📍 Colombia

COLOMBIA: FROM ANDES MOUNTAINS TO CARIBBEAN COASTS

Mountains tumble toward Caribbean waves, colonial walls frame turquoise waters, coffee aroma mingles with salty air. Colombia is a land of contrasts.

≈ 15
Days
1433
Km
5
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Bogotá, Guatapé rock, Salento's coffee farms, Rincón del Mar beaches and Cartagena. In Colombia, from Andes to Caribbean, each stop tells a different story.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Salento

coffee hill colonial architecture

Salento - Photo 1Salento - Photo 2Salento - Photo 3Salento - Photo 4Salento - Photo 5Salento - Photo 6Salento - Photo 7Salento - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the colorful village of Salento and its main street, Carrera 6.
2
Ascent to Mirador Alto de la Cruz to admire the view over the valley and mountains.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the picturesque streets of the historic center and stroll on Plaza Bolívar.
2
Day

Salento

coffee hill colonial architecture

Salento - Photo 1Salento - Photo 2Salento - Photo 3Salento - Photo 4Salento - Photo 5Salento - Photo 6Salento - Photo 7Salento - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Hike to Finca Don Elias to visit a coffee plantation and discover the production stages.
🎯

Activities

→
Local coffee tasting
3
Day

Salento

coffee hill colonial architecture

Salento - Photo 1Salento - Photo 2Salento - Photo 3Salento - Photo 4Salento - Photo 5Salento - Photo 6Salento - Photo 7Salento - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Cocora Valley to observe wax palms and explore Andean nature.
🎯

Activities

→
5-hour trek in the valley between jungle, rivers and meadows dotted with giant palms.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 25min
4
Day

Guatape

lake island colorful rock

Guatape - Photo 1Guatape - Photo 2Guatape - Photo 3Guatape - Photo 4Guatape - Photo 5Guatape - Photo 6Guatape - Photo 7Guatape - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Transfer from Salento to Guatapé via Pereira and Medellín.
2
Discovery of the village of Guatapé and its main square.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through Calle del Recuerdo and Plazoleta de Los Zócalos.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 230 km
Travel time: 3h
5
Day

Guatape

lake island colorful rock

Guatape - Photo 1Guatape - Photo 2Guatape - Photo 3Guatape - Photo 4Guatape - Photo 5Guatape - Photo 6Guatape - Photo 7Guatape - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Ascent of Piedra del Peñol for a panoramic view of the artificial lakes.
🎯

Activities

→
Lancha tour on Guatapé lake to discover the islets and Pablo Escobar's villa.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 15min
6
Day

Rincon Del Mar

caribbean turquoise beach cove

Rincon Del Mar - Photo 1Rincon Del Mar - Photo 2Rincon Del Mar - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Flight Medellín - Montería then transfer to Rincón del Mar.
🎯

Activities

→
Settling by the sea and relaxation on the white sand beach.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 190 km
Travel time: 4h
7
Day

Rincon Del Mar

caribbean turquoise beach cove

Rincon Del Mar - Photo 1Rincon Del Mar - Photo 2Rincon Del Mar - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Free day in Rincón del Mar to enjoy the beach and the calm of the village.
🎯

Activities

→
Boat trip to the San Bernardo islands for snorkeling and swimming.
8
Day

Rincon Del Mar

caribbean turquoise beach cove

Rincon Del Mar - Photo 1Rincon Del Mar - Photo 2Rincon Del Mar - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the fishing village and local life of Rincón del Mar.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation, swimming and fresh fish meals by the sea.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 103.6 km
Travel time: 1h44
9
Day

Carthagene

walled old city colonial charm

Carthagene - Photo 1Carthagene - Photo 2Carthagene - Photo 3Carthagene - Photo 4Carthagene - Photo 5Carthagene - Photo 6Carthagene - Photo 7Carthagene - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Transfer to Cartagena de Indias.
2
First discovery of the ramparts and historic center of Cartagena.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset walk on the colonial ramparts.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 220 km
Travel time: 4h
10
Day

Carthagene

walled old city colonial charm

Carthagene - Photo 1Carthagene - Photo 2Carthagene - Photo 3Carthagene - Photo 4Carthagene - Photo 5Carthagene - Photo 6Carthagene - Photo 7Carthagene - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Getsemani neighborhood and Plaza Trinidad.
2
Discovery of the San Felipe de Barajas castle.
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner in a typical restaurant in the historic center.
11
Day

Bogota

capital mountain cultural soul

Bogota - Photo 1Bogota - Photo 2Bogota - Photo 3Bogota - Photo 4Bogota - Photo 5Bogota - Photo 6Bogota - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Flight Cartagena - Bogotá.
2
Visit to the historic district of La Candelaria and the Gold Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Cable car ride up Mount Monserrate for panoramic views of Bogotá.
→
Tasting local specialties and artisan market.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 660 km
Travel time: 10h
12
Day

Bogota

capital mountain cultural soul

Bogota - Photo 1Bogota - Photo 2Bogota - Photo 3Bogota - Photo 4Bogota - Photo 5Bogota - Photo 6Bogota - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Strolling through colonial streets and discovering Bogotá's street art.
🎯

Activities

→
Transfer to El Dorado airport for international flight.
13
Day

Bogota

capital mountain cultural soul

Bogota - Photo 1Bogota - Photo 2Bogota - Photo 3Bogota - Photo 4Bogota - Photo 5Bogota - Photo 6Bogota - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Free time in Bogotá before return flight.
🎯

Activities

→
Transfer to El Dorado airport for international flight.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 30min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

AUTHENTIC COLOMBIA: FROM THE CARIBBEAN COAST TO THE ANDES

📅 16 days 🛣️ 3000 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Colombia

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (December-March, July-August): Best weather overall, peak tourist season, higher prices, ideal for most activities.

Wet Season (April-June, September-November): More rainfall, fewer crowds, lower prices, lush landscapes, some areas challenging.

Regional Variations: Caribbean coast hot year-round, Andes cooler, Amazon humid, Pacific coast rainier, plan by region.

Year-Round Destination: Equatorial location means consistent temperatures, seasonal rainfall variations, eternal spring in many areas.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Colombia?

Emerald landscapes, coffee culture, and vibrant cities create South America's most exciting destination. Experience Cartagena's colonial beauty, Amazon rainforest, and incredible biodiversity. The country offers salsa dancing, incredible hospitality, and diverse ecosystems from coast to mountains. Colombia combines natural beauty with passionate culture and improving safety.