10 days in Colombia itinerary

When it comes to Colombia , the energy of its cities, the warmth of its people, and the sheer variety of landscapes make it impossible not to fall in love. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, and even after all these years, every trip leaves me wanting more. If you’re visiting for the first time, this 10-day Colombia itinerary is the perfect way to get a feel for the country’s highlights without feeling like you’re constantly on the move. I’ve tried to include a mix of buzzing city life, laid-back coffee country, and Caribbean charm—plus some of the best food you’ll ever eat.

Is 10 days enough for Colombia?

Yes! In 10 days, you’ll get a solid mix of Colombia’s best experiences—Bogotá’s history, Medellín’s innovation, the rolling hills of the Coffee Region, and Cartagena’s colonial beauty. You won’t see everything, but you’ll leave with a great feel for the country.

If you have two weeks, you could add Santa Marta as a base for exploring Tayrona National Park and the Lost City trek. With three weeks, you could also visit the Amazon region around Leticia or head to San Andrés Island for Caribbean beaches and snorkeling. 

10 days in Colombia overview

This itinerary follows a logical north-south route, minimizing travel time while giving you a balance of city and nature. It also helps you adjust gradually to altitude changes, making sure you actually enjoy each stop instead of feeling wiped out.

• Bogotá (2 days)
• Medellín (2 days)
• Salento (3 days)
• Cartagena (2.5 days)

Feeling swamped by the daunting task of planning the perfect itinerary? Why not leave it to us? With our tailor-made trip service, you can simply enjoy the journey while we handle all the planning and bookings for you.

Day 1: Bogotá

Welcome to Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, sitting at 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) in the Andes. Today’s about settling in, taking it slow, and getting used to the altitude. 

Settle in and adjust to the altitude

At this elevation, take it easy. Stay hydrated, skip alcohol, and sip some coca tea—a local remedy for altitude adjustment. Bogotá’s crisp mountain air might be a surprise if you were expecting tropical heat, so bring layers.

Grab a meal at La Puerta Falsa

This small, historic spot has been serving traditional Colombian food since 1816. It’s known for ajiaco, a hearty chicken and potato soup, and chocolate completo, which pairs hot chocolate with cheese and bread. The setting is simple, but the food is not to be missed. 

Where to stay

La Candelaria is the best area for easy access to historic sites and museums, though it’s quiet at night. For a livelier scene with more restaurants and bars, consider Chapinero or Zona G, which are also generally safer after dark.

Day 2: Bogotá

Now that you’re adjusted, it’s time to dive into Bogotá’s mix of markets, museums, and local culture.

Explore the Paloquemao Market

You’ll want to get here around 7 AM to see the market come to life. You’ll find piles of exotic fruits (granadilla, lulo, and more), fresh flowers, and some of the best coffee in town. The flower section is especially stunning. 

Visit the Botero Museum and Plaza Bolívar

The Botero Museum features works from Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. His unique style, with its exaggerated proportions, is on full display here. Admission is free, and the collection was donated by Botero himself. Afterward, head to Plaza Bolívar, Bogotá’s main square, surrounded by the National Capitol, the Primary Cathedral, and the Palace of Justice. Vendors sell corn here for feeding the pigeons, a popular local activity.

Check out the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)

This museum houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts—over 55,000 pieces. The Offering Room is the highlight, giving you a glimpse into ancient rituals involving gold. It’s one of the best things to do in Colombia and is a solid way to wrap up your Bogotá visit. 

Day 3: Medellín

Before heading to the airport, grab breakfast at Pastelería Florida, a century-old bakery. Their almojábanas (cheese bread) and hot chocolate are the way to go. 

Medellín has completely reinvented itself. Once notorious, it’s now one of Latin America’s most innovative cities, with cable cars, green spaces, and a thriving arts scene. With its perfect year-round weather, it’s no wonder people call it the "City of Eternal Spring."

How to get from Bogotá to Medellín

Flying is your best bet. The trip to José María Córdova International Airport only takes about an hour, and there are flights throughout the day. Once you land, you can catch an official white taxi or hop on a shuttle bus into the city—it’s about a 45-minute ride.

Dinner at Mercado del Río

For your first evening in Medellín, check out Mercado del Río, a modern food hall in a converted warehouse. With more than 40 restaurants to pick from, you can try almost anything—modern Colombian dishes at Carmen, hearty local meals at El Corrientazo, or wood-fired pizza at La Pizzeria. The lively vibe and communal seating make it a great spot to settle in for the night.

Explore Parque Lleras

Parque Lleras is a small, tree-filled park that’s more of a meeting point than the main attraction. During the day, it’s quiet, with outdoor cafés where you can sip coffee and people-watch. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with restaurants, bars, and lounges opening their doors.

The surrounding streets, known as the Zona Rosa, are where the action happens. Popular spots like Calle 10 and Carrera 37 are lined with everything from casual beer bars to upscale cocktail lounges. It’s a mix of locals, travelers, and expats, making it a fun place to spend the evening. 

Where to Stay

El Poblado is the most popular neighborhood for visitors, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, all in a safe, walkable area. Laureles is a quieter option with a more local feel, tree-lined streets, and casual dining. It’s also closer to the football stadium and some great parks.

Day 4: Medellín

Start your day with a coffee at Pergamino Café in El Poblado. The coffee is top-notch, and the laid-back vibe makes it an easy place to ease into the morning.

Comuna 13 Tour

A visit to Comuna 13 gives you a real sense of how much Medellín has changed. Once considered the city’s most dangerous neighborhood, it’s now a vibrant area known for its street art and community spirit. The outdoor escalators make it easier to explore the steep hillsides, and local guides—many who grew up here—share stories about the neighborhood’s transformation. 

Visit Parque Arví

Take the cable car up to Parque Arví, a huge nature reserve on the edge of the city. The ride alone is worth it, with sweeping views as you climb from the busy streets of Medellín to peaceful forest trails.

Once you’re there, you’ve got options:

• For a short, easy walk, the Sendero Los Arrayanes (1.5 km) is a good choice.
• For something more challenging, the Sendero El Carmín (5 km) offers stunning views of the valley.

The park also has picnic spots, a butterfly garden, and a small market with local crafts and produce.

Visit Casa de la Memoria Museum

End your day at the Casa de la Memoria, a museum that explores Colombia’s history of conflict and its efforts toward peace. The exhibits combine personal stories with multimedia displays, focusing on healing and resilience rather than just the struggles. It’s a thoughtful and moving way to learn more about the country’s past.

Day 5: Salento/Cocora Valley

Before leaving Medellín, grab breakfast at Café Velvet, a great spot for coffee and a solid brunch. Their terrace is a nice place to enjoy a slow morning before hitting the road.

Salento is Colombia's coffee heartland—a colorful colonial town surrounded by rolling hills and coffee farms. Brightly painted buildings and flower-covered balconies make it a picturesque place to wander. Even with more visitors these days, it still has a relaxed feel, and you’ll often see locals riding horses through town. Despite its growing popularity, Salento still holds onto its cowboy culture, with local paisas casually riding through the streets. 

Explore Salento's main square and artisan markets

Plaza Bolívar, the town’s main square, is surrounded by colonial-style buildings housing cafés and shops. Local artisans sell handwoven bags, Panama hats, and leather goods. Calle Real, the main shopping street, has some of the best craftwork, with artisans working with local wool, leather, and palm fibers. If you’re hungry, check out Restaurante Donde Laurita for crispy-skinned trout served with patacones (fried plantains).

Where to stay

Most places to stay are within walking distance of the main square, but if you want to be right in the middle of things, Calle Real is your best bet. For a quieter stay, look for accommodations just outside town with mountain views.

How to get from Medellín to Salento/Cocora Valley

The journey involves a bus to Armenia (6 hours), then a shorter bus to Salento (45 minutes). It’s a long ride, but the views of the Andes and coffee country make it worthwhile. Mini-buses (colectivos) run frequently between Armenia and Salento.

Day 6: Salento/Cocora Valley

This charming town, founded in 1850, was one of the first settlements in Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Its architecture reflects traditional bahareque (bamboo and mud) construction, with colorful wooden balconies and doors.

Valle de Cocora Hike (4-5 hours total)

Home to Colombia's national tree, the wax palm, which can grow over 200 feet tall. The hike takes you through cloud forest, across wooden bridges, and into a valley dotted with these towering palms. 

Along the way, you might spot hummingbirds, crystal-clear streams, and even wildlife like toucans and mountain tapirs. The best views are at the valley overlook, where the mist rolls through the palm-studded hills. Start early (by 8 AM) to beat the afternoon clouds and rain. The classic way to get there is by hopping on a Willys Jeep from Salento’s main square.

Coffee farm tour at Don Elias (2-3 hours)

This small, organic coffee farm gives you an up-close look at how coffee is grown and processed. Don Elias or his family members lead the tours, walking you through the entire process from bean to cup. 

Unlike big commercial coffee tours, this one sticks to traditional methods still used by small farmers. You’ll end the visit with a fresh cup of coffee on the farm’s porch, overlooking the rolling hills. The farm has been in the family for three generations and still follows traditional practices like shade-grown coffee and organic pest control.

Day 7: Salento

Start your 7th day of this 10 day Colombia itinerary at Brunch de Salento, a relaxed spot known for its mix of Colombian and international breakfast dishes. The garden patio is a nice place to enjoy a slow morning before heading out.

Kasaguadua Natural Reserve guided walk (3 hours)

his private nature reserve is home to a patch of native cloud forest, and the guided walk is a must if you want to really understand the ecosystem. 

The guides are passionate about conservation and do a great job explaining how everything works together. Along the way, you’ll learn about medicinal plants like árnica montana and uña de gato, spot colorful birds like the Yellow-eared Parrot and Toucan Barbet, and see why Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The reserve is especially known for its orchids and bromeliads—perfect if you’re into unique plants.

How to get from Salento to Cartagena

Getting to Cartagena from Salento takes a mix of bus and plane travel. First, take a bus to Armenia, then catch a flight to Cartagena—most routes have a stop in Bogotá.

Day 8: Cartagena

Cartagena is a city of history and Caribbean charm, with massive stone walls that once protected it from pirate attacks. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a place where colonial architecture meets tropical energy, inspiring writers like Gabriel García Márquez. 

Walk the city walls

Sunset is the best time to explore Cartagena’s historic walls, when the golden light makes the stone glow and the heat starts to fade. Built in the 16th century to keep out pirates, the 4.3 km circuit takes about 90 minutes to walk. You’ll pass lookout posts, cannons, and panoramic views of both the Caribbean and the old town. The northern section faces the ocean, while the southern side gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Getsemaní.

San Felipe Castle 

This massive fortress is the largest the Spanish ever built in the Americas, and it was designed to be nearly impossible to invade. The clever engineering includes acoustic chambers that carried the sound of approaching enemies and a network of tunnels that could be flooded to stop intruders. It’s a fascinating place to explore.

Getsemaní neighborhood tour 

Once an overlooked area, Getsemaní is now Cartagena’s artsy, colorful, and vibrant neighborhood. Street art covers the walls, live music spills into the streets, and the energy picks up in the evening, especially around Plaza Trinidad. This is a great spot to try local street food—grab an arepa de huevo (fried corn cake stuffed with egg) or a carimañola (yuca fritter with meat). For dinner, La Cocina de Pepina serves authentic Cartagena home cooking, while Café Stepping Stone offers creative fusion dishes while supporting local youth through job training.

Where to stay

The Walled City (Centro) is the most iconic area to stay, packed with colonial architecture and within walking distance of most sights, though it’s the most expensive. Getsemaní has a more local feel, with street art, cool bars, and great food, while still being close to the action.

Day 9: Cartagena

On day 9 of this 10 day Colombia itinerary, explore a different side of Cartagena, from the bustling local markets to the quiet mangrove forests just outside the city.

Bazurto Market tour with guides (3-4 hours)

Bazurto Market is chaotic, loud, and full of life—this is where locals shop, eat, and do business. A guide is key to navigating the maze of stalls and introducing you to the ingredients that define coastal Colombian cuisine. Watch fishmongers clean the morning’s catch, try tropical fruits you’ve probably never heard of, and sample local dishes right from the vendors. Must-try bites include níspero (a sweet, caramel-like fruit), corozo juice (a tangy palm fruit drink), and ñame fritters. If you’re a seafood fan, don’t leave without trying mojarra frita (fried fish) with coconut rice.

La Boquilla Mangrove tour

Just outside the city, local fishermen take visitors through mangrove forests in traditional canoes. It’s a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Cartagena, and you’ll learn how these wetlands support both the environment and the fishing communities that rely on them. Expect to spot herons, kingfishers, and maybe even a crab or two scuttling along the roots. Some tours end with a stop at a local family’s home for fresh coconut water.

Day 10: Home

Squeeze in a quiet walk through the Walled City before the heat kicks in. For breakfast, head to La Serrezuela, a beautifully restored historic building that now serves as a cultural center, with sweeping views over the city.

How to get to the airport

Rafael Núñez International Airport is only 15 minutes from the Walled City, but traffic can be unpredictable. Official taxis are safe and easy to find—just leave a little extra time if you’re traveling during rush hour.