In this post, I’ll take you on a fascinating Colombia itinerary. From the vibrant metropolis of Bogotá and Medellín to the charming village of Salento and the colonial splendor of Cartagena. We’ll venture into the lush jungles around Minca and tackle the adventurous and unforgettable Lost City Trek near the coastal town of Santa Marta. A stay on the paradisiacal island of Providencia—an off-the-beaten-path Caribbean gem with a touch of Robinson Crusoe vibes—is, of course, a must.
Day 0: Arrival
Day 1: Bogotá
Day 2: Onward journey to Salento
Day 3: Salento
Day 4: Salento
Day 5: Salento — Medellín
Day 6: Medellín
Day 7: Medellín
Day 8: Guatapé day trip
Day 9: Medellín — San Andrés
Day 10: San Andrés — Providencia
Day 11: Providencia
Day 12: Providencia
Day 13: Providencia — Cartagena
Day 14: Cartagena
Day 15: Cartagena
Day 16: Cartagena — Minca
Day 17: Minca
Day 18: Minca
Day 19: Minca — Santa Marta
Day 20: Lost City Trek
Day 21: Lost City Trek
Day 22: Lost City Trek
Day 23: Lost City Trek
Day 24: Costeno Beach
Day 25: Tayrona NP
Day 26: Costeno Beach — Santa Marta
Day 27: Santa Marta — Bogotá — Germany
Day 0: Arrival
Day 1: Bogotá
Day 2: Onward journey to Salento
Day 3: Salento
Day 4: Salento
Day 5: Salento — Medellín
Day 6: Medellín
Day 7: Medellín
Day 8: Guatapé day trip
Day 9: Medellín — Providencia | Alternative: Medellín — Cartagena
Day 10: Providencia | Alternative: Cartagena
Day 11: Providencia | Alternative: Cartagena
Day 12: Providencia — Cartagena | Alternative: Cartagena — Minca
Day 13: Cartagena | Alternative: Minca
Day 14: Cartagena | Alternative: Minca
Day 15: Cartagena — Minca | Alternative: Lost City Trek
Day 16: Minca | Alternative: Lost City Trek
Day 17: Minca | Alternative: Lost City Trek
Day 18: Beach | Alternative: Lost City Trek
Day 19: Beach
Day 20: Tayrona NP
Day 21: Return journey
My 4‑Week Colombia Itinerary in Detail
Arrival day
I flew from Munich to Bogotá via Madrid, arriving in the evening. I had already arranged an airport transfer to my hostel in advance, so I didn’t have to worry about finding my way in the dark.
Day 1: Bogotá
Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia, marks the beginning of my Colombia itinerary. In this city where modernity meets tradition, I spent a day exploring and discovering its unique blend of culture and history.
I started the day with a free walking tour*. The great thing about this tour is that you only pay what you think is fair at the end. And trust me, it’s worth every penny. The free walking tour I chose took me through the historic center, La Candelaria. Walking through the narrow streets, past colorfully painted houses and follow the footsteps of Colombia’s history. The lively main square, Plaza de Bolívar, with its magnificent cathedral and opulent Palace of Justice, is just one of the many places worth seeing. Here you can feel the heartbeat of Bogotá, see the hustle and bustle and experience the city’s vibrant energy.
The walking tour was perfect for getting an overview of the city, understanding its history and current transformation, and gathering exciting insider tips for further exploration.
If the weather is fine, you can climb Monserrate mountain in the afternoon and enjoy a unique view of Bogotá.
Recommended length of stay: 2 days
My length of stay: 1 day, 2 nights
Day 2–4: Salento
After the urban hustle and bustle of Bogotá, the second day of the trip takes you to the charming village of Salento. Nestled in the green, hilly landscape of the so-called coffee zone, Salento invites you to explore its colorful paisa houses.
On the first day of my stay, I visited one of the local coffee farms, which is a must-do when visiting Salento. Here you get a deeper insight into the coffee production process — from picking the red coffee cherries to washing and drying the beans and tasting the finished product.
On the second day, a hike through the famous Cocora Valley was on the agenda. The valley is known for its towering wax palms—the tallest palms in the world. The hike took us through the rainforest and along crystal-clear rivers. It was a truly amazing, diverse, and challenging trail.
Recommended length of stay: at least 2–3 full days
My length of stay: 2 days (4 nights)
All the details: Discover Salento & the Cocora Valley
Day 5: Salento — Medellín
From the charming village of Salento, the next stop on my Colombia itinerary was the modern and dynamic city of Medellín. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, Medellín is famous for its pleasant, mild climate. Once a hotspot for violent conflicts and drug trade, the city has rapidly recovered from its dark past and today stands as an example of innovation and social change.
Day 6–8: Medellín
One of the best ways to get to know and understand Medellín better is to take a free walking tour through the city center. Visitors gain an insight into the city’s eventful history and get to know the cultural and historical highlights. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, you will learn more about the city, its people and hear stories and anecdotes that you won’t find in any travel guide.
Another highlight in Medellín is definitely a visit to Comuna 13. Once one of the most dangerous areas of the city, it is now a vibrant sea of creative graffiti and a symbol of the social transformation Medellín has undergone. A guided tour through Comuna 13 showcases the power of community and the importance of art as a form of expression for social change.
Anyone visiting Medellín should consider a trip to Guatapé. Just two hours away, the charming town of Guatapé is waiting to be explored. But the highlight here is undoubtedly “El Peñol de Guatapé,” a massive monolith that you can climb, offering a breathtaking view over the surrounding lake labyrinth.
These are just a few of the many experiences awaiting you in Medellín. You can find more in my detailed guide about the city.
Recommended length of stay: 3 — 5 days
My length of stay: 3 days (5 nights)
Day 9: Medellín — San Andrés
From Medellín, I flew domestically to the island of San Andrés. Although my stay was brief, San Andrés immediately offered that exotic Caribbean vibe to captivate visitors. With its sparkling white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the island is a paradise for water lovers and sun seekers.
In the short time I had in the afternoon and evening, I explored the beach and walked along the coast before eating in one of the countless restaurants near the beach in the evening.
San Andrés impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and makes you look forward to the next, longer island stop Providencia.
Day 10 — 12: Providencia
After a brief visit to San Andrés, I continued my journey to Providencia Island by small propeller plane. A real gem, far from mass tourism, and a paradise for those seeking peace and nature.
The island is impressive in its simplicity and unspoiled beauty. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a coral reef that invites you to dive and snorkel.
During my stay on Providencia, it’s a great idea to explore the island by scooter. The landscape is hilly and lush, and the few roads wind along the bays and beaches.
Recommended length of stay: at least 3 nights
My length of stay: 2 days, 3 nights
Detailed Guide: Discover Providencia
Day 13: Providencia — San Andres — Cartagena
From the paradisiacal island paradise of Providencia, the journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cartagena. As a highlight of my Colombia itinerary, Cartagena truly played its cards right, revealing itself as a place full of charm, history, and vibrant life.
Day 14–15: Cartagena
Cartagena is known for its impressively well-preserved old town. Here, you can stroll through narrow streets, between pastel-colored colonial buildings and under balconies adorned with flowers. A Free Walking Tour provides a great first overview of the city and offers insights into its tumultuous history. A walk along the old city wall, which once protected the city, is also a must. From here, you get a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea and the modern skyline of Bocagrande.
In the evening, Cartagena comes to life. The numerous bars and restaurants invite you to try Colombian specialties and end the day with a glass of rum.
Recommended length of stay: at least 2 days
My length of stay: 3 days, 4 nights
Day 16: Cartagena — Minca
After the hustle and bustle of Cartagena, the mountain village of Minca offers the perfect contrast. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Minca is an idyllic retreat characterized by lush nature, gentle rivers and refreshing waterfalls.
I got there by taking a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta and then heading by cab from Santa Marta to Minca.
Day 17–18: Minca
In Minca, you step into another world. Here, you’re woken by the morning chirping of birds instead of the honking of city cars. A great way to explore the area is on foot with some shorter hikes.
One of the highlights of Minca is undoubtedly the refreshing waterfalls. After a short hike, you reach natural pools that invite you to take a refreshing dip.
In the evening, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants and bars located on the hills around the village to enjoy the breathtaking sunset with a view over the mountains.
Recommended length of stay: 2 days, 3 nights
My length of stay: 2 days, 3 nights
To the blog post: Minca — Colombia’s mountain paradise
Day 19: Minca — Santa Marta
From Minca, the journey continued to the coastal town of Santa Marta. I spent half a day here, which was enough to stroll through the market in the city, along the lively beach promenade and through the bustling streets. Especially around the Parque de los Novios you will find many restaurants and bars and the most beautiful alleyways in the city.
Although, in my opinion, Santa Marta doesn’t offer much else, its nightlife is definitely worth checking out. A popular salsa bar among both locals and tourists is La Puerta. And don’t worry—you don’t need to know how to dance salsa to enjoy a visit.
However, if, like me, you’ve planned the Lost City Trek for the next day, it’s wise not to stay out too late.
Recommended length of stay: max. 1–2 nights
My length of stay: 1 night
Here are a few tips for Santa Marta:
Restaurant tips:
- Mammamia Comida Italian
- Ikaro Café
- El Mexican Santa Marta
Day 20–23: Lost City Trek
An unforgettable experience in Colombia is the hike to the Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, in the heart of the jungle. The four-day trek to the Lost City in Colombia is an intense but unforgettable adventure. The journey begins in Santa Marta, from where you set off torwards El Mamey, the starting point of the hike. The multi-day trek passes waterfalls, indigenous villages and picturesque river crossings. The highlight, of course, is the mystical Lost City itself — an impressive prehistoric site hidden amidst lush green hills. The climb up to the Lost City can be challenging, but the view and the feeling of standing in this historic site make it worth every effort.
On the last day of hiking and at the end of the hike, I returned to Santa Marta for one night before continuing my journey the next day.
Day 24–26: Costeño Beach
After the intense days of the Lost City Trek, it’s time to relax and enjoy the sun. The beautiful beach at Costeño Beach is perfect for this. Here you can lie on the warm sand all day, refresh yourself in the turquoise blue water and let your mind wander. For the more adventurous, a day trip to the nearby Tayrona National Park is a must. There you can hike through dense rainforests, explore breathtaking viewpoints along the coast and swim on the beaches. All in all, Costeño Beach is the ideal place to recharge your batteries after the Lost City Trek and experience Colombia’s coastal paradise.
Recommended length of stay: 2 days, min. 2 nights
My length of stay: 2 nights
In the late afternoon of my last day, I went back to Santa Marta. I spent my last night there before starting my journey back to Germany.
Day 27: Return day Santa Marta — Bogotá — Germany
An exciting, thrilling, and diverse journey comes to an end. After just over four weeks of new impressions and unforgettable experiences in Colombia, I traveled back to Germany via Bogotá from Santa Marta.
Costs of traveling Colombia: An Overview
Let’s dive into the numbers and the exciting question: How much does a Colombia tour cost in 2023? Since I kept asking myself this question during the trip planning process, I’m not keeping it a secret and will share my expenses completely and without exception.
A quick note about my “travel style.” Once again, I was traveling with a backpack and often stayed in hostels or shared a room with other travelers. However, I also treated myself to a private room now and then. So, I didn’t always choose the cheapest option, but always tried to weigh the price-to-performance ratio carefully. I also went to an expensive, fancy restaurant in Medellín, but I balanced it out with some street food in between. So, I’d say this is a pretty average budget for my trip.
All in all, I would say my costs are fairly representative of an average stay.
| Reisekosten Kolumbien 4 Wochen | Kosten pro Person |
|---|---|
| Flüge | 1.092,32 € |
| Hin- und Rückflug MUC — Bogotá | 752,68 € |
| Flug Bogotá — Pereira | 76,00 € |
| Flug Medellín — San Andres | 70,56 € |
| Hin- und Rückflug San Andrés — Providencia | 119,00 € |
| Flug San Andrés — Cartagena | 55,96 € |
| Flug Santa Marta — Bogotá | 67,24 € |
| Unterkünfte | 480,13 € |
| Transport (Taxi, Roller, Boot, Öffis etc.) | 167,52 € |
| Restaurants/ Cafés | 261,24 € |
| Aktivitäten (Ausflüge, Eintrittsgelder, etc.) | 463,30 € |
| Sonstiges (Sim-Karte, Reinigung…) | 165,78 € |
| Summe | 2.670,97 € |
Best time to travel around Colombia
The best time to travel through Colombia varies depending on personal preferences and the regions visited. In general, however, it can be said that the months of December to March and June to August are considered the driest times of the year and therefore offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. In the coastal areas and by the sea, the climate is tropical all year round, while in the higher areas such as the Andes region or the Coffee Triangle, the climate is milder.
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