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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
This fast-paced 12-day adventure highlights four of Colombia's most exciting cities—perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture. Start off in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá where you can explore street art, museums, and restaurants, then fly to the scenic city of Medellín, a hip metropolis making a comeback after a turbulent past. You'll then head north to Cartagena for colonial romance, art galleries, and rooftop bars before jetting off for two nights on the San Bernardo Islands.
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.
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 famous salt mines and charming colonial towns like Barichara and Villa de Leyva, with hiking in the Iguaque Sanctuary and biking in the Suarez Canal. Once you reach the coast, you'll spend a few days exploring the stunning Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona where you'll encounter white sand beaches, rainforests, and one of the few coral reefs in Colombia. You'll end with two nights in the romantic inner-walled city of Cartagena.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In barely a week you can enjoy Colombia's famous coffee two ways: at a streetside cafe in Bogotá, and right at the source in the Zona Cafetera (coffee country). Your trip starts in the capital of Bogotá. Discover this city's colorful neighborhoods and museums on a walking tour, and be sure to sample its famous restaurants and nightlife. You'll then fly into the heart of the Zona Cafetera and overnight at a working coffee farm. Next visit nearby Salento, a colonial/Antioquian town that wears its colorful exuberance on its sleeve. While here, hike the unspoiled green mountains of the Cocora Valley, which are dotted with towering wax palms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This itinerary starts and ends in two of Colombia's most exciting cities, the capital of Bogotá and the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín. In between, you'll embark on a high-altitude trek into Los Nevados National Park. In Bogotá, you'll get to know the food scene of the city before heading to the Coffee Region. You'll visit a working coffee farm and set off on a four-day trek through the central Andes. After your trek, you'll relax in the thermal pools outside of Manizales, with the still-active Nevado del Ruiz volcano as a backdrop. Then it's off to Medellín, where you'll get to know this dynamic city as you ride its Metrocable network of gondolas.
With 15 days you can experience all of the highlights Colombia is renowned for throughout the world. Your journey starts in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Region, where you'll overnight on a working coffee farm. From there, head to the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and art scene. Then, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a rafting trip down the Río Verde and end your adventure on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore Cartagena and nearby islands.
This 13-day itinerary eliminates the hard choices travelers often have to make when planning a visit to a country as diverse as Colombia. You don't have to choose between cities and culture or nature and beach time. On this adventure, you can have it all. Your journey begins with the Spanish colonial plazas and pulsing discos of Bogotá. You'll then jet to the reinvented city of Medellín and experience its rising culinary and art scene. End the trip on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore the beaches and mountains of Tayrona National Park and the cobbled streets of Cartagena's walled city.
This active 13-day adventure combines the epic Camino Verde trek in central Colombia's rainforests with one of South America's most exciting and fascinating cities. Cradled in a fertile valley in the Andes, Medellín is best explored by foot and gondola, where you can observe the sprawling metropolis from high overhead. In a blink, you'll go from city streets to the surrounding countryside. After completing the three-day Camino Verde trek, reward yourself with time to explore the trails and relax on the incomparable beaches of Tayrona National Park.
With 13 days you can experience all of the highlights Colombia is renowned for throughout the world. Your journey starts in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Region, where you'll overnight on a working coffee farm. From there, head to the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and art scene. Then, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a rafting trip down the Río Verde and end your adventure on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore Cartagena and nearby islands.
This diverse, action-packed itinerary covers a lot of Colombian ground in two weeks. The trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast and allows time to explore Tayrona National Park. This protected area is home to rugged mountains, indigenous ruins, and white-sand beaches hugging turquoise waters. You'll then spend a few days enjoying city life as you explore the ancient fortress city of Cartagena. Mixed in with all this is a jaunt to Caribbean islands and a visit to the heritage site of a long-standing Afro-Colombian community. You'll cap your two weeks of adventure with a jaunt to the southern Colombian city of Cali, the salsa capital of the world.
There are few countries in Latin America that offer a more well-rounded, culturally immersive travel experience than Colombia. A great benefit is that nearly all of this nation's highlights—be it the beaches, cities, islands, and mountains—make perfect outings for the entire family. The best way to enjoy them is by abdicating all the stress that often accompanies planning a family vacation and giving yourself over to a luxury itinerary like this one. From private beaches to comprehensive city tours, and sampling gourmet chocolates, this itinerary is all about perfecting the details of what makes a family vacation truly unforgettable.
Planning a trip to Colombia? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your interests, and what to expect during your trip.
This fun 4-day jaunt spotlights one of Latin America’s most exciting cities -- perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture. Set against the Andes mountain range, Medellín is a scenic metropolis fast on the rise with walkable neighborhoods, a free gondola, and year-round spring weather. After a few days exploring the city, you'll drive into the lush green countryside and visit an authentic coffee finca (farm), before returning to Medellín's cool bars and restaurants.
The images you see in many publications advertising Colombia typically feature virgin rainforest and windswept Caribbean beaches. But in the center of the country, you'll find an entire highland region abounding with colonial villages, ancient archeological sites, and other unique landmarks. The best part is that these highlights are invariably located within day-tripping distance of the nation's capital, Bogotá. So pack your cold-weather clothing and prepare for a quick jaunt to Colombia's highlands region.
Like pairing a gourmet meal with a fine wine, the best way to complement a trip to the Spanish-colonial fortress city of Cartagena is to include an excursion to nearby Caribbean islands. This short and sweet four-day itinerary offers just that: colonial culture and a relaxing beach holiday wrapped into one.
Anyone who thinks you can't get to the heart of Cartagena, Colombia in six days is obviously not familiar with this itinerary. In a little less than a week, you can discover every inch of this well-preserved Spanish colonial metropolis, from the most off-the-beaten-path street markets to the trendiest cocktail lounges. You'll visit ancient fortresses and learn to dance like a local in a professional salsa class. You'll even be able to work in a little Caribbean beach time, too.
This all-encompassing itinerary combines Colombia's popular attractions with some roads less traveled. You'll begin your journey on the Caribbean coast. This leg will take you to Tayrona National Park, and the colonial fortress of Cartagena. Then fly to Medellín, and visit El Peñon de Guatape before heading to Colombia's mountainous Coffee Region. Here you'll hike, mountain bike, and birdwatch through sub-Andean forests. Next, it's off to the archeological site of Tierradentro, with its ancient underground burial chambers before ending your stay in the colonial town of Popayán.
With this itinerary, you'll see the best of Colombia in 12 days. Begin on the Caribbean coast with a visit to Tayrona National Park, where you'll snorkel and hike to your heart's content. From there, hop a flight to the Coffee Region for mountain biking, birdwatching in sub-Andean forests, and a tour of a working coffee farm. End your journey in colonial Popayán and Tierradentro, an archeological site famous for its underground burial chambers.
This itinerary starts and ends in two of Colombia's most exciting cities, the capital of Bogotá and the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín. In between, you'll embark on a high-altitude trek into Los Nevados National Park. In Bogotá, you'll get to know the food scene of the city before heading to the Coffee Region. You'll visit a working coffee farm and set off on a four-day trek through the central Andes. After your trek, you'll relax in the thermal pools outside of Manizales, with the still-active Nevado del Ruiz volcano as a backdrop. Then it's off to Medellín, where you'll get to know this dynamic city as you ride its Metrocable network of gondolas.
An enticing draw of visiting Colombia's northern coast is close proximity to culture, mountains, beaches, and islands for the ultimate tropical adventure. On this 10-day itinerary, you'll start off in Santa Marta with two days of hiking around Tayrona Park. Make an overnight stop in Minca to visit a coffee finca before continuing on to Cartagena where you'll explore the city's quaint narrow streets with historic palaces, churches, and mansions painted in pastel colors. Then speedboat to the Rosario Islands for swimming and snorkeling before finishing the trip with one more night in Cartagena's romantic Old Town.
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 Medellín—a city with a rising culinary and art scene, as well as constant spring-like weather. 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.
This 12-day itinerary is for those eager for some aquatic adventure. It covers major highlights along Colombia's Caribbean coast and affords plenty of opportunities to dive, snorkel, swim, and frolick in the water. You'll begin in the colonial city of Cartagena, then head east to the Santa Marta. Afterward, take a 4x4 to the remote Guajira Peninsula, home of the northernmost point in South America. Circle back to Santa Marta and enjoy a few days hiking around Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.
If you want to experience the heart and soul of colonial Colombia, you can't do better than this 11-day itinerary. Leaving no cobblestone unturned, you'll venture from the epicenter of Spanish colonialism in the Andes—the capital city of Bogotá—to the expansive central plaza of Villa de Leyva, a gem of the Andean highlands. Then it's off to Barichara, a throwback pueblo so charming that it was named a National Monument of Colombia. Last but not least you'll visit the granddaddy of them all, Cartagena de Indias to walk its ancient ramparts.
If you only visit one place on Colombia's northern coast, make sure it's Tayrona National Park. You'll pack a lot of activity into this short itinerary—arrive in the colonial city of Santa Marta before spending two days hiking to some of Tayrona's most secluded beaches and the Pueblito Ruins.
If you have an adventurous spirit and a thirst for natural beauty then you're going to love this brisk four-day itinerary. You'll experience Medellín like few others, traveling outside the city for an overnight rafting expedition on the Río Verde. This vivid emerald waterway cuts through untouched Colombian rainforest and carves its way through jungle canyons, featuring miles and miles of nail-biting whitewater and class IV rapids. After your rafting adventure, return the city and enjoy a gourmet dinner and smart cocktail in one of the city's upscale restaurants and cocktail lounges.
