15 Days in Colombia: My Recommended Itinerary

The first time I landed in Colombia, my senses were in overdrive. The air in Bogotá, thin and cool at 8,660 feet, carried the sweet, smoky scent of arepas grilling on street corners. The Spanish was faster, the colours brighter, the energy a beautiful, chaotic symphony I didn’t yet understand. I was a traveller then, moving through.

Years later, after calling its cities home for months at a time, I land differently. The chaos now feels like a familiar rhythm. The scent of a freshly brewed tinto is a welcome-home hug. I’ve learned that Colombia isn’t a country you simply see; it’s a country you feel. It reveals itself slowly, in the warmth of a Paisa smile, the profound silence of a mountain valley, and the resilient, forward-looking spirit of its people.

Many will tell you that you can’t see Colombia in two weeks. They are right. You cannot conquer a country this diverse—a place that holds the Amazon rainforest, the Caribbean coast, the Andes mountains, and a dozen cultures within its borders—in a fortnight. But you can experience it. This 15-day itinerary is not a race to check off a list of Instagram spots. It is an invitation. It’s a journey designed for the intentional traveller, the person who understands that travel is a part of life, not an escape from it. We will move slowly, build in time to breathe, and prioritise

the depth of our experiences over the number of them. This is how you get a true taste of Colombia’s heart.

Before You Go: Planning Tips for 15 Days in Colombia

A smooth journey begins with good preparation. Here are the essentials to lock down before you fly.

• Entry Requirements: For many nationalities (including the US, UK, EU, and Canada), a tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. While the Yellow Fever vaccine is not required for this itinerary, it’s mandatory for visiting certain regions, such as the Amazon or the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, so check if your plans change.
  
• Best Time to Visit: Colombia is a year-round destination, but it has two main seasons: the dry season (December to March, July to August) and the rainy season (April to June, October to November). However, this varies wildly by region. The Andes (where this itinerary is focused) can see rain anytime, so it’s more about “drier” vs. “wetter.” The weather is consistent and pleasant, making it a great choice no matter the month.
  
• Currency & Cash: The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). You’ll feel like a millionaire, with denominations going into the thousands. It’s wise to carry a mix of cash and cards. Cards are widely accepted in cities for hotels and nice restaurants, but cash is king for taxis, local markets, and small towns. Always have 50,000-100,000 COP (12−12−25 USD) in smaller bills.
  
• Safety Basics: The Colombia of the 90s is long gone, but situational awareness is key. The most important local wisdom is “No dar papaya” (literally, “don’t give papaya”). It means don’t make yourself an easy target. Don’t flash expensive jewellery or electronics, be aware of your surroundings, and research which neighbourhoods are safe to walk in, especially at night.
  
• Getting Around: For a 15-day trip, time is more valuable than money. The Andes are mountainous, and what looks like a short distance on a map can be a winding, 8-hour bus ride. I highly recommend booking domestic flights between major cities (e.g., Bogotá to the Coffee Axis). They are affordable and save you entire days of travel. Buses are great for shorter, regional trips.
  
• Packing Essentials: Colombia’s weather is all about altitude. You’ll need layers.
  • For Bogotá: Jeans, sweaters, a light jacket, and a rain shell. It feels like a perpetual spring day.
  • For the Coffee Axis: Lighter layers, hiking pants, and sturdy, waterproof shoes for muddy trails.
  • For Medellín: T-shirts and light pants. It’s the “City of Eternal Spring” for a reason.
  • Must-haves: Sunscreen (the sun is strong at altitude), a portable power bank, and a reusable water bottle.

Suggested Route Overview: The Andean Heartbeat Loop

This itinerary focuses on a classic, manageable, and incredibly rewarding loop through the heart of the Colombian Andes. It minimises travel time while maximising cultural and natural immersion.

• Part 1: Bogotá (Days 1-4): The sprawling, high-altitude capital. A deep dive into history, art, and urban energy.
• Part 2: Salento & the Coffee Axis (Days 5-8): A scenic flight takes us to the lush, green hills of coffee country for nature, hiking, and a slower pace of life.
• Part 3: Medellín & Guatapé (Days 9-15): A short flight brings us to the innovative city of Medellín for a look at its incredible transformation, followed by a day trip to the stunning Peñol rock before flying home.

The Journey: A 15-Day Slow Travel Itinerary

Part 1: Bogotá – The High-Altitude Introduction (4 Nights)

Bogotá is a city of contrasts—a place of colonial history, edgy street art, and a palpable intellectual buzz. We’re taking it slow here to acclimate to the altitude.

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatisation in La Candelaria. 
Fly into El Dorado Airport (BOG). Take a Airport Transfer or Uber to your accommodation in La Candelaria, the city’s historic heart. The first order of business is to take it easy. Altitude sickness is real. Walk the cobblestone streets, find a cosy café, and sip a tinto (a small, black coffee). For dinner, find a place serving ajiaco, a hearty chicken and potato soup that is the perfect welcome-to-Bogotá meal.

Day 2: History, Gold, and a View from Above 
In the morning, step into the shimmering silence of the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), where thousands of pre-Columbian artefacts tell stories older than the city itself. Afterwards, join a walking tour of La Candelaria to understand the history behind the beautiful facades. In the late afternoon, take the cable car up Monserrate. Go about an hour before sunset. Watching the city’s millions of lights begin to twinkle below as the sky fades is a moment of pure magic.

Day 3: Art, Markets, and Local Flavours 
Dive into the works of Colombia’s most famous artist at the Botero Museum, a lovely colonial house filled with his iconic voluminous figures. Then, get a taste of real Colombian life at Paloquemao Market. It’s a vibrant explosion of sights and sounds, where you can sample dozens of exotic fruits you’ve never heard of (try the lulo, granadilla, and uchuva).

Day 4: A Deeper Dive or a Day of Rest 
This is your built-in slow travel day. Choose your own adventure. Art lovers can explore the city’s incredible street art scene with a graffiti tour. Foodies might take a cooking class. Or, you could simply find a park bench in a quieter neighbourhood like Chapinero, read a book, and watch the world go by.

Part 2: Salento & The Coffee Axis – Into the Green (4 Nights)

We leave the city behind for the soul-stirring landscapes of the Eje Cafetero.

Day 5: Flight to the Coffee Axis & Arrival in Salento 
Take a morning flight from Bogotá (BOG) to Pereira (PEI) or Armenia (AXM). From there, it’s a scenic one-hour taxi or bus ride to Salento, a charming town with colourful balconies and a laid-back vibe. Check into your hotel or finca (coffee farm) and spend the afternoon wandering the town square. Play a game of tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport involving gunpowder and beer.

Day 6: The Giants of the Cocora Valley 
Today is a highlight. Take an early morning willy (a shared Jeep, the local form of transport) into the Cocora Valley. This is the home of the Quindío wax palm, the tallest palm tree in the world. These surreal, slender giants pierce the clouds, creating an otherworldly landscape. Do the full 5-6 hour hiking loop—it takes you through cloud forest, across rickety bridges, and ends with the iconic valley view. It’s challenging but unforgettable.

Day 7: The Art of Coffee 
You can’t come to the Coffee Axis and not learn about its most famous export. Spend the day at a traditional, family-run coffee farm like Finca El Ocaso. Take a tour that walks you through the entire process, from bean to cup. Picking the ripe, red coffee cherries yourself gives you a profound appreciation for the work that goes into your morning brew.

Day 8: Soaking it In 
Another intentional slow day. Read a book in a hammock at your finca. Go for a horseback ride through the hills. Revisit your favourite cafe in Salento. The magic of the Coffee Axis isn’t in doing; it’s in being. Let the peace of the place sink in.

Part 3: Medellín & Guatapé – The Story of Transformation (6 Nights)

A short flight takes us to a city that embodies Colombia’s resilience and innovative spirit.

Day 9: Flight to Medellín & Settling into El Poblado 
Take a morning flight from Pereira (PEI) to Medellín (MDE). Check into your accommodation in El Poblado, a leafy, upscale neighbourhood known for its cafes and restaurants. Spend the afternoon getting your bearings, perhaps with a walk through the Parque Lleras area, before enjoying the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Day 10: Understanding the Transformation 
You cannot understand modern Medellín without understanding its past. Take the Metrocable up to Comuna 13. Once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the world, it is now a beacon of hope and transformation, told through stunning street art and community-led initiatives. A local guide will share powerful stories of how art and social investment changed their home. It’s a moving and essential Medellín experience.

Day 11: The Heart of the City 
Explore El Centro, the bustling downtown. See the magnificent, larger-than-life sculptures donated by Fernando Botero in Plaza Botero. Then, dive into the controlled chaos of the Mercado Minorista, a market that feels more authentic and less tourist-oriented than Paloquemao.

Day 12: A Day for Yourself in the City of Spring 
Use today to explore your own interests. Visit the peaceful Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens), relax in the trendy Laureles neighbourhood, or visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria to gain a deeper, more sombre understanding of Colombia’s armed conflict.

Day 13: The Colourful Climb of Guatapé 
Take a day trip to the incredible pueblo of Guatapé. The town itself is a kaleidoscope of colour, with houses adorned in brightly painted reliefs called zócalos. The main event is climbing the 740 steps of El Peñol, a monolithic rock that offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of South America.

Day 14: One Last Colombian Coffee & Reflection 
Enjoy a final, leisurely morning in Medellín. Find a speciality coffee shop (Medellín has some of the best) and reflect on your journey. This is a great day for any last-minute souvenir shopping or simply enjoying the perfect weather.

Day 15: Departure 
Head to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) for your flight home, filled with the warmth, colour, and spirit of Colombia.

What to Eat in Colombia: A Quick Guide

Arepa: The ubiquitous corn cake, served with everything. Try the arepa de choclo (a sweet corn version with cheese).

• Bandeja Paisa: A massive platter from the Antioquia region with steak, ground beef, chicharrón, rice, beans, a fried egg, and more. Share it!
• Ajiaco: The hearty, comforting chicken and potato soup from Bogotá.
• Menu del Día: The daily set lunch, your best friend for an affordable and delicious meal. Usually includes a soup, a main plate, a drink, and sometimes a small dessert.
• Exotic Fruits: Go wild at the markets. Try lulo, granadilla, maracuyá, y pitahaya.
• Tinto: The small, simple black coffee sold on every street corner. It’s the fuel of the nation.

Where to Stay: Suggested Accommodation

• Bogotá:
  • Boutique: The Orchids Hotel (La Candelaria)
  • Social/Hostel: Selina La Candelaria
  • Private/Airbnb: Look for options in the Chapinero Alto neighbourhood for a more local, upscale feel.
• Salento:
  • In Town: Hotel Salento Real
  • Coffee Finca (Highly Recommended): Finca El Ocaso Salento or Reserva El Cairo
• Medellín:
  • Boutique: The Charlee Hotel or Celestino Boutique Hotel (El Poblado)
  • Social/Hostel: Los Patios Hostal Boutique
  • Private/Airbnb: El Poblado is convenient, but Laureles offers a more relaxed, authentic vibe.

Practical Travel Tips for Your 15 Days in Colombia

• Language: Learning a few Spanish basics (hello, please, thank you, how much?) will go a long way. Colombians are incredibly friendly and patient with non-speakers.
  
• Transport Hacks: Book domestic flights on airlines like LATAM or Avianca a few weeks in advance for the best prices. For buses, use platforms like RedBus or Busbud to book ahead, especially on weekends.
  
• Money Tips: Always carry small bills. Breaking a 50,000 or 100,000 COP note can be difficult for small vendors. Inform your bank of your travel plans.
  
• Internet & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is generally reliable in city hotels and cafes but can be spotty in rural areas like the Cocora Valley. I highly recommend getting an eSIM from a provider like Airalo so you have data from the moment you land.
  
• Safety: Trust your intuition. If a situation feels off, leave. Avoid the well-known drug and prostitution scenes, which unfortunately can target tourists. At night, use ride-sharing apps or registered taxis instead of walking long distances.

Final Thoughts: The Colombia You Take With You

You will leave Colombia with more than just photos. You’ll leave with the memory of the misty mountains in Cocora, the taste of a perfectly ripe mango, and the sound of laughter in a Medellín plaza. This journey is designed to introduce you to the country’s incredible diversity, but more importantly, to its resilient and joyful soul.

This itinerary is a starting point. Feel free to linger an extra day where you feel a connection, or skip something that doesn’t call to you. That is the essence of intentional travel.

Ready to plan more of your Colombian adventure?

• Dive deeper with my Complete Digital Nomad’s Guide to Colombia.
• Thinking of staying longer? Explore my detailed Guide to Living in Medellín.

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Are You Planning Your Next Trip? Here’s What I Use

These are the tools I rely on to make every trip smoother, safer, and more meaningful. If you use the links below, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog and my journey as a full-time traveller 💜

1. Learn the Local Language

I use Babbel to practice Spanish, French, and Portuguese while travelling. The app makes it so easy to learn useful phrases on the go.

2. Travel Insurance is a Must

I never leave home without SafetyWing — they’re affordable and ideal for frequent travellers or digital nomads.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

For unique local tours and must-see experiences, I use:
→ Viator
→ Get Your Guide

4. Always Stay Connected

No matter where I go, Keepgo helps me stay connected with international data SIMs and eSIMs that actually work. A lifesaver when Wi-Fi fails!

5. Organize Your Itinerary

I use Tripsy to plan and store my itineraries, documents, and bookings in one clean app. It’s perfect for keeping track of everything in one place.

Until next time, travel softly,

Destiny 💜