Colombia is a country located in South America and has one-of-a-kind colorful architecture and stunning beaches. This 10-day Colombia itinerary will show you must-see places in this beautiful country.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Colombia is mostly located in South America with a small portion being in North America. Colombia is known for its diverse culture, modern cities, and beautiful beaches. Also, Colombia is famous for its coffee, flowers, and emeralds.
This 10-day Colombia itinerary will show you all the must-see attractions in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Rosario Islands, Santa Marta, and Tayrona Park. Also includes places to stay in all of these wonderful cities.
You will see the best 10-day Colombia itinerary, Bogota itinerary, Cartagena itinerary, Medellin itinerary, Colombia travel, and much more.
This post is all about the best 10-Day Colombia Itinerary.
The Ultimate 10-Day Colombia Itinerary
Best Time To Visit Colombia
Colombia is located close to the Equator therefore it has consistently warm temperatures. This means that all seasons are great for visiting here.
There is still a dry season and a wet season too. December to March is the driest weather in Colombia and is probably the best time to visit. Its rainy and wet season is April to June and October to November.
Although Colombia is a fairly warm country for the most part since it is close to the Equator there are some places that are warmer than others. Bogota has a much cooler climate than Cartagena which has a consistently warm climate. So dress accordingly based on where you are traveling.
The Best of Colombia In 10 Days
Day 1-2: Bogota
Bogota is the capital of Colombia, and it is usually where most flights from international countries land. Bogota is one of Latin America’s largest cities and capitals as well. There are many things to do in Bogota for first-timers. A great way to start your 10-day Colombia itinerary is in Bogota with a free walking tour with Beyond Colombia. This tour is about 3 hours long and it starts in the historical district of the La Candelaria neighborhood. This tour will teach you the history of this neighborhood along with the tour behind all the streets, buildings, and statues.
Another great must-see in Bogota is the Museo Del Oro also known as the Gold Museum. The museum is one of the most visited attractions in Colombia. The museum has collected more than 55,000 pieces of gold throughout the years. The gold is from Colombia’s major pre-Hispanic cultures.
A great way to start your second day in Bogota is by hiking up Mount Monserrate. This mountain is over 10,000 feet tall and it is located right in the center of Bogota. At the top, there is a church and beautiful greenery all around. The hike itself takes just under 4 hours to complete both up and down and then a couple of hours at the top exploring the church, the view, and the lush gardens. There is also an option to take a cable car up and down. From the top, you get to see Bogota from above and it is a breathtaking view from up there.
Bogota also has many amazing bars and restaurants that you should check out while here. This Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center is a great tour to take that will show you all the hotspots that Bogota has to offer.
Where To Stay In Bogota
A great place to stay while in Bogota Colombia is Tequendama Suites and Hotel. This luxurious hotel is located in the center of Bogota and has beautiful rooms, a restaurant, a sauna, a hammam spa, and more. There is an American breakfast also available in the mornings. The hotel is also close to Bolivar Square, Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada Convention Centre, and the Tequendama’s Building. The El Dorado International Airport is also a short drive away, and the hotel also offers paid airport shuttle services.
Another great place to stay in Bogota is Grand Hyatt Bogota. This hotel has great city views, a garden, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, a sauna and hot tub, a lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant. American breakfast is also available. The hotel is located close to the city center and is about a 5-minute drive from the El Dorado International Airport. Also just a short drive from El Campin Stadium, and Bolivar Square.
The Hilton Garden Inn Bogota Airport Hotel is another fantastic hotel to stay in Bogota. This hotel is located in the Fontibon District and has great city views. It has a spa with a hot tub and sauna, a fitness center, a buffet breakfast, a terrace, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant. Great hotel if you are wanting to stay near the airport.
Day 3-4: Medellin
Medellin lies in a bowl in the Andes Mountains and is the capital of the Antioquia Province. Medellin was once labeled as being the most dangerous city in South America and the world. Over the last 20 years, Medellin has gone through drastic changes and is now a great stop for many tourists visiting Colombia. Medellin is also known as the “City Of Eternal Spring” because of its perfect weather/ temperature; beautiful warm days and cool nights.
Medellin is also known for its world-class architecture. The urban city has very modern and urbanized architecture and is great for sightseeing. Also from pretty much anywhere in Medellin, you can see parts of the mountains and great landscaping.
There is a great tour that you should do while in Medellin called the Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour and Street Food. This tour is a bus tour and takes you through the most popular neighborhood in Medellin Comuna 13. The city has a great nightlife and bar scene as well and has many great restaurants to check out.
Also, be sure to check out the Antioquia Museum which has great exhibits from Fernando Botero and other Colombian artists.
Where To Stay In Medellin
When visiting Medellin a great place to stay is Marquee Medellin Hotel. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, evening entertainment, a restaurant, a bar, and more. It is located near El Poblado Park and just a short drive to Plaza de Toros La Macarena and Laureles Park.
Another great place to stay in Medellin is Landmark Hotel. This hotel has a rooftop outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a fitness center, a restaurant, and more. Also in a great location and close to lots of Medellin attractions.
Stay at Hotel Dann Carlton Medellin for a great luxurious experience. This hotel has luxurious rooms with a seating area. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a spa. There is a sun terrace by the pool, a salon for guests to get beauty treatments, a spa, and a fitness center. The hotel also has 3 amazing restaurants for guests to enjoy.
Day 5-6: Cartagena
Cartagena is a port located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Cartagena also has The Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by a wall and inside are squares, and colorful colonial buildings. The city of Cartagena is also known for its beautiful beaches, warm tropical climate, and amazing sunsets.
Cartagena also has a free walking tour by Beyond Colombia that is very popular. It will take you through the “Walled City“. This area of Cartagena is beautiful with lots of gardens, beautiful and colorful buildings, and great architecture. Inside there are also many places to grab some food and drinks and enjoy the live entertainment, and shop the souvenir shops.
While in Cartagena be sure to explore the Gestamani art neighborhood. This is the hipster part of Cartagena with many cool and vibrant streets filled with artwork. And be sure to visit the famous street called “Calle Del Arsenal“. Here you will also find Zona Rosa which is the party district with lots of bars and clubs to hang out at for a good time.
Cartagena has so many beautiful beaches that you need to check out as well like El Laguito Beach, Marbella Beach, Bocagrande Beach, and many more.
Where To Stay In Cartagena
When visiting Cartagena a popular place to stay is Hotel Casona del Porvenir. This hotel is located in the center of Cartagena de Indias and it has an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a lounge, a restaurant, a bar, and more. The hotel is close to Marbella Beach, Bocagrande Beach, San Felipe De Barajas Castle, and more.
Another great hotel to stay in Cartagena is the Hyatt Regency Cartagena. The hotel is located right in the middle of Cartagena and is super close to Bocagrande Beah. It has a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a la carte breakfast. The hotel is also close to Bolivar Park, Cartagena’s Gold Museum, Castillogrande Beach, Laguito Beach, and the Cartagena De Indias Convention Centre.
Another amazing place to stay in Cartagena is Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio. The hotel is very beautiful and is located right in the center of the Historical area of Cartagena. The hotel has amazing colonial architecture and is very luxurious. It is also located right near many restaurants,s bars, and coffee shops. It’s within walking distance of Caratgena’s Gold Museum, Cartagena’s Walls, San Felipe De Barajas Castle, and Bolivar Park.
Day 7-8: Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are located just off the coast of Cartagena and are one of the 46 National Parks that Colombia has. They are also known as Corales Islas Del Rosario. Visiting the Rosario Islands is very relaxing, and is a great time to get some rest from your trip to Colombia. This area is very inexpensive and the atmosphere makes it feel like a luxury Caribbean vacation. The islands have beautiful greenery, clear blue waters, and soft sandy beaches.
Where To Stay In The Rosario Islands
A great place to stay in the Rosario Islands is Hotel Islabela Islas Del Rosario. This hotel is located on a beachfront with a private beach. Its rooms are little villas in the sand. A super cool and unique place to stay. It has a restaurant and a bar and is close to Pasadía Bora Bora Cartagena Beach.
Another amazing place to stay in the Rosario Islands is Hotel Isla del Encanto. This resort-style hotel is the perfect place to relax. It is located right on the beachfront inside Rosario Islands National Park. There is a pool, and a spa, and also offers snorkeling trips.
Day 9-10: Santa Marta and Tayrona Park
Santa Marta is a beautiful city in the Northern Colombian Department of Magdalena and is located on the Caribbean Sea. Santa Marta is Colombia’s oldest city and it is known for having beautiful architecture, walkways, museums, white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, amazing restaurants, and bars. The beaches here are also filled with lots of activities from boat tours to windsurfing, and more.
Close to Santa Marta is Tayrona Park. Tayrona Park is Colombia’s most popular National Park. Tayrona is home to some of the best beaches that South America has to offer. Although you can swim anywhere in Tayrona Park, there are still lots of amazing places to swim between mountains and sandy beaches covered with palm trees. There are also many hiking trails in Tayrona that are easy to hike and you can see the beautiful landscaping and greenery.
Where To Stay In Santa Marta
A great place to stay in Santa Marta is Grand Marina Suites, Santa Marta. These luxurious apartments are located right on the beach and have amazing city and beach views from the balconies and terraces. There is a pool, a full kitchen, a sauna, spa services, and more.
Another great place to stay in Santa Marta is Hilton Garden Inn, Santa Marta. This hotel is located right next to the Santa Marta Marina and close to El Rodadero Beach. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a garden.
This post was all about the ultimate 10-day Colombia itinerary.
Other posts you may like
>> 21 UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN NIAGARA FALLS CANADA
Leave a Reply