15 day itinerary
Colombia
Itinerary
Colombia is a vibrant country with so much to offer, and I’m excited to help you plan a fantastic 15-day itinerary starting and ending in Cali. We’ll explore the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero). Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Cali
- Morning: Arrive in Cali. Settle into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant San Antonio neighborhood. Check out the local shops and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café.
- Evening: Head to the famous for a stroll and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Don’t forget to try some sancocho!
Day 2: Cali to Salento
- Morning: Take an early bus to Salento (about 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Salento, check into your accommodation, and have lunch at a local eatery.
- Evening: Explore the colorful streets of Salento and visit the viewpoint for stunning views.
Day 3:
- All Day: Hike in . You can choose a shorter hike to see the iconic wax palms or a longer trek that takes you deeper into the valley. Pack a picnic!
- Evening: Return to Salento, enjoy a hearty dinner, and perhaps try some local coffee.
Day 4: Coffee Farm Tour
- Morning: Visit a coffee farm for a tour. Learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy tastings.
- Afternoon: Return to Salento for lunch and some relaxation.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a movie or a book.
Day 5: Salento to Manizales
- Morning: Travel to Manizales (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a walk around the city center.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some ajiaco.
Day 6: Manizales to Medellín
- Morning: Head to Medellín (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the . Take a guided tour to learn about its transformation and street art.
- Evening: Dinner in the lively El Poblado area.
Day 7: Medellín
- All Day: Visit for a day of nature. You can hike, bike, or just relax in the beautiful surroundings.
- Evening: Return to Medellín and enjoy a night out in the city.
Day 8: Medellín to Cartagena
- Morning: Fly to Cartagena (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Walled City. Visit the and .
- Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the sunset.
Day 9: Cartagena
- All Day: Take a day trip to the . Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.
- Evening: Return to Cartagena and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Day 10: Cartagena to Santa Marta
- Morning: Travel to Santa Marta (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Historic Center. Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 11:
- All Day: Spend the day in . Hike to and enjoy the stunning beaches. Bring a picnic!
- Evening: Return to Santa Marta and relax after a day of adventure.
Day 12: Santa Marta to Palomino
- Morning: Travel to Palomino (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax on the beach.
- Evening: Enjoy a beach bonfire and dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13: Palomino
- All Day: Spend the day tubing down the or relax on the beach. You can also explore the nearby indigenous communities.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 14: Palomino to Cali
- Morning: Travel back to Cali (about 10 hours). It’s a long journey, so prepare some snacks and music!
- Afternoon: Arrive in Cali and check into your hotel.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some bandeja paisa.
Day 15: Departure from Cali
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or a visit to a local market for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A fun-filled 15-day itinerary that takes you through the best of Colombia’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts, as well as the beautiful Coffee Region. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌍✈️📸
