11-Day Colombian Adventure: Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia on July 27, 2025

6:00AM

Flight from Los Angeles to Bogotá

Depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá. Flights are available with United Airlines, with fares starting from $453 for round trips in March 2025. ([united.com](https://www.united.com/en-us/flights-from-los-angeles-to-bogota?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
USD453, 6 hours

2:00PM

Check-in at Hotel de la Opera

Settle into your accommodation in the heart of Bogotá's historic district, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to major attractions.
USD150 per night, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore La Candelaria

Wander through Bogotá's historic neighborhood, known for its colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Andrés Carne de Res

Experience a lively atmosphere with traditional Colombian dishes and live music at this iconic restaurant.
USD30 per person, 2 hours

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Bogotá, Colombia on July 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Puerta Falsa

Start your day with traditional Colombian breakfast items like tamales and hot chocolate at this historic eatery.
USD10 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Gold Museum

Discover pre-Hispanic gold artifacts and learn about Colombia's rich history. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
USD1.50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Prudencia

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with a seasonal menu in a charming setting.
USD25 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Monserrate Hill

Take a cable car or funicular to the top for panoramic views of the city. Open daily from 6:30AM to 11:30PM.
USD6 round trip, 2 hours

5:00PM

Botero Museum

Explore works by Fernando Botero and other international artists. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00AM to 7:00PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Leo

Experience innovative Colombian cuisine at this renowned restaurant by Chef Leonor Espinosa.
USD50 per person, 2 hours

Day 3: Day Trip to Zipaquirá

Zipaquirá, Colombia on July 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for the day.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Zipaquirá

Take a bus or private transport to the town of Zipaquirá, known for its Salt Cathedral.
USD10 per person, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Salt Cathedral

Explore this underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine. Open daily from 9:00AM to 5:40PM.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Galápago Campestre

Savor local dishes in a rustic setting near the Salt Cathedral.
USD20 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Zipaquirá Town

Stroll through the colonial town, visit the main square, and shop for local crafts.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Bogotá

Travel back to Bogotá to relax before dinner.
USD10 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at El Cielo

Indulge in a multi-sensory dining experience with avant-garde Colombian cuisine.
USD70 per person, 2 hours

Day 4: Local Markets and Parks

Bogotá, Colombia on July 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Masa

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at this popular café.
USD10 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Paloquemao Market

Explore one of Bogotá's largest markets, offering fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies. Open daily from 5:00AM to 4:30PM.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Puerta de la Catedral

Taste traditional Colombian dishes in a historic setting near the market.
USD20 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Simón Bolívar Park

Relax in Bogotá's largest urban park, ideal for a leisurely walk or boat ride.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Usaquén Neighborhood

Explore this charming area known for its colonial architecture, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Abasto

Enjoy farm-to-table Colombian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
USD30 per person, 2 hours

Day 5: Travel to Medellín

Medellín, Colombia on July 31, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight from Bogotá to Medellín

Depart from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín. Multiple daily flights are available, with airlines like Avianca and LATAM. ([flightconnections.com](https://www.flightconnections.com/flights-from-bog-to-mde?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
USD64 one-way, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel Park 10

Settle into your accommodation in the upscale El Poblado district.
USD120 per night, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mondongo's

Try the traditional 'mondongo' soup and other local dishes at this popular restaurant.
USD15 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Comuna 13

Take a guided tour of this transformed neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art and history.
USD20 per person, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Pueblito Paisa

Experience a replica of a traditional Antioquian village with panoramic city views.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Carmen

Enjoy contemporary Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
USD40 per person, 2 hours

Day 6: Cultural and Natural Attractions

Medellín, Colombia on August 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pergamino Café

Start your day with specialty Colombian coffee and pastries.
USD10 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Museum of Antioquia

Explore art collections, including works by Fernando Botero. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00AM to 5:30PM.
USD6, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Cielo

Experience a unique dining concept with a multi-course tasting menu.
USD50 per person, 2 hours

2:30PM

Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví

Take the cable car to this ecological nature reserve for hiking and nature activities. Open daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
USD5 round trip, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to hotel

Relax and freshen up before dinner.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Oci.Mde

Enjoy slow-cooked meats and modern Colombian dishes in a stylish setting.
USD35 per person, 2 hours

Day 7: Day Trip to Guatapé

Guatapé, Colombia on August 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before departing for Guatapé.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Guatapé

Take a bus or private transport to the colorful town of Guatapé, approximately 2 hours from Medellín.
USD10 per person, 2 hours

10:00AM

Climb El Peñol Rock

Ascend the 740 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes. Open daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM.
USD6, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Balcón

Enjoy local trout dishes with a view of the lake.
USD20 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Guatapé Town

Wander through the town's vibrant streets, known for their colorful 'zócalos' (bas-relief decorations).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Boat Tour of the Reservoir

Take a boat ride to see the submerged ruins of the old town and enjoy the scenic beauty.
USD10 per person, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Medellín

Travel back to the city to relax before dinner.
USD10 per person, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at La Provincia

Dine on Mediterranean-inspired dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
USD40 per person, 2 hours

Day 8: Travel to Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia on August 3, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight from Medellín to Cartagena

Depart from José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena. Direct flights are available with airlines like Avianca and LATAM. ([flightconnections.com](https://www.flightconnections.com/flights-from-bog-to-ctg?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
USD80 one-way, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel Casa San Agustín

Settle into your luxury accommodation in the historic walled city.
USD250 per night, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at La Cevichería

Savor fresh seafood and ceviche at this popular spot.
USD25 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Walled City

Wander through the historic center, visiting landmarks like the Clock Tower and Plaza Santo Domingo.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle

Explore this historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Open daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM.
USD10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante 1621

Dine in a former convent offering French-Caribbean cuisine in an elegant setting.
USD50 per person, 2 hours

Day 9: Island Excursion

Cartagena, Colombia on August 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your island trip.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Boat Trip to Islas del Rosario

Take a speedboat to the Rosario Islands for a day of relaxation and snorkeling. Tours typically depart from the Muelle de la Bodeguita.
USD70 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Snorkeling and Beach Time

Enjoy the clear waters and marine life of the islands.
Included in tour, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Island

Savor a seafood lunch prepared by local chefs.
Included in tour, 1 hour

1:00PM

Relaxation and Exploration

Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach or exploring the island.
Included in tour, 3 hours

4:00PM

Return to Cartagena

Travel back to the city to relax before dinner.
Included in tour, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Alma

Enjoy contemporary Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
USD40 per person, 2 hours

Day 10: Cultural Immersion

Cartagena, Colombia on August 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Época Café

Start your day with specialty coffee and breakfast items in a stylish setting.
USD10 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Palace of the Inquisition

Explore this museum detailing the history of the Spanish Inquisition in Cartagena. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
USD6, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Boliche Cebichería

Enjoy fresh ceviche and seafood dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
USD25 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Getsemaní Neighborhood

Discover this vibrant area known for its street art, cafes, and local culture.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa

Climb to the highest point in Cartagena for panoramic views and visit the historic convent. Open daily from 8:00AM to 5:30PM.
USD5, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Marea by Rausch

Dine on seafood with a view of the bay, offering a blend of Colombian and international flavors.
USD45 per person, 2 hours

Day 11: Departure

Cartagena, Colombia on August 6, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your departure flight back to Los Angeles.
USD20 for taxi, 1 hour

10:00AM

Flight from Cartagena to Los Angeles

Depart from Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Flights may have layovers; check with airlines for schedules.
USD500 one-way, 8 hours