Affordable and Safe 7-Day Colombian Adventure Exploring Major Sites in July 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Downtown Bogotá

Bogotá, Colombia on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Puerta Falsa

Enjoy traditional Colombian breakfast dishes like tamales and hot chocolate at this famous, budget-friendly eatery open from 7am to 4pm.
COP15000, 1h

9:30am

Plaza Bolívar

Visit Bogotá’s historic main square, surrounded by important colonial buildings, perfect to understand the city's cultural roots.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Botero Museum

Explore works by Fernando Botero and other artists; the museum is free and open from 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Boliche Cebichería

Sample affordable seafood ceviche and traditional dishes at this casual eatery open from 12pm to 6pm.
COP20000, 1h

3:00pm

Monserrate Hill

Take the cable car or funicular (affordable transport) up to Monserrate for stunning city views; open from 6am to midnight.
COP16000, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Puerta Falsa or nearby local restaurant

Enjoy cozy and affordable Colombian dishes before resting; these restaurants typically close by 9pm.
COP15000, 1h
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Day 2: Markets & Street Art

Bogotá, Colombia on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Abasto

Healthy, budget farmhouse-style breakfast near Paloquemao Market, open from 7am to 3pm.
COP15000, 1h

9:30am

Paloquemao Market

Explore this vibrant market to see local produce, flowers, and street snacks; open from 4am to 2pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de la Perseverancia

Taste affordable local street food in this downtown market, perfect for trying authentic Colombian flavors, open until 3pm.
COP15000, 1h

2:00pm

Street Art Tour in La Candelaria

Enjoy a budget-friendly walking tour or self-guided exploration of Bogotá’s renowned street art.
Free or COP20000 for guided tours, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Andrés Carne de Res DC

Have a memorable meal at this famous but affordable restaurant with nightlife vibe; open until 10pm.
COP30000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Day Trip

Bogotá, Colombia on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel or local café

Quick and affordable breakfast to prepare for day trip.
COP10000, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Zipaquira

Take a bus from Bogotá to Zipaquira (~1.5 to 2 hours); the town is famous for the impressive Salt Cathedral.
COP12000, 2h

10:30am

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Visit this unique underground cathedral carved within the salt mines; open 9am to 5:30pm.
COP43000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant in Zipaquira

Enjoy simple Colombian dishes at affordable prices.
COP15000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Bogotá

Bus ride back downtown.
COP12000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Hamburguesería

Enjoy delicious, budget gourmet burgers open until 10pm.
COP15000, 1h
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Day 4: Flight & Medellín Introduction

Medellín, Colombia on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Budget breakfast near hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at a local bakery or café.
COP10000, 0.5h

9:00am

Flight from Bogotá to Medellín

Low-cost airlines offer flights between cities, about 1 hour.
COP80000, 1h

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch at Mercado del Río

Experience Medellín’s food market with many affordable small plates from local vendors; open from 12pm to 10pm.
COP20000, 1h

2:00pm

Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour

Take a safe, guided tour of this famous street art neighborhood reflecting Medellín’s history; tours usually last 2-3 hours.
COP25000, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hija Mia Nomada

Enjoy vibrant Colombian dishes in a budget-conscious way; open until 10pm.
COP25000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature and City Views

Medellín, Colombia on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Nutella

Affordable and tasty breakfast spot near city center open from 7am to 3pm.
COP15000, 1h

9:30am

Parque Arví

Take the Metro cable up to this ecological nature reserve offering hiking and cultural tours; open from 9am to 6pm.
COP13000, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic or local eatery near park

Pack snacks or eat at inexpensive spots around the park entrance.
COP15000, 1h

4:00pm

Pueblito Paisa

Visit this recreated traditional Antioquian village offering city panoramas; open until 7pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Mondongos

Taste hearty local cuisine at budget-friendly prices; open until 10pm.
COP25000, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Cartagena & Old Town

Cartagena, Colombia on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Early light breakfast

Start with quick breakfast before early flight or bus.
COP10000, 0.5h

8:00am

Flight or bus to Cartagena

Take early flight (~1 hour) for best value or overnight bus (~13 hours) if budget is priority.
COP90000 (flight) or COP60000 (bus), 1h or 13h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at La Mulata

Try this affordable local favorite for Caribbean flavors, open 12pm to 10pm.
COP25000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Cartagena Old Town

Walk the colorful colonial streets, visit plazas, and enjoy free sights like the Clock Tower.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Las Tres Lunas

Enjoy affordable fresh seafood and local dishes, open until 10pm.
COP30000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beaches & Castle

Cartagena, Colombia on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Epoca Café

Excellent coffee and breakfast options in Old Town, open 7am to 3pm.
COP15000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Tour this historic fortress; entry is affordable and it opens at 8am closing at 6pm.
COP25000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mila Pastelería

Light and affordable options including sandwiches and coffee, open until 5pm.
COP15000, 1h

1:30pm

Beach time at Bocagrande or Playa Blanca

Relax at the public beach in Bocagrande for free, or take a budget boat trip to Playa Blanca (~COP25000 round trip), open all day.
Free or COP25000, 3h

5:00pm

Evening stroll & light dinner

Enjoy street food or casual dining in Old Town before departure.
COP15000, 1h
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