3-week itinerary in Colombia: the alternative to the must-sees

Want to discover Colombia in a different way? This 3-week itinerary is your passport to a trip off the beaten track, away from the crowds of major tourist sites, while promising beauty and diversity. Start in Bogotá, Colombia’s bustling capital, where history meets modernity. Then take off for the mysterious Guaviare, an unspoilt region where the wilderness will reveal breathtaking landscapes and memorable adventures.

Continue your adventure in Pereira, in the heart of the coffee-growing region, where you can sample the finest cups while exploring the lush plantations. Next, immerse yourself in the colonial charm of the village of Jericó, with its colorful streets and peaceful atmosphere, seducing you with its authenticity. Stop off in Medellín, the country’s second-largest city, known for its impressive transformation.

For an unforgettable finishing touch, relax on the wild, secluded beaches of the Chocó Pacific, a natural paradise far from the rest of the world. End your trip in Medellín, before returning home with a head full of wonderful memories.

This itinerary will introduce you to an authentic and lesser-known Colombia, rich in unique experiences and unforgettable encounters. Get ready for four weeks of discovery, adventure and memorable moments.

The times shown are for guidance only and may vary according to flight departure and arrival times and the organization of all-inclusive tours.

Course

3-week itinerary in Colombia: the alternative to the must-sees

Duration: 3 weeks. Entry into Colombia from Bogotá and exit from Medellín.

When to go (ideally): July to September

7 Stages : Bogotá, San José del Guaviare, Pereira, Jericó, Medellín x2, El Valle

Travel: bus, cab, plane (4 internal flights)

Activities: city tours, heritage village visits, mountain and jungle hiking, snorkeling/diving, coffee finca visits, beaches, birdwatching, water sports, whale watching

Physical level required: medium/high

Welcome to Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia. Situated at an altitude of over 2,600 metres in the heart of the majestic Andes mountains, this fascinating metropolis blends tradition and modernity. Founded in 1538, Bogotá is the country’s largest city, renowned for its diverse and welcoming population.

The city’s effervescent energy is evident in its lively neighborhoods, colorful markets and vibrant art scene. The streets of the old town, La Candelaria, are lined with brightly-colored colonial houses that bear witness to the city’s rich historical heritage.

Bogotá is also a major cultural center, home to numerous museums, art galleries, theaters and concert halls. The local cuisine is a veritable explosion of Colombian flavors, offering a variety of regional dishes to discover. The city offers a striking contrast between its past and its future, promising a captivating experience for travelers in search of authenticity and contemporary discoveries.

Day 1: Bogotá – Arrival

Your adventure in Colombia begins as soon as you arrive at Bogotá‘s El Dorado international airport. After clearing immigration and customs, you can take a cab to your accommodation. The first evening is free, allowing you to relax after the flight and acclimatize to life in the Colombian capital. Use this evening to relax and prepare to explore the wonders of Colombia in the days ahead.

Day 2: Bogotá
^{Visit to Candelaria & Monserrate (can be done on your own or with a guide)}

Explore Bogotá’s history and culture during this leg of your trip. Stroll through the historic center, with its cobblestone streets, century-old churches and museums that tell the story of Spanish colonization and Colombian independence. Don’t miss the Museo del Oro, where an impressive collection of gold and emerald objects illustrates pre-Columbian history. In the afternoon, climb to the top of Mount Monserrate, over 3,000 metres above sea level, for a breathtaking panoramic view of Bogotá, offering a unique perspective on the city.

Day 3: Bogotá
^{Chingaza National Nature Park (guide required)}

A visit to Chingaza National Park, just a few hours from Bogotá, plunges you into spectacular Colombian nature. Covering more than 76,000 hectares, the park is home to a variety of ecosystems, from páramos to Andean forests. Must-do activities include hiking, wildlife watching and exploring glacial lakes such as the Siecha Lakes. Prepare yourself with warm clothing and adopt an eco-friendly attitude to make the most of this high-altitude adventure. A guide is required to access the park, and a day hike can be difficult to organize with public transport due to the time involved. It’s best to rent a car or join an organized tour from Bogotá. Note that the route is demanding, with altitudes ranging from 3,400 to 3,800 meters for the Siecha Lakes trail.

Alternative: Guatavita lagoon, hike to Chorrera waterfall.

San José del Guaviare, in southeastern Colombia, is surrounded by the majestic Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, this region offers visitors an unrivalled immersion in the wilderness. Attractions include impressive rock formations such as La Puerta de Orion. The Guaviare and Inírida rivers offer wildlife-watching opportunities, including pink dolphins, and the waters of Caño Sabana take on vibrant colors thanks to endemic Macarenia clavigera algae between July and October, creating a palette of reds, pinks, purples, yellows and oranges (an excellent alternative to Caño Cristales).

San José del Guaviare is also home to important pre-Columbian archaeological sites, such as the Cerro Azul rock paintings, which bear witness to the region’s ancient history. Visitors can also discover the local culture of indigenous communities such as the Puinave and Guayaberos through handicrafts and culinary traditions.

If your budget allows, we recommend using a local agency offering all-inclusive tours (accommodation, food, activities) to optimize your time on site.

This destination is an excellent alternative to La Macarena and Caño Cristales, which are often more touristy and costly.

Day 4 / TRANSFER / San José del Guaviare

To reach San José del Guaviare quickly, we recommend flying from Bogotá’s El Dorado airport with ClicAir or Satena, a journey of around 1h20. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the region’s characteristic heat and humidity, in contrast to Bogotá’s cooler climate. If you’ve opted for an all-inclusive tour including accommodation, meals and activities, you’ll be looked after from the moment you arrive in San José del Guaviare.

Day 5: San José del Guaviare
^{Valle de los laberintos-Puerta de Orión-Trankilandia}

Start your day with a hike in the “Valle de los Laberintos”. This fascinating area is formed by rocky outcrops from the Guiana Shield, naturally creating intriguing labyrinths. Pass through these mazes of rock until you reach Orion’s Gate, an emblematic structure in Guaviare, with its imposing rock formations. Continue your walk to the TRANKILANDIA ecotourism farm, where you can admire the Macarenia Clavijera, an aquatic plant that colors the river with pink hues. After lunch at the farm and a moment to relax in the swimming area, return to your accommodation to conclude this day rich in discovery.

Day 6: San José del Guaviare
^{Cerro Azul rock paintings – City Tour}

The next morning, head to Cerro Azul for a day of trekking. Start by climbing a sacred tepuy, explore a cave and visit three main rock art sites, offering spectacular views from the miradors. After this adventure, return to the nearby village for a well-deserved lunch. Next, visit downtown San José del Guaviare, including a riverside stroll, exploring the main park and buying local handicrafts. End this enriching day by returning to your accommodation, soaking up the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

Day 7: San José del Guaviare
^{Laguna Damas del Nare (pink dolphins)}

Don’t miss the Laguna Damas del Nare, the largest in the Guaviare department, with its 80 hectares of water mirror. This lagoon is home to a family of dolphins that have lived here for decades, coexisting harmoniously with the local population. You’ll be able to swim and interact with these magnificent aquatic mammals, a unique community tourism experience that benefits the families living around the lagoon. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover local nature and culture in an immersive and enriching way. Return to San José del Guaviare in the afternoon to spend your last night in town, before catching your flight the following day.

Pereira, capital of Risaralda department, lies at the heart of Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Founded in 1863, the city is renowned for its dynamic economic growth and modern infrastructure. It is an important commercial, university and service center, with institutions such as the Technological University of Pereira. Points of interest include the Plaza de Bolívar with its famous statue of Simón Bolívar, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty, and various parks such as Parque El Lago. Pereira is also renowned for its pleasant climate, tree-lined avenues and lively atmosphere.

The area around Pereira is rich in natural wonders. Los Nevados National Park, with peaks such as Nevado del Ruiz and Nevado Santa Isabel, offers snow-capped landscapes and hiking trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. For water sports, the Rio La Vieja offers activities such as rafting and kayaking, providing a thrilling adventure through picturesque landscapes. Another gem of the region is the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Otún Quimbaya, home to exceptional biodiversity. Visitors can observe a variety of bird species, howler monkeys and lush flora on guided hikes.

Day 8 / TRANSFER / Pereira

Get ready for a busy travel day! As there are no direct flights between San José del Guaviare and Pereira, you’ll have to make the journey in two stages, with a stopover in Bogotá. Start with a flight from San José del Guaviare to Bogotá (1h20) with ClicAir or Satena. Then take another flight from Bogotá to Pereira (1h) with Avianca or Latam. Please note that you’ll need to make two separate bookings. Allow at least 3 hours in Bogotá to collect your luggage from the first flight and check it in again for the second. Once in Pereira, take a cab to your accommodation.

Day 9: Pereira
^{Nevado Santa Isabel (guide required)}

Nevado de Santa Isabel is an imposing snow-capped volcano nestled in the heart of the Colombian Andes, in Los Nevados National Park. Rising to an altitude of 4,950 metres, it is famous for its icy landscapes and unique biodiversity, attracting hikers and nature lovers alike. Your tour starts at 5 a.m. (an early wake-up call!) from Pereira, in a van or 4×4, heading for the Nevado de Santa Isabel. The complete outing lasts around 8 hours, including stops for breakfast, lunch, registration formalities and an ascent hike. You’ll follow the Climate Change Trail, formerly the Glacier Edge, to learn about the impact of global warming on these fragile ecosystems.

Day 10: Pereira
^{Otún Quimbaya flora and fauna sanctuary}

The Otún Quimbaya flora and fauna sanctuary, located in the department of Risaralda, is mostly covered by Andean forests and plays a crucial role in preserving the upper Otún river basin. The area is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including species such as howler monkeys, spectacled bears, tapirs, eagles, deer and many birds (but you’ll need a lot of luck to catch a glimpse). The meeting point is at 6-7 a.m. at Plaza Bolivar or directly at your hotel, depending on the agency. A coordinator will guide you to make your experience a pleasant one. You’ll then head for the Vereda La Suiza, to the Otún Quimbaya flora and fauna sanctuary. Accompanied by a park interpreter-guide, you’ll explore a 4 km trail, discovering the wealth of species present and taking part in an immersive conservation experience in the sub-Andean forests. After the tour, lunch is provided at the sanctuary’s restaurant, with vegetarian options available on prior request. Finally, return to Pereira at around 3 p.m. to round off this enriching day.

Jericó, located in Colombia’s Antioquia department, is a heritage village famous for its charming preserved colonial architecture and picturesque atmosphere. Embedded in the heart of the mountains, Jericó offers breathtaking panoramas and enjoys a pleasant year-round climate. Its cobbled streets and colorful houses bear witness to the deep history of the region, culminating in the majestic Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes cathedral and several museums, including the small Maja museums.

Local artisans are renowned for their expertise in making carrieles, the traditional leather bags emblematic of the region. Nature lovers can explore the hiking trails of the Las Nubes nature reserve, visit coffee plantations, or contemplate the spectacular views from the superb Cauca Canyon. Jericó is also the birthplace of Santa Laura Montoya, Colombia’s first saint, and her birthplace is a pilgrimage site.

With its tranquil atmosphere, rich cultural heritage and enchanting landscapes, Jericó is a must-see destination for travelers in search of authenticity and natural beauty.

Day 11 / TRANSFER / Jericó

To travel from Pereira to Jericó by bus, start your journey early in the morning by taking a bus to La Pintada with the company Flota Occidental, from the Pereira terminal. The initial journey takes between 3 and 3h30 and takes you through picturesque landscapes of green valleys and coffee plantations. On arrival at La Pintada, a small village at the confluence of the Cauca and Arma rivers, take another bus to Jericó. This journey of around 1h to 1h30 can be made by chiva, Trans Mercedes bus or cab. In Jericó, discover the cobblestone streets, colorful houses, historic churches and local craft stores while enjoying the warm atmosphere of this heritage village. This trip will immerse you in the natural and cultural beauty of the Antioquia region.

Day 12: Jericó
^{Village tour + Paragliding (bonus)}

Jericó invites you to enjoy an authentic and charming experience. Stroll along its cobbled streets lined with colorful houses with flower-filled balconies and soak up its peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. Explore the majestic Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes cathedral, an architectural gem from the mid-20th century, and the Santuario Santa Laura with its magnificent blue ceiling. Immerse yourself in local history and culture by visiting iconic sites such as the House-Museum of Mother Laura, Colombia’s first saint, and the three MAJA mini-museums. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden, which leads to the El Salvador viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding Andes and the serenity of the place. Finally, simply stroll the streets and sample local delicacies such as cardamom sweets and the village’s signature dessert, postre jericoano. If you have some extra time, a great experience would be paragliding in the Cauca canyon!

Day 13: Jericó
^{Finca de café Ariel + hike to Las Nubes nature reserve}

We recommend an early start to your day with a short hike to the mirador of the Las Nubes nature reserve. This 2- to 2.5-hour round-trip hike, with an ascent followed by a descent, will give you spectacular views first thing in the morning. Then, at 11 a.m., take a jeep from Jericó’s main square to the Ariel coffee finca. This 50-minute drive, followed by a 20-minute walk, will take you to a welcoming farmhouse perched atop a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Cauca Canyon. For COP 50,000 per person, you can enjoy a delicious traditional meal and a guided tour of the plantations and facilities. You’ll discover the whole process of growing and harvesting coffee, an experience as enriching as it is fascinating. Around 3:30 pm, it’s time to return to the starting point by jeep. You’ll arrive in Jericó around 5pm, enriched by a day full of discovery and adventure.

Medellín, known as the “city of eternal spring” for its pleasant year-round climate, is a dynamic metropolis located in the Aburrá Valley. Once infamous, Medellín has metamorphosed into a model of urban innovation and resilience. The city stands out for its modern transport system, including the famous Metrocable, which links the mountainous districts to the city center.

Medellín offers a rich cultural diversity with museums such as the Museo de Antioquia, home to the works of Fernando Botero, and annual events such as the Feria de las Flores. Visitors can explore the lively El Poblado district, renowned for its stores, restaurants and nightlife, or relax in green spaces such as the Botanical Gardens.

Thanks to its urban and social revitalization initiatives, Medellín has become a must-see destination that blends history, culture and modernity. This remarkable transformation makes it an essential place to discover the dynamic and innovative soul of Colombia.

Day 14 / TRANSFER / Medellín

If you prefer, you can still take advantage of the morning in Jericó to take one last stroll through its charming, timeless streets. Alternatively, head for Carrera 4 (next to the Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes cathedral), where you’ll find the offices of the transport companies. The journey to Medellín takes between 3 and 3.5 hours, with the Terminal del Sur as your final destination. On arrival, we recommend that you take a cab to your accommodation to start discovering this fascinating city.

Day 15: Medellín
^{Tour of downtown & Comuna (can be done on your own or with a guide)}

To explore Medellín, start with a tour of the city center, where history and energy meet. Start at Plaza Botero, adorned with Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures, and visit the Museo de Antioquia to discover Colombian art. Stroll through the La Candelaria district, a blend of colonial architecture and modern buildings, and discover Parque Berrío, the historic heart of the city. Then take the Metrocable to a comuna such as the famous Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous districts, now a symbol of transformation and resilience (or comunas 3, 4, 8, less touristy and recommended with a guide). Take a guided tour to understand the history of the neighborhood, admire the superb murals and talk to residents about community initiatives. This dynamic combination of downtown and revitalized comuna offers an authentic glimpse of Medellín’s urban renaissance. End your day enjoying the lively nightlife of the Laureles or Poblado districts.

Located on Colombia’s Pacific coast, the El Valle region is a natural sanctuary where biodiversity reigns supreme. Surrounded by dense rainforests and bordered by the ocean, this area is home to a unique and well-preserved ecosystem. Every year, the waters of the Colombian Pacific welcome majestic humpback whales on their breeding grounds, while El Valle’s black sand beaches provide a haven for sea turtles to lay their eggs, offering visitors magical moments of marine life.

The surrounding forests echo with the songs of multicolored birds, attracting birdwatchers from all over the world. Rare species such as the scarlet-backed cotinga and the palm tanager add vibrant touches to the verdant landscape. Exploring the jungle trails, it’s possible to spot capuchin monkeys, poison frogs and a fascinating variety of insects.

El Valle is an isolated region, sandwiched between the ocean, the jungle and the Andes. While this isolation is beneficial for the flora and fauna, it also limits economic development. The towns here are modest, where every project represents a real challenge.

To stay in the Chocó department, you can opt for an “all-inclusive” package (accommodation, meals, activities) directly with the lodges, which simplifies the organization of your trip. Another option is to book accommodation only and find guides on site, either in the villages or through local accommodation. However, good preparation is necessary to optimize time once on site, as the activities on offer are generally organized and last half a day each.

Day 16 / TRANSFER / El Valle

After a pleasant night in Medellín, off to the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport in town for your flight to the Pacific coast. Flights last about an hour and are only available in the morning, operated by Satena or ClicAir. Expect to discover probably the smallest, most rustic and exotic airport of your life: José Celestino Mutis. You’ll be greeted by the heat characteristic of low altitudes, with humidity that’s bound to sting. However, all the effort will be worth it when you find yourself in the heart of dense jungles opening onto the Pacific Ocean. Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation for lunch, you can sample a variety of fish dishes typical of the coastal region. Then, free time to make yourself comfortable and explore the surrounding area, including a trip to the beach, before dinner.

NOTE 1: Medellín has two airports. The international airport is José María Córdova (MDE), 17 km from the city. Flights to Chocó depart exclusively from Enrique Olaya Herrera airport, in the heart of the city.

NOTE 2: There are no ATMs in Chocó. Make sure you withdraw enough money in Medellín before you leave.

Day 17: El Valle
^{Jungle trekking + Canoeing}

The day begins with a guided exploration of the jungle surrounding the village. During the walk, visitors discover a remarkable diversity of local flora and fauna. If they’re lucky, they may spot monkeys, toucans and even brightly-colored dendrobates. Basilisks, known as “Jesus Christ lizards” for their ability to run on water, add a spectacular dimension to this adventure, as do the multitude of insects, including the inevitable mosquitoes. The hike concludes near a charming little waterfall, offering a well-deserved refreshing break for a swim. The return to El Valle is by traditional wooden canoe, gliding peacefully along the Tundó and Valle rivers. Along the way, it’s possible to spot small caimans and a variety of birds, such as waders and kingfishers. You’ll be back for lunch, and will have the afternoon to laze on the beach, as the heat and humidity can be exhausting. It’s advisable to start this activity as early as possible (around 6am-7am) to maximize the chances of animal sightings and take advantage of more pleasant temperatures.

I suggest you check with your accommodation to plan a short night hike (about 1 hour) in the jungle. You’ll be able to observe a multitude of insects and frogs, which is fascinating (although sometimes a little frightening because of the size of some specimens).

Day 18: El Valle
^{Natural pools + Whale watching}

A new day begins, this time dedicated to discovering the sea. The adventure begins with a guided walk along the beach, leading to natural aquariums and pools formed between the rocks. At low tide, you can easily observe a variety of fish species evolving in calm, crystal-clear waters. Equipped with a mask and snorkel, you can fully explore the marine wealth of these little havens of aquatic life. After this fascinating immersion, return to the lodge. In the afternoon, you have several options: freely explore the hidden treasures of the coast on a hike, or plan another exciting activity. And be sure to plan awhale-watching trip with your host. Every year, from July to October, the majestic humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific to reproduce, offering an unforgettable natural spectacle that you can admire from El Valle.

Day 19: El Valle
^{Utria National Nature Park}

Today, we’re exploring the region’s main protected nature reserve: the Utría National Park. Created in 1987 and covering 54,300 hectares, this park is a true natural treasure, particularly magnificent when viewed from the sea. Access is limited and hiking is regulated, contributing to its exclusive charm. The hour-long boat trip, often accompanied by playful dolphins, adds a magical touch to this adventure. The day begins with a guided hike through mangroves and forest, where you can observe stingrays, puffer fish, hummingbirds, lizards and monkeys. The guide shares fascinating anecdotes about local medicinal plants and endemic species, enriching the experience. After the walk, we dive into the crystal-clear waters of Utría National Park for a snorkeling session. Two sites await us: the first near the park entrance, where a boat wreck lies, and the second at Isla Playa Blanca. After exploring these underwater wonders, we return to El Valle for a late lunch. The day concludes with a well-deserved rest and preparations for our departure tomorrow.

Tip: On the way, you can stop off at Mama Orbe (to be arranged in advance), between Parc Utría and El Valle. They run a conservation program for hawksbill turtles, offering the chance to release baby turtles and observe egg-laying whenever possible. The turtle season is active all year round, but most intense from July to December.

We’re back in Medellín! This is where we have to return to, to leave the Chocó and the Pacific coast behind. Medellín is also our last stop in Colombia before we have to leave this magnificent country.

Day 20 / TRANSFER / Medellín

Get ready for a quick change of scenery, leaving the wild Pacific coast for the majestic mountains of the Colombian Andes. Farewell to stifling heat, persistent humidity and mosquitoes. Start by arranging your transfer from your accommodation in El Valle to José Celestino Mutis airport. Then take a flight to Medellín’s Enrique Olaya Herrera regional airport, a journey of around 50 minutes with the ClicAir and Satena airlines, mainly in the morning.

Day 21: Departure from Colombia

Your last day in Colombia is here, and time has flown! Now it’s time to head for José María Córdova International Airport and say goodbye to this wonderful country. We hope your stay here has brought you as much happiness as we’ve had!

Budget (estimate)

3-week itinerary in Colombia: the alternative to the must-sees

Here’s an estimate of the total budget per person on site (excluding plane tickets in and out of Colombia) in Colombian pesos, including the cost of guided activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.

Travelling with two or more people and staying in a private room can be more cost-effective than booking a single room, often at or near the same cost. As each situation is unique, it may be necessary to readjust the budget by opting for more modest accommodation or simpler meals, for example.