2-week itinerary in Colombia: the great classics

Embark on an incredible adventure in Colombia, a country brimming with history, varied landscapes and fascinating cultures. Over the course of two weeks, we’ll take you from north to south, from the majestic mountains of the Andes to the golden beaches of the Caribbean coast, passing through historic cities with ancient traditions.

Discover Bogotá, the cradle of pre-Columbian culture, get carried away by the peaceful life of Villa de leyva, and relax on the paradisiacal beaches of Tayrona by way of Cartagena and its islands. Follow our guide for an adventure full of cultural discoveries and natural treasures in this magnificent South American land.

We recommend a stay of at least 3 weeks to discover different aspects of Colombia, which is much richer and bigger than you might think, although sometimes 2 weeks may be necessary for various reasons.

Course

2-week itinerary in Colombia: the great classics

Duration: 2 weeks. Entering Colombia from Bogotá and leaving the country from Cartagena

When to go (climate): December to February – June to August

Stages: 4 stages (Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Santa Marta & PNN Tayrona, Cartagena)

Travel: bus, cab, plane (1 internal flight)

Activities: city & colonial village tours, museums, forest & beach hikes

Physical level required: low

Estimated on-site budget (per person): 2,875,000 COP (frugal budget), 7,975,000 COP (medium budget), 13,625,000 COP (high budget)

Welcome to Bogotá (Bogotá Distrito Capital officially), the vibrant capital of Colombia. Nestled more than 2,600 meters above sea level in the majestic Andes Mountains, this dynamic metropolis is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Founded in 1538, Bogotá is the country’s largest city, with a diverse and welcoming population.

The city’s atmosphere is electric, with lively neighborhoods, colorful markets and a thriving art scene. The streets of the old town, La Candelaria, are lined with colonial houses with colorful facades, bearing witness to its rich historical heritage.

Bogotá is also an important cultural center, home to numerous museums, art galleries, theaters and concert halls. Its cuisine is an explosion of Colombian flavors, with a variety of local dishes to sample. The city offers a striking contrast between its past and its future, creating a captivating experience for travelers seeking authenticity and contemporary discoveries.

Day 1: Bogotá – Arrival

The first day of your Colombian adventure begins with your arrival at Bogotá‘s El Dorado international airport. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be taken to your accommodation by official cab. The evening will be free, allowing you to rest after the flight and acclimatize to the Colombian capital. Take advantage of this first evening to relax and get ready to explore Colombia in the days to come.

Day 2: Bogotá – Visit La Candelaria (including Museo del Oro) and Monserrate
_{Day can be done independently or with a guide}

Immerse yourself in Bogotá’s history and culture. The itinerary takes you through the city center, where cobblestone streets, century-old churches and renowned museums tell the story of Colombia’s Spanish colonial past and independence. Stop off at the Museo del oro, home to an incredible collection of objects made of gold, emeralds and other precious materials that bear witness to Colombia’s rich pre-Columbian history. In the afternoon, head for the summit of Mount Monserrate, over 3,000 metres above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá.

Day 3: Bogotá – Visit to a coffee finca
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After being picked up from your hotel, a 1h30 drive through the Cundinamarca region begins, punctuated by stops to enjoy the scenery. You’ll eventually reach a coffee farm, where you’ll be immersed in its history. Season permitting, you can even try your hand at harvesting the precious beans, before exploring the entire production process, from cultivation to tasting. Weather permitting, before heading back to Bogotá, a visit to a local market to sample exotic Colombian fruits could be on the agenda.

Alternative: hike to La Chorrera waterfall OR hike in Chingaza NPN

Day 4: Bogotá – Laguna de Guatavita and Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
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Discover two emblematic sites near Bogotá. First, the Laguna de Guatavita, a legendary place associated with the myth of El Dorado. This lagoon has great cultural significance for the indigenous Muisca people. Next, we head for the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a breathtaking underground site carved out of the salt mines, an architectural and engineering marvel. After a busy day, return to Bogotá for an evening of rest and relaxation.

Alternative: hike to La Chorrera waterfall OR hike in Chingaza NPN

Welcome to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s historic gems! Nestled in the Andes mountains, this small colonial town is a preserved treasure of Colombian history. Founded in 1572, Villa de Leyva boasts one of the largest town squares on the continent, paved with pebbles and lined with white houses, at the foot of the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in the Andes, one of the country’s paramos.

Spanish colonial architecture is omnipresent, giving the city a timeless atmosphere. Stroll through the quiet streets and admire the historic buildings with their whitewashed facades.

The main square is the heart of the town, surrounded by restaurants, craft stores and open-air cafés, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the serenity of this enchanting location. The surrounding countryside offers breathtaking scenery, from mountains to spectacular rock formations.

Villa de Leyva is a must-see destination for lovers of history, culture and tranquillity, offering a journey back in time to the heart of colonial Colombia. Villa de Leyva is one of 17 colonial villages declared a cultural heritage site.

Day 5: Villa de Leyva – Transfer and visit to the historic center

We advise you to arrive at the Salitre terminal around 09:00 to catch a bus to Villa de Leyva, about 3h30 away. In the afternoon, explore this charming colonial village. Start in the main square, one of the largest in South America, and stroll through the typical, relaxing streets. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore other emblematic sites such as the Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña and the Convent del Santo Ecce Homo. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this timeless village, ideal for strolling around and soaking up its fascinating history.

Day 6: Villa de Leyva – Mirador El Santo, Casa Terracota, Museo El Fossil

Start the day with a hike (a bit physical, it’s uphill!) to the Mirador El Santo, offering panoramic views of Villa de Leyva and the surrounding area. Then discover Casa Terracota, a unique house built entirely of terracotta, a breathtaking work of architectural art (especially the interior). You can also visit the Museo El Fossil (outside town, take a cab, or walk about 1h), a museum renowned for its fossils of prehistoric marine reptiles. Yes, in the distant past, the sea was present! The region is famous for its many fossils. Or continue strolling through the village sights, and why not buy woollen garments such as ruanas (traditional ponchos).

Alternative: visit the village of Ráquira (half-day) OR hike in Iguaque National Park (approx. 7h) OR hike to Pozos Azules (1-2h).

Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a bustling port city and popular tourist destination, and an ideal base for exploring Tayrona National Park. The city’s historic center features well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, while the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers mountain adventures. Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural scene, festivals and seafood-based culinary delights.

Tayrona National Nature Park is a natural and historical treasure located on Colombia’s beautiful Caribbean coast. This region was once the territory of the Tayrona indigenous people. The park, created in 1964, encompasses an incredibly diverse ecosystem, home to a variety of plant and animal species. It’s a place where history meets nature in perfect symbiosis, a place to discover and connect with the raw beauty of Colombia.

We advise you to stay in the park, as the ticket to access the park is not valid for multiple entries/exits. In other words, if you go one day, come out, and plan to return to the park the next day, you’ll pay twice!

Please note: Tayrona closes several times a year, and exact dates vary from year to year. Remember to check when planning your trip.

Warning 2: it’s not possible to swim everywhere in the park due to dangerous currents. Be sure to follow the signs on each beach. Finally, we’d like to warn you: this may be the Caribbean, but don’t expect to see the paradise beaches of the islands (although they’re not bad!).

Day 7 / TRANSFER / : Santa Marta

It’s time to leave Villa de Leyva and head back to Bogotá to catch a flight to Santa Marta. First stop, Villa de Leyva bus terminal, ideally around 08:00 a.m. by bus, to arrive around 11:30 a.m. at the Salitre bus terminal in Bogotá, then a cab to El Dorado airport. Flights depart from Bogotá around 3 – 4 pm, arriving in Santa Marta 1? hours later. We advise you to fly with Avianca or Latam.

Day 8: Santa Marta (diving/snorkeling)
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In Santa Marta, you have the opportunity to enjoy scuba diving (whether it’s your first or not) in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. This region is home to a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers. You can explore colorful coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even sharks. If diving makes you nervous, you can also enjoy a day of snorkeling on site.

Day 9 / TRANSFER / : Tayrona – Playa Los Naranjos

To get to the Tayrona National Park (El Zaino entrance in this itinerary), buses leave regularly from the Mercado Publico in Santa Marta, and the journey takes about 1 hour (you can also take a cab, but it’s quite expensive). Once you arrive at the entrance to Parc Tayrona, you simply pay to enter the park (payment of around 60,000 COP in cash only). You can then take a shuttle bus (additional payment) to your accommodation. Please note that only a small part of the park is accessible by vehicle. The rest is on foot. From here, it’s a 1h30-2h walk to Los Naranjos beach. Much (much) less crowded than Cabo San Juan, just like the path to get there, you’ll have the impression of being alone in the world. And as far as we’re concerned, it may have been a stroke of luck, but it’s also in this part of the park that we saw the most animals.

Day 10: Tayrona – Cabo San Juan

This day, we head for the famous beach of Cabo San Juan, the most photographed and visited. The hike takes about 2h30-3h a day. You’ll make your way through jungle and along the coast and, if you’re lucky, you may spot one of the 4 species of monkey found in the park, as well as exotic birds, lizards, poisonous frogs (do not touch) and more. The route is marked by several beaches where you can dip your feet and take a break. With the return trip, you’ll have a busy day before heading back to your accommodation.

Welcome to Cartagena de Indias, a fascinating Colombian city with a rich past and exceptional beauty. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and picturesque squares, lined with brightly-colored colonial houses. These narrow streets have witnessed the city’s tumultuous history, from pirate attacks to struggles for independence.

The imposing walls surrounding the old town bear witness to the need for protection from constant attack. Baroque churches, such as the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver, reflect the religious influence of the Spanish colonial era.

Cartagena is also a cultural crossroads, where African, European and indigenous traditions blend to create a unique atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling along the city walls, relaxing on the beaches or exploring the fascinating museums, every corner of Cartagena tells a captivating story. Enjoy this immersion in Colombian culture and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of this extraordinary city.

Please note: Cartagena is the most touristic city in Colombia, and also the most expensive. Ideally, plan your stopover in Cartagena during the week, to avoid the weekend crowds.

Day 11 / TRANSFER / : Cartagena

To travel by bus from Tayrona Park to Cartagena in Colombia, follow these simple steps. First, leave Tayrona Park by taking a local bus from Santa Marta to the Mamatoco traffic circle. Then take a bus/van with the Berlinastur company located at the Mamatoco traffic circle, then head for Cartagena. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, but this may vary according to road conditions. Once you’ve arrived at the terminal in Cartagena, take a cab to your accommodation.

Day 12: Cartagena – Visit to the historic center and Castillo San Felipe
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A day exploring Cartagena’s magnificent historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the cobbled streets lined with colorful houses with flower-filled balconies, discover historic churches such as the Cathedral of Santa Catalina, the churches of San Pedro Claver and San Domingo, and lively squares like the Plaza de Bolívar. Don’t miss the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress built in the 17th century to defend the city from pirate attacks. Good museums to visit include the Palace of the Inquisition, a fascinating museum that traces the history of the Inquisition in Colombia, and the Cartagena Gold Museum, where you can admire impressive collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. And why not discover the Bazurto market?

Day 13: Cartagena – Islas del Rosario (Isla Grande)
_{A day to do on your own – taking a tour is useless and very expensive.}

To get to Isla Grande, take a lancha (speedboat) from the Muelle de La Bodeguita (near the Parque de la Marina). Tip: make sure you get to the pier before 8 a.m., as the boats fill up very quickly (journey time approx. 1h30). A day in Islas del Rosario promises a heavenly experience. Enjoy the beauty of pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Explore the coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life before returning to Cartagena in the late afternoon. Please note that these are tourist islands, so don’t expect to see a deserted island paradise just for you. Ideally, you’d like to spend at least 1 night there to enjoy some less crowded moments. But for a 2-week trip, that’s a luxury you can’t really afford.

Day 14: Cartagena – End of trip

Snif… last day in Colombia, already! It’s time to head for Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport, and say goodbye to this beautiful country. We hope you’ve enjoyed Colombia as much as we have. Depending on your plane’s take-off time, if you’re lucky enough to have a few hours of free time left, you can take one last stroll around the historic district, or go to the Bocagrande district. To buy gifts and souvenirs, head to Calle de la Gobernación for its street vendors, or Las Bóvedas.

Budget (estimate)

2-week itinerary in Colombia: the great classics

Estimated total budget per person, on site (excluding airfare to/from Colombia) in Colombian pesos. For activities, prices are calculated including guides/tours when proposed in the itinerary.

Of course, traveling with 2 or more people, and staying in a private room instead of a dormitory, is more economical than a single person taking a room all to themselves, sometimes at the same price (or close to it). Every situation is different and, depending on your budget, you may have to make sacrifices (no incredible accommodation, basic meals, etc.).