Colombia: 10 Days of Urban and Natural Adventure

Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena and the Rosario Islands

Explore Colombia in 10 days: from the Andean capital Bogota to colonial Cartagena, through Medellin's urban renaissance and paradisiacal Caribbean beaches.

Day 1: Arrival in Bogota: La Candelaria and Monserrate

  • 09:00 - Arrival at El Dorado Airport

    Reception and transfer to hotel in La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogota.

  • 12:00 - Lunch in La Candelaria

    Try ajiaco bogotano, the traditional soup with potato, chicken, and corn.

  • 14:00 - La Candelaria Walking Tour

    Walk through colonial streets, visit Palacio de NariƱo and Iglesia de San Francisco.

  • 17:00 - Monserrate by Funicular

    Ride up to 3,152 meters to see the basilica and panoramic views of Bogota.

  • 19:30 - Dinner in Historic Center

    Dine with views of illuminated Capitol. Try bandeja paisa or cordillera.

Day 2: Bogota: Gold, Art, and Nightlife

  • 09:00 - Gold Museum

    World's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects. Must-see.

  • 12:30 - Lunch in Zona G

    Carrera 7 is Bogota's gastronomic street. Choose from tacos to fusion.

  • 14:30 - Botero Museum

    Private collection with works by Botero, Picasso, Miro. Free admission.

  • 17:00 - Usaquen: Market and Cafes

    Visit the Usaquen village with galleries, craft shops, and cafes.

  • 19:30 - Nightlife in Zona Rosa

    Bars and nightclubs on Carrera 13. Young crowd, live music.

Day 3: Flight to Medellin: Comuna 13 and El Poblado

  • 08:00 - Breakfast and Airport Transfer

    Quick breakfast. Flight to Medellin (1 hour).

  • 10:00 - Arrival in Medellin

    Check-in to El Poblado, the touristy neighborhood with nightlife.

  • 12:00 - Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour

    Climb to the commune ruled by street artists. Colorful murals, Medellin views.

  • 15:30 - Lunch at Plaza Botero

    Eat near Botero sculptures. Restaurants with touristy prices but good quality.

  • 17:00 - Stroll Through El Poblado

    Walk Carrera 37 (Parque Bolivar), shops, hipster cafes.

Day 4: Guatape: Stone and Colorful Town

  • 07:00 - Tour to Guatape

    Early departure from El Poblado. Transfer to Guatape (2 hours).

  • 09:30 - Piedra del Penol Climb

    Climb 740 stairs up this monolithic rock. Incredible views of the reservoir.

  • 12:00 - Lunch Overlooking the Reservoir

    Fried fish with plantains. Eat in a restaurant with water views.

  • 13:30 - Guatape Town Walking Tour

    Colorfully painted streets, church, park. Perfect town for photos.

  • 16:00 - Return to Medellin

    Transfer back. Arrive around 6 PM.

Day 5: Medellin: Botanical Garden, Arvi, and Laureles

  • 09:00 - Medellin Botanical Garden

    85 hectares with orchids, tropical plants, city views.

  • 11:30 - Lunch at Parque Arvi

    Ride the cable car (metrocable) to Parque Arvi. Dine at restaurant with views.

  • 14:00 - Parque Arvi: Nature and Viewpoints

    Walk through nature, viewpoints, open-air museum.

  • 16:30 - Return to El Poblado

    Ride metrocable down. Rest at hotel.

  • 19:00 - Salsa Dancing in Laureles

    Colombian salsa nightclub. Learn steps with locals. Authentic atmosphere.

Day 6: Flight to Cartagena: Walled City and Plaza Santo Domingo

  • 08:00 - Breakfast and Airport Transfer

    Final breakfast in Medellin. Flight to Cartagena (1.5 hours).

  • 11:00 - Arrival in Cartagena

    Check-in to hotel inside the old walled city.

  • 12:00 - Lunch at Plaza Santo Domingo

    Acrostay Restaurant with views of the plaza and Santo Domingo church.

  • 13:30 - Walking Tour of Cartagena

    Walk colonial streets, plazas, churches. 16th-century architecture.

  • 16:30 - Sunset on the Walls

    Walk the ancient city walls. Views of the Caribbean Sea.

Day 7: Cartagena: Getsemani, Castle, and Salsa

  • 09:00 - Getsemani Neighborhood: Street Art

    Visit the bohemian neighborhood with colorful murals, galleries, cafes.

  • 11:30 - Lunch in Getsemani

    Independent restaurants, fresh juices, creole food.

  • 13:00 - Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

    16th-century fortress with underground tunnel. History of pirates and wars.

  • 15:30 - Rest at Hotel

    Relax at the pool. Prepare for the evening.

  • 18:00 - Sunset and Romantic Dinner

    Watch sunset from the walls. Dine at restaurant with ocean views.

Day 8: Rosario Islands: Beach, Snorkeling, and Paradise

  • 07:00 - Transfer to Dock

    Early pickup. Arrive at Manga Dock.

  • 08:00 - Navigation to Rosario Islands

    Fast boat (1.5 hours) to national marine park with coral reefs.

  • 09:30 - Coral Reef Snorkeling

    Shallow snorkeling. Colorful fish, coral, sea turtles.

  • 12:00 - Lunch on Island

    Seafood rice, ceviche. Fresh fruit on the beach.

  • 13:30 - Relax on Paradise Beach

    Swim, sunbathe, rest in hammocks under palms.

Day 9: Cartagena: Bazurto Market, La Popa, and Salsa Night

  • 08:00 - Bazurto Market

    Authentic Cartagena market. Tropical fruits, fresh seafood, flowers.

  • 10:00 - Market Breakfast

    Eat arepa with cheese, fresh fruit juice at the market.

  • 10:30 - La Popa Convent

    16th-century Jesuit convent. Views of all Cartagena and the bay.

  • 13:00 - Creole Lunch

    Garlic shrimp, plantains. Food from the Caribbean coast.

  • 14:30 - Afternoon Rest

    Siesta at hotel, pool, reading on the terrace.

  • 19:00 - Salsa Night in Cartagena

    Fuerte Pastelillo nightclub. Music, dancing, festive atmosphere.

Day 10: Last Day: Shopping, Ceviche, and Goodbye

  • 08:00 - Relaxed Breakfast

    Final breakfast with views on hotel terrace.

  • 09:30 - Shopping in Walled City

    Craft and souvenir shops, Colombian backpacks. Calle de la Artilleria.

  • 11:30 - Final Walk on the Walls

    Last walk on historic walls. Enjoy the Caribbean views.

  • 13:00 - Farewell Ceviche Lunch

    Fresh ceviche with fried plantains. Drink with pineapple and rum. Farewell to Colombian food.

  • 14:30 - Airport Transfer

    Pickup from hotel. Return flight (choose your time).

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?
Yes. Main tourist cities (Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena) are very safe for travelers. Stay in recommended areas, avoid displaying valuables, and travel during daylight hours.
Do I need vaccinations to enter?
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended, especially if visiting rural areas. Consult your doctor before traveling.
How much does a typical meal cost?
A meal at a local restaurant costs $3-8 USD. The best arepas and sancocho are found in markets and local comedores.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Spanish is the official language. In Bogota and Cartagena, many speak basic English. Learn key phrases or use a translator.
What are the best transportation options?
Domestic flights between cities (1-1.5 hours). Comfortable overnight buses. Uber and taxis within cities.