If we only had 2 weeks: Colombia itinerary | Whistlestop All-rounder

I’ve been lucky enough that a location independent business meant that I could travel extra slow. If this is an option to you, I strongly recommend that you take your time; really getting to know and appreciate each country you’re in rather than try to cram as many passport stamps as you can into a few months. I would advise at least one month in each country in Latin America, perhaps with the exception of Panama and Paraguay, which have less going on. However, that’s not always possible, as I’m often asked by people who only have a 2 week vacation from their jobs where I would prioritise going in the given time. So behold! Here is my 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary for anyone who is tight on time but still wants to soak up the best that this incredible country has to offer. Don’t forget also to check out the Ultimate Colombia Bucketlist to create your own route around the 29 top things to do in Colombia.

Now travel in Colombia is so very diverse and offers so much that I couldn’t narrow it down very easily. Thus, I’m going to create 4 versions of the 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary for you, depending on whether you’re looking for paradise relaxation, adventure, culture or a whistlestop all-rounder. First up…

2 weeks in Colombia Itinerary:

WHISTLESTOP ALL-ROUNDER

What not to miss in your 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary

Bogotá

• Kick off your 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary with the Bogotá walking tour or the graffiti tour from La Candelaria
• Take a tram to the top of Monserrate on the morning of a clear day or at sunset
• Play tejo in the evening at one of the clubs in Barrios Unidos (take a taxi there and back!)
• Get a chiva bus to Andres Carne de Res in Chía on a Friday or Saturday night
• Stroll around Usaquén market on a Sunday or reserve a space at Click Clack Hotel brunch

See the full Bogotá guide here.

Salento

• Climb to the mirador at the end of Carrera 4
• Play a game with the locals at the pool bar on Carrera 4
• The next day, get a willy jeep from the main plaza at 8am to hike the Cocora Valley to see the world’s tallest wax palm trees (without getting lost!)
• Take an afternoon tour of a coffee finca (Las Acasias, Ocaso or Momota)

See the full Salento guide here.

Medellín

• Grab coffee or drinks in Parque Lleras (in El Poblado) – check out the ballpit bar at El Octavo and Envy rooftop!
• Take the Comuna 13 walking tour
• Then cable car ride to La Aurora station
• Dance the night away on Calle 70 (‘La Setenta’)

See the 25 top things to do in Medellín here.

Guatapé

• Climb the steps of La Piedra to see the incredible Guatapé Lake
• Wander around the beautiful town of Guatapé and grab a cinnamon bun!

See the full guide to day-tripping from Medellin to Guatape here.

Cartagena

• The hottest part of your 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary! Spend the first day wandering the walled city and Getsemaní
• Eat at one of the best restaurants in Cartagena
• Head to Plaza de la Santísima Trinidad to watch the buskers during the evening
• Sip cocktails in one of Cartagena’s best rooftops & bars and check out a salsa bar on a weekend
• Souvenir shopping
• Sit on the city walls to watch a Colombian sunset

See the full guide to Cartagena here.

Isla Barú

• Take the 40,000 COP (+16,000 tax) boat tour, do the snorkelling at the first stop; you’ll get to Barú at lunchtime (lunch included)
• Find a spot on the beach and wait for the day trip boats to leave!
• Relax in the bath-warm turquoise sea as the sun comes down
• Wake up in paradise, spend the morning chilling before heading back to Cartagena at around midday

See the full guide to Isla Baru here.

Santa Marta

• Chill out in El Parque de los Novios and grab dinner on Carrera 3 with Calle 17
• If your 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary gets you to Santa Marta on a Sunday, don’t miss out on the Masaya Hostel pool party!

El Zaino/Tayrona Park

• Wake up early and get to the Tayrona national park entrance for around 8am
• Do the 2-3 hour hike (horses available but it’s not too strenuous) to the incredible beaches and head back before it gets dark

Don’t wanna go it alone?

If you want to see all the best of Colombia but don’t feel comfortable doing it alone, G Adventures offers a Colombia itinerary that is very similar to this (so it must be good!).

Stay tuned for the upcoming Paradise Relaxation-, Adventure- and Culture- focused 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary. Subscribe to our mailing list to be alerted when they’re published! If you haven’t yet decided where in Latin America to spend your 2 weeks holiday, you might also want to check these out before booking those flights!

• 2 weeks: Peru itinerary
• 2 weeks: Ecuador itinerary
• 2 weeks: North Brazil itinerary
• 2 weeks: South Brazil itinerary
• 2 weeks: Uruguay itinerary
• 2 weeks: Belize itinerary
• 2 weeks: Guatemala itinerary
• Which country to visit in Latin America?

I know Colombia like the back of my hands, so if you’re looking for bespoke help on organising a 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary for your trip here, email me at hola@cuppatocopatravels.com.

Liked this 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary?

Give it a cheeky pin on Pinterest to be able to find it again later!

Last updated on 3 June 2020