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

4 Day Colombia Highlands Tour

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.

Colonial Cartagena & Island Adventure - 4 Days

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.

Colorful streets of Getsemaní in Cartagena

Cartagena's Magic and Culture - 6 Days

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.

Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 11 Days

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.

Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 12 Days

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.

Paramillo del Quindío, PNN Los Nevados, Colombia

Colombia's Urban Cities & Zona Cafetera Trek - 11 Days

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.

Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Islands - 11 Days

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.

Iconic skinny wax palms in Colombia's coffee region

Colombia's Cities & Coffee Region - 11 Days

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.

Explore Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 12 Days

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.

Colonial Colombia - 11 Days

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.

Explore Tayrona National Park - 4 Days

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.

Rio Verde Adventure - 4 Days

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.

Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days

This robust 12-day itinerary eliminates the hard choices travelers often face regarding a visit to a country as diverse as Colombia. The journey begins by enjoying Bogotá's Spanish colonial plazas and pulsing nightlife. Then jet to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight stay on a working coffee farm. Then it's off to the reinvented city of Medellín and 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 narrow streets of Cartagena's walled city.

Discover Bogotá & Medellín - 6 Days

For travelers who love urban energy and metropolitan culture, this six-day jaunt is for you. It highlights two of Latin America’s most exciting cities—Bogotá and Medellín. You'll kick things off in the capital, Bogotá, where you can explore cobbled colonial streets, visit Pre-Columbian museums, and enjoy a thriving nightlife scene. Then, fly to Medellín, a revitalized metropolis best viewed from above—by scenic gondola car. Due to its mid-range altitude, the city enjoys a perpetual spring-like climate, so count on some delicious weather. Then there's all those hip bars and restaurants in the trendy El Poblado district that are begging to be enjoyed. Yes, six days is enough to live it all.

Bogota and Cartagena - 6 Days

Six days is just long enough to experience the energy and culture of Colombia's most exciting destinations—with a bit of beach time thrown in for good measure. You'll start off in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá where you can indulge in the thriving food and art scene, then jet off to Cartagena to explore Old Town—the inner-walled city that abounds with colonial architecture and history. Throw in a day trip to the Caribbean Rosario Islands and you have a vacation worth its weight in gold.

Colombia Nature and Culture Tour - 10 Days

This all-encompassing itinerary combines Colombia's popular attractions with some roads less traveled. You'll begin your journey in the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín, and visit El Peñon de Guatape, a landmark granite rock jutting hundreds of feet out of the ground. If you're a caffeine lover, get ready to visit Colombia's mountainous Coffee Region. You'll embark from this area and hike, mountain bike, and birdwatch through the adjacent sub-Andean forests. Next it's off to the indigenous archeological site of Tierradentro, with its ancient underground burial chambers. Learn about the civilization who built them, then end your stay in the southern colonial town of Popayán.

Birding Tour of Coastal Colombia - 6 Days

This itinerary is primed for tropical bird viewing in Colombia: the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. You'll start your birding adventure in the town of Minca, where its green dry forest harbors some diverse species, from toucans to trogons and hummingbirds to red-crested woodpeckers. Then, continue towards the higher reaches of the Sierra and the San Lorenzo Ridge— you'll lodge here amidst mountain scenery, with views all the way to the Caribbean Sea.

The Sierra Nevada mountains come to meet the Caribbean sea in Tayrona National Park

Cartagena & Tayrona Park - 6 Days

This fun 6-day adventure hits two major highlights along Colombia's northern coast. First, you'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, an inner-walled city oozing with colonial architecture and history, not to mention hip hotels and rooftop bars. Then drive east towards Santa Marta to spend a few days at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (Tayrona Park) for a slice of South America's prettiest coastline. Explore on your own or take a guided tour of the park's hiking trails and exotic beaches.

Adventure in Colombia's Cities & Rivers - 12 Days

Travelers who like to be on the move can check off three cities on this whirlwind 12-day tour starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to Medellín — a city with a rising culinary and art scene, as well as constant spring-like weather. Take a couple of days to experience the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Rio Verde before heading to the Caribbean Coast. You'll spend a couple of days exploring Tayrona National Park before ending the trip exploring Cartagena's inner-walled city and taking a day trip to explore the nearby Rosario Islands.

Explore Colombia's Amazon, Andes, and Caribbean Coast - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure will take you through the best of Colombia. You'll travel from Bogotá to the Amazon, the rolling hills of the Zona Cafetera (coffee region), the beaches of Tayrona National Park, and the colonial fortress city of Cartagena. The most exciting part of your trip? A visit to the little-known region of Guaviare, with its mixture of jungle, indigenous communities, red rivers, and ancient rock art that dates back 20,000 years.

Coffee Country and Trekking Los Nevados - 10 Days

This 10-day intrepid adventure covers a lot of ground. Starting in the reinvigorated city of Medellín and it's surrounding Antioquia countryside, you'll journey to Colombia's central Andean region. Go from fast-paced city culture to dense tropical rainforests and up to cool highlands and snow-capped volcanoes. Through it all, you'll experience local culture and traditions in colorful mountain towns and remote villages.

The Amazon is prime for experiencing during the low-water season

Colombia's Amazon Rainforest & Canyon Tour - 8 Days

This eight-day adventure starts with two nights in Bogotá, Colombia's capital city. After a stop in Villavicencio, you'll be whisked away by charter plane deep into the Amazon rainforest. You'll hike and boat around two dramatic canyons, enjoy plenty of wildlife viewing, and interact with native tribes. Return to Villavicencio and spend your last night enjoying a performance by local dancing cowboys.

Color, rhythm and culture permeate every moment in the Land of Magical Realism

Luxury Mountain Coffee Experience - 6 Days

In this luxury itinerary, you'll enjoy the best of Colombian culture. Start with a day spent horseback riding in the Cocora Valley and exploring the charming town of Salento for an insider's look at the local artisan's work and way of life. Then, set off on a high-altitude trek through Los Nevados National Park and indulge in world-class cuisine in Medellín. Finally, head to San Cayetano and enjoy a 5-star overnight on a coffee finca—highlights include a private tropical waterfall and infinity pool.

Trekking Colombia's Camino Verde - 8 Days

This active adventure includes an epic 3-day trek in central Colombia's rainforests. Reward your effort with a visit to Medellín, a hip city with dependable weather and a thriving culinary scene. End the week with trips to a coffee farm and the picturesque lakeside town of Guatapé. You'll enjoy the steep climb up La Piedra Rock, where you'll be greeted with panoramic views.

Zona Cafetera and the Caribbean Coast - 8 Days

Begin your adventure in Colombia's Zona Cafetera coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Cocorá Valley and its towering wax palms await. Then make your way to the Caribbean coast and the beaches of Parque Nacional Tayrona and learn about the Kogi people, who have lived in harmony with their environment for four centuries.

Colombia's River & City Adventure - 8 Days

This 8-day adventure combines river rafting in the heart of the rainforest with two of Colombia's cities. Start with a night in Cocorná, before heading to the jungle for three days of hiking, swimming, and paddling. Then, on to Medellín and Cartagena for the second half of your trip—here, you'll explore the culture and romance of each city, and enjoy a relaxing beach day on the Caribbean sea.

Bogotá, Caño Cristales & Highlands Tour - 8 Days

This itinerary highlights one of Colombia's beloved ecological gems: the Caño Cristales. During certain months, the Guayabero River turns shades of rainbow colors in a vibrant natural display. Enjoy swimming holes and waterfalls before flying back to Bogotá, checking out a salt mine cathedral, and visiting Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia's most charming Spanish colonial villages.

8 Best Cocktail Bars in Medellín

In Medellín, the locals know how to party. The city's nightlife is ever evolving, and "la fiesta paisa" is seemingly never-ending. Check out these fun places to grab a drink, from neighborhood brew-pubs to sultry salsa bars.

9 Best Cocktail Bars in Bogotá

Colombia's capital offers a wide range of watering holes, from low-key neighborhood bars to clubs serving up Latin rhythms. Many of the best are concentrated in a few key zones: student-friendly Chapinero, the upscale Zona T, and uber-chic Parque de los 93. Here are nine options for your night out in Bogotá.

8 Best Cocktail Bars in Cartagena

Cartagena may be best known for its colonial attractions and grand Afro-Caribbean cuisine, but the bar scene in this coastal city is also world class. Here are eight of the best cocktail hotspots for every taste.

7 Best Cafés in Cartagena

Colombia is renowned for its world-class coffee beans, and Cartagena knows how to flaunt the goods. The café culture is booming—here are our fave spots to relax with a good cup of (locally sourced) coffee.

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 a one-of-a-kind experience, especially for beachgoers, restless travelers, and scuba divers who yearn for off-the-beaten-path adventure.

7 Best Cafés in Medellín

A decade ago it was difficult to find gourmet coffee in Medellín, but today, Colombia’s second-largest city is at the forefront of the country’s caffeine scene—making it a perfect precursor to an adventure in nearby Coffee Country. Here are seven cafés guaranteed to delight even the most discerning coffee fiends.

22 Street Foods to Try in Colombia

Among South American nations, Colombia has only recently begun to earn raves for gastronomy. But it’s ahead of the pack when it comes to inexpensive, delicious street food. Here are 22 must-try antojitos (snacks) as well as dishes sold at stalls and markets nationwide.

Planning Your Trip to Colombia

Colombia's travel scene is booming as travelers discover this nation's endless appeal, from the physical beauty of the Amazon and Andes to its vibrant culture and sophisticated cities. Here’s the low-down on planning your visit, including visa issues, getting around, and where to stay.

9 Incredible Hotel Pools in Cartagena

As if Cartagena's charm wasn't enough, the city also boasts some of the finest hotels in Colombia. Even better, many feature incredible swimming pools—here are nine of the best.

5 Movies to Watch Before Your Trip to Colombia

Before embarking on an international adventure, it's best to prepare with some cultural research—and Colombia, one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, translates well to the big screen. Here are some great films to watch before your grand Colombian experience.

Check out ancient figures in San Agustín Archaeological Park, Colombia

Off the Beaten Path in Southern Colombia - 14 Days

Venture off the beaten path and discover the highlights of southern Colombia in two weeks. You'll canoe, hike, raft, explore the scenic Tatacoa desert, and see ancient pre-Colombian monuments. You'll also visit a coffee plantation, tour historic colonial towns, and learn to dance salsa.

5 Great Day Trips from Cartagena

Cartagena has long been Colombia's top tourist destination. This is no surprise—it's one of the most well-preserved Spanish colonial cities on the continent. But what do you do once you've exhausted all the culture within the city's ancient ramparts? Let this be your guide to the best day trips outside Cartagena.

Where to Eat With Kids in Medellín

Medellín’s rapid transformation from a crime haven to a dynamic and safe metropolis is reflected in its newly established food scene. The seven restaurants listed here will please the entire family, from sensational multi-cultural restaurants to cheap diners and quality fast-food options.

5 Best Day Trips from Medellín

With all the nightlife, cultural experiences, and energy of this vibrant city, Medellín is an exhilarating ride—but when you're ready for a change of pace, the picturesque Antioquian countryside is waiting for you just outside of town. Swim, hike, and sample coffee to your heart's content with these great day trips from Medellín.

Where to Eat With Kids in Cartagena

Cartagena is a popular Colombian travel destination, boasting one of the country's liveliest dining scenes. Here you'll find seafood restaurants aplenty, plus many fine eateries serving cuisine from around the world. There's something for every member of the family in Cartagena—here are some favorites.

Where to Eat With Kids in Bogotá

In Bogotá, a new generation of talented chefs have blessed the city with an array of dining options. Here you'll find both simple local fare and sophisticated restaurants melding global influences with traditional Colombian ingredients. Here are eight top choices that reflect the city's offerings and are great choices for families.

Discover Colombia and the vibrant culture of Cartagena with your family

1 Week in Colombia - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Colombia on a family vacation, you can enjoy introducing children to the cultural delights of Medellín and Cartagena on a highlights tour or post up on the Caribbean coast and discover the laid-back lifestyle and beautiful surroundings of Santa Marta. Active families will love a trip to Colombia's "Coffee Zone" to try out bird-watching and horseback riding, while those looking for a relaxing trip can spend uninterrupted days at the beach on Isla Barú.

The 7 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Cartagena

Cartagena is as legendary for its superb hotels as it is for its bougainvillea-draped buildings. There's a wealth of family-friendly lodgings from which to choose, from beachfront resorts to intimate boutique hotels in the heart of the historic quarter.

The 8 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Medellín

Medellín's variety of hotels caters to everyone. There are super chic options for well-heeled revelers as well as more conservative family-friendly lodgings. Below we've selected eight properties that specifically cater to kids or that are otherwise ideally suited to families.

Wander with the kids in Pereira's butterfly vivarium

10 Days in Colombia - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Within 10 days, your family can combine three or more areas of Colombia thanks to low-cost domestic flights. Curious kids can engage in educational experiences, such as a silletera farm visit, on the Family Fun and Learning trip. Active families will appreciate outdoor adventures in Tayrona National Park and the Tatacoa Desert. A relaxed pace and engaging, kid-friendly activities, including a drumming workshop in La Boquilla, make the Coffee Zone and Caribbean Coast appealing to families with young children.

5 Great Day Trips from Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia's grand capital city, has no shortage of things to do. But travelers eager to escape the hustle and bustle of this sprawling metropolis will find as many attractions right outside of town. Here are our picks for the best.

Explore Colombia's capita with the whole family

Top 10 Things To Do with Kids in Cartagena

With its colorful street life, intriguing colonial history, and tons of museums, Cartagena is fun for the whole family. The cobbled streets of the Walled City echo with the memories of conquistadores, as well as the calls of palenqueras (Afro-Caribbean women selling fruits). Here are some ideas that will guarantee a happy family holiday in Cartagena.

Top 10 Things To Do with Kids in Bogotá

Colombia’s cosmopolitan capital is jam-packed with fun, educational, and richly rewarding things to see and do for the whole family. Plus, this nation boasts a warm culture in which children come first. Here’s are some favorite activities and venues that families with kids of all ages will love.

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