Bogotá Itinerary

Overview

This two week Colombia travel itinerary begins in Bogotá, the country’s bustling capital that blends history, art, and gastronomy. With vibrant neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and panoramic views of the Andes, it’s a dynamic introduction to Colombia’s charm.

How long to stay

2 days.

How to get to Bogotá

Fly into El Dorado International Airport. Taxis to the city center cost ~$20 USD, or use the TransMilenio bus system ($2 USD).

Best hotels to stay in Bogotá

• Selina La Candelaria Bogotá: Trendy hostel in the historic district. ($)
• Hotel de la Opera: Mid-range boutique with colonial charm. ($$)
• The Artisan D.C. Hotel: Luxury option in Chapinero with modern amenities. ($$$)

What to do in Bogotá

• Visit Monserrate for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains ($8 USD for the funicular or cable car).
• Explore the Gold Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts ($2 USD).
• Stroll through La Candelaria, the colorful historic district with murals and colonial architecture (Free).
• Tour the Botero Museum, showcasing works by the renowned Colombian artist (Free).
• Take a graffiti tour to discover Bogotá’s vibrant street art scene ($15–20 USD).

Where to eat in Bogotá

• La Puerta Falsa ($) – Famous for traditional Colombian snacks like tamales. Google Review: 4.6.
• Andrés Carne de Res D.C. ($$) – Legendary spot for Colombian dishes and nightlife. Google Review: 4.5.
• Leo ($$$) – Award-winning fine dining with innovative Colombian cuisine. Google Review: 4.8.

Modes of transport in Bogotá

• The TransMilenio bus system is affordable but crowded.
• Taxis and rideshare apps like Didi or Cabify are reliable.

Bogotá digital nomad rating

4/5. Affordable living, reliable internet, and coworking spaces like Selina Cowork make it a great base.

Villa de Leyva Itinerary

Overview

This two week Colombia travel itinerary continues in Villa de Leyva, a charming colonial town renowned for its well-preserved architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets and historic charm make it a perfect spot to unwind and step back in time.

How long to stay

1-2 days.

How to get from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva

• Take a bus from Bogotá’s Terminal Salitre (4 hours, ~$10 USD) via companies like Flota Valle de Tenza.

Best hotels to stay in Villa de Leyva

• Hostal Rana Villa de Leyva: Affordable and cozy. ($)
• Hospederia Duruelo: Mid-range colonial-style hotel with lush gardens. ($$)
• Hotel Campanario de la Villa: Boutique luxury with a pool and spa. ($$$)

What to do in Villa de Leyva

• Stroll around the Plaza Mayor, the largest cobblestone square in South America (Free).
• Visit the Casa Terracota, a whimsical clay house that’s an architectural marvel ($3 USD).
• Explore the Pozos Azules, a series of striking blue water pools in a desert-like setting ($2 USD).
• Tour the El Fósil Museum, home to a 7-meter Kronosaurus fossil ($3 USD).
• Take a short hike to the Iguaque National Park for scenic views and Andean biodiversity ($10 USD).

Where to eat in Villa de Leyva

• Mercado Municipal ($) – Delicious farm-to-table dishes. Google Review: 4.7.
• El Solar de la Guaca ($$) – Cozy spot for Colombian specialties. Google Review: 4.5.
• Restaurante El Rincón Gourmet De la Villa ($$$) – Upscale fusion dining. Google Review: 4.6.

Modes of transport in Villa de Leyva

• Walking is ideal for exploring the compact town.
• Hire a tuk-tuk or private taxi for trips to nearby attractions.

Villa de Leyva digital nomad rating

3/5. Relaxed vibe and good connectivity, but limited coworking options.

Medellín Itinerary

Overview

This two week Colombia travel itinerary continues in Medellín, a vibrant city nestled in a lush valley. Known for its perfect blend of culture, innovation, and outdoor adventure, along with year-round pleasant weather, it’s a must-visit destination.

How long to stay

3 days.

How to get from Villa de Leyva to Medellín

• Return to Bogotá by bus (4 hours, ~$10 USD), then fly to Medellín (1 hour, ~$50 USD). Alternatively, take a direct bus from Villa de Leyva to Medellín (10 hours, ~$25 USD).

Best hotels to stay in Medellín

• Los Patios Hostel Boutique: Popular social hostel with rooftop views and coworking spaces. ($)
• Diez Hotel Categoría Colombia: A mid-range eco-hotel in El Poblado with modern amenities. ($$)
• The Click Clack Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant. ($$$)

What to do in Medellín

• Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví, a lush ecological park offering hiking trails and city views ($3 USD).
• Take a Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour to learn about Medellín’s transformation through its vibrant street art ($20 USD).
• Visit the Plaza Botero, featuring 23 giant sculptures by artist Fernando Botero (Free).
• Explore the Museum of Antioquia, showcasing Botero’s work and regional history ($5 USD).
• Relax in the Jardín Botánico, a beautiful botanical garden with orchids and wildlife (Free).

Where to eat in Medellín

• Alambique ($$) – Rooftop dining with creative Colombian fusion dishes. Google Review: 4.6.
• Carmen ($$$) – A high-end restaurant blending modern techniques with Colombian flavors. Google Review: 4.8.
• Mondongo’s ($) – Famous for hearty Colombian comfort food like mondongo soup. Google Review: 4.5.

Modes of transport in Medellín

• Medellín’s Metro system is clean, safe, and efficient for getting around ($1 USD per ride).
• Taxis and rideshare apps like Didi or Uber are affordable.

Medellín digital nomad rating

5/5. Fast internet, affordable living, and plenty of coworking spaces, including Selina Cowork and Global Express Coworking. Nomadlist Medellín

Guatapé Itinerary

Overview

This two week Colombia travel itinerary includes a visit to Guatapé, a picturesque town famous for its colorful zócalos (murals) and charming streets. Don’t miss climbing the iconic El Peñol Rock for breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes.

How long to stay

1 day (day trip from Medellín) or 1 overnight.

How to get from Medellín to Guatapé

• Take a 2-hour bus from Medellín’s North Bus Terminal ($5 USD) or hire a private taxi ($50–70 USD).

Best hotels to stay in Guatapé

• Lake View Hostel: Budget-friendly with beautiful lake views. ($)
• Bosko Glamping: Unique mid-range glamping domes immersed in nature. ($$)
• Hotel Zócalo Campestre: Boutique-style lodging near the town center. ($$$)

What to do in Guatapé

• Climb El Peñol Rock (740 steps) for panoramic views of the surrounding reservoir ($6 USD).
• Walk through the vibrant streets of Guatapé, adorned with colorful zócalos (Free).
• Take a boat tour on the Embalse Peñol-Guatapé to explore the scenic lake and its islands ($10–15 USD).

Where to eat in Guatapé

• Pizzeria de Luigi ($) – Known for delicious wood-fired pizzas. Google Review: 4.5.
• Restaurante La Fogata ($$) – Traditional Colombian dishes with a lakeside view. Google Review: 4.6.
• El Bacalao ($$) – Seafood specialties in a cozy setting. Google Review: 4.5.

Modes of transport in Guatapé

• Walking is ideal for exploring the town.
• Tuk-tuks or local buses can take you to El Peñol Rock and nearby attractions.

Guatapé digital nomad rating

3/5. Stunning scenery and a peaceful vibe but limited coworking spaces and internet reliability.

Salento Itinerary (Coffee Region)

Overview

This two week Colombia travel itinerary continues in Salento, a charming town in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle. It’s the ideal base for exploring coffee farms, hiking the stunning Cocora Valley, and soaking in the laid-back pace of rural Colombia.

How long to stay

2 days.

How to get from Medellín to Salento:

• Fly from Medellín to Armenia (45 minutes, ~$50 USD), then take a 1-hour bus to Salento ($5 USD).
• Alternatively, take an 8-hour bus from Medellín to Armenia, then connect to Salento ($25 USD total).

Best hotels to stay in Salento:

• Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel: Budget-friendly with stunning mountain views. ($)
• Hotel Salento Real: Mid-range option with a central location and colonial charm. ($$)
• Glamping Lumbre: Luxurious eco-friendly glamping in the Cocora Valley. ($$$)

What to do in Salento

• Hike through the Cocora Valley, home to the world’s tallest wax palms (Entry $2 USD, guided tours $10 USD).
• Tour a coffee farm like Finca El Ocaso to learn about coffee production and enjoy tastings ($15 USD).
• Stroll through Salento’s colorful streets and artisan shops (Free).
• Play tejo, Colombia’s traditional explosive sport, at a local bar ($5 USD).

Where to eat in Salento

• Brunch Salento ($) – Famous for its hearty breakfasts and burgers. Google Review: 4.7.
• Café Bernabé Gourmet ($$) – High-quality local coffee and fusion dishes. Google Review: 4.6.
• Restaurante El Rincón de Lucy ($) – Budget-friendly Colombian set meals. Google Review: 4.5.

Modes of transport in Salento

• Walk around the town or use jeeps (willys) for transport to Cocora Valley and coffee farms (~$2–3 USD).

Salento digital nomad rating

4/5. Good connectivity, peaceful environment, and plenty of coffee-fueled inspiration. Nomadlist Salento

Cartagena Itinerary

Overview

This two week Colombia travel itinerary concludes in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning coastal city. With its colorful colonial architecture, rich history, vibrant nightlife, and Caribbean vibes, it’s the perfect finale to your Colombian adventure.

How long to stay

3 days.

How to get from Salento to Cartagena

• Take a bus or flight from Armenia to Medellín, then a direct flight to Cartagena (2 hours, ~$50–100 USD).
• Alternatively, fly from Armenia to Bogotá, then to Cartagena (~3.5 hours total, ~$70–120 USD).

Best hotels to stay in Cartagena

• Viajero Hostel Cartagena: Budget-friendly with a lively atmosphere in the walled city. ($)
• Casa de Alba Hotel Boutique: Mid-range boutique hotel in a restored colonial mansion. ($$)
• Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa: Luxury hotel with rooftop pools and ocean views. ($$$)

What to do in Cartagena

• Walk through the Walled City, exploring its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic plazas (Free).
• Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress offering panoramic views of the city ($10 USD).
• Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on pristine beaches ($25–40 USD for tours).
• Stroll along Getsemaní, a trendy neighborhood known for its street art, lively plazas, and nightlife (Free).
• Watch the sunset from the Café del Mar, a popular bar atop the city walls ($$ for drinks).

Where to eat in Cartagena

• La Cevichería ($$) – Famous for fresh ceviche and seafood dishes. Google Review: 4.5.
• Carmen Cartagena ($$$) – High-end dining blending Caribbean and Colombian flavors. Google Review: 4.8.
• El Boliche Cebichería ($$$) – Sustainable ceviche-focused restaurant. Google Review: 4.7.

Modes of transport in Cartagena

• Walking is ideal for the historic center.
• Taxis and rideshare apps like InDriver are inexpensive for exploring farther areas.

Cartagena digital nomad rating:

4.5/5. Fast internet, vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of cafes make it great for remote work. Nomadlist Cartagena

Optional Extension: Rosario Islands

Overview

Extend your two week Colombian travel itinerary further by visiting the Rosario Islands. They are an idyllic archipelago located off the coast of Cartagena, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

How long to stay

1-2 days.

How to get from Cartagena to Rosario Islands

• Take a boat from Cartagena’s Marina Santa Cruz (1 hour, ~$20–30 USD roundtrip).

Best accommodations on the Rosario Islands:

• IslaBela Hotel Boutique: Budget-friendly eco-lodge with beach access. ($$)
• Hotel Coralina Island: Mid-range with cozy beachfront cabins. ($$$)
• Las Islas Hotel: Luxury treehouse-style accommodations. ($$$)

What to do on the Rosario Islands

• Snorkel or dive at coral reefs teeming with marine life (Equipment rentals ~$15 USD).
• Relax on secluded beaches or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding (Free with some accommodations).
• Visit the Oceanarium to see dolphins, sharks, and tropical fish ($10 USD).

Extend your trip further

Extend your two week Colombia travel itinerary by joining it to the 10 Day Panama Travel Itinerary. Travel from Cartagena to Panama City by boat via the San Blas Islands (4–5 days, $450–600 USD), an incredible journey through pristine Caribbean islands. This route offers a seamless connection to Panama, where you can begin your two week Panama Travel Itinerary (link again here).