If you’re seeking a vibrant mix of culture, natural beauty, and adventure, look no further than Colombia. This epic 3 week travel guide will have you exploring the best of Colombia.
This South American gem offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you awe-inspired. From the charming coffee region, to the Colombian Jungle, to the stunning Caribbean coastline.
This travel guide covers all the must-visit destinations and highlights during your travels around Colombia.
This post is all about Exploring the Best of Colombia: A 3 week Itinerary.
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COLOMBIA FUN FACTS
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Colombian Peso
- Population: 52 Million
- Capital City: Bogotá
- Major International Airport: El Dorado International Airport Bogotá & José María Córdova International Airport Medellín
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Colombia has only two seasons, Rainy and Dry Season.
- Colombia is the only country in South America with access to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Wax palm is a national tree and symbol of Colombia and home to the tallest palm trees on the planet.
- Colombia is the biggest producer of Arabica coffee beans in the world. UNESCO rewarded the Colombian coffee cultural landscape as Heritage Site.
- The most famous food in Colombia is bandeja paisa, a mix of ground beef, chicharrones (fried pork), avocado, rice, beans, plantain, fried egg, arepas, and chorizo (sausage).
- The national drink of Colombia is Aguardiente, translated to burning water.
Colombia Itinerary
Day 1) Arrive in Santa Marta, Colombia
Fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport. This is the closest airport to Tayrona National Park, which will be the first stop on this Colombia Itinerary.
Spend one night in Santa Marta’s Centro Historico. Rest, relax and explore the Centro Historico.
We arrived late in the evening which gave us just enough time to wander the colorful streets, have dinner and drinks before heading off to bed.
We stayed at:
HOTEL BOUTIQUE DON PEPE (centrally located to restaurants and bars)
Tip: We grabbed one of the taxis from the airport but if you can, arrange for your hotel to pick you up. I love a no hassle arrival after a long day of travel. If not, when you step outside to ask for a taxi they will send you to a small shop inside where they will input your hotel info, charge you and hand you a receipt to give to a taxi driver. They have all the pricing pre-printed on a large poster inside the shop. So make sure the price you pay is the same as on the poster.
Don’t pay the taxi driver outside directly, this is an opportunity for an up charge!
Stop 1:
Day 2-4) Tayrona National Park: Tropical Paradise
From Santa Marta, head to Tayrona National Park for a slice of tropical paradise. Tayrona National Park is a world-renowned natural paradise where you can swim in the Caribbean Sea with a view of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lush jungles awaits.
The drive will take roughly 1 hour. We took a private transfer to our hotel.
If you book accommodation outside the park spend a day or two relaxing at your hotel followed by a day exploring the National Park. If you stay within the park a 2 day stay is perfect.
The park has two entrances, either El Zaino (the main entrance) or Calabazo.
Tayrona National Park Entrance Fee:
73,500 COP (± 18 USD) during the high season. 62,000 COP (± 15 USD) in the low season. Please note that you’ll also have to pay a mandatory medical insurance, which costs 5,000 COP (± 1.5 USD).
You can pay for your entrance ticket at the gate with cash or credit card, you also need your passport at the entrance along with the mandatory purchase of the Tayrona National Park medical insurance.
Trek through the park to reach beaches like Cabo San Juan del Guia and Playa La Piscina, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature. Stop along viewpoints and beaches as you please, just make sure to read the signs as some beaches are not suitable for swimming due to dangerous tides.
It’s roughly a 2-3 hour trek to Cabo San Juan Beach from El Zaino entrance. You will find food stalls serving fresh ceviche and freshly squeezed juices throughout the park. Make sure to carry cash as there is no ATM’s inside the park.
Keep in mind that if you plan to stay in the park, accommodation is limited, so it’s advisable to book well in advance, but there are plenty of hotels surrounding the park.
We stayed at:
CASA TAYRONA LOS NARANJOS (if you stay here try the Pina Coladas, they’re delicious)
Budget friendly option:
Mirador Dentro del Parque Tayrona
Tips: Tayrona National Park is closed on three distinct sets of dates.
2023 DATES:
- February 1st – February 15th
- June 1st – 15th
- October 19th – November 2nd
Tip: Plastic bags are banned in Tayrona. So pack snacks and drinks accordingly.
Stop 2:
Day 5-8) Lost City Trek: An Ancient Adventure
For the adventurous souls, the Lost City Trek offers a unique experience and is considered one of the best multi day hikes in the world. These ruins are even older than the more famous Machu Picchu. Dating back over 2,000 years!
This challenging hike takes you through dense jungles of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while crossing rivers to reach the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida. Be among nature and the company of indigenous communities.
Immerse yourself in history as you explore the terraces, stairways, and plazas of this archaeological marvel. The trek typically takes 4 to 6 days and offers a glimpse into the indigenous Tayrona culture.
We chose the 4 day tour and thought it was well paced. Also, most tour companies offer an included pick up and drop off from your hotel.
After the trek, you can spend one more night near Tayrona on day 8 or head straight to Cartagena like we did.
We booked our tour with EXPOTUR but below are some more tour options and a way to support the blog at no added cost to you.
LOST CITY TOURS AVAILABLE
Stop 3:
Day 9-11) Cartagena: Colonial Marvel on the Caribbean
Drive from the mountains to the Caribbean coast and arrive in the enchanting city of Cartagena.
It took us roughly 5 hours to arrive in Cartagena from our hotel in Tayrona. We opted to take a private car as the bus system seemed to add about 2-3hours and we were beat from the hike.
I recommend booking a hotel close to Old Town.
Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic forts.
Explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, take a leisurely stroll along the city walls, wander around Getsemani, Old Town aka El Centro, Plaza la Trinidad and Plaza Santo Domingo, grab a Drink at Cafe del Mar, indulge in local cuisine at bustling food markets and take a day trip to the white sandy beaches of Rosario Islands.
Tip: Don’t be shy to try the street vendor food we had some of the best late night snacks with the local vendors.
We stayed at:
AIRBNB: Jewel in Stunning Historic Mansion at City’s Heart
CARTAGENA TOURS AVAILABLE
Stop 4:
Day 12-14) Salento: The Heart of Coffee Country
Located in the heart of the Coffee Triangle, Salento is a picturesque town nestled in the Andes mountains. Here you will find the world’s tallest palm trees.
Take the 1 hour flight from Rafael Núñez International Airport to Pereira Airport. From here it’s roughly a 1 hour drive to Salento. We prearranged our pick up with our hotel in Salento.
Start your journey by exploring Calle Real which is lined with colorful storefronts, afterwards head up to Mirador Salento, where you’ll find incredible views of the town and valley below.
We recommend immersing yourself in the coffee culture, the Coffee Triangle is after all a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tour a coffee farm, learn about the coffee-making process, and sample some of the finest Colombian brews.
The following day jump in a Willy (an old fashioned jeep) from the town center to Cocora Valley, famous for its towering wax palms, it’s a must-see. Hike through this lush landscape to witness nature’s grandeur.
Cocora Valley offers three hiking options:
- The Clockwise Loop ~7 miles (up the dirt road, pass the restaurants and buildings. Once you pay your fee head towards the left)
- The Counter-Clockwise Loop ~7 miles (through The Blue Metal Fence on the right hand side of the dirt road)
- Hiking In and Out~2.5 miles (as if you were doing the clockwise loop but instead hiking back out after the viewpoints)
Just follow the crowds, it’s impossible to get lost.
cocora valley Entrance Fee:
In & Out Hike is 15,000 COP (± 4 USD) and 21,000 COP for Clockwise and Counter Clockwise Hike ( ± 5 USD)
Tip: Do as the locals do an make sure to play some Tejo, it’s seriously so much fun! It involves gun powder and explosions and that’s all I’ll say.
We stayed at:
Budget friendly option:
SALENTO TOURS AVAILABLE
Stop 5:
Day 15-17) Jardin: A Quaint Escape
Next on the itinerary is Jardin, a charming town that oozes colonial charm and our favorite stop of the trip. We did a lot of relaxing in Jardin, the scenery just called for it plus our hotel was absolutely AMAZING.
The drive will take roughly 6 hours. We took a private transfer to our hotel arranged by our hotel in Salento.
Stroll through the vibrant streets adorned with colorful facades and flower-lined balconies. Take a cable car ride to Cerro Cristo Rey for panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains, or the wooden cable car at La Garrucha. For an even better viewpoint head to Cafe Jardin.
Drink like the locals do at the towns main square. Coffee shops and bars line the square, pick one and have a cup of coffee or your favorite beer, people watch and enjoy an afternoon with the locals.
Don’t miss the chance to relax at the Aguacate Waterfall or embark on horseback riding adventures through the countryside. Jardin is also the perfect birdwatching stop as it’s home to the famous Gallitos de Rocas (the Andean cock-of-the-rock) at Reserva Natural Jardin de Rocas.
Tip: As with all animal tours, always do your research to check that the provider is ethical and sustainable.
Jardin is also know for their trout farms, and you will see trout dishes everywhere. Although a little out of town we heard good things about La Truchería.
We stayed at:
Casa Passiflora Hotel Boutique (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
Stop 6:
Day: 18-19) Medellín: City of Eternal Spring
Drive to Medellin also known as La Primavera Eterna, meaning ‘eternal spring’ because the weather is so good all year round. A city known for its transformation from a troubled past to a vibrant present.
The drive will take roughly 3 hours. We took a private transfer to our hotel arranged by our hotel in Jardin.
Take a walking tour of Comuna 13, once known as one of the most dangerous areas of the city. This neighborhood has undergone a remarkable urban renewal process and is now known for street art, graffiti, and music scene.
Explore the Botero Plaza, home to sculptures by renowned artist Fernando Botero. Ride the Metrocable to Santo Domingo Savio for panoramic city views.
Enjoy the nightlife in El Poblado! Medellín is known for its colorful bars, rooftops, and a buzzing atmosphere.
We stayed at:
MEDELLIN TOURS AVAILABLE
Stop 7:
Day 20-21) Guatape: A Colorful Escapade
A short trip from Medellín lies Guatape, famous for its stunning lakeside views and vibrant houses.
The drive will take roughly 2 hours. We took a private transfer to our hotel arranged by our hotel in Medellín.
Climb the 65 million-year-old El Peñol Rock for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore El Zócalo Square, where each building is adorned with a unique bas-relief depicting local life and culture.
Piedra del Peñol Entrance Fee:
20,000 COP (± 5 USD)
We absolutely loved our Glamping stay at BOSKO. It had the most epic views of the lake and Piedra del Peñol, along with delicious food, sky pools, kayaking and SUP opportunities.
We stayed at:
BOSKO (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
Budget friendly option:
Serendipity Hospedaje Boutique
GUATAPE TOURS AVAILABLE
Day 22: Fly out from José María Córdova International Airport Medellín
Drive the 1 hour and 30 mins back Medellín and fly out of José María Córdova International Airport.
Your 3-week Colombian adventure has come to an end, where each destination offered a unique experience that showcased the country’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. From sipping coffee in the mountains, exploring ancient ruins, or basking on pristine beaches, these Colombia memories will last a lifetime.
How Much Does 3 Weeks in Colombia Cost?
For a mid-range budget, expect to spend around $1000 to $1500 USD per person, excluding international flights for this 3 week adventure.
Best Time to Visit & Expected Weather:
Colombia’s dry season, from December to March and July to August, is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Weather varies across regions. In Salento and Medellin, you can expect mild temperatures year-round. Cartagena and the Caribbean coast enjoy warm, tropical weather, while the Lost City Trek can be humid and rainy, so pack accordingly.
Colombia Visa Requirements:
Most passport holders do not need a visa to enter Colombia for a stay of fewer than 90 days. However, you will need a valid passport and may need to show evidence of a return or onward journey.
Colombia Travel Tips
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some Spanish will enhance your experience.
- Stay hydrated, especially during hikes and outdoor activities. Colombia’s hot and humid weather can lead to quicker dehydration.
- Use reputable tour operators for treks and adventure activities. Safety should be a top priority.
- Bargain at local markets but do so with respect. Haggling is part of the culture, but remember that fair pricing benefits everyone.
Colombia Must Try Foods:
- Bandeja Paisa: A hearty dish with beans, rice, avocado, fried egg, chorizo, and more.
- Arepas: Corn-based flatbreads served with various toppings.
- Obleas: A sweet treat filled caramel, shredded coconut and other fillings of choice between two wafer cookies.
- Ajiaco: A chicken and potato soup, often considered a Colombian comfort food.
This post covered everything you need to know about Exploring the Best of Colombia: A 3 week Itinerary.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
- Peru Itinerary & Guide-An Epic 3 Week Adventure
- The Ultimate Argentina Itinerary
- Guatemala Itinerary: A Two Week Adventure
travel resources
Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.
CAMPSITES/CAMPGROUNDS We like to use a couple apps for last minute campsite bookings. Our favorites are HipCamp, The Dyrt and Campendium.
ACCOMMODATION: We find the best deals with BOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.
CAR RENTALS: We have always used RentalCars.com and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.
FLIGHTS: Our go too for booking flights has always been SKYSCANNER. We always find the best prices on this site.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS: GET YOUR GUIDE and VIATOR are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use World Nomads or Safety Wing.
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Looks awesome, Columbia is definitely on my list and I like your itinerary. Thanks
Thank you, and hope you get to explore it soon!