days in the region.

Las Lajas Sanctuary in Ipiales, near Pasto

Journey Across Colombia's Cities: North to South - 15 Days

This diverse, action-packed itinerary covers a lot of Colombian ground in about two weeks. The trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast with time to explore Tayrona's beautiful national park, sandwiched between the turquoise sea and rugged mountains. From here, you'll spend a few days in the stunning inner-walled city of Cartagena, and then take a flight to up-and-coming Medellín, with a thriving arts and culture scene. Then, you'll visit a coffee farm before heading to the vibrant capital of Bogotá. Continue the journey with a visit to the famous salt mines and then, end the trip in Cali, the salsa capital of the world.

Summit to the Sea - 15 Days

Depending on personal preference, some folks like rugged activity on their vacation while others prefer relaxing on white-sand beaches fronting crystalline waters. Others opt for the museums and nightlife found in more cosmopolitan destinations. We wonder why not enjoy it all? That's just what this itinerary offers: city life, culture, the great outdoors and plenty of time to relax.

Colombia's Caribbean Coast and Islands - 13 Days

A big draw of Colombia's Caribbean coast is its large amount of diversity in a relatively small space. Over just a few hundred miles you're in close proximity to Spanish-colonial architecture, the towering mountains of the Sierra Nevadas, white-sand beaches, running rivers, arid deserts, and biodiverse marshland. It's the ultimate tropical adventure.