Colombia-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá

  • Places to Go: Plaza de Bolívar (main square), La Candelaria neighborhood (historic area with colorful colonial-style houses), Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
  • Activities: Visit the famous Plaza de Bolívar, explore the narrow streets of La Candelaria, and learn about Colombia’s rich gold history at the Gold Museum
  • Things to Know:
    • Visa Requirements: No visa required for tourists from most countries (check here for details)
    • Currency: Colombian Peso (COP), exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 3,500 COP
    • Weather: Bogotá is a high-altitude city with cool temperatures year-round; average temperature: 12°C/54°F
  • Transportation:
    • Airport Transfer: From El Dorado International Airport (BOG) to your hotel by taxi or Uber (~15,000 COP / $4.20 USD)
    • Public Transportation: Use TransMilenio buses (1,500 COP / $0.42 USD per ride) for a more affordable option
  • Other Tips:
    • Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled or filtered water instead
    • Be prepared for occasional power outages and occasional water shortages

Day 2: Cartagena

  • Places to Go: Old Town (Centro Histórico), Plaza San Pedro Claver, Cartagena Cathedral, Getsemani neighborhood
  • Activities: Explore the colorful streets of Old Town, visit the iconic Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), and enjoy the lively nightlife in Getsemani
  • Things to Know:
    • Getting There: Fly from Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) (~$100 USD)
    • Safety: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas; petty theft is common
    • Culture: Respect local customs and traditions, especially during Holy Week celebrations
  • Transportation:
    • Airport Transfer: Taxi or Uber from the airport to your hotel (~10,000 COP / $2.80 USD)
    • Public Transportation: Walkable Old Town area; use bike taxis (1,500 COP / $0.42 USD per ride) for short trips
  • Other Tips:
    • Try fresh seafood and local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Cartagena’s streets
    • Visit the nearby Rosario Islands or snorkel with dolphins on a day trip

Day 3: Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)

  • Places to Go: Salento, Cocora Valley, Valle de Cauca
  • Activities: Explore the picturesque town of Salento, hike through the stunning Cocora Valley, and visit coffee farms in the Zona Cafetera region
  • Things to Know:
    • Getting There: Take a 4-hour bus ride from Medellín or Pereira (~$10-20 USD) to reach Salento
    • Coffee Production: Visit coffee plantations and learn about the production process; taste fresh coffee at local farms
    • Nature: Enjoy the diverse landscapes, including cloud forests, rivers, and valleys
  • Transportation:
    • Bus: Use public buses (Transco, 5,000 COP / $1.40 USD per ride) or book a shuttle service (~$50-70 USD)
    • Local Transportation: Walkable towns; use taxi services for longer trips
  • Other Tips:
    • Visit the nearby Hacienda Venecia coffee farm and enjoy the scenery from its observatory deck
    • Don’t miss the stunning sunrise over the mountains