Start the day exploring the historic center of Bogotá, including the Candelaria neighborhood, Plaza Bolivar and Museo del Oro. Later, head to Zona T for a delicious dinner and drinks at one of the many upscale restaurants and bars that the area offers.
Take a flight to Cartagena and check into a hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, walk around the Cerro de la Popa convent and explore the vibrant street art in the Getsemaní neighborhood. At night, experience the colorful Caribbean nightlife in bars and clubs like Café Havana or Donde Fidel.
Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and bask under the sun in a pristine Caribbean setting. Visit Isla del Encanto or Blue Apple Beach Club and enjoy fresh seafood, coconut water and tropical drinks by the sea. Return to Cartagena for a relaxing evening after the busy day.
Take a flight to Medellín and head to El Poblado neighborhood, known for its trendy restaurants and bars. Explore the botanical garden, walk around the Museum of Modern Art and take a scenic cable car to Santo Domingo Savio Library, which offers panoramic views of the city. At night, experience Medellín's vibrant nightlife in Lleras Park.
Take a flight to Pereira or Armenia and head to the heart of Colombia's coffee region. Visit Hacienda San Alberto or Finca el Ocaso for a coffee tour and tasting, hike through the Valle del Cocora and see the tallest palm trees in the world and visit the colorful town of Salento. Return to the airport for departure.
Internal flights are the best option to move around the country, as they are fast, comfortable and affordable. Uber and local taxis are also available in the cities. Be aware that traffic in Bogotá can be heavy, while the road to the coffee region passes through winding roads. A driving service may be a better option for groups. Budget approximately COP 250,000 for two one-way internal flights and about COP 20,000 for a 15-minute Uber ride in the city.
Add an extra day in Medellín to visit the nearby Guatapé and its famous painted rock El Peñón. Alternatively, add a day in Cartagena to visit the mud-volcano Totumo and the white sand beaches of Playa Blanca. For a wilder nightlife scene, add a day in Cali or visit during the city's carnival in December. Travelers with fewer days can skip either Bogotá or the coffee region, depending on their interests.
Colombia has several international airports, but the best options for this itinerary are: