Want to Visit South America

Colombia

Duration 12 days Season December-March, July-August Currency COP (Colombian Peso) USD 1 USD ≈ 4,150 COP Lang Spanish

“Not all classrooms have four walls.”

— Anonymous

Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.

Colombia has transformed into one of South America’s most exciting destinations. Vibrant colonial cities, lush coffee regions, Caribbean coastline, and a culture that pulses with music and color at every turn.

Why I Want to Visit

Colombia’s energy is infectious — from the salsa rhythms of Cali to the colorful streets of Cartagena, from world-class coffee farms to the surreal landscapes of the Cocora Valley. It’s a country that has reinvented itself beautifully.

Draft itinerary

Bogotá (2 days) — La Candelaria, Monserrate hill, Gold Museum, street art
Coffee Region (3 days) — Coffee farm tours, Cocora Valley palm forests, Salento village
Medellín (3 days) — Comuna 13 transformation, cable cars, Guatapé rock
Cartagena (3 days) — Colonial walled city, Rosario Islands, Caribbean vibes
Tayrona National Park (1 day) — Jungle meets pristine Caribbean beaches

What I’m Most Excited About

Tasting freshly roasted coffee at a Colombian finca
Walking through the colorful streets of Cartagena’s old town
Climbing the 740 steps of El Peñón de Guatapé for panoramic views
Exploring the incredible street art of Bogota and Medellin

Food spots on my radar

Andres Carne de Res (Chia, near Bogota) — Legendary steakhouse-nightclub-carnival packed on weekends. 📍 Maps
La Cevicheria (Cartagena) — Walled city ceviche spot made famous by Anthony Bourdain. 📍 Maps
Mundos (Bogota) — Modern Colombian cuisine in Usaquen with regional ingredients. 📍 Maps
El Boliche Cebicheria (Medellin) — Peruvian-Colombian fusion ceviche in Poblado. 📍 Maps
La Paletteria (Cartagena) — Artisanal popsicle shop in the walled city. 📍 Maps

Hotels I’ve shortlisted

Hotel Casa San Agustin ★★★★★ (Cartagena) — Three restored 17th-century colonial houses with pool. View →
The Click Clack Hotel ★★★★ (Bogota) — Stylish design hotel in Zona T with rooftop bar. View →
Selina Medellin ★★★ (Medellin) — Trendy co-working hotel in Poblado with pool. View →
Hotel Monterrey ★★ (Cartagena) — Budget-friendly inside the walled city with rooftop terrace. View →

Experiences I’m considering

Bogota Graffiti & Street Art Tour — La Candelaria murals with a local artist guide. 3h. View →
Cartagena Old City Walking Tour — UNESCO walled city plazas, churches, and colonial streets. 3h. View →
Coffee Region Farm Tour — Bean-to-cup experience at a Salento finca with tasting. 5h. View →
Medellin Comuna 13 Tour — Transformed neighborhood with street art, hip-hop, and escalators. 3h. View →
Cocora Valley Hiking Tour — World’s tallest wax palms, hanging bridges, and hummingbird sanctuary. 5h. View →