How Long to Stay in Colombia

Known for its lively cities balanced by vibrant greenery and home to ten percent of the world’s biodiversity, Colombia is an assemblage of everything that a traveler expects from a Latin American country. A typical Colombia itinerary will meet the needs of those who enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of big cities but are still eager for adventure in nature. Trips to Bogota and Medellin, with their old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, offer a chance to immerse in local culture and history, while hiking opportunities around these cities are a welcome relief from their urban chaos. The country is also home to centuries-old archaeological sites like those in San Agustín and Tierradentro. For rest and relaxation, look no further than scenic locations like San Andres Island. For anyone planning a vacation to Colombia, our guide on how many days you should spend in Colombia below will come in handy.

If you have 4 days in Colombia, we recommend exploring one important city like its big, buzzy capital Bogota or the beautifully preserved coastal city of Cartagena. Perhaps you may want to spend 4 days in Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring. For a break from the big city blues, add a day trip to enchanting natural spaces like the Monserrate Mountain or a fun-filled snorkeling adventure to your itinerary. In 4 days in Bogota, admire the buildings around the Plaza de Bolivar, such as the Catedral Primada and the Palacio de Justicia, visit the Botero Museum dedicated to the artist Fernando Botero, and pick up souvenirs from the artisanal markets in the Usaquen neighborhood. Read on to find out what your 4-day trip to Colombia can look like.

With just 5 days in Colombia, you need to get organized and find an itinerary that packs in a couple of destinations in a similar area, like Cartegena and Santa Marta, or spend your time in one large city, like Bogota or Medellin. When you have five days in Bogota, for example, you can visit the stunning Gold Museum, hike up Monserrate, and wander around the Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino Mutis. Alternatively, your 5-day Colombia trip might include snorkeling on the Rosario Islands, climbing mountains in search of great coffee, or dancing the night away on the chilled-out streets of Cali. Here are some itineraries worth looking at if you are planning a short trip to Colombia.

If you have 6 days in Colombia, you can explore popular cities like Cartagena, known for its elegant colonial architecture and beautiful coastline, or mountainous Medellin, which has a pleasant climate throughout the year. You’ll also have plenty of time to visit beautiful islands like Islas del Rosario, picturesque towns like Guatape and man-made attractions like the theme park in Hacienda Nápoles. Explore Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has become a symbol of urban renewal; climb up ‘El Peñol’ (the Big Rock) for superb views of the reservoir below; and admire the entrancing flower farms of Santa Elena during these six days. Read on to find out what your 6-day trip in Colombia can look like.

With one week in Colombia, you can easily tick off a few key spots like Bogota, Cartagena, or the Lost City. You can spend the majority of your time in one destination, like the capital, Bogota. One week in Bogota means that you can soak up culture in the many museums, like the Museo del Oro, head for the dizzying heights of Mount Monserrate, or explore the architecture of the La Candelaria neighborhood. Here are some itinerary ideas for a one-week trip to Colombia.

If you have 8 days in Colombia, you can easily cover one or two major cities like the historically rich Cartagena or coastal Santa Marta, the country’s oldest colonial city. In addition, you’ll have plenty of time to explore scenic coffee-growing regions like the Cocora Valley and visit small towns such as Salento, surrounded by enchanting mountains. Alternatively, you can go deep into the jungle in search of a lost city on a fascinating multi-day trek that will also take you to enchanting white sandy Caribbean beaches like Playa Cristal. Explore Bogota’s cobblestone streets and colonial mansions, see the 18th-century fort San Sebastian del Pastelillo, and hike through a wax-palm forest in the coffee country, during your unforgettable 8-day trip in Colombia.

If you have 10 days in Colombia, you can definitely check out four or five key destinations without much trouble. Jet from the bustling streets of Bogota to the joyful shores of Cali, before heading up into the mountains to taste amazing coffee and following gorgeous hiking trails. Alternatively, you can base yourself in one location and do day trips from there to several destinations. For example, with Cartagena as your base, you can not only explore this UNESCO-listed walled city, but also explore the Santa Marta region for a Lost City trek and jump on a boat to the idyllic Rosario Islands. Here are our top itinerary ideas for a 10-day trip to Colombia.

If you’re visiting Colombia for the first time, 12 days is the ideal amount of time to spend. You can spend that time trekking in the Colombian Andes, exploring the cities like Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, and relaxing on the Rosario Islands. Feeling like a foodie adventure? Head to the Coffee Triangle or the bustling restaurants of the cities and coastal restaurants of Santa Marta. With 12 days in Colombia, you can easily cover up to six destinations, spending a good few days in three or four key areas. Here are some of our top itinerary recommendations for a 12-day Colombia tour.

With 2 weeks in Colombia, you have plenty of time to visit six or seven different destinations with ease. Combine days in the jungle with visits to the Amazon Rainforest, the Rosario Islands, and the party city of Cali, or strap on your hiking boots to try and find the Lost City of Teyuna. On a 14-day Colombia itinerary, you can also hop the border into Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, or Brazil and tick off two or three countries in one trip. Here are some itinerary ideas for a two-week trip to Colombia.