arrow_back

9 Day itinerary in Colombia, South America

Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena off-the-beaten track

This 10-day journey offers a vibrant introduction to Colombia’s cultural heartbeat and natural beauty. Explore Bogotá’s iconic landmarks and dive into powerful social impact stories with community leaders. Hike through the Andean páramos, uncover the creative spirit of Medellín, and marvel at the co... Read More

1 / 14
All Photos
JulianaDiego

By Juliana and Diego

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish, German, Italian

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Bogotá

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Day Trips & Excursions

Meet local people

Hiking

Cultural

Food & Culinary

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Guided city tour in Bogotá with visits to Bolívar Square, Botero Museum, Gold Museum, and Monserrate

2

Hike in the Matarredonda Ecological Park through Andean páramo landscapes

3

Immersive Afro Tour in Comuna 13, Medellín – history, music, and transformation

4

Cartagena City Tour including the San Felipe Castle and the historic center

Itinerary

expand_more

Day 1

place Transfer In - BOG

Start your trip to Colombia the comfortable way with our airport transfer option. Private transport from the airport to your hotel with a trusted driver. 

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: HAB Hotel
Day 2

place Bogotá City Tour with Bolivar Square, Botero, Gold Museum and Monserrate - Social Impact Graffiti

The Bogotá City Tour offers an outstanding opportunity to explore the highlights of Colombia's capital city in a single day, providing a chance to discover its most iconic places, including Monserrate, La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolivar, and museums.


In Bogotá's Barrio Egipto, ex-gang members lead you on a vibrant graffiti tour, sharing their past while revealing a present blossoming with hope. Walk colorful streets, decipher mural stories, and see tourism empower residents through art and community projects like a new football field for the next generation. Witness transformation in every step, from gritty struggles to a future painted with vibrant dreams.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: HAB Hotel
Day 3

place Matarredonda Ecological Park Hike

Join us for an exhilarating hike through the stunning Matarredonda Ecological Park, located just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Bogotá, Colombia. This thrilling trek is perfect for adventurers seeking an easy level of experience as they explore the beauty of Colombia's natural wonders. Your adventure begins early in the morning as you meet your experienced local guide and fellow travelers at the park's entrance. Before you start your hike, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Matarredonda Ecological Park is a lush paradise, rich with biodiversity and lush vegetation. While it doesn't require expert hiking skills, a good level of fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. A day spent hiking in Matarredonda Ecological Park promises adventure, natural beauty, and a deeper connection with Colombia's diverse landscape. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just beginning your journey into the world of outdoor exploration, this hike is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Colombia's natural wonders. So, lace up your hiking boots, and let's embark on this unforgettable adventure together!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: HAB Hotel
Day 4

place Flight to Medellin and Afro Tour

Transfer to Bogota's airport 

Flight to Medellin

Transfer to the hotel

Discover Medellín's Comuna 13 on an alternative tour focusing on its cultural and social transformation. Learn its history from local artists, visit innovative community projects, and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this iconic neighborhood.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: Diez Hotel
Day 5

place Day at leisure

Day at leisure to enjoy on your own

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: Diez Hotel
Day 6

place Guatapé and El Peñol Tour

Head two hours east of Medellin to discover the charm of Guatape town. Your day trip will be filled with cobble-stoned streets, colorful facades, a huge natural rock and beautiful landscapes.

This tour will take you to one of Colombia’s must-see attractions: the massive rock La Piedra de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol or simply La Piedra (The Stone). Merely a one-and-a-half hour drive east of Medellín, the rock is located right next to the Peñol-Guatapé Dam, near the border of the towns Guatapé and El Peñol. You’ll be breathless after climbing up the 649 stairs – not only because of the hike but also the astonishing view!


As soon as you arrive, you can start the hike up to the top of La Piedra, where you’ll have time to relax and marvel at the panoramic view over the beautiful lake and its magnificent surroundings. On the small platform, you will also be able to buy a snack and a cold beverage as well as little souvenirs from the local vendors.

Back at the bottom, you’ll have a closer look at the environment and capture its beauty from different perspectives. You will also get to hear the story about the letters G and U imprinted on the north side of the rock, telling us about two cities claiming El Peñol as their own.


The next part of our tour includes visiting the gorgeous colorful town of Guatapé. Walking down the cobblestone streets of the laid-back village you’ll admire the decorative panels at the base of the houses. In Guatapé you’ll also get a delicious meal in one of the nicest traditional restaurants with the best local ingredients.


After a good hike, and a walk through the town of Guatapé, you’ll return back to Medellín.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: Diez Hotel
Day 7

place Flight to Cartagena and City Tour

Transfer to the airport 

Flight to Cartagena

Transfer to the airport


Enjoy the best of Cartagena exploring the beautiful streets and attractions such as La Torre del Reloj, Iglesia San Pedro, Castillo San Felipe and the fortress wall.



Cartagena is a beautiful city that exhibits all the charm of its colors, climate, warm people and historical legacy. With this city tour of Cartagena, you will have the opportunity to discover the most incredible places of the city in a short time, accompanied by a guide who will open the doors to the city and its history. 


This tour begins with a visit to the San Felipe Castle, a fort built by the Spanish on top of a mountain to gain control of the bay. There, you will have the opportunity to discover the impressive architecture and history behind it. The city tour of Cartagena will continue with a pleasant walk through the Historic Center where you will visit the Clock Tower in the Plaza de la Aduana, a place used for the trade of enslaved Africans during the colonial period.  Then you will go to the square in front of the San Pedro Claver Church, a historic church that exhibits art and religious history. In that square we will have a short break for a refreshing juice or coffee. From there, we continue to Plaza de Bolivar surrounded by some of the city's most iconic colonial buildings. Finally we will leave through the Clock Tower to pass by Centenario Park, a beautiful oasis in the middle of downtown where free sloths, marmosets, iguanas and other animals live and finish our tour in Getsemaní, a very special neighborhood, very colorful, full of graffiti, flowers, colorful houses and music everywhere. Note: Please note that the vehicle will only be available for 1.5 hours while we visit Castillo de San Felipe. Transport back to the hotel is not included as the tour ends on foot in the historic centre.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: Hotel Monterrey
Day 8

place Rosario Islands Daytrip

Embark on a journey to Isla Bela, a serene Caribbean oasis where white sands meet azure waters. Experience a sophisticated retreat immersed in local culture and environmental consciousness. Indulge in tranquil luxury while supporting community heritage and preserving natural beauty.

Isla Bela emerges gracefully between the white sands and the deep blue sea, guarding the wealth and culture of the Caribbean. This exclusive destination offers a sophisticated retreat for its guests, blending environmental consciousness with local social practices that celebrate the island's heritage. Your journey to Isla Bela promises a premium experience, where the islanders themselves become hosts in their own home. It's a place where conscious pleasure thrives, promoting rest and tranquility while supporting both the community and the natural surroundings. Discover Isla Bela, where every moment is an invitation to indulge in the serenity of the Caribbean while contributing to the preservation of its beauty and traditions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Double Accomodation: Hotel Monterrey
Day 9

place See you later colombia

Take the easy way to the airport and book our comfortable airport transfer out option. A private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport.


Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • HAB Hotel
  • Diez Hotel
  • Hotel Monterrey

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (8)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Snacks (2)

Transport expand_less

  • Transfers in and out
  • Pick up and drop off to all activities

Activities expand_less

  • Activities mentioned in the itineraries

About Juliana

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Cycling

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Culture & History

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

Water & Coastline

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

Ask for Quote