Colombia in 12 Days: 3 Recommended 12-Day Itineraries to Colombia

Building an itinerary to spend 12 days in Colombia? Cycle the Colombian Andes, go on a Caribbean adventure, and explore the best destinations in the country with our Colombia 12-day itinerary suggestions.

If you’re looking for a Colombia 12-day itinerary plan that really packs a punch, opt for this one that spends plenty of time exploring the jungle and the cities. Arrive in Medellin, where you’ll climb the 650 steps to the top of El Peñol Rock for stunning views. From here, enjoy a visit to the colorful town of Guatape before indulging in a coffee farm tour. Return to Medellin, where you can join a walking tour to learn about the city's drug history and the artsy culture that has largely replaced it. Next, head for the Caribbean coastline of Santa Marta, the gateway to the jungle, where you can swim in waterfalls at Minca. Move onto Rio Buritaca where you can relax at your jungle hostel and get the heart rate going with some river tubing. Journey onwards to Tierra Bomba Island, where you can go on a swimming and snorkeling tour or relax on the sands. Finally, head back to the mainland to Cartagena. Wander around the Old Town of the city, which goes back to the 1500s, check out the street food scene, and hit up the amazing nightlife. See all tours in Colombia.

With an itinerary that spans 12 days, you can combine city breaks with jungle treks and beach relaxation. Start in the colonial city of Cartagena, known for its colorful facades and 13th-century architecture. Enjoy a walking tour around the Old Town, or opt to visit the Naval Museum of the Caribbean before heading out to the port town of Santa Marta, where your Lost City of Teyuna trek begins. Trek through the jungle, along the river valley of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, camping along the way and meeting the indigenous Kogi people. Once you arrive at La Ciudad Perdida, climb 1200 ancient steps and explore the spiritual site. Hike back out of the jungle past cocoa trees and banana plants until you reach Tangaga. Next, enjoy a guided hike of the Tayrona National Park, known for its stunning white sand beaches. Then, it’s time to head to Medellin, once infamous and now known for street art, culture, and great vibes. Take a walking tour around the famous Comuna 13 neighborhood before checking out Explora Park or the Modern Art Museum. Describe your ideal 12-day holiday for a customized trip to Colombia.

If you want to see Colombia using your own pedal power, 12 days is a great amount of time for a cycle tour of this amazing country. Start off in the capital, Bogota, where you’ll pick up your bike and safety gear. From here, head north through the mountains, rustic trails, and lagoons of rural Colombia until you reach the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva. Known for its whitewashed colonial-style architecture, Villa de Leyva is where you can stay and explore the surrounding vineyards. From here, head to the waterfall-filled town of Moniquira, which is also beloved for its bocadillo sandwiches. Next, journey off-road for more mountain biking trails to the neighboring waterfalls before climbing to the town of Guane. Take the ancient pre-Columbian era route between Guane and the Barichara, and spend the day exploring the mountain biking trails around this area. Finally, roll into Mesa de los Santos, where you can enjoy a rest day, complete with a cable car ride across one of the largest canyons in the world. Explore the coffee farms and nature trails of the Mesa de los Santos area on your last full day before saying goodbye.

So, if you have 12 days in Colombia, you can enjoy an active holiday either hiking or cycling around the jungle and mountain trails, you can check out the Amazon, relax on the beaches and Caribbean islands, or perhaps explore the many cities with their own distinct vibes. Check out our guide on how many days to spend in Colombia for more duration options. If you need assistance planning your Colombia adventure, get in touch with our in-country experts, who can put together a tailor-made Colombian trip specifically suited to your needs.

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