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12-Day Budget Backpacking Through Colombia: Beaches, Hiking & Culture

Viewed by 158 travelers

Day Day 1: Arrival & Cultural Exploration

Bogotá, Colombia on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Puerta Falsa

Enjoy traditional Colombian breakfast with coffee, tamales, and arepas in this historic spot.
$15, 1h

9:30am

Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)

Visit this world-class museum showcasing pre-Columbian gold artifacts and learn about indigenous cultures.
$3, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de Paloquemao

Sample variety of local fruits, street food, and inexpensive Colombian dishes.
$8, 1h 30m

2:00pm

La Candelaria neighborhoods

Stroll through Bogotá's historic district with colorful streets, murals, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Monserrate Hill

Take the funicular or hike for panoramic city views at sunset.
$5, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Casa de la Cerveza

Enjoy affordable local beers with traditional Colombian dishes.
$10, 1h
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Day Day 2: Historic & Artistic Day

Bogotá to Villa de Leyva on July 20, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Villa de Leyva

Take an early bus (2-3 hours) to this charming colonial town.
$10, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Restaurante El Solar

Try local baked goods and coffee in this cozy spot.
$7, 1h

12:00pm

Plaza Mayor & Casa del Primer Congreso

Visit the main square and historic sites reflecting Colombia's independence history.
Free, 1h 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Municipal

Taste local dishes like 'bandeja paisa' or empanadas at budget-friendly stalls.
$8, 1h

3:30pm

Hike to Pozos Azules

Enjoy an easy hike to the stunning blue pools and waterfalls nearby.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return & Dinner at La Cocina de Pedro

Relax with regional specialties in a casual setting.
$9, 1h
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Day Day 3: Colonial & Nature

Villa de Leyva to Barichara on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Bus to Bucaramanga then transfer to Barichara

Travel via bus (~4-5 hrs total), scenic journey into the Sierra Nevada.
$15, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in & Lunch at Café Amorcito Corazón

Light Colombian-style sandwiches and coffee.
$8, 1h

3:30pm

Walk through Barichara

Explore the cobblestone streets, art workshops, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Los Sabor de mi Tierra

Sample local dishes like arepas and fritters in a relaxed setting.
$9, 1h
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Day Day 4: Adventure & Heritage

Barichara to San Gil on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Hiking to Guane Village

Hike or drive (30 mins) to this quaint colonial village with scenic views.
Transport: $3, Free hike, 2h

11:00am

Travel to San Gil

Short bus ride (~1 hr) known as the adventure capital.
$3, 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Casona de Don Santos

Affordable regional dishes with outdoor seating.
$8, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking & waterfalls visit (El Gallineral Park)

Enjoy nature trails and waterfalls in this lush park.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax & Dinner in San Gil

Casual local restaurant with budget-friendly dishes.
$9, 1h
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Day Day 5: Medellín Excursion

San Gil to Medellín on July 23, 2025

6:00am

Bus to Medellín

Long journey (~8 hours) with scenic mountain views.
$20, 8h

2:00pm

Check-in & Rest

Arrive and settle into budget accommodation.
Varies, approx. $15/night, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Comuna 13 & Outdoor Graffiti Tour

Learn about Medellín’s social transformation through street art.
$5, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mercado Gourmet Parque Estación

Affordable local eats in a lively market setting.
$8, 1h
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Day Day 6: Rainbow & Views

Medellín to Guatapé on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Bus to Guatapé

Short bus ride (~2 hours) to colorful lakeside town.
$4, 2h

10:30am

Climb El Peñol Rock

Spectacular viewpoints from the granite monolith, best early morning or afternoon.
$10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local eatery in Guatapé

Enjoy traditional Colombian dishes with lake views.
$8, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the vibrant town of Guatapé

Stroll through the colorful streets, take photos, and relax.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Medellín

$4, 2h 30m
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Day Day 7: Beach & Relaxation

Medellín to Cartagena on July 25, 2025

6:00am

Fly to Cartagena

Affordable domestic flight (~1 hour), book in advance for budget fares.
$50, 1h

8:30am

Check-in & Breakfast at La Brioche

Enjoy pastries and coffee in the historic center.
$8, 1h

10:00am

Walk around historical walled city

Explore colorful streets, squares, and historic sites.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Pizza del Barrio

Affordable pizzas and local drinks.
$7, 1h

2:30pm

Relax on Playa Blanca

Take a boat or taxi to this famous beach for swimming and sunbathing.
$10, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Cevichería

Sample fresh ceviche and seafood at budget-friendly prices.
$10, 1h
Find Hotels in Medellín to Cartagena

Day Day 8: Nature & Culture

Cartagena to Santa Marta on July 26, 2025

7:00am

Bus or shared transfer to Santa Marta (~4 hours)

$12, 4h

11:00am

Check-in & lunch at La Cocina de Pedro

Enjoy local dishes in a casual setting.
$8, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Santa Marta's Historic Center

Stroll and explore colonial architecture and local markets.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at Playa Taganga

Beachside village perfect for sunset views and relaxed vibe.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Taganga or Santa Marta

Affordable seafood or regional dishes.
$9, 1h
Find Hotels in Cartagena to Santa Marta

Day Day 9: Tayrona & Nature

Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park on July 27, 2025

7:00am

Early transfer to Tayrona Park

$8, 2h

9:00am

Hiking & Beaches at Tayrona

Explore beaches like Cabo San Juan, hike through lush rainforest.
Park entrance fee: $20, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch on the beach

Bring packed lunch or buy snacks inside the park.
$8, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Return to Santa Marta

$8, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at La Botinka

Casual restaurant with affordable local and international dishes.
$9, 1h
Find Hotels in Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park

Day Day 10: Return & Rest

Santa Marta to Medellín on July 28, 2025

7:00am

Bus or flight back to Medellín

$50 plane or $12 bus, 3-8h

3:00pm

Relax and explore Medellín's local markets

Visit local craft markets for souvenirs & local street food.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner & Night Walk at Parque Lleras

Enjoy the lively nightlife with budget street eats and drinks.
$10, 2h
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Day Day 11: City & Nature

Medellín on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Visit Medellín Botanical Garden

Relax among native flora and butterfly pavilions.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Ride the Metrocable to Arví Park

Enjoy scenic views and hiking options in the park.
$4, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at local eatery

Sample bandeja paisa or empanadas for a budget meal.
$7, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Comuna 13 & Street Art

See world-famous murals and learn about transformation stories.
$5, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at In Situ Cafe

Healthy, affordable, and cozy cafe for a relaxed meal.
$9, 1h
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Day Day 12: Departure & Reflection

Medellín to Bogotá on July 30, 2025

7:00am

Flight back to Bogotá

$50, 1h

9:00am

Final city stroll and shopping

Buy souvenirs, visit last sights or relax in a coffee shop.
Varies, 2h

12:00pm

Departure from Colombia

Head to airport for return flight or onward travel.
N/A, Next
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