10 days in Colombia Itinerary (for first time visitors)

This thriving country is full of culture and epic sceneries, from the famed coffee region of El Eje Cafetero to the beaches along the Caribbean coast.

Within Colombia’s big cities such as Medellin and Cali, you can also find some really heated nightlife scenes, as well as a variety of attractions which range from ancient museums to unusual landscapes.

10 days in Colombia Itinerary

This guide explores Colombia, which includes things to see and do. I’ll also include my own customised 10-day itinerary for those who are heading here.

From lounging on some of the most beautiful beaches in South America to hiking amongst the largest palm trees in the world, let’s now explore the very best of this diverse country with my 10 days in Colombia itinerary.

Getting to Colombia

Most travellers arriving in Colombia head to the capital of Bogotá. El Dorado International Airport sits here, making Bogotá the best-connected city in the country—and a strong contender for the best-connected on the continent too.

You’ll find daily, direct flights here from destinations all over the world.

The other main way is by crossing in through Ecuador, which is popular amongst travellers on a longer backpacking route through South America. There are also land borders with Venezuela and Peru, as well as the river border with Brazil (you’ll need to take a short boat ride to cross over).

Last but not least, you can also enter from Panama, where you’ll embark on an unforgettable, 3/4-day boat ride crossing the ocean and visiting the San Blas Islands. It leaves from Panama City and finally makes landfall in Cartagena.

Things to know when visiting Colombia

When travelling with my itinerary through Colombia, I recommend a minimum daily budget of $50 per day. With this budget you’ll be staying in a good-quality hotel room (or in a hostel) and will mostly be eating in local restaurants.

You should also have some budget leftover for some beers at night or for heading to an inexpensive attraction. Other costs such as international flights, travel insurance or long-distance buses are not included in this budget.

Travellers often ask about safety in Colombia, which is understandable given the country’s past reputation. However, things have improved considerably in the past few decades, with dedicated areas of popular cities like Medellin and Santa Marta proving to be relatively safe for new visitors.

10 Days in Colombia Itinerary

Day 1: Bogotá

I suggest landing in the capital, given it’s well connected both within and outside of South America. I spent 3 days in Bogotá. But for this guide I suggest just one.

With just 1 day here, I recommend staying within the area of Candelaria, which is an artsy neighbourhood close to all of the best attractions.

Here you can explore the Plaza de Bolívar, which is the main square with important buildings along its periphery, such as the Catedral Primada as well as the Capitolio Nacional.

From here you can walk to the Museo Botero which is close by, which is famous for its unorthodox art and paintings (the building itself is pretty stunning too). Just before sunset, you’ll want to make your way up to Monserrate, which is the mountain that overlooks Bogotá.

There’s a cable car you can take up (or it’s a 30-minute walk if you prefer), and at the top there’s an ancient monastery as well as some seriously impressive views.

With only 1 day in Bogotá, I recommend heading on this all-inclusive tour where you will see all of the above with your knowledgeable guide.

Days 2-3: Manizales

After spending a busy day in Bogotá, take the 8-hour bus up to the town of Manizales, which is located within the famous Coffee Triangle of Colombia.

Arriving early, you can check out the main plaza, which includes the picture-perfect Manizales Cathedral (it’s the tallest in all of Colombia).

From here, head to the Bosque de Palmas, where towering wax palms dominate the landscape and local farmers produce some of the best coffee on the planet. The region’s unique microclimate creates near-perfect growing conditions for coffee cultivation.

On either of your two days here, it’s also worth heading to Los Nevados National Park. This mountainous area is full of glacial lakes and imposing volcanoes and is a must for the adventure-seekers out there. This day tour is a perfect option, where you’ll also be able to relax in some hot springs.

Days 4-6: Medellin

Having tasted coffee and seen some extraordinary landscapes, it’s now time to head to Medellin. I shared how to spend 3 days in Medellin recently. The bus takes roughly 5 hours to arrive, so it’s worth waking up really early and leaving.

Medellin has transformed its identity in recent times into a much safer and pleasant city to visit (it used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world).

Taking a tour around Comuna 13 is a must, where you can learn about the (true) history of Pablo Escobar and his cartel, as well as being home to many stunning murals. Other things worth doing in Medellin include heading up to Parque Arvi, as well as enjoying the vibrant nightlife scenes in El Poblado.

You’ll also want to explore the surrounding Antioquia region when here too. One of the must-visits has to be to Guatapé: a colourful town nestled within the Andes.

Here you can explore the colourful murals and buildings along its winding streets, as well as visit the rather odd Piedra del Peñol – a 220m rock that towers above the rest of the countryside and nearby lakes.

The best way to see Guatapé and the nearby landscapes is with this highly rated tour, which includes breakfast and lunch as well as an additional boat ride.

Days 7-10: Santa Marta

After exploring Medellín, catch a short flight to Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. While you could take the 23-hour bus instead, it’s not worth the time given the limited length of this itinerary.

Santa Marta boasts an abundance of incredible beaches that consistently rank among the most beautiful on the continent.

Tayrona National Park is one of these, which has several stretches of white sand as well as treks into the jungle that encompasses the whole region. You can even camp overnight here too!

The city itself doesn’t have too much going for it, although the Malecón de Bastidas and the Parque de los Novios are nice to walk around and grab lunch at. Instead, Santa Marta is very much about the surrounding region.

Minca is a beautiful mountainous town worth visiting, and with this tour you can explore the best coffee- and cocoa-growing spots. The nearby Guajira desert, which is perfect for those after an off-the-beaten-path experience.

From Santa Marta you can easily take a flight back to Bogotá for your international departure flight. Alternatively, you can travel to Cartagena before moving on to Panama and the rest of Central America.

Travel tips for Colombia

• 🛏 For places to stay check: Hostal R10 (Bogotá), Ayenda Mountain Hostel (Manizales), The Wandering Paisa (Medellin), República Bahía (Santa Marta)
• 🌮 Colombian cuisine relies heavily on staples like beans and meat, which feature in many of the country’s most popular dishes, including Bandeja Paisa. Colombians also enjoy arepas, although both Colombia and neighbouring Venezuela claim to have invented them. Within a menú ejecutivo you’ll also be able to try local dishes, such as Ajiaco and even empanadas in certain places.
• 🌴 Monserrate, Cocora Valley, Comuna 13, Guatapé, Tayrona National Park.
• 🍺 Bogotá and Medellín offer the best nightlife on this itinerary. The latter in particular has many notorious zones, such as El Poblado, within which literally everything from techno clubs to local salsa bars. 
• 💡 Whilst the safety situation has improved in recent years, you’ll still need to be cautious when walking around (especially in the big cities). I recommend carrying this Money Belt, which will keep all valuables secure and hidden.