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12-Day Road Trip Itinerary through Colombia: Nature and Relaxation

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Day 1: Discover Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Salto del Tequendama

Kickstart your day with a delicious traditional Colombian breakfast featuring arepas and coffee while enjoying views of the nearby waterfall.
Head southeast from your hotel to find El Salto del Tequendama.
COP30000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit La Candelaria

Stroll through the historical district of La Candelaria, marveling at colourful colonial buildings, street art and the famous Gold Museum.
Drive or use public transport to arrive at La Candelaria.
COP50000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ajiaco

Enjoy a hearty bowl of ajiaco, a traditional soup made with chicken and local potatoes, at this homely restaurant.
Walk to Ajiaco, a 10-minute walk from La Candelaria.
COP40000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Monserrate

Take the cable car up to Monserrate for stunning panoramic views of the city and the Andean landscape.
Take the cable car located near Parque de los Periodistas.
COP20000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at El Cielo

Indulge in a multi-sensory dining experience at this acclaimed restaurant, offering an inventive take on Colombian flavours.
Make your way back into the city centre.
COP90000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bogotá

Day 2: Charming Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Molienda

Savour bakery-fresh pan de yuca and freshly brewed coffee at this charming café.
Drive 3 hours to Villa de Leyva, located northeast from Bogotá.
COP25000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Plaza Mayor

Admire the beautiful colonial architecture surrounding the Plaza Mayor, the largest cobblestone square in Colombia.
Take a leisurely walk around the plaza.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Casa Blanca

Enjoy a lunch featuring local dishes and traditional beverages in a rustic yet elegant setting.
Located just a short walk from the plaza.
COP60000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Fossil Museum

Discover prehistoric fossil specimens unique to this region, showcasing the area’s rich natural history.
Drive to the museum, just 10 minutes away.
COP8000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at El Mercado

Dine on exquisite fresh ingredients and innovative Colombian dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
Head back to the city centre.
COP70000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Villa de Leyva

Day 3: Journey to Barichara

Barichara, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Casa de Don Juan

Delight in homemade bread and organic coffee before starting your journey to the next destination.
Drive 2.5 hours to Barichara, passing through picturesque countryside.
COP20000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Barichara's Streets

Wander the charming cobblestone streets of this picturesque village and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Walk around the village after parking your car.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Camino

Dig into a delicious plate of local cuisine served in eco-friendly surroundings.
A short walk to the restaurant.
COP50000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Santa Barbara Church

Check out this beautiful 18th-century church with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Walk towards the church, located nearby.
Free, 45 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at La Puerta del Viento

Relax with a lovely dinner under the stars, featuring local artisanal dishes.
Head back down to the village.
COP60000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Barichara

Day 4: Adventure in San Gil

San Gil, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Don Ruipérez

Start your day with fresh pastries and exceptional Colombian coffee in a warm setting.
Drive 1 hour to San Gil.
COP20000, 1 hour

10:00AM

White-Water Rafting

Get your adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating white-water rafting experience on the Chicamocha River.
Join a tour that will pick you up from your accommodation.
COP150000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Rincón de la Abuela

Enjoy delicious home-cooked Colombian meals in a homely setting.
Locate it within walking distance from the rafting drop-off.
COP40000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Caving at La Cueva de la Loca

Explore the intriguing caves of La Cueva de la Loca in search of stunning subterranean formations.
Requires a short drive to the caving site.
COP70000, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Villa

Wrap up your day with an evening meal featuring traditional barbecue and local dishes.
Head into the town centre.
COP50000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Gil

Day 5: Cultural Experience in Medellín

Medellín, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Pergamino

Enjoy artisanal coffee and freshly baked pastries at one of the city's best cafés.
Drive 3 hours to Medellín.
COP20000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Comuna 13

Take a guided tour through Comuna 13 to appreciate the incredible street art and regeneration efforts.
Join a local tour group for easy navigation.
COP40000, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Mondongo's

Relish a local favourite, mondongo (tripe soup), in an authentic and bustling atmosphere.
Hop on public transport to get to Mondongo's.
COP30000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví

Take the cable car to Parque Arví for beautiful nature trails and stunning views of the city.
Located near the main metro station, easy access.
COP12000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante El Cielo

Experience a gourmet dining experience with innovative Colombian cuisine at this distinguished restaurant.
Return to the city centre via metro.
COP100000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Medellín

Day 6: Picturesque Guatapé

Guatapé, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café La Vina

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with local favourites before heading to Guatapé.
Drive 2 hours to Guatapé.
COP20000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Climb El Peñol Rock

Ascend the famous El Peñol rock with its stunning views over the emerald lake and surrounding regions.
Short drive to the site from Guatapé town.
COP20000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Los Zócalos

Savour fresh fish dishes while overlooking the beautiful lake views.
Located directly in Guatapé.
COP60000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Guatapé's Colourful Streets

Wander around the vibrant streets adorned with zócalos, colourful bas-reliefs bespeaking the town's culture.
Easily walk around the small town.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Fogata

Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner in a calming atmosphere, a favourite among locals.
Stay in town, easily accessible.
COP50000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Guatapé

Day 7: Relaxing Return to Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Avocado

Indulge in a smoothie bowl or delightful eggs benedict at this popular café before heading back to Bogotá.
Drive 2 hours back to Bogotá.
COP30000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit El Jardín Botánico

Enjoy a relaxing morning amongst exotic plants and flowers in Bogotá's beautiful botanical garden.
Easily reachable by a short drive.
COP8000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Abasto

Experience farm-to-table delights with locally sourced ingredients in a chic atmosphere.
Short drive from the botanical garden.
COP60000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Parque 93

Unwind with a leisurely walk in the park or visit nearby cafes and shops.
Drive to Parque 93.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Fragancia

Enjoy a delightful dinner, with options featuring both international and Colombian dishes.
Easily accessible in the Zona Rosa neighbourhood.
COP80000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bogotá

Day 8: Nature in Manizales

Manizales, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Piqueteadero el Tío

Start the day with a traditional Colombian breakfast including arepas and eggs at this local favourite.
Drive 4 hours to Manizales.
COP18000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Los Nevados National Natural Park

Explore the diverse ecosystem and stunning landscapes of this mountainous national park.
Continue driving for about 1 hour to the park entrance.
COP16000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Casa de la Montaña

Enjoy tasty local dishes amid beautiful mountain views at this restaurant.
Return to town for lunch.
COP70000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at La Fuente del Pensamiento

Unwind in this serene park filled with floral gardens and relaxing fountains.
Short drive from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cazuela de Pescado

Taste a veteran's recommendation for local cuisine at this lively restaurant.
Head to the city centre.
COP60000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Manizales

Day 9: Coffee Culture in Salento

Salento, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Jesús Martín

Start your day with a local specialty breakfast and enjoy a perfect cup of Salento's coffee.
Drive 1.5 hours to Salento.
COP25000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Coffee Farm Tour

Experience the coffee-making process firsthand with a guided farm tour.
Various farms are nearby, choose one upon arrival.
COP50000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Donde Laureano

Enjoy local dishes made from fresh ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
Located near your tour vicinity.
COP40000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike in the Cocora Valley

Explore the stunning landscapes of Cocora Valley, famous for its towering wax palm trees.
Short drive to the Cocora Valley entrance.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at El Sueno

Wrap your day with traditional Colombian food, celebrating the region's rich history.
Easily accessible downtown.
COP60000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Salento

Day 10: Relocation to Pereira

Pereira, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Mokka

Enjoy a selection of pastries and strong local coffee to kick-start your day.
Drive 1 hour to Pereira.
COP25000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ukumarí Biopark

Explore diverse flora and fauna in this conservation park that focus on protecting Colombian species.
Short drive from Pereira's city centre.
COP120000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Brasa Roja

Indulge in delicious grilled meats and local dishes in this popular eatery.
Located within Pereira.
COP50000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Parque Arboleda

Unwind with a peaceful stroll or even a coffee break in this beautiful city park.
A short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Tierra

Finish your day with a delicious meal, focusing on local ingredients and flavours.
Drive to the restaurant, easily accessible.
COP70000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pereira

Day 11: Cultural Immersion in Cali

Cali, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Restaurante Platillos Voladores

Enjoy a traditional breakfast consisting of caleno-style scrambled eggs with bread at this well-loved place.
Drive 2 hours to Cali.
COP30000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the San Antonio neighbourhood

Discover vibrant streets filled with art and local shops in this iconic neighbourhood.
Park your car at the foot of the hill.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Guacharaca

Savour a plate of sancocho in a lively atmosphere that encapsulates Cali culture.
A well-known spot easily reachable from San Antonio.
COP40000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Cristo Rey

Ascend to see an enormous statue of Jesus with panoramic views of Cali.
Drive or taxi to the Cristo Rey look-out.
COP5000, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Comitiva

Enjoy an authentic Colombian dinner featuring traditional dishes in a private setting.
Return to the city centre.
COP70000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cali

Day 12: Cultural Farewell in Popayán

Popayán, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Parque

Relax with a fresh pastry and a steaming cup of Colombian coffee to start your day.
Drive 3 hours to Popayán.
COP25000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Popayán's Colonial Centre

Wander through the beautifully preserved white-washed buildings and historic sites in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Easily walk around the historical centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Jamas

Savour a traditional meal rich in local flavours and presented beautifully in this welcoming eatery.
Short walk from the colonial centre.
COP50000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Puente del Humilladero

Visit the iconic bridge, a symbol of Popayán, and enjoy the surrounding area.
A pleasant stroll from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at La Fonda

Conclude your Colombian journey with a delightful meal featuring regional specialties in a warm, rustic ambiance.
Head back into the town centre.
COP60000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Popayán
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