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17-Day Colombia Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 72 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá

Morning: Arrive at El Dorado International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic La Candelaria district. Take a brief rest before heading out to explore the Plaza de Bolívar, the heart of the city.

Afternoon: Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to admire pre‑Columbian artifacts, then ride the cable car up to Monserrate for panoramic city views.

Evening: Dine on traditional Colombian cuisine at a local restaurant and enjoy a relaxed walk along the illuminated streets of La Candelaria.

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Day 2: Bogotá to Cali (Travel & Evening Arrival)

Morning: After breakfast, catch a domestic flight to Cali. Upon arrival, settle into your boutique hotel near the San Antonio neighborhood.

Afternoon: Stroll through the colorful streets of San Antonio, visit the historic church, and enjoy the local artisan market.

Evening: Experience Cali’s famous salsa scene at a lively club in the Juanchito district, followed by a late dinner of sancocho soup.

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Day 3: Exploring Cali

Morning: Tour the iconic Cristo Rey statue for sweeping city vistas, then explore the botanical garden’s orchid collection.

Afternoon: Visit the Archaeological Museum of Cali to learn about the region’s indigenous heritage, followed by a leisurely lunch in Plaza de Caicedo.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the Cañaveralejo River promenade and sample street‑food arepas.

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Day 4: Day Trip to San Agustín (Archaeological Site)

Morning: Early departure by private coach to the UNESCO‑listed San Agustín Archaeological Park, renowned for its monumental stone statues.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the park’s burial mounds, the El Tablón tomb, and the on‑site museum showcasing ancient artifacts.

Evening: Return to Cali for a relaxed dinner and optional nightcap at a rooftop bar.

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Day 5: Cali to Coffee Region (Salento)

Morning: Depart by bus to the coffee‑loving town of Salento, nestled in the Quindío department.

Afternoon: Check into a countryside finca, then wander the colorful main square and shop for handmade souvenirs.

Evening: Savor a farm‑to‑table dinner featuring locally grown coffee‑infused desserts.

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Day 6: Coffee Plantation & Cocora Valley

Morning: Tour a traditional coffee plantation (Hacienda), learning about harvesting, processing, and tasting premium Colombian coffee.

Afternoon: Hike the iconic Cocora Valley to see towering wax palm trees, with optional horseback riding.

Evening: Return to Salento for a relaxed evening, perhaps enjoying live folk music at a local café.

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Day 7: Leisure in Salento

Morning: Explore nearby coffee farms on a bike tour, stopping at scenic viewpoints for photos.

Afternoon: Visit the Quindío Botanical Garden and the Butterfly House for a tranquil experience.

Evening: Sample regional dishes such as trucha al ajillo at a family‑run restaurant.

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Day 8: Thermal Spa Retreat (Santa Rosa de Cabal)

Morning: Transfer to the town of Santa Rosa de Cabal, famous for its natural hot springs.

Afternoon: Unwind in the therapeutic waters of Termales de Santa Rosa, enjoying spa treatments and volcanic mud baths.

Evening: Dine on healthy, locally sourced cuisine while watching the sunset over the surrounding mountains.

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Day 9: Relaxation & Travel to Cartagena

Morning: Enjoy a final soak in the thermal pools and a leisurely breakfast at the spa.

Afternoon: Fly from Pereira (nearest airport) to Cartagena, arriving in the historic coastal city.

Evening: Settle into a boutique hotel within the walled city and take an evening stroll along the illuminated City Walls.

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Day 10: Cartagena Old Town Exploration

Morning: Guided walking tour of the Walled City, visiting the Clock Tower, Plaza Santo Domingo, and the historic Cathedral.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood, known for its street art and lively cafés.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, followed by a sunset cruise around the bay.

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Day 11: Castillo San Felipe & Beach Time

Morning: Tour the massive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a masterpiece of military engineering.

Afternoon: Head to Playa Blanca on Isla Barú for white‑sand relaxation and snorkeling in crystal‑clear waters.

Evening: Return to Cartagena for a night of live Afro‑Caribbean music in a local club.

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Day 12: Day Trip to the Archaeological Site of San Basilio de Palenque

Morning: Travel to the historic village of San Basilio de Palenque, a UNESCO site preserving Afro‑Colombian culture.

Afternoon: Guided walk through the village’s cobblestone streets, visiting the Church of San Basilio and learning about its resistance heritage.

Evening: Return to Cartagena and enjoy a quiet dinner along the historic waterfront.

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Day 13: Island Hopping – Rosario Islands

Morning: Depart by boat to the Rosario Islands, a protected marine park ideal for snorkeling.

Afternoon: Snorkel among colorful coral reefs, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy a beachside BBQ.

Evening: Sail back to Cartagena for a final night of celebration in the vibrant Old Town.

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Day 14: Travel to Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park

Morning: Transfer by bus or private transport to Santa Marta, the gateway to the Caribbean coast.

Afternoon: Check into a beachfront lodge and explore the historic Centro Historico of Santa Marta.

Evening: Enjoy dinner featuring fresh fish at a seaside restaurant.

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Day 15: Tayrona National Park – Beach & Jungle

Morning: Enter Tayrona National Park and hike to the iconic Cabo San Juan beach, surrounded by lush jungle.

Afternoon: Swim in turquoise waters, relax on the sand, and visit the nearby archaeological ruins of Pueblito.

Evening: Return to Santa Marta for a restful night, perhaps with a bonfire on the beach.

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Day 16: Free Beach Day in Santa Marta

Morning: Leisurely breakfast followed by optional activities such as kayaking or a guided bird‑watching tour in the park.

Afternoon: Sunbathe on Playa Blanca (Santa Marta’s namesake) or explore local markets for souvenirs.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a beachfront dinner and a traditional Colombian music show.

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Day 17: Return to Bogotá & Departure

Morning: Fly from Santa Marta back to Bogotá, allowing time for any last‑minute shopping at the Andino Mall.

Afternoon: Visit the Botero Museum if time permits, showcasing works by the famous Colombian artist.

Evening: Transfer to El Dorado International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your Colombian adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Plaza de Bolívar – 1 hour – $0
  • Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) – 2 hours – $5
  • Monserrate – 2 hours – $12 (cable car)
  • San Antonio (Cali) – 2 hours – $0
  • Cristo Rey – 1.5 hours – $3
  • Archaeological Museum of Cali – 1 hour – $2
  • San Agustín Archaeological Park – 5 hours (including travel) – $25
  • Coffee Plantation (Hacienda) – 3 hours – $20 (tour & tasting)
  • Cocora Valley – 4 hours – $15 (guide & transport)
  • Termales de Santa Rosa – 4 hours – $30 (entry & spa)
  • Walled City (Cartagena) – 3 hours – $0
  • Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – 2 hours – $10
  • Playa Blanca (Isla Barú) – 4 hours – $15 (boat transfer)
  • San Basilio de Palenque – 5 hours – $20 (guide & transport)
  • Rosario Islands – 6 hours – $35 (boat tour & lunch)
  • Tayrona National Park – Cabo San Juan – 6 hours – $12 (entrance)
  • Pueblito (Tayrona archaeological site) – 1 hour – included in park fee
  • Botero Museum (Bogotá) – 1 hour – $0
  • Transportation (flights, buses, private transfers) – 17 days – $600
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotels & lodges) – 16 nights – $1,120
  • Meals (average $25 per day) – 17 days – $425
  • Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – – $150
  • Total Estimated Cost: $2,489

Tips

If you wish to extend your trip, consider adding a multi‑day trek to the legendary Ciudad Perdida in the Sierra Nevada or spending extra days exploring the vibrant city of Medellín. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the beach days in Cartagena and Santa Marta into a single coastal base, such as staying longer in Cartagena and taking a day‑trip to the Rosario Islands, while skipping the Rosario Islands day and the San Basilio de Palenque visit. Adjustments can be made based on flight availability and personal interests without compromising the core experiences of culture, nature, and relaxation.

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