9-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Colombia

Day 1: Exploring Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Puerta Falsa

Start your day with a traditional Colombian hot chocolate and almojábanas (cheese bread) at this historic eatery.
Walk to Plaza de Bolívar to explore.
COP 10,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Plaza de Bolívar

Wander around Colombia's main square, featuring the Cathedral and the Capitol.
Easily accessible by foot.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at El Gato Gris

Enjoy affordable Colombian lunch specials in this local spot.
Take a 15-minute walk from the plaza.
COP 15,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore La Candelaria

Stroll through Bogotá's historic neighborhood, full of colorful buildings and street art.
Walking tour through the streets.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Monserrate Sanctuary

Take a funicular to the top for amazing views of the city.
Catch the funicular from the base.
COP 21,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Arepas de Choclo

Taste the famous Colombian arepa with cheese and buttery corn.
Return by funicular and walk to dinner.
COP 12,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Culture and Art in Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café San Alberto

Try the local coffee along with a simple breakfast of eggs and toast.
Walk from your accommodation.
COP 12,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Museo del Oro

Marvel at the gold artifacts and learn about Colombia's ancient cultures.
Take a 10-minute bus ride.
COP 4,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén

Sample street food and shop from local artisans at this vibrant flea market.
Bus to Usaquén.
COP 10,000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Botero Museum

Explore the collection of works by Fernando Botero and other artists.
Walk back to La Candelaria.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Huatico

Enjoy local dishes such as bandeja paisa without breaking the bank.
Walk to El Huatico from the museum.
COP 20,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Arrival in Medellín

Medellín, Colombia

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Panadería La 80

Fuel up with fresh-baked bread and coffee before leaving for Medellín.
Local bakery close to your accommodation.
COP 8,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Medellín

Catch an intercity bus to Medellín (approximately 4.5 hours).
Direct bus from Bogotá's Terminal de Transporte.
COP 50,000, 4.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hato Viejo

Savor authentic paisa meals in this local eatery upon arrival.
Short walk from the bus terminal.
COP 15,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Comuna 13

Join a guided tour to learn about the history and transformation of this vibrant neighborhood.
Meet at a designated location for the tour.
COP 25,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Pampa

Enjoy an affordable steak dinner and traditional sides.
Return by metro to El Poblado.
COP 22,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day of Adventure in Medellín

Medellín, Colombia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Cielito Lindo

Indulge in egg arepas and freshly brewed coffee to start your day.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
COP 12,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Parque Arví

Take the metrocable up to the park and enjoy nature trails and beautiful landscapes.
Metro to Acevedo Station, then transfer to the metrocable.
COP 6,000 (metro) + COP 10,000 (entrance), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Mercado

Savor a delicious meal made with fresh, local ingredients at this eatery in the market.
Return by metrocable and metro.
COP 16,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Plaza Botero

Appreciate the iconic oversized sculptures by Fernando Botero in the plaza.
Short metro ride to Parque Berrio.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Museo de Antioquia

Discover the art and history of the Antioquia region and admire more Botero works.
Adjacent to Plaza Botero.
COP 12,000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Fonda de la Plaza

Conclude your day with traditional Colombian food served at great prices.
Walk back to the restaurant near Plaza Botero.
COP 20,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast included with your lodging before departure.
Prepare for checkout.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cartagena

Take an intercity bus to Cartagena (approximately 13 hours).
Direct bus from Medellín's Terminal de Transporte.
COP 70,000, 13 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at La Mulata

Arrive in Cartagena and dine on Caribbean pescado frito (fried fish) with coconut rice.
Close to the bus terminal.
COP 25,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Exploring Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Mar

Start your day with fresh juice, pastries, and coffee overlooking the sea.
Short stroll from your accommodation.
COP 18,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Walled City

Discover the historical architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage site on foot.
Explore on foot throughout the Walled City.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Cocina de Pepina

Indulge in a hearty lunch of local seafood and traditional dishes.
Walking distance from the Walled City.
COP 22,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Climb the fortress and enjoy panoramic views of Cartagena.
Short walk or bus ride.
COP 25,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Bistro

Enjoy a romantic dinner while sampling local dishes like sancocho.
Walk back to the city.
COP 30,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Santa Marta

Santa Marta, Colombia

8:30AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy an intimate meal before departing for Santa Marta.
Prepare for checkout.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Santa Marta

Take a direct bus to Santa Marta (approx. 4 hours).
Buses run frequently from Cartagena.
COP 35,000, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Lulo Café

Grab a healthy option of fresh juices and bowls in this popular café.
Close to your accommodation.
COP 18,000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Explore the historical estate and gardens where Simón Bolívar spent his last days.
Short taxi ride (<10 minutes).
COP 6,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Donde Chucho

Treat yourself to a seafood feast at this cozy local joint.
Taxi or walk back to the city center.
COP 25,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Tayrona National Park

Tayrona, Colombia

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a head start with a light breakfast before visiting Tayrona.
Prepare for a day trip.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Tayrona National Park

Catch a bus to the park entrance (approx. 1 hour).
Buses leave from Santa Marta.
COP 15,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the Park

Hike to beautiful beaches and take in the stunning natural beauty.
Pay entrance fee at the gate.
COP 54,000, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Beach

Pack a lightweight lunch to enjoy on the beach after your hike.
Bring food from Santa Marta.
COP 10,000 (for snacks), 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Santa Marta

Catch a bus back to Santa Marta after a fulfilling day of adventures.
Return to the bus area.
COP 15,000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Café Barlovento

Dine on fresh fish and refreshing cocktails in this chic café.
Take a short walk from your accommodation.
COP 30,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Have a final breakfast before your flight back to Bogotá.
Get ready to check out.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Bogotá

Take a flight from Santa Marta to Bogotá.
Direct flights are available and convenient.
COP 120,000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Simón Bolívar Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or rent a bike in the large green space.
Take a bus or taxi from the airport.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Un Gusto

Enjoy an innovative meal at this cozy restaurant featuring local flavors.
Short taxi ride to the restaurant.
COP 20,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore El Chorro de Quevedo

Visit this famous square filled with street performers and artists.
Take a taxi or metro to La Candelaria.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Andrés Carne de Res

Capture the Colombian vibe with incredible food and culture at this famous restaurant.
Metro or taxi from La Candelaria.
COP 50,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability