Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena in 10 Days
Colombia
Overview
Colombia's comeback-story reputation is well earned on this route: Bogotá's La Candelaria old town and street art scene at altitude, Medellín's transformation story told through its cable-car-connected hillside neighbourhoods, and finally the colourful, walkable colonial old town of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast for a completely different climate to finish.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- US$1,150–US$1,500
Route
1. Bogotá2. Medellín3. Cartagena
Highlights
- La Candelaria's street art and the Gold Museum in Bogotá
- Riding the Metrocable over Medellín's hillside comunas
- A day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol's rock
- Cartagena's colourful colonial old town and city walls
Worth knowing
- Bogotá's altitude (2,600m) can cause mild altitude adjustment for a day or two
- Cartagena is hot and humid year-round — pace accordingly
- Some neighbourhoods in all three cities are best visited with local guidance after dark
Day by day
Day 1
BogotáMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- La Candelaria old town
Overnight: Bogotá
Day 2
BogotáMain activities
- Gold Museum
- Monserrate viewpoint
Optional additions
- Street art walking tour
Overnight: Bogotá
Day 3
BogotáMain activities
- Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral day trip
Overnight: Bogotá
Day 4
Bogotá → MedellínMain activities
- Flight (~1h)
- Metrocable ride over the comunas
~1 hour flightOvernight: Medellín
Day 5
MedellínMain activities
- Comuna 13 street art tour
- Poblado neighbourhood evening
Overnight: Medellín
Day 6
Medellín areaMain activities
- Guatapé day trip and El Peñol rock climb
Overnight: Medellín
Day 7
Medellín → CartagenaMain activities
- Flight (~1.5h)
- Old town evening walk
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Cartagena
Day 8
CartagenaMain activities
- Walled city and Getsemaní district
- City walls at sunset
Overnight: Cartagena
Day 9
CartagenaMain activities
- Islas del Rosario boat day trip
Overnight: Cartagena
Day 10
CartagenaMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Cartagena
Alternatives
Shorter version · 7 days
Drop Bogotá and fly directly into Medellín, then on to Cartagena.
Longer extension · 14 days
Add Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park and the Lost City trek on the coast.