Best of Pereira

A view over the lush coffee-growing country of Colombia.

Coffee & Culture: Explore Colombia's Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

This six-day itinerary takes you deep into the lush, mountainous landscape of Colombia's Zona Cafetera or "coffee triangle." Start with a trip to an organic coffee "finca" (farm) where you'll follow the bean-to-cup process and sample the high-quality brews. After you're fully caffeinated, set off to discover the rest of the region's highlights—hiking through the towering palms of the Valle de Cocora, birdwatching in the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, exploring traditional villages, and soaking in the thermal waters of Santa Rosa de Cabal.

Enjoy family-friendly natural activities, like bird-watching

Colombia's Coffee Zone with Kids: Bogotá & Pereira - 7 Days

Despite its name, Colombia's "Coffee Zone" is a fantastic destination for families—a natural paradise with outdoor activities for all ages. This week-long tour starts in the capital of Bogotá before heading west to Pereira, a city in the mountainous Zona Cafetera. Here you can soak in the Santa Rosa hot springs, watch hummingbirds in the Río Blanco Reserve, go horseback riding at a Colombian ranch, and, of course, learn more about local coffee (with some cacao thrown in for the kids!)

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.

Follow your guide through Colombia's lush Zona Cafetera on horseback

Colombia's Capital, Coffee Triangle & Colonial Towns: Bogotá & Pereira - 6 Days

Get a taste of Colombia's capital and the lush region known as the "Coffee Triangle" with this brisk, six-day itinerary. Start in Bogotá to stroll the historic streets of La Candelaria and ride the cable car to Cerro Monserrate for panoramic views. Then, fly to Pereira, where you'll relax in natural hot springs before setting off to explore the Valle de Cocora—sampling coffee from the source at a local farm, strolling through the colonial town of Salento, and venturing deeper into the countryside on horseback.

Iconic wax palm trees in Colombia's Cocora Valley

Medellín, Bogotá & the Zona Cafetera - 7 Days

On this fast-paced seven-day tour, you'll experience two of Latin America's most exciting cities, stay overnight on a working finca (coffee farm), and hike the Andean foothills. The trip starts in Medellín, the scenic metropolis fast on the rise after a turbulent past. You'll then head into the heart of Colombia's coffee triangle, exploring charming Salento and touring a working finca. You'll also hike the green mountains in Valle de Cocora before finishing the trip to Colombia's sophisticated urban capital.

Bogotá & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Colombia travelers interested in visiting both Bogotá and Zona Cafetera, especially when also including Medellín and Cartagena. If you're not interested in Medellín and Cartagena, five to seven days is enough for your Bogotá and Zona Cafetera trip. Check out the below favorite Bogotá and Zona Cafetera trips.

Kids will have fun on a trip to Colombia

Colorful Colombia with Kids: Bogotá, Pereira & Cartagena- 10 Days

Colombia is a diverse and exciting country for families, and this 10-day tour showcases three of its highlights: the capital Bogotá, the coffee-producing region around Pereira, and the Caribbean coasts of Cartagena. Make happy family memories as you soak in the hot springs at Santa Rosa, learn about coffee and cacao production in the Zona Cafetera, go bamboo rafting and horseback riding in Andean cloud forests, and satisfy sweet tooths with a chocolate workshop in Cartagena.

Spend four nights in Pereira, with easy access to lush, green mountains and wax palms

Adventure, Cuisine & Culture in Colombia - 11 Days

Explore the best of Colombia, from cosmopolitan cities to lush mountains and coastal villages, on this immersive 11-day adventure. Start by sampling exotic fruit and taking in the views from Bogotá's Cerro Monserrate. Then, soak in hot springs, sip coffee at the source, and ride a horse through cloud forests near Pereira. Finish in Cartagena, where you'll bike through the Spanish colonial streets, learn traditional Colombian chocolate recipes, and catch fish with a local guide in the village of La Boquilla.

A mountainous plantation in Colombia's Coffee Triangle

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.

Finish your trip in romantic Cartagena, with rooftop bars and Caribbean sunsets.

Medellín, Zona Cafetera & Cartagena - 7 Days

This classic itinerary covers Colombia's Zona Cafetera (coffee zone), bookended by two of Latin America’s most exciting cities. The adventure starts in striking Medellín, where you'll explore this up-and-coming metropolis with a local guide. You'll then drive to the heart of the coffee region and stay overnight at a working farm. Enjoy a day in Salento with a guided hike through stunning green mountains before flying north to Cartagena, where you'll have time to hit the narrow streets of this colonial inner-walled city. Conclude your week with a free day on the coast — perhaps a speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands for white-sand beaches.

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.

Family Fun & Learning in Colombia: Medellín, Zona Cafetera & Cartagena - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of Colombia is ideal for curious families who want to learn more about the places they visit and the people who live there. Every opportunity will be taken to teach your kids about Colombian life, culture, history, and cuisine—all while everyone is having a great time. Learn the history behind Medellín's enormous flower displays, hop on themed rides at a coffee theme park in the Zona Cafetera, enjoy an immersive pirate-themed treasure hunt in Cartagena and much more.

Go behind the scenes in the Zona Cafetera with a private coffee farm experience

Luxury Tour of Colombia's Mountains, Valleys & Zona Cafetera - 7 Days

No mountains on earth are like the mighty Andes that pass through Colombia. Venture deep into this range on a weeklong luxury tour to visit colorful colonial villages, coffee-country farms, and the famous Valle de Cocora, a wonderland of hilly cloud forests dotted with towering palms. You'll also enjoy highlights of Bogotá and Medellín and even play Colombia's national sport—a game that involves beer and gunpowder.

Wander around Cartagena's artsy Getsemani neighborhood

Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera spend about 10 to 11 days in Colombia, which usually includes some time in Bogotá and Tayrona National Park, as well. For travelers wanting to visit Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera exclusively, plan a week to 10 days for a well-paced trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Medellín, Cartagena, Zona Cafetera, and beyond.

Dawn breaks over the Colombian Andes in Zona Cafetera, a region where coffee and cocoa grow in abundance

Bogotá, Medellín & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Colombia travelers interested in visiting Bogotá, Medellín, and Zona Cafetera, especially when also including Cartagena. If you're not interested in Cartagena, seven to nine days is enough for your Bogotá, Medellín, and Zona Cafetera trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Zona Cafetera, and beyond.

Photograph the charming doorways in Colombia's Old Town

Bogotá, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten days is the most popular trip length for Colombia travelers interested in visiting Bogotá, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera, especially when also including Medellín and Tayrona National Park. For travelers wanting to visit Bogotá, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera exclusively, plan seven to nine days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in five or six days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Bogotá, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera trips below.

Enjoy sunsets while staying at three hotels on the Caribbean Sea (photo courtesy of Playa Dormida)

Luxury Relaxation in Colombia's Coffee Triangle & Caribbean Coast - 14 Days

If your goal is rest and relaxation in Colombia, you can't do better than two of its most scenic regions: the Zona Cafetera (Coffee Triangle) and the Caribbean coast. Each offers boundless natural beauty, evident in the colorful villages and verdant valleys in coffee country, where you'll start the trip. Then, head north to marvel at colonial history in Cartagena and Santa Marta, visit the unspoiled beaches in Tayrona National Park, and enjoy gourmet dining and water activities on Isla Barú.

End your two-week trip amid the colorful Caribbean energy of Cartagena

Discover Colombia's Culture & Cuisine in Luxury - 14 Days

Explore the length and breadth of Colombia, traveling and dining in style along the way. This two-week discovery begins high in the Andes with city tours of Bogotá, visits to local markets, and a trip to the colonial mountain town of Villa de Leyva. Then, fly to the famed Coffee Triangle, where you'll tour coffee farms, visit historic towns, and enjoy activities like horseback riding. The adventure concludes on the colorful streets of Cartagena with rum tastings, music workshops, island hopping, and more.

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.

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.

Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and the Zona Cafetera - 13 Days

Start your highlights tour in Bogotá, Colombia's Andean capital. From there, head to the Cocora Valley, where you'll sleep in a typical hacienda and tour a working coffee farm. Feel the country moving ahead in vibrant Medellin and experience the contrast between the city's modern downtown and traditional surrounding villages. End your trip in romantic, colonial Cartagena, enjoying a cocktail on the famous wall surrounding the old city.

Break up your city sightseeing with quality time in Colombia's lush coffee region

Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 10 to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a Colombia trip, with stops in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as eight or nine days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Tayrona National Park. Keep reading for more inspiring Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera itineraries.

Your Colombian grand tour ends on the Caribbean coast, amid the historic walls and colorful architecture of Cartagena

Luxury Highlights of Colombia - 10 Days

Any highlights tour of Colombia must include its top cities, most scenic regions, and best cuisine. Luckily, this luxury trip contains all three, starting with museum tours and fine dining in Bogotá and continuing to the famed "Coffee Triangle" for hikes amid towering palms in the Valle de Cocora. Then, experience tango culture in Medellín before hitting the coast for island trips and strolls around colorful Cartagena.

Relax in the town of Salento after hiking in Valle de Cocora

Bogotá, Amazon, Coffee Triangle & Cartagena - 10 Days

For first-timers to Colombia, this fun itinerary gets you hopping all over the country starting with the cosmopolitan city of Bogotá and the lush Amazon region. Then you'll fly to the heart of Colombia's coffee triangle for an overnight at a working farm. While here, hike the lush green mountains of the Valle de Cocora before flying north to the Caribbean coast where you'll have time to explore the narrow streets of Cartagena's inner-walled city. End the adventure with a relaxing boat trip to the Rosario Islands.

During this 10-day tour of Colombia, you'll see iconic sights like the wax palms in Valle de Cocora

Mountains, Coffee & Archaeological Wonders of Colombia - 10 Days

Explore Colombia's history, mountain landscapes, and coffee on this epic 10-day journey. See views of Bogotá from atop Cerro Monserrate and hike through exotic vegetation in Chingaza National Park before soaking in hot springs and touring coffee farms near Valle de Cocora. Climb to the summit of the imposing Volcán Cerro Bravo near Manizales and walk the artistic streets of Medellín. Then, end your trip in the Andean town of San Agustín, discovering archaeological wonders on horseback.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Start your journey in Cartagena, "Pearl of the Caribbean"

Explore Colombia: the Caribbean Coast & Zona Cafetera - 12 Days

This laid-back 12-day itinerary takes you through the highlights of Colombia's Caribbean coast, then detours south to explore the heart of the country's lush coffee-growing region. Stroll Cartagena's historic Old Town, swim in the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands, and discover the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park. Fly south into the Zona Cafetera for two days visiting coffee farms and hiking amongst giant palms in the Valle de Cocora, then return to Cartagena to end your journey with more culture and cuisine in the "Pearl of the Caribbean."

Medellín & Los Nevados Trek - 7 Days

Enjoy the natural beauty of Colombia on this 7-day itinerary which takes you through the mountains and valleys of Colombia's famous coffee region. You'll undertake a multi-day trek in the Andes, relax in the peaceful city of Manizales, and then finish with some urban culture and great museums in the city of Medellin.

Colombia's Coffee, Whitewater, and Caribbean Islands Adventure - 13 Days

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.

Sky and trees reflected in the Amazon River

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.

Kids will be amazed by the colors of Caño Cristales

Family "Encanto" Tour of Colombia: The Caño Cristales Route - 14 Days

Fans of the Disney movie "Encanto" will love visiting the real land where it was set. Encanto means "charm," and Colombia has this in abundance, from its colorful casitas to its pristine beaches, wildlife-filled jungles, and rainbow-hued rivers. This 14-day tour is inspired by the film and will introduce you to the sights, scenes, and experiences onscreen. Set out from Bogotá to visit small towns, rivers, mountains, and coast as you spend quality family time together on this unforgettably charming trip.

Colombia Highlights: Bogotá, Coffee Region, Medellín & Cartagena - 14 Days

This journey begins in Bogotá, a melting pot of people from around the country. You'll then head to a nearby small town to witness a spectacular salt cathedral, one of Colombia's most visited attractions. Afterward, head east to the Coffee Region where you'll tour small towns, visit a coffee farm, and see the tallest wax palm trees in the world. The adventure continues in Medellín, Tayrona National Park, and Cartagena.

See some of the animals and birds, like these toucans, that featured in Disney's "Encanto"

Family "Encanto" Tour of Colombia: The Amazon Rainforest Route - 14 Days

Love Disney's "Encanto"? It was based on real Colombian towns and scenery, and this fun-filled 14-day tour introduces your family to the sights and experiences that make up the colorful movie. Taste foods that feature in the film, see the traditional villages that inspired its magical world, and encounter real wildlife too fantastical to be true! Whether you've seen "Encanto" once or one hundred times, your whole family will be charmed by Colombia as you travel from the Amazon to the Caribbean coast.

Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera to the Caribbean Coast - 15 Days

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.

Active Colombia: Cities, Jungles & Mountains - 15 Days

Discover the natural wonders of Colombia firsthand on this 15-day tour. Start with a hike or tram ride to the peak of Bogotá's Monserrate Hill, which towers at more than 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Enjoy day hikes in Chingaza National Park and Chicaque Natural Reserve, then explore the Corcora Valley and see working coffee farms. Visit an active volcano, take on high-altitude hiking, and fly through the jungle on a thrilling zipline adventure. End with a climb of El Peñol and Colombian street foods in Envigado.

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.

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 Adventure: Zona Cafetera, Tayrona Park, & Caribbean Coast - 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 Cities & Zona Cafetera Trek - 15 Days

This itinerary starts and ends in two of Colombia's most exciting cities, Bogotá and Medellín. In between, you'll visit a working coffee farm and set off on a four-day trek through the Central Andes in Los Nevados National Park. After your trek, 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, a dynamic place to finish your trip.

Learn all about Colombia's famous coffee and chocolate

Discover Colombia's Coffee Region - 6 Days

Learn all about Colombian coffee and enjoy some of the most exclusive coffee in the world on this six-day tour. You can look forward to many coffee tastings and visits to local Colombian coffee farms where you will interact with local farmers and coffee experts from around the country.

Colombia is home to several species of colorful hummingbirds

Colombia Birdwatching Adventure: Bogotá, Tinamú , El Dorado & Tayrona - 10 Days

Home to 20% of the world's avian species, Colombia is a must-visit for devoted birdwatchers and aspiring ecologists alike. This 10-day itinerary travels through three distinct climates, ecosystems, and landscapes, from the slopes of the Andes to the rainforests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the palm-fringed Caribbean coast. Along the way you'll embark on memorable birdwatching excursions into national forests and nature reserves, searching out the many rare and resplendent species that call Colombia home.

Kids explore the colorful streets of Cartagena

Family Holiday in Colombia: Bogotá, Zona Cafetera & Cartegena - 9 Days

Create lifelong memories on this 9-day family-friendly tour around Colombia. Starting in Bogotá, discover the city by bike and ride the cable car to Monserrate, then, fly to the Zona Cafetera to hike the Cocora Valley and discover the region's quaint villages. End on the Caribbean coast, where you'll tour the colorful streets of Cartagena, learn to fish with the locals, and relax on the white sand beaches of Barú Island.

Stay two nights in Salento and explore the Cocora Valley

Best of Colombia's Cities, Coffee Country & Caribbean Coast - 16 Days

This fun and fast-paced 16-day journey squeezes the best out of Colombia's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Begin in the capital, Bogotá, with its historical charm and top-notch museums. Then explore the cobblestone streets of Villa de Leyva and Barichara before heading to the gorgeous coffee region for hiking and horseback riding. Finish the adventure in revitalized Medellín, followed by romantic Cartagena, where you'll bike, taste rum, and boat to a Caribbean island.