Colombia is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do. To really get a taste of all that this country has to offer, I recommend spending at least 7 days in Colombia. If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, this 1-week itinerary for Colombia will allow you to experience some of the country’s most iconic attractions. Keep reading for an itinerary for one week in Colombia for your next visit!
Things To Know Before You Go
This route will have you start in Bogota and end in Cartagena. Bogota has many flight options from all over the US; I was able to score a $230 RT Flight from JFK using Delta Airlines.
This Colombia travel itinerary will have you flying around the country to save time, so make sure to pack efficiently to avoid baggage fees. I recommend flying with Avianca inside Colombia. Regarding transportation, I recommend using Uber or a local taxi; make sure to negotiate the price before getting into one.
The national currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso, which you will want to get at the airport or a local ATM. You’ll need them to pay for things in Guatape and some markets, as Colombia is a cash-based society.
Days 1-3 Places to See In Bogotá
Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
After arriving in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, take some time to get settled in and explore the city. Start by visiting the historic center, La Candelaria, where you’ll find colorful colonial-style buildings, charming plazas, and a vibrant street scene.
While in La Candelaria, visit the Gold Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. You can also visit the Botero Museum, which features works by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
In the evening, head to the Zona Rosa, a lively neighborhood known for its bars and restaurants. Try traditional Colombian food, such as arepas, empanadas, and tamales, and wash it down with a refreshing aguardiente, the national drink of Colombia.
Day 2: Exploring Bogotá
On your second day in Bogotá, continue exploring the city’s many attractions. Start by visiting Monserrate, a mountain that towers over the city and offers stunning views. You can take a cable car to the top or hike up if adventurous.
After enjoying the views from Monserrate, head to the nearby Salt Cathedral, an underground cathedral carved into a salt mine. The cathedral is a beautiful example of modern architecture and is a must-see for anyone visiting Bogotá.
In the afternoon, visit the La Plaza de Bolívar, the main square in Bogotá. You’ll find the National Capitol, the Cathedral of Bogotá, and other important buildings here. Be sure to stop by the Palacio de Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia.
Where To Stay: Hotel NH Bogota Andino, a business hotel close to the airport. While the rooms were a bit dated, it was the perfect place to rest since most of your time will be out exploring.
Also, I wish someone had told me a tip before visiting Bogota: take it easy! The altitude in Bogota, 8660 feet above sea level, is higher than in Colorado, which is only 5,280, so drink a LOT of water.
Now it’s time to head to Medellin.
Days 3-5 Places To See in Medellin
During my visit, I took a detour off the beaten path of visiting Medellin and spent most of my time in a small town called Guatape. If you plan on staying in Medellin, take a day trip to Guatape.
Day 3: Arrival in Medellin
Visit the historic center of Medellin, known as El Poblado. You’ll find a bustling street scene filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Take a ride on the metro cable, a system of cable cars that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The metro cable has four lines that take you to different neighborhoods and attractions in Medellín, including the Arví Ecological Park, where you can hike and explore the beautiful natural scenery.
Take a trip to Parque Arví, a large urban park located on the outskirts of Medellín. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. You can also visit the Parque Explora, a science and technology museum within the park.
Day 4: Exploring Medellin
Experience the nightlife in Medellín, known for its vibrant bars and clubs. Then, visit the neighborhood of Poblado, where you’ll find a wide variety of options for dining and entertainment. Be sure to try traditional Colombian dishes, such as bandeja paisa, a hearty meal consisting of rice, beans, meat, and avocado.
Overall, Medellín is a city full of exciting things to see and do. From its vibrant culture and history to its beautiful natural surroundings, this vibrant city has no shortage of experiences.
Day 5: Exploring Guatape
Perhaps my favorite part of this itinerary is a visit to Guatape. If you have more time, spend two days here. There is a bus service to Guatape for about $4, which takes 2 hours. Or if you’d like to arrange private transport, I recommend my driver Cristian, for $60 RT he took me to Guatape and dropped me off at the Medellin airport. Contact him via Whatsapp at +57 321 290 3956 and let him know Abigail from TheLadyWhoTravels sent you!
If you’re after some great photos, you have to visit the Zocalos. You can find them in the main square, decorated with bright, beautiful art and painted houses. Make sure to go early to get the perfect shot, and head all the way down the stairs. Another main attraction in Gutatape is El Penol; you can climb to the top or take a picture at the bottom (like I did). Either way, it’s a must-do when visiting Guatape.
Where To Stay:
Medellin: Celestino Boutique Hotel
Guatape: Bosko is one of my favorite hotel stays of all time, the experience is like no other, and the service is five-star. Now it’s time to head to your last city of Cartagena.
Days 5-7 Places to See in Cartagena
Day 5: Arrival in Cartagena
After arriving in Cartagena, take some time to explore the city’s historic center. Visit the Castillo de San Felipe, a fortress that protected the city from pirates, and the Palacio de la Inquisición, a former court where the Spanish Inquisition was held.
In the afternoon, visit the Mercado de Bazurto, a large and lively market and a great place to have dinner. Read below for my recommendations.
- Alquimico for rooftop vibes with fantastic music, three floors of fun
- Café Del Mar for Sunset, which has a view of Bocagrande beach
- Movich Hotel for rooftop views and drinks
- Café Havana for Salsa Dancing
- El Rum Bar for rum and chocolate tasting
- Café Vitrola for gourmet food
Day 6: Exploring Cartagena
It’s time to visit a beach; there are many options in Cartagena, some better than others. The beaches in the city center are not blue and crowded with vendors, so I’d avoid that. Another option is Isla Baru, a 45-minute drive from Cartagena. While this beach is affordable and has blue water, I cannot recommend it because the vendors are relentless. Don’t believe me? Check out my experience below; it was so bad I paid an exorbitant fee to leave earlier than planned and spent the rest of my time at Blue Apple Beach Club in Tierra Bomba.
If you’re looking for blue water and white sand, then Bora Bora Beach club is the place to visit. It will take a full day, but it’s worth it; you can read more about it here. On the other hand, visit Blue Apple Beach Club if you want a quick trip. It’s close to town and has all the luxury of a beach club without the vendors. TLDR: Avoid Isla Baru!
Day 7: A Day Trip To Palenque
Palenque is the first free town for Africans in the Americas. A historic town with beautiful murals and rich history, I recommend a visit to everyone that comes to Cartagena. Day Trips to Palenque are limited (and costly for solo travelers) due to low tourism because of COVID, so I recommend a personal driver. I got a private solo tour of Palenque, lunch, and a mural tour of the old city in Cartagena for $60. Eduardo also invited a friend who is a Palenque native, she gave me an in-depth history of Palenque, and we watched a dance performance. You can see more of it below. Contact Eduardo via Whatsapp at +57 320 665 6208 and let him know Abigail from TheLadyWhoTravels sent you!
Where To Stay: Hotel Capellan de Getsemani is located in a very safe neighborhood away from all the noise. I enjoyed the elegant grounds, professional staff, and 5-star amenities.
Make sure to follow me on social media to read more about my travels, and have a safe trip!
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