Join us on an exciting journey through Colombia’s rich diversity. We’ve crafted this practical 3-week Colombia itinerary, perfect for independent travelers, to guide you to the country’s most stunning destinations.
This Colombia itinerary will lead you through bustling cities, vibrant towns, breathtaking natural landscapes, and idyllic beaches. It’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the nation’s unique culture, offering an unforgettable blend of cultural exploration, beachside leisure, adventurous escapades, and relaxation.
What to find out in this post
- 1 In a nutshell: 3-week Colombia Itinerary
- 2 Our Colombia in 3 weeks Itinerary
- 3 Alternative Colombia Itinerary for Hikers
- 4 Alternative Colombia 3-weeks Itinerary for Beach lovers
- 5 Colombia Transport: How to get around
- 6 Average costs for three weeks in Colombia per person
- 7 Common Question about Planning Your Colombia Itinerary
In a nutshell: 3-week Colombia Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Bogotá
- Day 4-7: Medellín
- Day 8-10: Salento
- Day 11-15: Santa Marta & Surroundings
- Day 16+17: Palomino
- Day 18-21: Cartagena de Indias
Our Colombia in 3 weeks Itinerary
Interactive map for 3 weeks in Colombia
Take a look at our travel map for Colombia or save it directly as a favorite to always have it with you during your trip.
COLOMBIA INFO BOX
Where to stay in Colombia: Find your ideal accommodation for every budget at Booking.com, where you can read other travelers’ reviews for each place.
Our Colombia Favorites
Medellín
Cartagena de Indias
Palomino
Rincón del Mar
Cocora Tal
Guatapé
Minca
Tayrona National Park
Getting there: Make sure to check for the best flight deals on flight comparisons like SkyscannerBustickets for South America, which can be found at Busbud.
Want to rent a car? You can find great deals on RentalCars.
Need travel insurance? Well-insured with one of the world’s most popular travel insurers for travelers: AXA Travel.
Medellin Must-Have: Colombia Travel Guide
After spending almost three months in Colombia, we discovered many wonderful places. Based on our experiences, we have put together this itinerary for three weeks that you can easily follow.
Day 1-3: Bogotá
The first stop on our journey through Colombia is the capital Bogotá. At an altitude of around 2,600 meters, it can get pretty chilly here.
Explore the picturesque cobbled streets of Bogotá’s Candelaria neighborhood and let yourself be enchanted by the Andean charm of South America. Bogotá has an atmosphere of its own, making it a great place to start your trip to Colombia.
Bogotá Itinerary in a nutshell
- Day 1: Arrival and visit La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá
- Day 2: La Candelaria & the Botero Museum
- Day 3: Monserrate Mountain & Trip to Medellín
Day 4-6: Medellín
Getting to Medellín from Bogotá
Means of transportation: Bus or flight
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 9 hours; Flight: One hour
Where to book: Bus: Busbud.com or on-site; Flight: Skyscanner.com
Medellín may not be the capital of Colombia, but it is still an important cultural center.
With its beautiful green neighborhoods, historic center, picturesque paisa architecture, and hospitable locals, Medellín captivated us from day one.
Vicki’s tip: We fell in love with the Laureles neighborhood and personally found it much better than the popular (and, in our eyes, far too touristy) El Poblado neighborhood.
Medellín Itinerary in a Nutshell
- Day 4: Pueblito Paisa & historical Center
- Day 5: Botanical Garden, Mercado Rio & Comuna 13
- Day 6: Parque Arví & Metro Cable, Nightbus to Salento
- Option Day 6: Day Trip to Guatapé
Optional: Day trip to Guatapé
Getting to Guatapé from Medellín
Means of transportation: Bus, Taxi, or guided tour
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 2 hours; Taxi: ca. 1½ hours; Tour: Depending on the tour
Where to book: Bus: on-site; Taxi: on-site; guided Tour: GetYourGuide or on-site
Guatapé, a vibrant and colorful city, is just two hours from Medellín. Here, you’ll be greeted by a stunningly bright city center nestled amidst scenic natural beauty.
The highlight of Guatapé is the massive Piedra del Peñol rock. Towering majestically beside the water reservoir, it offers an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding landscape.
Vicki’s insider tip: Don’t miss out on the delicious cinnamon buns at the Plazoleta de Zócalos, and be sure to try a cup of local hot chocolate.
Things not to miss in Guatapé
- La Piedra del Peñol
- The multicolored house pedestals (Zócalos)
- The colorful Plazoleta de los Zócalos
Day 8-10: Salento
Getting to Salento from Medellín
Means of transportation: Bus or flight (via Pereira)
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 7 hours; Flight: 50 Minutes
Where to book: Bus: Busbud.com or on-site; Flight: Skyscanner.com
Salento is a beautiful small town that not only delights nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Visit the unique Cocora Valley and admire the largest wax palms in the world. Taste fresh, full-bodied coffee at one of the coffee farms in the Colombian coffee triangle.
Vicki’s tip: Don’t miss the long hike in the Cocora Valley. It was a real highlight for us.
Salento Itinerary in a nutshell
- Day 8: Visit to a coffee farm
- Day 9: Hiking in Cocora Valley
- Day 10: Hidden Gem: A day trip to Filandia + departure to Santa Marta
Day 11-15: Santa Marta
Getting to Santa Marta from Salento
Means of transportation: Bus or flight (via Pereira)
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 23 hours; Flight: 3 hours (via Bogotá)
Where to book: Bus: Busbud.com or on-site; Flight: Skyscanner.com
I’ll be honest: Santa Marta might not be overwhelmingly impressive at first glance. We didn’t exactly feel at home there, either.
However, this coastal city in Colombia serves as an ideal launching pad for exploring some of the country’s most remarkable attractions.
Things not to miss in Santa Marta
- Day 11: Beach in El Rodadero
- Day 12+13: Minca
- Day 15/14+15: Visit to Tayrona National Park
From Santa Marta: Visiting Minca (Day 12-13)
Getting to Minca from Santa Marta
Means of transportation: Van, Moto taxi, or guided tour
Travel duration: Van, Moto taxi: ca. 50 Minutes; Tour: Depending on the tour
Where to book: Bus: on-site; Moto taxi: on-site; guided Tour: GetYourGuide or on-site
Minca is another natural highlight and is just a short drive from Santa Marta.
The small town offers numerous hiking trails in the purest nature, waterfalls, coffee farms, yoga classes, and much more.
The alternative hippie vibe offers a relaxed atmosphere that is not just for backpackers.
Minca Itinerary in a nutshell
- Day 12: Visit to a waterfall, visit to a cocoa and coffee farm
- Day 13: Overnight stay in a finca in the middle of nature (e.g.. Masaya Casas Viejas)
From Santa Marta: Tayrona National Park (Day 15/14-15)
Getting to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta
Means of transportation: Bus, Taxi, or guided tour
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 1½ hours; Taxi: ca. 1½ hours; Tour: Depending on the tour
Where to book: Bus: on-site; Taxi: on-site; guided Tour: GetYourGuide or on-site
It is said that the most beautiful beaches on the Colombian mainland can be found here. The Tayrona Natural Park is the perfect place for a hike among nature, Colombian wildlife, and paradisiacal beaches.
If adventure calls, you can also spend the night in a hammock on the beach.
Vicki’s tip: When hiking through the park, be sure to take a look up into the trees. With a little bit of luck, you’ll find some cute monkeys and the occasional sloth hiding.
Things not to miss in Tayrona
- Cabo San Juan
- Sunset from the Park
- Discover the animal life of the park
Day 16-17: Palomino
Getting to Palomino from Santa Marta
Means of transportation: Bus or van
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 2 hours
Where to book: on-site
Palomino has quickly risen to the top of my list of Colombian highlights. What was once a sleepy backpacker haven has transformed into a dream destination. You’ll find a laid-back surfer vibe, a beautiful beach, and stunning natural surroundings here.
In Palomino, you can indulge in pure relaxation or dive into some action-packed activities, depending on your preference. From beachside yoga and river tubing to surfing or just unwinding in tranquility – the choice is yours.
Extra tip: For us, Casa Juana is undoubtedly the best place to stay in town.
Palomino Itinerary in a nutshell
- Day 16: Sunset at the beach, Carrera 6 Street
- Day 17: River Tubing
Day18-21: Cartagena de Indias
Getting to Cartagena de Indias from Palomino
Means of transportation: Bus (from Riohacha)
Travel duration: Bus: ca. 7 hours
Where to book: on-site
I fell head over heels in love with Cartagena de Indias: its colorful streets, exuberant Caribbean atmosphere, smell of Colombian coffee, and music on every corner.
In Cartagena, every corner seems to be straight out of a travel brochure or Instagram post – colorful archways wherever you look, vibrant colonial architecture, beautiful brightly colored dresses, and smiling locals.
Vicki’s top tip: visit the sloths in the Parque de Centenario.
Cartagena de Indias Itinerary in a nutshell
- Day 18: Journey from Palomino and arrival
- Day 19 + 20: Castillo San Felipe de Bajaras, the historic center within the city walls & Getsemani Neighborhood
- Day 20: Street Art, beaches, or plan a Day Trip from Cartagena
- Day 21: Beaches in the region or departure
Alternative Colombia Itinerary for Hikers
- Day1-3: Medellín
- Day 4-7: Salento
- Day 08: Santa Marta
- Day 09-12: Ciudad Perdida Hike
- Day 13+14: Minca
- Day 15: Tayrona National Park
- Day 16+17: Palomino
- Day 18-21: Cartagena de Indias
Alternative Colombia 3-weeks Itinerary for Beach lovers
Option 1
- Day 1-3: Medellín
- Day 4-7: Salento
- Day 08: Santa Marta
- Day 09+10: Minca
- Day 11: Tayrona National Park
- Day 12-14: Palomino
- Day 15-18: Cartagena de Indias
- Day 19+20: Rincón del Mar
- Day 21: Return to Cartagena
Option 2
- Day 1-3: Medellín
- Day 4-7: San Andrés
- Day 08: Santa Marta
- Day 09+10: Minca
- Day 11: Tayrona National Park
- Day 12-14: Palomino
- Day 15-18: Cartagena de Indias
- Day 19-21: Rincón del Mar & Return to Cartagena
Colombia Transport: How to get around
There are various ways to get around in Colombia, from point A to point B:
- By bus: You will most likely travel most routes by bus. The bus connects all major tourist destinations in the country (besides the islands, obviously)
- By plane: You can travel long distances in the country (e.g., from Salento “Pereira Airport” to Santa Marta) by plane.
- By van/colectivo: You can also use public transport for shorter distances, such as shared vans or colectivos.
- By rental car: Self-driving allows you to discover small places off the beaten tourist path. However, it is strongly recommended that you find out about the safety of the routes beforehand.
Average costs for three weeks in Colombia per person
Category | Average Costs per Day | Average Costs for 3 weeks |
---|---|---|
Total costs (without flight) | $46 | $966 |
Accommodation | $21.76 | $456.96 |
Transport | $5.47 | $114.87 |
Food | $12.79 | $268.59 |
Activities | $3.01 | $63.21 |
Other | $2.96 | $62.16 |
plus approximate flight costs (return flight) *from Germany/from New York | / | ca. $750/$300 |
Total costs with flight | / | $1,716/$1,266 |
Common Question about Planning Your Colombia Itinerary
If you have the time, it is worth spending a month in Colombia. It is advisable to stay in the country for at least three weeks to get a good overall impression.
You can travel within Colombia by public transport, such as buses and colectivos, by plane, or by rental car.
Within the tourist zones, Colombia is considered a relatively safe destination. However, always observe the current travel warnings issued by your country’s Foreign Office.
The dry season in the interior of Colombia is between December and March, as well as July and August. On the Caribbean coast, rainfall tends to fluctuate less throughout the year.