Planning a trip to Colombia but feeling lost about where to start? Most travelers struggle with choosing the right places to visit in this diverse South American country.

You want to see coffee farms, colonial cities, Caribbean beaches, and mountain towns – but how do you fit it all into your vacation time?

What if you could experience the best of Colombia’s culture, nature, and food without missing the top spots? From Bogotá’s street art to Cartagena’s beaches, you can see it all with the right plan.

Follow these proven itineraries for 10 days, 12 days, or 3 weeks. Each plan shows you exactly where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your time in Colombia.

Best Time to Visit Colombia

Colombia is a year-round destination with diverse weather depending on the region. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do and where you want to go.

Dry Season (December to March and July to August) is the most popular time to visit. The weather is mostly sunny and perfect for beaches, hiking, and city tours. It’s ideal for exploring places like Cartagena, Medellín, and the Coffee Region during the dry season.

Rainy Season (April to June and September to November) brings more rain, especially in tropical areas and the Amazon. But rain showers are often short, and this season is great for fewer crowds and greener landscapes. It’s also a good time for budget travelers.

Because Colombia has many climates, coastal, mountain, and jungle, the weather can vary a lot. Planning your visit by region and activities helps you enjoy the best experiences Colombia has to offer.

Colombia 10 Day Itinerary: Highlights and Must-Sees

Source: Kitty Around the World

If you have 10 days to explore Colombia, this itinerary will help you see the best places. From big cities to beautiful nature, you will enjoy culture, food, and adventure every day. Follow this plan to make your trip easy and fun.

Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá and Explore La Candelaria

Start your trip in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital. Spend your first day walking around La Candelaria, the old town with colorful buildings and street art. Visit the Gold Museum to see ancient treasures and head up to Monserrate for a beautiful city view at sunset.

• Top Attractions: Gold Museum, Plaza Bolívar, Monserrate

• Food & Drinks: Try ajiaco (chicken soup) and local coffee

• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones

Day 2: Bogotá’s Culture and Markets

Explore Bogotá’s culture more deeply by visiting the Botero Museum and the vibrant Paloquemao Market. The market is perfect for trying fresh fruits and local snacks. In the afternoon, relax in Simón Bolívar Park or visit Usaquén for artisan shopping and a cozy café experience.

• Must-See Spots: Botero Museum, Paloquemao Market

• Local Experience: Taste exotic fruits like lulo or guanábana

• Evening: Usaquén neighborhood for dinner and live music

Day 3: Fly to Medellín and Explore Comuna 13

Take a short flight to Medellín. Begin your day with a guided tour of Comuna 13, known for its colorful street art and history of transformation. Then visit Plaza Botero to see the famous sculptures and learn about Medellín’s past. Finish with a cable car ride to get stunning views of the city.

• Highlights: Comuna 13 graffiti, Plaza Botero

• Activities: Cable car ride (Metrocable)

• Local Tips: Use official guides for safety and best experience

Day 4: Day Trip to Guatapé and El Peñol Rock

Spend the day outside Medellín visiting the small town of Guatapé, famous for its brightly painted houses. Climb the 740 steps of El Peñol Rock for one of the best views in Colombia. Enjoy a boat ride on the nearby reservoir before heading back to Medellín in the evening.

• Top Activities: Climb El Peñol, walk Guatapé streets

• Nature: Reservoir boat tour

• Food: Try fresh fish from the lake

Day 5: Travel to Coffee Region – Salento and Cocora Valley

Fly or take a bus to the coffee region. Arrive in Salento, a charming town with colorful streets and great coffee shops. Take an afternoon hike in Cocora Valley to see the famous wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. The scenery is stunning and perfect for photos.

• Key Stops: Salento town, Cocora Valley hike

• What to Bring: Water, sun protection, comfortable shoes

• Coffee: Visit local coffee farms

Day 6: Coffee Farm Tour and Local Culture

Spend your day visiting a traditional coffee farm. Learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Enjoy tasting fresh coffee and meet local farmers. In the afternoon, explore Salento’s artisan shops and relax in one of the town’s cafes.

• Experience: Coffee farm tour

• Culture: Meet local farmers

• Relaxation: Cafes and local crafts

Day 7: Fly to Cartagena and Explore the Old City

Travel to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Spend your day wandering through the old walled city, full of colorful buildings, balconies, and plazas. Visit the Castillo San Felipe fortress for a bit of history and amazing views. Finish the day with dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

• Main Sights: Walled city, Castillo San Felipe

• Food: Fresh seafood, ceviche

• Evening: Sunset walk along the city walls

Day 8: Explore Cartagena’s Culture and Beaches

Start with a visit to the Palace of Inquisition and the Museum of Modern Art. Then relax on the nearby Bocagrande beaches or take a short boat trip to the Rosario Islands for crystal-clear water and snorkeling. Enjoy fresh coconut water and tropical fruits on the beach.

• Cultural Spots: Palace of Inquisition, Museum of Modern Art

• Beach Time: Bocagrande or Rosario Islands

• Activities: Snorkeling, swimming

Day 9: Day Trip to Tayrona National Park

Take a day trip to Tayrona National Park, known for its beautiful beaches and jungle trails. Hike through the forest and spot wildlife, then relax on the sandy beaches. It’s a great place to connect with nature and enjoy Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

• Nature: Hiking, wildlife spotting

• Beaches: Cabo San Juan or Arrecifes

• Tips: Bring water, snacks, and wear good shoes

Day 10: Relax and Explore Cartagena Before Departure

Use your last day to relax in Cartagena. Visit any spots you missed or enjoy shopping for souvenirs in the old town. Take a final stroll through the plazas or relax in a café with a fresh tropical juice before your flight home.

• Shopping: Handicrafts, local art

• Relax: Cafes, plazas

• Travel Tips: Confirm airport transfer and packing

Colombia 12-Day Itinerary: Adding More Depth and Adventure

SOURCE: AFAR

If you have a little more time, a 12-day trip lets you see even more of Colombia. You can visit cool places like the Salt Cathedral and salsa city Cali. This plan adds extra fun and adventure to your trip!

Day 11: Day Trip to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral (from Bogotá)

If you return to Bogotá or start here, spend a day visiting the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, an impressive underground church built inside a salt mine. Explore the beautiful tunnels and religious art made from salt. It’s a unique experience outside the usual city tours.

• Highlights: Salt Cathedral tour

• History: Learn about mining and religious art

• Travel Tips: Book a guided tour for best experience

Day 12: Explore Cali — Salsa and City Vibes

Fly or travel to Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital. Take a salsa dance class to learn basic moves and enjoy the city’s energetic nightlife. Visit San Antonio neighborhood for colorful streets, cafés, and panoramic views of the city. Cali offers a different vibe compared to Bogotá and Medellín.

• Activities: Salsa lessons, nightlife

• Sightseeing: San Antonio neighborhood

• Food: Try traditional dishes like “sancocho”

With two extra days, you get to explore new towns and enjoy different parts of Colombia’s culture and nature. It’s a great way to make your trip longer and more exciting!

Colombia 3-Week Itinerary: The Complete Experience

Source: WanderLust

If you have three weeks to explore Colombia, you can see a lot! This itinerary shows you the best places to visit, from big cities to peaceful nature spots. You will get to enjoy Colombia’s culture, food, beaches, and mountains all in one trip.

Day 13: Travel to Villa de Leyva — Colonial Charm

Head to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial town with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings. Explore Plaza Mayor, one of Colombia’s largest town squares. Visit nearby attractions like the Pozos Azules (blue water ponds) or the dinosaur museum.

• Town Highlights: Plaza Mayor, artisan shops

• Nature: Pozos Azules visit

• History: Dinosaur fossils museum

Day 14: Relax and Explore Villa de Leyva

Spend a slow day enjoying Villa de Leyva. Visit local markets, small cafes, or hike nearby trails. You can also explore the Casa Terracota, a unique house made entirely of clay and pottery. This day is perfect to rest and soak in the peaceful town atmosphere.

• Relaxation: Cafes and local shops

• Unique Spot: Casa Terracota

• Outdoor: Easy hikes nearby

Day 15: Coffee Region Extended Stay — Birdwatching and Hikes

Return to the coffee region for more nature. Go birdwatching or hiking in Los Nevados National Park or the surrounding coffee farms. This area is rich with biodiversity and perfect for outdoor lovers.

• Activities: Birdwatching, hiking

• Nature: Los Nevados National Park

• Culture: Coffee farm visits

Day 16: Medellín Deep Dive — Parque Arví

Back in Medellín, spend a day at Parque Arví, a nature reserve just outside the city. Take the cable car and enjoy walking trails, local food stalls, and workshops about the region’s ecology. It’s a peaceful day surrounded by green nature.

• Nature: Hiking trails

• Culture: Local food and markets

• Transport: Cable car ride

Day 17: Day Trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia

Visit Santa Fe de Antioquia, a charming colonial town with well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets. Explore its churches, plazas, and the famous Puente de Occidente suspension bridge. It’s a quieter escape from city life.

• Town Visit: Colonial streets, plazas

• Landmark: Puente de Occidente bridge

• Culture: Local crafts and food

Day 18: Travel to Cartagena — Relax in the Old Town

Fly back to Cartagena for more time soaking up the Caribbean vibes. Explore neighborhoods like Getsemaní, full of colorful murals, cafes, and bars. Take a cooking class or a walking food tour to learn about local flavors.

• Neighborhood: Getsemaní exploration

• Food: Cooking classes or food tours

• Evening: Street art and nightlife

Day 19: Island Hopping — Rosario Islands Adventure

Take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands, famous for clear blue waters, coral reefs, and snorkeling. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on white sandy beaches. The islands offer a perfect tropical getaway.

• Activities: Snorkeling, swimming

• Nature: Coral reefs and marine life

• Relax: Beach time

Day 20: Tayrona National Park — Hiking and Beaches

Return to Tayrona National Park to explore more trails and beaches. Try hiking to Pueblito, an ancient indigenous settlement, or relax at Playa Cristal, a calm and beautiful beach.

• Hiking: Pueblito trail

• Beaches: Playa Cristal

• Wildlife: Spot monkeys and birds

Day 21: Palomino — River Tubing and Beach Chill

Head to Palomino, a small beach town on the Caribbean coast. Relax on the beach, go river tubing down the Palomino River, or hike nearby trails. It’s a less touristy spot for peaceful nature and adventure.

• Activities: River tubing

• Relaxation: Quiet beaches

• Nature: Nearby trails

In three weeks, you can take your time and enjoy each place fully. Remember to relax, try new things, and have fun exploring all the beautiful parts of Colombia. This trip will give you many great memories to take home.

The Bottom Line

Colombia offers something special for every traveler. You can explore vibrant cities, hike through coffee farms, and relax on Caribbean beaches. Each itinerary gives you a complete taste of this beautiful country.

Your 10-day trip covers the must-see highlights. The 12-day plan adds cultural depth. Three weeks lets you truly connect with local life and nature.

So what? This trip will change how you see South America. Colombia’s warmth, food, and landscapes create memories that last forever.

What’s next? Start planning your Colombian adventure today. Book your flights, pack comfortable shoes, and get ready for an incredible experience. Which itinerary speaks to you?

Share your travel plans in the comments below and inspire other travelers to visit this remarkable country.