Colombia is an up-and-coming vacation spot in South America that has one thing to supply everyone. With a various vary of landscapes, from gorgeous seashores to the snow-capped Andes, you’ll be hard-pressed to search out someplace else on this planet fairly prefer it. That’s why making a complete Colombia itinerary isn’t any simple feat—particularly for those who solely have 2 weeks!
Positive, the nation has a foul rap from the times of Colombian drug lords, however these occasions of needing to ask your self “is it protected?” are principally behind this nation. It’s shortly modernizing and opening its arms to the world.
So, in case you are on the lookout for a culturally wealthy vacation spot with a variety of jaw-dropping surroundings and sprawling cities, then look no additional. Right here’s learn how to spend 2 weeks in Colombia the fitting approach.
Get Round Colombia
Colombia is a reasonably large nation, which signifies that getting round it might probably take a while. That is very true as a result of there are such a lot of locations to go to which are unfold aside from each other.
That stated, there are two simple methods of getting between main locations in Colombia: bus and aircraft. And the excellent news is that aircraft costs are literally fairly low-cost. Throughout our journey round Colombia, we discovered Avianca to be essentially the most dependable and fairly priced airline, which took us nearly in every single place we wished to go.
However if in case you have extra time, the buses are even cheaper. You need to use websites like Busbud to search out buses to take you from Level A to Level B. Or you may go to any of the close by bus stations and ask to see the schedules and costs — that is normally essentially the most dependable approach.
2 Weeks in Colombia Itinerary
Colombia is definitely an enormous and numerous nation, and there’s completely no approach you may see every little thing right here in simply 2 weeks. The next itinerary is designed to soak up among the greatest that the nation has to supply and to point out you the highlights.
Though you may definitely cram extra right into a 2-week journey, I might not advocate it. It is much better to spend some high quality time attending to know a vacation spot than simply ticking off “must-sees” and by no means actually experiencing the nation.
Having stated all that, let’s get began within the steamy Caribbean metropolis of Cartagena to kick off your 2 weeks in Colombia!
Day 1-3: Cartagena
The colourful streets of Cartagena, ColombiaCartagena is the proper place to reach in Colombia as a result of it’s simple to get round and has quite a lot of close by points of interest. You’ll be able to mix relaxation and leisure on a seaside with just a little nightlife and exploring on the town. It’s the proper introduction to Colombian tradition.
Discover Downtown Cartagena
Among the best methods to get an summary of town is to go to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which is strategically situated on a hill exterior of city. In fact, the Spanish constructed it right here for that very cause, because it has a commanding view of all approaches to town.
Subsequent on the agenda is a strolling tour of the historic Cartagena. You’ll be able to all the time do that your self, ticking off the objects as you go, however I choose to take the free strolling excursions in Colombia. They aren’t really “free” as it’s best to give a tip on the finish.
Nonetheless, they’re run by locals, and it supplies them with a job. Plus, you get actual, native insider information into town, and so they’ll cowl all the highlights of town and a few locations you wouldn’t usually get to see.
Head to Playa Blanca
A number of the greatest seashores within the nation are situated up north, so Cartagena is properly situated to get you just a little seaside time. One of the vital picturesque and likewise handy seashores is Playa Blanca, simply exterior of Cartagena.
You’ll be able to attain it both by boat or highway. I choose the water, because it takes simply 45 minutes from the port. In any other case, you may take native transport, however it might probably take not less than two hours.
Social gathering With the Locals
If there’s one place to social gathering if you are in Colombia, it’s in Cartagena. It’s famend with each the locals and backpackers, and there are a few nice choices to dwell it up right here.
The primary is the Chiva Bus, which is kind of an area factor. It features a tour across the completely different barrios of town, together with an on-board bar and musicians taking part in native Vallenato music.
If that doesn’t sound like your sort of factor, the opposite fashionable possibility is the Media Luna Hostel social gathering, which takes place each Wednesday evening.
The one solution to get to Tayrona from Cartagena is by highway. You’ll have to get on a few buses and make your approach slowly there by way of Santa Marta.
Santa Marta is round 4 hours by bus from Cartagena, and it’s an extra hour to Tayrona. When you select, you may spend an evening in Santa Marta. It isn’t essentially the most gorgeous metropolis to go to, but it surely’s a handy spot to cease for the evening, and it’s additionally a launching level for Minca and the well-known Misplaced Metropolis Trek.
Day 3-5: Tayrona Nationwide Park
Cabo San Juan, Tayrona Nationwide Park, ColombiaTayrona Nationwide Park is maybe the most well-liked park in Colombia, and for good cause. It combines gorgeous seashores, with untouched magnificence—and all only a day away from Cartagena.
Tayrona is gorgeous and there’s tons to see there, however don’t anticipate action-packed events. It’s a Nationwide Park, in spite of everything.
Hike to the Numerous Seashores
Tayrona is without doubt one of the greatest locations to return if you wish to do some climbing in Colombia. And even in case you are not usually into climbing, this can be a great spot to simply go for a stroll.
Take a while to hike to the assorted seashores, beginning with the most well-liked, Cabo San Juan. But additionally you should definitely spend a while on the less-visited ones, too. Some aren’t solely simply as picturesque, however they’re usually abandoned, too.
Go to El Pueblito
This Kogi settlement is a good way to get a style for the tradition and folks whose land this really is. In fact, additionally, you will come throughout among the folks if you end up making your approach across the park, however this is a bit more particular in your Colombia itinerary.
Loosen up a Little
Among the best issues to do whereas in Tayrona is to simply spend just a little downtime on the seashores or in your lodging. There are few distractions within the park as a result of there isn’t any WiFi, no noise and it would generally look like nothing to do. So, take pleasure in it, and catch your self just a little R&R.
There are many flights every day trip of Santa Marta airport, and given the gap to Medellin, it’s the most suitable choice. In fact, attending to the airport will also be completed a wide range of methods. Some motels and hostels provide shuttles, however the least expensive possibility is a colectivo bus to Santa Marta, then a taxi from downtown.
When you completely must torture your self and go by bus, it should take one of the best a part of a day (15 to twenty hours) and may not even prevent any cash.
Day 6-9: Medellin & Guatapé
View over Guatapé, ColombiaGetting to Medellin might be completed simply by inner flight from Santa Marta, and it takes simply over an hour. As you land, you will notice the sprawling metropolis that appears to fill each crevice and hill on this valley.
Medellin has moved on from the times of Pablo Escobar, and the folks right here are literally not an enormous fan of his, so don’t run round asking about him. There’s little or no in the best way of hazard right here, so long as you’re taking the same old precautions of staying away from iffy areas at evening and never flaunting your valuables.
Take a Free Strolling Tour
There are some things it’s best to completely do right here to profit from your time in Medellin and, finally, to profit from your Colombia itinerary. The primary, like in Cartagena, is to take a Free Strolling Tour and get to know town as a complete, together with its sordid historical past.
This is not going to solely provide you with an incredible overview of the downtown space, however it should additionally give you some insider suggestions and data, too. You additionally get to see among the highlights like Botero Plaza, the place you may see the enjoyable “fats” paintings of Botero, who hails from right here.
Trip the Metro Cable to Arvi Park
One other enjoyable half-day (and even full-day) tour is to go out to the Metrocable that climbs slowly up and over the hills to Arvi Park. This offers you an attention-grabbing perspective into the less-well-off inhabitants of town, in addition to a spectacular view of the world.
And, the ultimate stretch is thru the center of a fairly wild park, the place you may spend the entire day climbing if you want. Or you may merely return to Medellin once more.
Try Comuna 13
On the opposite facet of Medellin is Comuna 13. This was as soon as a spot you’d by no means head as a vacationer. Now, it is stuffed with them.
You’ll be able to take a tour with an area and study all about their lives right here, or just trip the escalators to the highest of this hillside neighborhood and discover the graffiti-adorned roads. You would possibly even get fortunate and see some super-talented break dancers on the prime.
Go to Guatapé
Guatapé is a well-liked facet journey from Medellin for a cause. The city is situated in a water-filled, picturesque area of the nation and has some nice actions to maintain you busy for a day. It’s a must-see in your Colombia itinerary.
It takes round two hours to achieve there from Medellin, so go away early and are available again late if doable. You may also spend an evening, but it surely’s not mandatory.
The 2 major issues you’ll want to see if you are listed here are the enormous monolith, El Peñol (also called the Guatape Rock), in addition to the gorgeous colonial city itself. The hike to the highest of the Guatape Rock is a climb up 740 steps. It ought to solely take about 15 to twenty minutes, and also you’ll have spectacular views from there.
Salento is a good distance from Medellin, so in case you are pressed for time, I like to recommend flying, which solely takes 50 minutes. Nonetheless, you don’t land in Salento itself, however reasonably the closest huge metropolis, Pereira. From right here you need to both take a taxi immediately or head simply downtown to the bus station, after which take a bus to Salento. Direct with a taxi is round an hour; with the bus combo, it would take you two or extra, relying on connections.
When you select to take a bus to Salento immediately from Medellin, simply remember that it’s not less than six hours over lengthy, winding roads, which, though scenic, are tremendous time-consuming. When you don’t wish to eat that point up out of your Colombia itinerary, we don’t advocate the bus journey. That stated, it would prevent just a few {dollars}.
Day 9-12: Salento Espresso Area
When you’re a espresso lover, Salento is the place to be!Salento is without doubt one of the premier espresso areas in Colombia, so in case you are a espresso lover, you’ll by no means wish to go away. It’s a lush, hilly space lined with espresso plantations, in addition to well-kept colonial villages like Salento and plenty of others.
Take a Espresso Plantation Tour
Among the best issues you are able to do in Salento is a deep dive into the world of espresso. There are a selection of locations you are able to do excursions within the hills round city. I like to recommend taking as in-depth a tour as you may, as that is actually the place to see how espresso involves your cup and discover the tastes.
Go on a Valle de Cocora Hike
The following hottest factor to do within the Salento area is to hike by the Valle de Cocora, which is peppered with the world’s tallest palm bushes. There are a selection of choices relying in your health degree—this Colombia itinerary is for everybody!
There’s a full loop down the valley, alongside the river after which again by way of the wax palms, which is definitely what folks come to see. This takes round 4 hours. Or, you may head straight to the wax palms, which is round one and a half hours return. There are even horse rides, for these so inclined.
Discover the City
Though really fairly small, it’s value spending just a few hours strolling round Salento and seeing it from all sides. There’s one thing for everybody, from the yummy contemporary juice offered on the city sq. to the perspective (Mirador de Salento) to the little nightlife and native evening markets on the weekends.
Once more, it’s far simpler to get right here by aircraft, which is barely 50 minutes from Periera. Remember the fact that you will have to get to the airport once more. This could add not less than just a few hours.
There’s a day-long bus possibility, as properly, if you wish to save just a little cash. The journey is break up in two components. The primary is a 45-minute trip to Armenia, the place you then catch the Bogota bus. This could take wherever from seven to 9 hours, so many individuals choose the in a single day possibility.
Day 12-14: Bogota
Overlooking town of Bogota.The final cease in your 2-week tour of Colombia is the capital, Bogota. Town itself will not be the jewel of the Carribean like Cartagena, however there are nonetheless just a few issues it’s best to see if you are right here. In spite of everything, a part of attending to know any nation is to go to its capital metropolis!
Take a Bicycle Tour of Bogota
In contrast to most different cities in Colombia, the easiest way to see Bogota is by bike. The excursions run out of La Candelaria are one of the best, and so they additionally provide you with an opportunity to discover this barrio, as properly. The excursions run twice a day, and so they don’t require reserving. They take you to all a very powerful landmarks, in addition to the native fruit market and some different native highlights.
Climb Montserrat
To get one of the best views of Bogota, you completely have to go to Montserrat throughout your Colombia itinerary. You’ll be able to take the simple approach up by way of cable automobile or you may hike. Simply remember that there have been some experiences of issues of safety when climbing early or late within the day. Locals warn of robberies and assaults, however rumors abound as ordinary. So do your due diligence earlier than heading up there and err on the facet of warning.
Go to the Museo Del Oro
Earlier than the Spaniards got here to South America and sort of “borrowed” all of the gold, the continent was flush with the stuff. And, fortunate for us, they’ve collected quite a lot of what was left within the fabulous Museo del Oro. It’s proper within the coronary heart of Bogota. In case you have some spare time, this place is certainly value a go to. If solely to place some future jewellery in your want record.
Colombia is definitely fairly low-cost, so this Colombia itinerary could even price lots lower than 2 weeks at dwelling for a few of us. The next are some tough prices for various kinds of vacationers:
The Price of Transportation in Colombia
Buses usually price round $30 to $40 for journeys between Bogota and Salento, Salento and Medellin, Cartagena and Santa Marta.
Flights usually price between $50 and $100 relying on the airline, how far forward you e book, and so forth. Simply remember that the most affordable airways like VivaAir usually don’t have baggage included. So, though they give the impression of being low-cost, they arrive with extra prices and sometimes extra delays than Avianca.
The Price of Lodging in Colombia
On the decrease finish of the spectrum, yow will discover hostel dorm beds starting from $10-15 an evening. Hostels round Colombia are fairly first rate, starting from the naked fundamentals to extra “luxurious” hostels in sure cities.
Not about that hostel life? You could find personal double rooms for 2 folks starting from between $25-50 per evening in finances motels. These gained’t be five-star luxurious motels, however you’ll be snug and also you’ll have your privateness!
The Price of Meals and Drinks in Colombia
When you’re on a decent finances in Colombia, you may simply eat on $10-15 per day for those who persist with native family-owned eating places and road distributors. You could find scrumptious road meals like grilled meats and rice and bean dishes for generally only a few {dollars}. Go the place the locals go!
With a much bigger finances, anticipate to pay $20-40 per day for meals. With this finances, you may just about eat wherever you need.
What to Pack for two Weeks in Colombia
Colombia is definitely fairly a various nation by way of climate. You will want to pack for each very heat and sunny climate, in addition to cooler and doubtlessly wet climate.
It’s also a rustic that has just a few mosquitoes, and a few of them can carry illness. So that you wish to be ready for that, as properly, earlier than transport out in your Colombia itinerary.
Right here’s what we advocate you pack.
Swimming Gear
In Tayrona and Cartagena, you will discover among the most spectacular seashores in Colombia. So you should definitely convey your swimwear, even when it’s just for a fast dip.
Kenny Flowers has among the greatest swimwear choices for each women and men, with a wide range of wild colours and patterns (like cheetah print and tropical florals). When you’ve acquired a wild facet and wish to present it off, look no additional.
Whether or not it’s to dry off after a fast dip or since you don’t just like the look of that resort towel, a microfiber towel will turn out to be useful.
They’re fast-drying, SUPER smooth, and extremely light-weight. Microfiber towels pack up into compact pouches in order that they take up nearly no area in your backpack. They’re constructed for journey vacationers, so that you’ll have this factor for years to return.
You may be out and about daily, whether or not it’s in a metropolis or climbing. So a snug journey daypack is an absolute should.
Our prime choose for a daypack is the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack. This daypack is one of the best all-around backpack for ANY kind of journey, whether or not you’re climbing, commuting, or simply exploring a brand new metropolis!
It’s sensible, it’s unisex, and it comes at an incredible worth, too.
The solar is all the time excessive overhead. So maintain your self protected always, particularly when on the seaside or climbing. A traditional ball cap just like the Patagonia Fitz Roy Bear Trucker Hat will do exactly fantastic. (It is available in ladies’s sizes too.)
However women, in order for you one thing extra beachy and fewer sporty, go along with a packable shade goddess hat. The vast brim affords the last word solar safety, and it packs properly in any baggage.
The Colombian solar can fry an egg at noon. So take quite a lot of solar safety with you and apply it liberally, particularly in the course of the day.
When you’re going to be swimming or typically having fun with Colombia’s pure magnificence, we propose TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen. It’s biodegradable and eco-friendly, and water resistant as well. Defend your self AND the surroundings!
One thing that can positively turn out to be useful in Bogota and Salento is a rain jacket. Preserve this on the backside of your bag.
The REI Drypoint GTX is our favourite all-around rain jacket. Why? It’s extraordinarily breathable but nonetheless waterproof, it has a really customizable and comfy hood, and it’s unbelievable for climbing due to its stretchiness.
It’s a bit boxy in form, but it surely packs properly and is gentle as properly. And naturally, there’s a model for girls!
Most of the locations you’ll be strolling are scorching. So, usually, climbing boots aren’t enjoyable to put on. Seize some climbing sandals as a substitute.
Eager is a superb model for ethereal, light-weight climbing sandals just like the Newport H2 (accessible in ladies’s too). These sandals have wonderful toe safety and so they’re waterproof, so you may ford all of the rivers and streams you want! Admittedly, they’re not essentially the most engaging sandals going, however they’re greater than value your weight in gold whenever you’re climbing in tropical locations.
DEET is without doubt one of the greatest methods to discourage mosquitoes. And, given the potential hazard in areas within the north, it’s value taking a bottle or two. Malaria is a really actual risk right here, in addition to the zika virus that hit the nation arduous in 2016.
In case you are not a fan of chemical compounds, this mozzie repellent will maintain these critters at bay.
Relying on the place you’re staying, most of the higher-end locations could have mosquito nets. However you may by no means be 100% positive, and generally they’ve holes. So all the time convey your individual.
Not solely will this assist shield in opposition to ailments and viruses, however you’ll have a way more peaceable sleep for those who’re not slapping away these annoying little buggers on a regular basis.
A internet will pack properly, however maintain it separate from smaller objects that will get snarled whenever you’re packing in a rush.
I by no means go wherever on this planet with out protection from top-of-the-line journey insurance coverage corporations, and Colombia is definitely someplace you will have it. Whether or not it’s simply to cowl widespread chilly medication or to exchange any stolen objects, you may by no means be too protected. That isn’t to say you will have these items occur to you. However unhealthy issues can occur to anybody wherever — even essentially the most ready particular person.
Among the best choices for journey insurance coverage in Colombia is World Nomads as a result of they concentrate on journey insurance coverage and are conscious of the various and diverse points we’ve when touring abroad. Make sure to examine them out in our full World Nomads journey insurance coverage overview.
Summing up Your 2 Weeks in Colombia
Colombia has a lot to supply that it’s arduous to select precisely the place to go. However, with the above Colombia itinerary, you’ll get to see among the greatest this nation has to supply. And that’s with out lacking out on any of the highest points of interest.
With simply 2 weeks in Colombia, you may go in every single place from historic cities to gorgeous seashores and low plantations to fields of towering wax palm bushes. Colombia is an up-and-coming vacation spot for a cause!
READ MORE:
Colombia Itinerary FAQs
What number of days are sufficient for Colombia?
I like to recommend taking not less than 1-2 weeks to go to Colombia.
What’s the most lovely a part of Colombia?
The Rosario Islands are some of the lovely locations in Colombia.
What’s the #1 vacationer attraction in Colombia?
The Caño Cristales is the highest vacationer attraction in Colombia.
The place ought to I’m going for the primary time in Colombia?
Cartagena is a unbelievable metropolis to go to in your first time in Colombia.
What’s the most secure a part of Colombia to go to?
Cartagena is without doubt one of the most secure locations to go to in Colombia.
In regards to the Creator
Anna Timbrook
Anna was born to journey the world having studied languages all her life. Though she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland dwelling and spends her time writing about her experiences on her journey weblog together with her husband.
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