Efficient Colombia Travel Itinerary – 3 Weeks (+ Map)
TL;DR
Fast-paced, no-fluff 3-week Colombia itinerary that hits the highlights, uncovers hidden gems, and helps adventurous travellers make every day count.
Looking for the best itinerary for Colombia that mixes highlights and hidden gems? You’ve come to the right place.
If you want a Colombia backpacking itinerary that’s fast-paced, full of variety, and makes the most of every travel day, this one is for you.
We get it: Colombia is big, the buses are long, and there are too many cool places to choose from. Planning can feel overwhelming – what’s worth it, what’s overhyped, and how do you fit it all in?
After weeks backpacking across Colombia, hopping from night buses to national parks and vibrant cities to remote villages, we’ve crafted a smart, no-fluff itinerary that hits the top sights and ventures off the beaten track – without wasting your time or budget.
This guide is for adventurous, independent travellers who like to keep things moving. If you're someone who thinks "night bus" sounds like a money-saving win, this is for you.
We don’t just recommend places – we’ve been there, done it, and are here to show you how. Our 3 weeks in Colombia itinerary is packed with local tips, hidden favourites, and honest reviews
3 Week Colombia Itinerary
Colombia Itinerary Map
3 Days in Cartagena
Day 1 – Free Walking Tour & Castillo de San Felipe
If you know anything about us, you will know that we like to start our trips with a free walking tour. In Cartagena, we chose this Historic Center and Gethsemane tour.
The first part of the tour takes place in the historic city centre of Cartagena. You’ll visit the most important sights like
- Puerta del Reloj.
- The city wall.
- Squares like Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza Bolivar.
The second part of the tour takes place in Getsemani. It used to be one of the most dangerous areas in Cartagena, but has been transformed with loads of street art (and gentrification) over the last few years. Highlights include
- Iglesia de la Trinidad.
- Callejón Ancho (Umbrella Street).
- Plaza del Pozo.
In the afternoon, head to Castillo de San Felipe. The castle itself is big and cool to explore, but for us, the main reason to visit is the amazing views. There are also some tunnels under the fort that you can enter.
Here’s our full 3 day Cartagena itinerary:
Day 2 – Totumo Mud Volcano
If you're up for something fun and different near Cartagena, head to Totumo Mud Volcano, where you float in warm, mineral-rich mud inside a small volcano – weird, but surprisingly relaxing!
We did the Cartagena: Totumo Mud Volcano Experience by Backpackers Cartagena. Climb just 50 steps and get into the mud (optionally with a short massage). The mud is super floaty and warm – you won’t sink, even if you try.
Afterwards, you rinse off in a nearby lake where ladies help scrub off the mud (be prepared: they really get in there). Then you get a snack and drink before heading back to Cartagena.
We totally recommend it if you're into unique, spa-like adventures.
Here’s our full Totumo Mud Volcano tour review:
Day 3 – Island Hopping Rosario Islands
Real talk: the beaches in Cartagena itself are not really nice. The good news: If you’re looking for picture-perfect Caribbean islands, the Rosario Islands are only a short boat trip from Cartagena. If you’re a beach person (like us), we highly recommend a day trip.
Most tours to the Rosario Islands will last the whole day and include lunch. While you shouldn’t expect deserted islands, you can definitely expect white sandy beaches and turquoise water.
3 Days in Tayrona National Park
Day 4 – Bus to Tayrona National Park
To go from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park, you must first get to Santa Marta. We chose MarSol Transportes because it was recommended to us by locals.
Buses from the market in Santa Marta drive up the cost to Tayrona National Park every 15 minutes or so during the day. You can just hop on one of them and hop off where you want to.
Day 5 – Hike from Calabazo Entrance to Playa Brava
Only take what you need for a night and head to the Calabazo entrance. From here, hike to Playa Brava, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach.
Spend the night at the Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke. They have a swimming pool and they also offer food and drinks. If you want to sleep in a hammock, there’s no need for a reservation, but if you want one of their nicer accommodations, we strongly advise you to reserve them in advance!
Day 6 – Hike to the El Zaino Exit and Night Bus to Bucaramanga
Get up early and start your hike towards the El Zaino exit of Tayrona National Park. On your way, you’ll see
- Playa Nudista, the only official nudist beach in Colombia.
- Cabo San Juan, the main beach of Tayrona National Park.
- Playa Piscina, one of the few beaches in the national park where you can swim.
- Playa Arrecifes.
- Playa Piscinita.
We have written a full Tayrona National Park travel guide:
After exiting the park, jump off the bus, pick up your luggage at Mama Tayrona, and jump on another bus to Santa Marta. From here, take a night bus to Bucaramanga.
2 Days in San Gil
Day 7 – Bus to San Gil & Day Trip to Barichara
While you can easily spend time in Bucaramanga or Giron, we recommend you head straight on a bus to San Gil if your time is limited.
Don’t waste any time, drop your luggage, and jump back on a short bus ride to Barichara, often called Colombia’s prettiest town.
It’s full of cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and stunning canyon views – all without the crowds.
What to do in Barichara:
- Stroll the Main Park and visit the Parish Church and Casa de la Cultura.
- Wander the white streets – don’t miss the corner of Calle 5 and Carrera 11 for the best view.
- Catch the views at hte Salto del Mico viewpoint.
- Eat at Independencia “cocina y sazón” – good food, great views, friendly service.
Here’s our Barichara travel guide:
Day 8 – Adventure Activity & Night Bus to Bogota
San Gil is also known as the adventure capital of Colombia. Take your pick:
- Rafting: Go beginner-friendly on the Río Fonce, wild on the Río Suarez (class IV–V), or scenic on the Río Chicamocha. We did Rio Fonce – fun and splashy!
- Paragliding: Soar over Chicamocha Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. We loved it – it was epic and 100% worth it.
- Juan Curi Waterfall: Rappel down a 250-meter waterfall.
- Bungee Jumping
- Canyoning
- Adventure Parks: Try Peñon Guane or Xplorer, Colombia’s biggest ropes park.
We have written a full San Gil travel guide:
3 Days in Bogota
Day 9 – Free Walking Tour, Museums & Monserrate
Start with the La Candelaria Free Walking Tour by Beyond Colombia – it covers the main sights like
- Bolívar Square.
- Chorro de Quevedo.
- Colón Theatre.
Afterwards, visit the Botero Museum (free and fantastic), and if you have time, check out the Gold Museum nearby.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Monserrate for amazing city views. At the top, visit the church, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy the scenery.
Here’s our 3 day Bogota itinerary:
Day 10 – Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Day Trip
Today, it’s time for a Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Day Trip from Bogotá. We booked the Beyond Colombia Salt Cathedral Group Tour – and it was seamless, informative, and super impressive.
You’ll descend 180 m (590 ft) underground, following the Way of the Cross – 14 salt-carved chapels that lead to the dramatic cathedral naves. The highlight? The world’s largest salt cross and a stunning underground light show.
You’ll then have free time to explore: grab a snack, visit the Water Mirror, or check out the quirky emerald mine replica.
In the afternoon, stroll through Zipaquirá’s colonial centre with your guide – visit Independence Square, the main cathedral, and quiet side streets.
Return to Bogotá in the early evening – traffic can be heavy, so bring some patience.
Day 11 – Free Graffiti Walking Tour & Local Street Food Tour & Night Bus to Medellin
Start your morning with the Graffiti Free Walking Tour by Capital Graffiti Tours – our favourite activity in Bogotá. You'll explore downtown and learn how graffiti has become a powerful tool for political and social expression in Colombia.
From massive murals to hidden alleyway pieces, the tour gives real insight into Bogotá’s street culture – even if you're not normally into graffiti, it's totally worth it.
In the afternoon, join the Free Local Street Food Tour by Beyond Colombia – a relaxed, mostly seated food crawl where you’ll try:
- Pandebono & empanadas.
- Hot chocolate with cheese (yes, really).
- Artisanal coffee.
And more.
Last but not least, jump on a night bus from Bogota to Medellin.
3 Days in Medellin
Day 12 – Comuna 13 & El Poblado
Start your first day in Medellin at what we think is the highlight of the city: Comuna 13. Once a seriously dangerous hub for drug-related crime, it is now a gentrified neighbourhood full of street art and performers.
While it’s easily safe enough to walk around on your own nowadays, we strongly recommend a tour with a local guide to get a look behind the scenes.
We jumped on the subway and took a free walking tour that starts at the station, but guided tours that start in Poblado are also very affordable.
Use the afternoon to relax in one of the many cafes in El Poblado (we recommend Pergamino Coffee on Via Primavera), the evening to eat great food (how about Alambique?), and the night to party (Provenca!).
Here’s our 3 day Medellin itinerary:
Day 13 – Guatape & Peñol Rock Day Trip
Guatape is the most popular day trip from Medellin – and for a reason!
First, summit Piedra del Peñol, a towering granite monolith that offers breathtaking 360° views after a 740-step climb. It’s one of the most iconic panoramas in Colombia and well worth the effort.
Afterwards, relax on a boat ride on the Embalse del Peñol.
By the way, this is the exact tour we took.
After a delicious lunch, head to Guatapé, a vibrant lakeside town famous for its zócalos, which provide colourful facades. Spend time strolling the streets, enjoying local coffee, and soaking up the relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit a viewpoint in town for one last glimpse of Peñol Rock from a distance.
Here’s our full Guatape day trip review:
Day 14 – Downtown, Pick Your Own Adventure & Night Bus to Salento
On our second day, we wanted to see more of the real Medellin and decided to go downtown. Our highlights of downtown Medellin are:
- Botero Square full of Botero statues.
- National Palace Mall full of art galleries.
- Plaza Cisneros.
We opted to do the Famous Free Downtown Tour by Real City Tours and could not recommend it more.
We thought long and hard about what to recommend to you for your second afternoon in Medellin, but it’s a big city and three days is not enough to see it all, so we decided to give you options:
- Pueblito Paisa for a cultural experience, which is admittedly tacky.
- Take the cable car to Parque Arvi for views, hikes, and adventures.
- Check out the botanical garden if you want to see nature with less of a hassle.
- Eat at a market like Mercado del Río.
- Laureles is another nice neighbourhood to explore.
Last but not least, hop on a night bus from Medellin to Salento.
2 Days in Salento
Day 15 – Visit a Coffee Finca
What could be better to wake up after a night bus ride than visiting a coffee finca? After all, Salento is located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region.
There are loads, and the majority are located on the same road – you can either take a Willy or walk. We opted for El Recuerdo because the owners are local and the coffee is organic.
In the afternoon, stroll down Calle Real and make the short climb to Mirador Alto de la Cruz.
Here’s our full Salento travel guide:
Day 16 – Cocora Valley or La Carbonera & Night Bus to Neiva
While Cocora Valley is the undisputed tourist attraction in Salento, only a few people have heard of (or visited) La Carbonera.
La Carbonera is home to the world’s densest forest of wax palms – over 6,000 of them! Hidden deep in the cloud forests near Salento, this spot feels completely wild and untouched.
The valley is only accessible on dirt roads – but it’s 100% worth it. We went on a mountain biking tour, but horseback riding and hiking are also options.
Expect zero crowds, no shops, and wax palms towering up to 60 meters high – it’s like Cocora before it got famous.
Here’s our La Carbonera guide:
Travel Guides
La Carbonera: Colombia’s Best-Kept Secret (Better Than Cocora Valley?)
La Carbonera vs. Cocora Valley: Who Wins?
Carina
In the evening, hop on a local bus from Salento to Armenia and a night bus from Armenia to Neiva.
1 Day in the Tatacoa Desert
Day 17 – Tatacoa Desert Tour & Night Bus to San Agustin
While we quickly fell in love with Villavieja, a Tatacoa Desert tour from Neiva is a great option if you’re short on time.
Start with a boat ride on the Magdalena River, spotting turtles, lizards, and birds.
Then head into the Red Desert – walk the Labyrinth of Cuzco and climb to the viewpoint while your guide explains the region’s geology, plants, and wildlife. You’ll even taste cactus fruit!
Break for a traditional Colombian lunch and a cool off at Manantial Tatacoa, a quiet swimming pool tucked in the desert.
In the afternoon, hike through the Valley of the Xilopalos, known for its fossilised wood and narrow canyons.
Catch sunset from a peaceful viewpoint (drink included!), then finish with stargazing at an observatory – we saw Saturn, Jupiter, and more through the telescopes.
Here’s our full Tatacoa Desert tour review:
After the tour, jump on a night bus from Neiva to San Agustin.
2 Days in San Agustin
Day 18 – Archaeological Park & Horseback Riding Tour
Start your day at the San Agustín Archaeological Park, the most important site in the region. Begin with the Bosque de las Estatuas, then explore Mesitas A, B, and C, the Fuente de Lavapatas, and hike up to Alto de Lavapatas for sweeping views and more statues.
Personally, we opted to visit the park with a tour guide to learn as much as possible about the history.
In the afternoon, go on a horseback riding tour to the nearby sites of
- La Pelota (known for its preserved colours).
- La Chaquira (with cliffside carvings overlooking the Magdalena Canyon).
- El Tablón (featuring five statues thought to depict women).
Here’s our full San Agustin travel guide:
Day 19 – Full Day Jeep Tour
The tourist infrastructure in San Agustin is pretty amazing. On a full day jeep tour, you can see all the missing highlights of the San Agustin area:
- Estrecho Del Magdalena – a narrow gorge of the Rio Magdalena.
- Obando Archaeological Park – tombs similar to those in Tierradentro and a small museum with artefacts older than those in San Agustín.
- Alto de los Idolos Archaeological Park – the highest density of tombs and statues of the Augustinian culture after the Archaeological Park of San Agustin.
- Alto de Las Piedras Archaeological Park with the enigmatic "Double Yo".
- El Salto del Mortino – an impressive waterfall of almost 200 meters in height.
2 Days in Popayan
Day 20 – Bus to Popayan & Free Walking Tour
The bus ride from San Agustin to Popayan only takes around 4.5 hours and hence is not long enough for a night bus journey.
The free walking tour of Popayan is offered by Get Up and Go. It’s a non-profit organisation that promotes tourism in the Department of Cauca, particularly in areas that have been affected by previous armed conflict.
It starts at Parque Caldas, the main square of Popayán, surrounded by highlights like the Cathedral, the Clock Tower, and City Hall.
Don’t miss Puente del Humilladero, a 12-arch neoclassical bridge that’s both historically important and highly photogenic, as well as Popayán’s famous churches – especially Iglesia de San Francisco, Ermita de Jesús de Nazareno, and Iglesia de Belén for city views. If you have time, pop into the Universidad del Cauca’s historic buildings nearby.
Day 21 – El Morro de Tulcán & Museums plus Bus to Ipiales or Bogota
Start your day with a short climb up El Morro de Tulcán, a human-made pre-Columbian pyramid that now offers some of the best panoramic views of Popayán. It’s not just about the view – archaeologists found artifacts here dating back as far as 500 BC.
At the base of the hill, stop by El Pueblito Patojo, a charming mini replica of Popayán’s iconic landmarks, where you’ll find local handicrafts for sale.
Then use the Museum Ticket (10,000 COP) to explore five different museums, including the Guillermo Valencia Museum, House Museums, and Natural History Museum.
If you’re into modern art, stop by the Casa Museo Negret, the former home of Colombian artist Edgar Negret. It’s free and features both his work and personal memorabilia.
From Popayan, you can either head towards Ipiales to cross to border to Ecuador or head back to Bogota to fly home (or to your next destination).
Here’s our full Ipiales travel guide:
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