Comprehensive 17-Day Colombian Adventure from Medellin to Bogota

Day 1: Medellin City Tour

Medellin, Colombia on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pergamino Cafe

Start your day with specialty Colombian coffee and freshly baked pastries at this popular cafe open from 7am to 6pm.
COP25000, 1h

9:30am

Medellin Metrocable and Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour

Ride the cable car for panoramic city views, then explore Comuna 13's vibrant street art and community projects. Tours start at 9am and last around 3 hours.
COP60000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mondongos

Enjoy traditional Antioquian dishes like mondongo or bandeja paisa in this well-known local restaurant, open 12pm-10pm.
COP40000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Plaza Botero and Museo de Antioquia

Explore Fernando Botero’s oversized sculptures in the plaza followed by contemporary and traditional art at the adjacent museum, open until 6pm on weekdays.
COP25000, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Parque Lleras

Unwind in this vibrant park area known for its lively nightlife and cafes, perfect for an early evening stroll and refreshments.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Carmen Medellin

Dine on innovative Colombian fusion cuisine crafted by award-winning chefs; reservation recommended, open until 10:30pm.
COP120000, 1h30m

Day 2: Guatapé Day Trip

Medellin to Guatapé, Colombia on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Guatapé

Depart Medellin by bus or private transport for approximately 2 hours to the colourful town of Guatapé.
COP15000, 2h

9:30am

Climb La Piedra del Peñol

Ascend the 740 steps of the massive granite rock for breathtaking views over the reservoir; open 7am-7pm.
COP20000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Guatapé Village

Wander through the colourful streets decorated with intricate zócalos (bas-reliefs) and visit local artisan shops.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Portal de la Piedra

Enjoy lakeside dining with traditional Colombian dishes and fresh fish specialties, open from 12pm to 8pm.
COP30000, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Tour on Guatapé Reservoir

Relax on a guided boat tour exploring scenic islands and lakeside homes; tours last about 1.5 hours and operate until late afternoon.
COP40000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Medellin

Head back to Medellin and enjoy a restful evening.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Alambique

Sample authentic Colombian cuisine with a modern twist, open until 10pm.
COP60000, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Jardin

Medellin to Jardin, Colombia on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Revolucion

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local coffee and fresh bread before departure, open 7am-12pm.
COP20000, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Jardin

A picturesque bus ride of around 3 hours south to the charming town of Jardin surrounded by coffee plantations.
COP20000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Casona del Cafe

Taste local dishes paired with excellent coffee in a colonial-style setting, open 12pm-8pm.
COP30000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Jardin Town Square and Basilica

Wander around the colourful central plaza and visit the stunning Basilica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepcion, open until 5pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee Tour

Take a guided tour of a local coffee farm learning about cultivation and production, usually available 2-5pm.
COP30000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Estrella Roja

Dine on regional specialties with a cosy atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
COP40000, 1h30m

Day 4: Jardin to Salento

Jardin to Salento, Colombia on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a light breakfast at your accommodation before travelling, usually available from 6:30am.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Salento

A longer journey via bus and possibly transfer approaching 6-7 hours, passing through scenic landscapes.
COP40000, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Salento, settle into your accommodation and relax after the journey.
Included, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Salento Town

Stroll the colourful streets and artisan shops while enjoying the mild Andean climate.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Jesus Martin

Enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine and regional craft beers, open 6pm-10pm.
COP35000, 1h30m

Day 5: Cocora Valley Hike

Salento, Colombia on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Brunch de Salento

Start your day with fresh juices and hearty breakfasts, open 7:30am-2pm.
COP25000, 1h

8:30am

Hike in Cocora Valley

Discover towering wax palms in the Cocora Valley national park with varied route options, open dawn to dusk.
COP10000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hacienda La Colorado

Enjoy farm-to-table traditional fare near the park entrance, open 12pm-4pm.
COP35000, 1h

2:30pm

Coffee Cultural Landscape Tour

Guided tours available around Salento’s coffee farms showcasing the UNESCO-listed region, lasting about 3 hours.
COP45000, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Solar

Sample local dishes with great ambiance, open until 10pm.
COP40000, 1h30m

Day 6: To Manizales

Salento to Manizales, Colombia on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Tree

Enjoy bright, plentiful coffee shop options before departure, open 7am-3pm.
COP15000, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Manizales

A 2-hour scenic bus ride through coffee territory to Manizales, a city rich in culture and hot springs.
COP25000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Cathedral Basilica of Manizales

Explore this impressive neo-Gothic cathedral with panoramic city views from its tower, open 8am-6pm.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at La Suiza

Enjoy international and Colombian fusion foods in an elegant setting, open 12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm.
COP50000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Termales del Otoño

Spend the afternoon soaking in these natural hot springs surrounded by lush forest; open 8am-7pm.
COP35000, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Museo del Oro

Dine at the museum’s café featuring local dishes, open until 8pm.
COP30000, 1h

Day 7: Explore Armenia

Manizales to Armenia, Colombia on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Juan Valdez Cafe

Savour a Colombian coffee and light breakfast, open 7am-12pm.
COP20000, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Armenia

Short 1.5 hour bus trip to Armenia, the gateway to the coffee region.
COP20000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit National Coffee Park

Explore this interactive coffee theme park with rides and cultural exhibits, open 9am-5pm.
COP45000, 4h

3:30pm

Visit Quindio Botanical Garden

Relax in this peaceful garden showcasing regional flora and fauna, open until 5pm.
COP12000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Rizo

Enjoy gourmet dining inspired by Colombian ingredients, open 6pm-10pm.
COP50000, 1h30m

Day 8: Tatacoa Desert

Armenia to Neiva, Colombia on May 31, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have an early meal and prepare for a long trip to Neiva, approximately 6-7 hours by road.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Travel to Neiva

Journey southeast to Neiva, gateway to the Tatacoa Desert.
COP60000, 7h

2:30pm

Check-in and Refresh

Rest at your hotel in Neiva and prepare for evening desert activities.
Included, 1h

4:00pm

Tatacoa Desert Exploration

Visit the striking red and grey desert landscapes while enjoying late afternoon light and cooler temperatures, accessible any time.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant 'Casa de la Tatacoa'

Savour regional dishes with local flavours, open until 9pm.
COP30000, 1h

9:00pm

Stargazing Tour

Join a guided nighttime stargazing experience in the desert, famed for clear skies; tours typically start at 9pm.
COP35000, 2h

Day 9: Travel to Villa de Leyva

Neiva to Villa de Leyva, Colombia on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Neiva

Light breakfast at your hotel before traveling.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Villa de Leyva

A long travel day with a combination of bus or private transfer approx. 7-8 hours, moving north to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva.
COP70000, 8h

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive and relax at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Walk in Villa de Leyva Plaza

Stroll the vast cobblestone plaza and enjoy the colonial architecture bathed in sunset light.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mercado Municipal

Enjoy local and regional dishes in a vibrant market setting, open until 9pm.
COP35000, 1h30m

Day 10: Villa de Leyva Exploration

Villa de Leyva, Colombia on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at El Solar

Traditional Colombian breakfast in this charming eatery, open 7:30am-11am.
COP20000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Museo El Fósil

Explore the fascinating dinosaur fossil museum located just outside town, open 9am-5pm.
COP10000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Pozos Azules and Terracotta House

Explore the blue water pools and unique ceramics house, must-see iconic spots accessible until early evening.
COP8000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa Quintero

Traditional meals with a focus on fresh local ingredients, open 12pm-4pm.
COP35000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Convento del Santo Ecce Homo

Historic monastery offering insight into local heritage, open until 5pm.
COP5000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in the Main Plaza

People-watch and enjoy coffee or ice cream at plaza cafes.
COP10000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante El Patio

Enjoy a fusion of Colombian and international cuisine, open until 10pm.
COP40000, 1h30m

Day 11: Travel to Bogota

Villa de Leyva to Bogota, Colombia on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Bogota

Comfortable 4-hour bus or private transfer to Bogota, Colombia’s bustling capital.
COP35000, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Puerta Falsa

Taste traditional Bogotan specialties like ajiaco soup, open 10am-6pm.
COP25000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Museo del Oro

Explore the impressive Gold Museum showcasing pre-Columbian artifacts, open until 6pm.
COP4000, 2h

5:00pm

Walk La Candelaria

Discover the historic colonial district with its colourful streets and cafes, accessible any time.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Andres Carne de Res DC

Experience lively atmosphere and Colombian cuisine for your first night in Bogota, open until midnight.
COP70000, 2h

Day 12: Bogota Culture & History

Bogota, Colombia on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Devoción Cafe

Delicious fresh coffee and breakfast, open 7am-3pm.
COP20000, 1h

9:00am

Monserrate Mountain Visit

Take the cable car or funicular to Monserrate for spectacular views and a visit to the church, open 5am-11pm.
COP20000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Crepes & Waffles

Enjoy a variety of creative crepes and ice creams in a cozy chain open 11am-10pm.
COP30000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Botero Museum

View the extensive collection donated by Fernando Botero in the restored colonial building, open until 7pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping at Usaquén Market

Browse artisan crafts and souvenirs in this charming neighbourhood market area, usually open until 7pm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Harry Sasson

Upscale dining showcasing Colombian and international fusion dishes, open until 11pm.
COP90000, 2h

Day 13: Day trip to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Bogota to Zipaquira, Colombia on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your excursion.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Zipaquira

About a 1.5 hour drive or bus ride north to visit this famous underground cathedral carved from salt.
COP25000, 1h30m

9:30am

Tour Salt Cathedral

Explore the impressive subterranean chambers and religious art in this unique site, open 9am-5pm.
COP40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Casona de la Villa

Delight in regional specialties in a cozy setting, open 12pm-3pm.
COP30000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Zipaquira town

Wander the colonial streets and markets before returning to Bogota.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Bogota

Head back to Bogota, arriving mid-afternoon for leisure time.
COP25000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at El Chato

Enjoy innovative Colombian cuisine with modern presentation, open until 10pm, reservations recommended.
COP80000, 1h30m

Day 14: Bogota Museums & Parks

Bogota, Colombia on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sofía Imán

Start your day with healthy bowls and smoothies, open from 8:30am.
COP20000, 1h

9:30am

Visit National Museum of Colombia

Discover Colombia’s history and culture through extensive exhibits, open 9am-6pm.
COP4000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at El Mercado de la Concordia

Sample fresh market foods and street eats in a lively atmosphere, open until 4pm.
COP20000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Simon Bolivar Park

Relax in one of the city’s largest green spaces with lakes and walking paths.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee break at Amor Perfecto

Enjoy some of the best roasted coffee in Bogota, open until 6pm.
COP15000, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Leo Cocina y Cava

Celebrate your journey with avant-garde Colombian cuisine, open until 11pm.
COP120000, 2h

Day 15: Departure Day

Bogota, Colombia on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Colombia with relaxed time to pack.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Optional last-minute shopping at Andino Shopping Mall

Purchase souvenirs and gifts before departure, open 10am-9pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Transfer to El Dorado Airport

Allow sufficient time for your flight check-in and departure procedures.
COP40000, 1h