Itinerary for 21 day trip to Colombia

Colombia is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 21-day itinerary that skips museums but includes plenty of beach time, aquariums, zoos, and mouthwatering Colombian cuisine. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá

Morning: Arrive in Bogotá. Check into your hotel and settle in.
Afternoon: Stroll around the historic . Grab lunch at a local restaurant and try ajiaco, a traditional soup.
Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a restaurant with a view of the city, like El Cielo.

Day 2: Bogotá

Morning: Visit the for a family picnic and some outdoor fun.
Afternoon: Head to the , where kids can enjoy science exhibits and activities.
Evening: Dinner at a local pizzeria or a place serving bandeja paisa, a hearty Colombian platter.

Day 3: Bogotá to Medellín

Morning: Fly to Medellín (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the , where you can hike and enjoy nature.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying the famous arepas.

Day 4: Medellín

Morning: Visit the , where kids can run around and explore.
Afternoon: Head to the , which has an aquarium and interactive science exhibits.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the El Poblado area.

Day 5: Medellín to Santa Marta

Morning: Fly to Santa Marta (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant, trying fresh seafood.

Day 6:

All Day: Take a day trip to . Hike to beautiful beaches like Cabo San Juan, where you can swim and enjoy a picnic.
Evening: Return to Santa Marta for dinner.

Day 7: Santa Marta

Morning: Visit the , where kids can see marine life up close.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at , enjoying the sun and sand.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying the local fish dishes.

Day 8: Santa Marta to Cartagena

Morning: Travel to Cartagena (about 4 hours by car or 1 hour by flight).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the historic walled city.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the old town, sampling ceviche.

Day 9: Cartagena

Morning: Visit the for some history and great views.
Afternoon: Relax at or visit the nearby for a beach day.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying the famous arepas de huevo.

Day 10: Cartagena

Morning: Take a boat trip to the for snorkeling and beach fun.
Afternoon: Enjoy a beachside lunch and relax.
Evening: Return to Cartagena for dinner.

Day 11: Cartagena to San Andrés

Morning: Fly to San Andrés (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at .
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying the island’s specialty, rondón (a coconut fish stew).

Day 12: San Andrés

All Day: Take a day trip to and enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkeling.
Evening: Return to San Andrés for dinner.

Day 13: San Andrés

Morning: Visit the , an underwater walking experience.
Afternoon: Explore the island on a golf cart, stopping at various beaches.
Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 14: San Andrés to Medellín

Morning: Fly back to Medellín.
Afternoon: Relax at your hotel or explore a local park.
Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

Day 15: Medellín to Cali

Morning: Fly to Cali (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the , one of the best in Colombia.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying sancocho, a traditional soup.

Day 16: Cali

Morning: Visit the , a quirky park with cat sculptures.
Afternoon: Enjoy some family time at the , where kids can play.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, sampling the famous Cali-style empanadas.

Day 17: Cali to Pereira

Morning: Travel to Pereira (about 1.5 hours by car).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the , a wildlife park and zoo.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying the region’s famous trout.

Day 18: Pereira

All Day: Take a day trip to the to see the towering wax palms and enjoy hiking.
Evening: Return to Pereira for dinner.

Day 19: Pereira to Bogotá

Morning: Fly back to Bogotá.
Afternoon: Relax at your hotel or visit a local park.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant known for its lechona, a traditional roasted pig dish.

Day 20: Bogotá

Morning: Visit the , which has a zoo, amusement park, and beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Enjoy a family lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, trying any Colombian dishes you may have missed.