Updated on 03/30/2024
Dear readers,
My name is Frank. As a golf travel operator in Bogota, we organize golf games and golf trips throughout Colombia.
Below, I present to you an example golf trip, followed by additional variations with different destinations and durations.
Content
Summary of the Colombia Golf Trip
Day 1 – Bogota – Arrival
Day 2 – Bogota – La Cima Golf Course – Bogota
Day 3 – Bogota
Day 4 – Bogota – San Andres Funza Golf Course – Bogota
Day 5 – Bogota – Guatavita – Zipaquira – Bogota
Day 6 – Bogota – Bogota Golf Course – Bogota
Day 7 – Bogota – Medellin
Day 8 – Medellin – El Rodeo Golf Course – Medellin
Day 9 – Medellin
Day 10 – Medellin – La Macarena Golf Course Rionegro – Medellin
Day 11 – Medellin – Cartagena
Day 12 – Cartagena – Karibana Golf Course – Cartagena
Day 13 – Cartagena – Rosario Islands – Cartagena
Day 14 – Cartagena – Departure
Planned destinations for the Colombia Golf Trip
Bogota
Bogota is the capital of Colombia with over 10 million inhabitants. It is Colombia’s political, economic, cultural and tourist center and generates most of the national GDP.
At over 2,600 meters (8,600 feet) above sea level, it is the third-highest capital city in South America. With average temperatures of 7° C – 20° C (45° F – 68° F), the climate varies between cold and temperate. Bogota has an area of 1,775 km2 (685 sq mi), which is more than twice the size of Singapore.
Bogota was founded by the Spanish in 1538 but was already inhabited by the Pre-Muiscas. Most of the tourist attractions are located in the historic center of La Candelaria. The city’s wide range of cultural offerings, represented in museums, theaters and libraries, has earned it the name “South American Athens”.
Some essential sights in Bogota are the local mountain Monserrate, the Gold and Botero Museum as well as the food markets Paloquemao and La Perseverancia.
Guatavita
The municipality of Guatavita – Cundinamarca 53 km northeast of Bogota is recognized for giving rise to the most representative legend of Colombia, one of the most important in the world and Cultural Heritage of the Nation “The story of the Legend of El Dorado”. It is the religious, cultural and ancestral capital of the Muisca people. In Guatavita there is “Guatavita the Origin of the Legend” an area of 13.8 ha, consisting of a historic center with high heritage value and a cultural and tourist development polygon on the banks of the Tominé reservoir.
Zipaquira
Zipaquirá is a historic and enchanting town located in the Cundinamarca Department of Colombia, approximately 49 kilometers (30 miles) north of Bogotá, the capital city. This charming town is famous for its awe-inspiring underground salt cathedral and well-preserved colonial architecture.
The Salt Cathedral is the primary attraction of Zipaquirá and a marvel of engineering and faith. Carved inside the tunnels of a salt mine, the cathedral is an underground sanctuary with impressive salt sculptures, religious artwork, and an ethereal atmosphere. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a masterpiece of Colombian architecture.
Zipaquirá’s historical center features well-preserved colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming squares. Visitors can stroll through the town’s quaint streets and admire its colonial architecture, including the main square, Plaza de los Comuneros.
In addition to its colonial heritage, Zipaquirá has pre-Columbian archaeological sites, such as the ancient Muisca settlement of El Abra, which offers insights into the region’s indigenous history.
Medellin
Medellin is the second most populous city after Bogota. The city has a favorable geographic location in the broadest part of the natural region known as the Valley of Aburrá, located in the central Andes at 1,495 meters (4,905 feet) above sea level. This keeps the city at a comfortable temperature of between 14° C and 26° C (57° F to 79° F).
This spring climate in East Antioquia gives the region the privilege of being the second largest flower producer and exporter in the world, which is why Medellin is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” and the “Capital of the Mountain”.
The city has a modern infrastructure – it is the only city in Colombia with a subway system – and is considered the innovation center of the country. Museums, interactive parks, churches and city tours are among the attractions in Medellín. Must-do activities in Medellin include the graffiti tour in Comuna 13, visiting Arvi Park, taking photos in Botero Square and exploring the Botanical Gardens.
Cartagena
In terms of tourism, Cartagena is probably the most important Colombian city after Bogota. It is the capital of the Bolivar department on the north coast of Colombia. The average temperature is 32°C (89°F), so the climate is hot but windy as it is at sea level.
Over 500 years of history can be found here, proof of that is that Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Its perfect location directly on the Caribbean Sea and its beautiful colonial old town (Ciudad Amurallada) enchant national and international tourists, who can also travel there by cruise ship.
In the historical center, you will find many attractions featuring the famous Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, boutique hotels and restaurants. The walled city is also known as a popular honeymoon destination for the romance of its streets and architecture.
Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands, also called “Islas del Rosario” locally, are a group of idyllic and paradisiacal islands in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
This archipelago is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a desirable destination for beach lovers and snorkelers. In fact, it is part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Coral National Park, established to protect the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. The coral reefs are teeming with colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles and rays.
The Rosario Islands offer a true Caribbean paradise experience with their white sandy beaches, palm-fringed shores and warm tropical waters. The islands are an escape from the busy city life of Cartagena and offer a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Isla Grande is the largest and most popular island in the archipelago. It offers various accommodation options, restaurants and beach clubs, so it is an ideal base point for exploring the area. The Rosario Islands are easily accessible from Cartagena and many tour operators offer day trips and excursions to the islands.
Golf courses of the Colombia Golf Trip
Golf courses in Bogota
La Cima Golf Club, La Calera
Website: https://www.clubdegolflacima.com/
Location: Km 13 via Bogotá – La Calera
Altitude: 3,000 meters above sea level (9,842 feet asl)
Average temperature: 5 – 17º Celsius (41 – 63º Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 50 minutes by car
Onsite hotel: No
Onsite restaurant: Yes
Located in the municipality of La Calera on the eastern hills of Bogotá, La Cima Golf Club is one of the best and few public golf courses in Colombia.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 70
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Kikuyo
- Greens: Bentgrass – Poa
- Length: 6,089 yards
- Designer: Boris Sokoloff
- Caddy: Mandatory
- Golf Cart: No
- Rental Equipment: Yes
San Andrés Golf Club, Funza
Website: http://sanandresgolfclub.com/
Location: Cl. 15 #24 – 80, Funza , Cundinamarca
Altitude: 2,548 meters above sea level (8,359 feet asl)
Average temperature: 6 – 20º Celsius (43 – 68º Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 1 hour 20 minutes by car
Onsite hotel: No
Onsite restaurant: Yes
The San Andrés Golf Club is located in western Bogotá. It preserves Scottish architecture and is one of the oldest golf courses in Colombia. The club also has one of the few 18-hole children’s golf courses.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Kikuyo
- Green: Poa
- Length: 7,145 yards
- Designer: Thompson & Jones
- Caddy: Mandatory
- Golf carts: Only in exceptional cases
- Rental equipment: Limited
Golf courses in Medellin
Club El Rodeo, Medellín
Website: http://www.clubelrodeo.co/
Location: Avenida 80, Calle 2 Sur # 65 – 535, Medellín, Antioquia
Altitude: 1,550 meters above sea level (5,085 feet asl)
Average temperature: 18–30º Celsius (64–86° Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 15 minutes by car
Onsite hotel: No
Onsite restaurant: Yes
The exclusive El Rodeo Club features an 18-hole golf course with high biodiversity, unique landscapes and a driving range. On this course, you have to be prepared for low-lying aircraft, as the place is in the approach path of the city airport. However, as it is a domestic airport, the flight frequency is low and most aircraft are propeller-driven.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Bermuda Tifgreen 328
- Green: Bermuda Tid Dwarf
- Length: 8,808 yards
- Designer: Canadian Golf Landscaping
- Caddy: Mandatory
- Golf Cart: Yes
- Rental Equipment: Limited
Golf Club La Macarena
Website: None
Location: Calle 41 # 33 – 595, Rionegro, Antioquia
Altitude: 2,100 meters above sea level (6,890 feet asl)
Average temperature: 14–22º Celsius (57–72º Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 45 minutes by car
On-site hotel: No
On-site restaurant: Yes
In La Macarena golf course, obstacles such as bunkers, large lakes and trees are strategically placed.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Bermuda Tifgreen 328
- Green: Bermuda Tid Dwarf
- Length: 6,792 yards
- Designer: Mark Mahannah
- Caddy: Yes
- Golf Cart: Yes
- Rental Equipment: Limited
Golf Courses in Cartagena
Karibana Golf Club Resort
Website: https://www.karibanaclub.com.co/
Location: Km 12 Anillo Vial, via Barranquilla, Cartagena
Altitude: 2 meters above sea level (6.5 feet asl)
Average temperature: 24 – 31º Celsius (75 – 88º Fahrenheit)
Time to city center: 35 minutes by car to old town Onsite
Onsite hotel: Yes
Onsite restaurant: Yes
Nestled between native forest and the beautiful Caribbean beach, the Karibana hotel and golf club is definitely one of the best golf courses in Colombia. The golf course was home to the first Cartagena de Indias at the Karibana Championship (part of the PGA-sanctioned Web.com Tour) in 2015 and the 2019 Colombian Open.
On the first 9 holes, there are 6 artificial lakes surrounded by forests and wide fairways, while the remaining 9 holes offer sea views and require greater effort due to the wind, plus around 135 bunkers. To cool off in the warm climate characteristic of the region, beverage carts drive around the course offering cold beverages to athletes.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Types of grass:
- Fairways: Bent
- Green: Bent
- Length: 7,065 yards
- Designer: Nicklaus Design
- Caddy: No
- Golf Cart: Yes – With GPS
- Rental Equipment: Yes
Detailed Colombia Golf Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Arrival in Bogota
You will be picked up at the airport in Bogota and driven to your hotel. The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Bogota.
Day 2: Bogota – La Cima Golf Course – Bogota
Service
Hotel pick-up: 08:30
La Cima golf course
Tee time: 09:30
Then return to the hotel.
Day 3: Bogota
Full-day city tour of Paloquemao, Monserrate, Museums and La Candelaria
Your first stop is Paloquemao, an iconic place for catering to families and businesses in Bogota. The market offers a wide range of flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, groceries, dairy products, herbs and much more and the opportunity to taste and learn about fresh fruit juices.
Then visit the “La Candelaria” district and the historic center of Bogota with its colorful colonial buildings and stone streets. During the tour, you will visit the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, both in La Candelaria.
The Gold Museum is where you can discover the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmith’s art, with around 34,000 pieces of gold and around 25,000 objects in ceramic, stone, bone and textile made by several Colombian indigenous cultures. This museum is closed on Tuesdays.
In the Botero Museum, you will find a large art collection donated by the famous local artist Fernando Botero, including 87 universal works of art and 123 works created by Botero himself. Works by international artists such as Renoir, Monet, Degas, Dalí, Pissarro, Bonnard and others are represented in the museum.
Finally, visit the Sanctuary of Monserrate, the city’s symbol and main tourist attraction. The summit is 3,150 meters (10,334 feet) above sea level and therefore offers spectacular views of the city. To climb the mountain, you can take the cable car or walk up the hiking trail.
Day 4: Bogota – San Andres Funza Golf Course – Bogota
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
San Andres Golf Course
Tee time: 10:00
Then return to the hotel.
Day 5: Bogota – Guatavita – Zipaquira – Bogota
Full day tour Guatavita Lagoon and Salt Cathedral
The Guatavita Lagoon is located approximately 90 minutes from Bogotá. This lagoon is the setting for the authentic “El Dorado Legend”. It was a sacred place for the Muiscas indigenous people and it is still used as such today. Guatavita has an altitude of 3.100 meters above sea level (10.170 feet) and an average temperature of 5 °C to 11 °C (41° F to 52 °F). To get to the lagoon you must walk a path and due to the rainfall, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and keeping a raincoat on hand.
After the visit to Guatavita, you will go to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá – the first wonder of Colombia, which is located in a salt mine 180 meters underground. It is a place regularly visited by Catholics, but its architecture and history leave all visitors astonished.
Day 6: Bogota – Bogota Golf Course – Bogota
Service
Hotel pick-up: 08:30
Golf course in Bogota
Tee time: 09:30
Then return to the hotel.
Day 7: Bogota – Medellin
Travel day
Service
Hotel pick-up: 08:30
Flight to Medellin.
Arrive in Medellin
You will be picked up at the airport in Medellin and driven to your hotel. The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Medellin.
Day 8: Medellin – El Rodeo Golf Course – Medellin
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
El Rodeo Golf Course
Tee time: 09:15
Then return to the hotel.
Day 9: Medellin
Full Day City Tour Medellin and Comuna 13
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to discover the charm of a city in constant evolution and development. A tour of the main sites of interest that reflects the daily life of the inhabitants, the stories of hope and change, the contrast of neighborhoods, the style of old and modern buildings, the use of new spaces, the style of churches and the artistic works of world-renowned masters.
Museo de Antioquia: The most important museum in Medellín, it houses paintings, drawings and sculptures by Fernando Botero.
Museum of Modern Art: Art and contemporary artistic practices.
Pueblito Paisa: the definition of the Antioquian tradition that is reflected in the handicrafts gastronomy and architecture of the place; the majestic view of Medellín and the mountains that run through the Aburrá Valley.
Comuna 13: Comuna 13, also known as San Javier, is a historically significant neighborhood in Medellin, Colombia. Situated on the western slopes of the Aburra Valley, it was once one of the most dangerous and violence-ridden areas in the city during the 1980s and 1990s, primarily due to the influence of drug cartels and guerrilla groups. However, in recent years, Comuna 13 has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now hailed as a symbol of urban renewal and positive change.
The neighborhood’s turnaround can be largely attributed to various social and infrastructural initiatives implemented by the local government, community organizations, and residents themselves. The installation of the city’s innovative Metrocable system in 2004 played a crucial role in the revitalization of Comuna 13. This cable car system connected the neighborhood to the city’s metro network, vastly improving transportation access and connectivity for its residents. Additionally, the Metrocable opened up economic opportunities by attracting tourists to the area.
Comuna 13’s transformation was further supported by various urban development projects, including the construction of public escalators, brightly painted street art, and recreational spaces. These initiatives not only enhanced the neighborhood’s aesthetics but also improved safety and accessibility for residents. Residents, along with local organizations, worked together to create spaces for cultural expression, education, and skill development. These efforts have helped foster a sense of pride and ownership among the community members.
The neighborhood has become an important hub for street art and graffiti, with colorful murals adorning the walls, depicting stories of its tumultuous past and hopeful future.
Day 10: Medellin – La Macarena Golf Course Rionegro – Medellin
Service
Hotel pick-up: 08:30
La Macarena Golf Course
Tee time: 10:00
Then return to the hotel.
Day 11: Medellin – Cartagena
Travel day
Service
Hotel pick-up: 08:30
Flight to Cartagena.
Arrival in Cartagena
You will be picked up at the airport in Cartagena and driven to your hotel. The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Cartagena.
Day 12: Cartagena – Karibana Golf Course – Cartagena
Service
Pick-up: 08:30
Karibana golf course
Tee time: 09:30
Then return to the hotel.
Day 13: Cartagena
Private Boat Tour to Rosario Islands
The driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the pier. There you will embark on a tour of the Rosario Islands, an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea made up of 28 islands. The natural national park was established to protect one of the most important coral reefs on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. From Cartagena, the boat trip takes about 45 minutes.
During the private boat excursion to the islands, you will be taken care of by the captain and an assistant. Cold drinks and delicious snacks round off the view of the blue sea perfectly. You can explore the beaches and islands at your leisure or pursue other activities.
Day 14: Cartagena – Departure
Departure
Today is the last day of your trip. Depending on the departure time, a vehicle will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Very Important Info to Know when Visiting Colombia
Tips & Tricks for travelers visiting Colombia
Medical advice and recommendations for travelers visiting Colombia
Climate and weather overview for Colombia
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