Colombia Highlights: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena

Medellin • Cartagena • Bogota

9 days

My cousin and I are from Canada (Toronto and Vancouver) and we took a 13 day custom trip to Peru. After doing months of research I found that Gotoperu... Zeeshan B / TORONTO - CANADA

Overview

Discover the ultimate Colombia itinerary blending culture, color, and Caribbean charm. Begin in Bogotá, where historic streets and vibrant markets set the tone. Continue to Medellín, the city of eternal spring, rich in art, innovation, and unforgettable views, including a day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol Rock. Fly to Cartagena to experience colonial beauty, iconic landmarks, and tropical island escapes in the Rosario Islands. This 9-day journey offers the perfect balance of history, adventure, and relaxation—ideal for travelers seeking an immersive Colombian experience filled with stunning landscapes, local flavors, and unforgettable moments.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to bogota, colombia

Enjoy your arrival to this paradisiacal South American destination with Gotolatam! Upon arrival at the El Dorado International Airport, our staff will assist you and transfer you to your hotel in Bogota. During the journey, which can sometimes be long due to the city traffic, we will brief you about your travel program and give you tips and recommendations to make your stay the best.

Day 2: Half-day bogota walking tour

Get ready for this half-day walking tour in the beautiful city of Bogota! First, you will climb Cerro de Monserrate. This Andean peak towers over Bogota, its slopes beginning at the edge of the La Candelaria district and ascending to 3152 m.a.s.l. At the top of the hill is the Sanctuary of Saint Christ Fallen, a significant pilgrimage destination due to the various miracles attributed to its altar statue. The spot has been associated with Christian worship since the 1620s. However, it was not until the 1650s that the first sanctuary was built, initially in the name of Monserrat’s Morena Virgin (near Barcelona), thus endowing the hill with its name. Today, you can climb along the one-hour walking path up to the peak, ride the funicular Monserrate train, or take the seven-minute cable car straight to the top. When you reach the summit, enjoy the panoramic views across the green Bogota Sabana, Downtown, and South Bogota below.

Get ready for this half-day walking tour in the beautiful city of Bogota! The next stop is the Historic Center of Bogota! Starting at the cobbled epicenter of La Candelaria, a blur of multi-colored colonial buildings housing trendy cafes and bars with live music pouring out onto the streets, where you get an insight into the beautiful Colombian culture.

After visiting the city's historic center, explore the central Bolivar Square, ringed with four of Bogotá's architectural highlights: the City Hall, the Houses of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the venerable Catedral Primada. When the tour finishes, we will take you back to your hotel in Bogota.

Day 3: Flight to medellin

Day 4: Medellín city tour & graffiti tour

Explore Medellín’s urban transformation on a city tour, then dive into the vibrant culture of Comuna 13 with a graffiti tour full of color, history, and local stories.

Day 5: Medellín – full-day excursion to guatapé & el peñol rock

Take a day trip to Guatapé, a colorful town known for its decorated houses. Climb the iconic El Peñol Rock for breathtaking panoramic views of lakes and mountains.

Day 6: Flight to cartagena from medellin

Very early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Medellin Airport to board your flight to Cartagena. Our Gotolatam staff will welcome and escort you to your hotel upon arrival.

Day 7: Cartagena – city tour of the walled city & san felipe castle

Discover Cartagena’s colonial history with a guided tour through the Walled City and the impressive San Felipe Castle. Learn about the city’s rich past while exploring its colorful streets.