Updated on 04/04/2024
Greetings,
I’m Frank, the proprietor of a premier tour operator based in Bogota, dedicated to crafting personalized and luxurious travel experiences throughout Colombia.
As you navigate through this guide, anticipate discovering a compilation of additional invaluable travel itineraries for your exploration of Colombia.
Content
Colombia Trip Summary
Day 1 – Bogota
Day 2 – Bogota
Day 3 – Bogota – Guatavita – Zipaquira – Bogota
Day 4 – Bogota
Day 5 – Bogota – Honda
Day 6 – Honda – San Carlos
Day 7 – San Carlos
Day 8 – San Carlos
Day 9 – San Carlos – Guatape
Day 10 – Guatape
Day 11 – Guatape – Medellin
Day 12 – Medellin
Day 13 – Medellin
Day 14 – Medellin – Jardin
Day 15 – Jardin
Day 16 – Jardin
Day 17 – Jardin – Santa Fe de Antioquia
Day 18 – Santa Fe de Antioquia
Day 19 – Santa Fe de Antioquia – Medellin – Cartagena
Day 20 – Cartagena
Day 21 – Cartagena – Departure
Planned Places/Cities
Bogota
Bogotá is Colombia’s capital and has over 10 million inhabitants. It is Colombia’s political, economic, cultural, and tourist center, accounting for most of the national GDP. It is the third-highest capital city in South America as it sits on over 2.600 meters (8.600 feet) above sea level. With average temperatures of 7°C – 20°C (45°F – 60°F), the climate varies between cold to temperate. Bogotá has an area of 1.775 km2 (685 Square miles), which is more than twice the size of Singapore. It was founded in 1.538 by the Spaniards but was already inhabited by the Pre-Muiscas. Most of the tourist attractions are in the historic center “La Candelaria”. The city’s wide cultural offer represented in museums, theaters and libraries has granted it the name of “the South American Athens”. Some important places to visit in Bogotá are Monserrate Monastery, Gold and Botero Museums, “Paloquemao” and “La Perseverancia” food markets.
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.
Honda
Honda is a historic and picturesque town located in the Tolima Department of Colombia. Situated on the banks of the Magdalena River, Honda is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and scenic surroundings.
Honda is famous for its beautifully preserved colonial buildings and architecture. The town’s historical center features cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and traditional Spanish colonial structures, offering visitors a glimpse into Colombia’s colonial past.
One of Honda’s most iconic landmarks is the Puente Navarro, an ancient stone bridge that spans the Magdalena River. This bridge is an engineering marvel and is considered a National Monument of Colombia.
During the colonial era, Honda served as a strategic river port and trading hub along the Magdalena River. Its location contributed significantly to the region’s economic and cultural development.
Honda is home to several historical churches and religious landmarks, such as the Cathedral of San Bartolomé and the Church of San Juan Bautista, which showcase the town’s religious heritage.
The Magdalena River continues to play a crucial role in Honda’s transportation and commerce. Boat rides along the river provide visitors with a unique perspective of the town’s surroundings and natural beauty.
Honda’s cultural heritage is celebrated through traditional music, dance, and artisan crafts. Visitors can experience the town’s vibrant culture during local festivals and events.
In summary, Honda is a captivating Colombian town, exuding historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Its colonial architecture, fluvial traditions, and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Colombian experience and a glimpse into the country’s past.
San Carlos
San Carlos is a picturesque municipality located in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. Nestled in the Andean mountains, San Carlos is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
San Carlos is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers. The town’s location in the Andean region provides opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and exploring the beautiful countryside.
The municipality is home to several ecological reserves and protected areas, such as the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes Natural Reserve. These reserves preserve the region’s unique flora and fauna and offer opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife observation.
San Carlos is a hub for adventure tourism, attracting travelers interested in activities like rafting, canyoning, and rock climbing. The natural terrain of the region lends itself to thrilling outdoor experiences.
The Santo Domingo River flows through San Carlos, adding to the town’s picturesque charm. The river provides opportunities for water-based activities and relaxation along its banks.
Guatape
Guatapé is a colorful and picturesque town located in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. Known for its vibrant architecture, stunning landscapes, and the iconic El Peñol Rock, Guatapé has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking natural beauty and cultural charm.
Guatapé is famous for its colorful buildings adorned with vibrant frescoes and intricate bas-reliefs. The tradition of decorating the houses with lively patterns and depictions of daily life is a unique feature of the town.
One of Guatapé’s main attractions is the imposing El Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol), a massive monolith rising over 650 feet (200 meters) from the ground. Visitors can climb a staircase of 740 steps to reach the top and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The town is situated along the shores of the Guatapé Reservoir, an artificial lake created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam. The reservoir offers opportunities for water sports, boat rides, and scenic views.
The Nautical Club of Guatapé is a popular spot for water activities, such as kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. It is a fantastic place to enjoy the waters of the reservoir.
Guatapé is adorned with zócalos, colorful bas-reliefs on the lower part of buildings. Each zócalo tells a story or reflects aspects of the town’s history and culture, adding to the charm and uniqueness of Guatapé’s architecture.
The main square, Plaza de los Zócalos, is the heart of Guatapé, surrounded by vibrant buildings, restaurants, and shops. It is a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
The town’s cobblestone streets and picturesque alleys create a delightful setting for leisurely walks. Guatapé also boasts a variety of restaurants and eateries where visitors can indulge in traditional Colombian cuisine.
Medellin
Medellin is the most populated city after Bogotá. The city has a fortunate geographic location in the widest part of the natural region known as the Valley of Aburrá, located in the central Andes mountain range at 1.495 meters (4.905 feet) above sea level. This gives the city pleasant temperatures ranging between 14°C and 26°C (57°F to 79°F). This spring climate of the Eastern Antioquia grants the region the privilege of being the world’s second producer and exporter of flowers, that is why Medellin is known as the “city of the eternal spring” and “the mountain’s capital”.
The city has a modern infrastructure – it is the only city in Colombia with a metro transport system- and is considered the country’s innovation center. Museums, interactive parks, churches, and urban tours are among the attractions in Medellín. Some must-do activities in Medellin are the Graffiti tour in Comuna 13, visiting the Arvi Park, taking pictures in Botero Square, and exploring the Botanical Garden
Jardin
Jardín is a picturesque and enchanting town located in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. Tucked away in the lush Andes Mountains, Jardín is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, colorful colonial architecture, and warm hospitality.
Jardín is characterized by its well-preserved colonial architecture, featuring vibrant facades, intricately designed balconies, and cobblestone streets. The town’s historic center has been designated a National Monument of Colombia, preserving its architectural heritage.
The central square, Plaza Principal, is the heart of Jardín and a hub of social and cultural activities. Visitors can relax in the shade of ancient trees, enjoy the charming surroundings, and interact with friendly locals.
As part of Colombia’s Coffee Region, Jardín has a strong coffee culture. Coffee cultivation is an integral part of the local economy, and visitors can learn about the coffee production process and sample locally grown coffee.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
Santa Fe de Antioquia is a historic and picturesque town located in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. As one of Colombia’s oldest towns, Santa Fe de Antioquia is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage.
The town is celebrated for its stunning colonial architecture, characterized by whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and traditional Spanish colonial design. The historic center has been designated as a National Monument of Colombia, preserving its colonial heritage.
One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Puente de Occidente (Bridge of the West), an iconic suspension bridge that spans the Cauca River. This impressive engineering feat is a symbol of Santa Fe de Antioquia’s history and connects the town to the western region of Antioquia.
The Plaza Mayor is the main square of Santa Fe de Antioquia and serves as a focal point for social gatherings and events. The square is surrounded by colonial buildings and offers a tranquil setting to admire the town’s architecture.
The Santa Barbara Church, with its beautiful bell tower, is one of the most significant religious landmarks in the town. Its architecture reflects the Spanish colonial influence on the region.
Santa Fe de Antioquia is proud of its cultural heritage, which is evident in its customs, traditions, and festivals. The town celebrates various cultural events throughout the year, providing visitors with a glimpse into its vibrant local culture.
Cartagena
Regarding tourism, Cartagena is probably the most important Colombian city after Bogota. It is the capital of the department Bolivar, on the northern coast of Colombia. It has an average temperature of 32°C (89°F), the climate is hot but breezy since it is located at sea level. There are over 500 years of history to be found here and Cartagena was also cataloged as UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Its perfect location right on the Caribbean Sea and its beautiful colonial old town (Ciudad Amurallada) enchant national and international tourists, who also choose to arrive on cruise ships. In the historical part, you will find many sights, boutique hotels, and restaurants. The walled city is known to be a common honeymoon destination due to the romanticism of its streets and architecture. Cartagena is a city with a lot of history and fascinating places to visit, such as San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the historic center.
San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is a historic and culturally significant town located in the Bolívar Department of Colombia. It holds the distinction of being the first free town in the Americas, founded by escaped African slaves in the 17th century. This unique heritage has resulted in San Basilio de Palenque being designated as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site.
San Basilio de Palenque is deeply rooted in its African heritage, with its inhabitants being direct descendants of escaped slaves known as “palenqueros.” The town’s African influence is evident in its language, music, dance, and cultural traditions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of San Basilio de Palenque is the preservation of the Palenquero language, which is a Spanish-based Creole with strong African linguistic influences. This language has survived for centuries, reinforcing the community’s identity and heritage.
The town is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, including traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms like “bullerengue” and “son palenquero.” These musical expressions play an essential role in preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
San Basilio de Palenque is a symbol of cultural resistance and emancipation. Its history as a place of refuge for escaped slaves highlights the resilience and bravery of the community’s ancestors.
The people of San Basilio de Palenque take great pride in their unique cultural heritage and actively work to preserve and promote their traditions for future generations.
The town has become a popular destination for cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested in learning about its rich history and experiencing its vibrant cultural expressions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Arrival to 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 exit of the airport.
Cacao Experience
Today you will dive into the world of cacao. In a 90 minutes workshop, located near El Chorro de Quevedo, you will have a sensory experience of 100% Colombian cacao. Cacao has been cultivated for years and thanks to the producers of different regions of Colombia, cacao has managed to re-emerge as an alternative and diversification of agricultural products. Colombian cacao is recognized worldwide as the best smelling cacao in the world.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Bogota.
Day 2: Bogota
Full day City tour Paloquemao, Monserrate, Museums and La Candelaria
Your first stop will be Paloquemao, an emblematic place for supplying families and businesses in Bogota. It offers with the highest quality a great variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, groceries, dairy products, herbs and much more. There, our Colombian tradition and culture is preserved and proudly represented by offering a unique sensory experience with all the colors, smells and most delicious flavors that come from all regions of Colombia. Then you will visit ‘La Candelaria’ neighborhood and the historic center of Bogotá, full of 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 the place to discover the largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmithing in the world, with approximately 34,000 pieces of gold and about 25,000 objects in ceramics, stone, bone and textiles made by several Colombian indigenous cultures, this Museum close on Tuesdays. In the Botero Museum, you will find a large art collection donated by the famous local artist Fernando Botero, including 87 pieces of universal art and 123 works made by Botero himself. Pieces from international artists such as Renoir, Monet, Degas, Dalí, Pissarro, Bonnard, among others, are present in the museum.
Finally, you will visit the Sanctuary of Monserrate, which is the most iconic point of the city and the main tourist attraction. It sits at 3,150 meters (10,334 feet) above the sea level, therefore, it offers spectacular views of the city. To climb the mountain, you can take the cable car or walk along the trail.
Day 3: 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 4: Bogota
Day at leisure
If you need any recommendation we will be more than happy to help you.
Day 5: Bogota – Honda
Travel Day
You will travel from Bogota to Honda.
Day 6: Honda – San Carlos
Travel Day
You will travel from Honda to San Carlos.
Day 7: San Carlos
Day at leisure
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Day 8: San Carlos
Day at leisure
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Day 9: San Carlos – Guatape
Travel Day
You will travel from San Carlos to Guatape.
Day 10: Guatape
Day at leisure
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Day 11: Guatape – Medellin
Travel Day
You will travel from Guatape to Medellin.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Medellin.
Day 12: 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 13: Medellin
Day at leisure
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Day 14: Medellin – Jardin
Travel Day
You will travel from Medellin to Jardin.
Day 15: Jardin
Day at leisure
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Day 16: Jardin
Day at leisure
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Day 17: Jardin – Medellin – Santa Fe de Antioquia
Travel Day
You will travel from Jardin to Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Day 18: Santa Fe de Antioquia
Day at leisure
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Day 19: Santa Fe de Antioquia – Medellin – Cartagena
Travel Day
You will travel from Santa Fe de Antioquia to Cartagena.
Half Day City Tour
You will have a 4-hour tour of the city of Cartagena, visiting the residential neighborhoods that border the Bay of Cartagena. You will visit the Monastery of San Pedro Claver and its church, built in honor of the patron saint of slaves – Pedro Claver. The church is considered a national monument and, because of its history and charm, is one of the favorite churches for weddings in Cartagena. You can also visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of military engineering in the New World. This fortress was built by the Spanish during the colonial era (from 1536) to protect the city from pirates and invaders. Today it is one of the 7 wonders of Colombia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 20: Cartagena
Full Day Route Of Liberty – San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is a place where music, language, medicine and other daily traditions permanently remind us of the continent that five centuries ago became the main source of slaves in the world. It is known for its mark in the history of the eighteenth century, as it was the first black slave town in America to free itself from the Spanish crown.
55 km from Cartagena, in Palenque, one of the first free towns of the continent and cradle of important boxers like Antonio Cervantes ‘Kid Pambelé’. Learn about the Afro-Caribbean history, the past, present and future of Palenque and enjoy its typical food, guided by young people from the community.
Day 21: Cartagena – Departure
Departure Cartagena
You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport Rafael Nuñez in Cartagena.
Travel Map
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