Colombia’s major cities are filled with energy, culture, and color, giving a look into the diversity of Colombian life. The two largest cities in the country – the edgy capital of Bogotá and the sunny city of Medellín – have distinctly different personalities, and are both worth a visit.
This itinerary is designed with these two cities in mind, giving you the opportunity to get to know the unique experiences available in both. From the paisa hospitality of Medellín to the urban stories of Bogotá, you’ll see many different sides of the country represented on the city streets.
So get ready for some urban exploring, some quirky neighborhoods, and some of the most delicious food you’ll find in Colombia in this unique one week Bogota and Medellin itinerary.
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There’s no such thing as an ugly photo of the Medellín skyline!
Colombia Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Colombia 🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout Colombia on Booking.com ✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option. 🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a Colombia road trip on RentalCars.com 🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting adventures all around Colombia ☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
Because of Colombia’s tropical climate, temperatures do not vary much throughout the year. However, the driest seasons of the year are December through March and June through September. Note that December and January are holiday seasons for many in Colombia, so attractions may be more crowded.
However, due to elevation, the cities of Bogotá and Medellín have distinctly different climates. Medellín is known as la ciudad de la eterna primavera, or the city of eternal spring, because of its year-round warm weather and sunshine. On the other hand, Bogotá is known for its colder, cloudier weather. The best part about a trip to both cities is you truly get the best of both worlds.
Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
Most travelers to Colombia will undoubtedly land in the capital city of Bogotá. This bustling capital has a gritty exterior, but on a closer look, it’s a city filled with art, culture, and history. Located in the center of Colombia’s Andean Region, it’s a city with sweeping mountain views.
Arguably the best way to get acquainted with the city is to take a walk around the historic downtown. Wander through the historic La Candelaria neighborhood towards the Plaza Bolivar, and buy a small bag of corn to feed the pigeons. Don’t miss the Chorro de Quevedo, – the oldest plaza in Bogotá – or the Carrera Septima – a bustling street filled with vendors of all kinds.
Better yet, channel your inner Colombian and hop on this guided bike tour of the city, passing through some of Bogotá’s most notable neighborhoods. Or learn the story of Bogotá through its street art on a graffiti tour of the city.x
Make sure to try some homemade chicha (a fermented corn drink) and an arepa con queso while you explore – for sustenance of course! Once you’ve explored the centro, wander over to Mercado la Perseverancia to try ajiaco santafereño. This hearty soup, served with chicken, avocado, capers, cream, and corn, is the unofficial dish of the city, and a can’t-miss!
Bogotá is a large city, so it’s best to plan your days centered around one or two neighborhoods. If you are staying in La Candelaria, many of the sights on this itinerary will be within walking distance.
Despite being a major city (home to over 8 million people!) Bogotá does not have a metro line. However, there is a bus-system, called TransMilenio, that can be used to travel around the city. You’ll have to purchase a bus card at a TransMilenio station, which can be refilled for future use. Click here to view an interactive map of the routes.
If all that sounds too confusing, Uber is a great option to get around the city. I highly recommend using Uber instead of local taxis – not only are they easier for navigating the language barrier, but generally much safer.
La Candelaria is known for it’s colorful murals and backpacker-friendly hangouts
Where to Stay in Bogotá
La Candelaria is the unofficial backpacker neighborhood of Bogota, known for its colorful murals and abundance of coffee shops. It’s also walking distance from most major attractions and home to a diverse range of accommodation – from upscale hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
Explore all accommodation in Bogota on Booking.com
Day 2: Exploring Bogotá
Start your second morning in Bogotá with a visit to the city’s most iconic mountain – Monserrate. This peak towers over the city, rewarding those who summit with sweeping views of the skyscrapers below. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds, plus you’ll get incredible views as the sun rises over the city below.
There are a few ways to reach the summit of Monserrate. If you’re up for it, there is a 3km (1.8 mile) trail leading from the city to the peak. The elevation is strenuous, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way for empanadas and coffee. You can also reach the peak of Monserrate via funicular. Tickets are purchased at the bottom of the mountain, so click here for updated prices and times.
In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through one of Bogota’s extraordinary museums. There are countless to choose from, but a great place to start is the National Museum, where you can explore the history of the city and wider Colombia as a whole. The museum is also home to countless works of art – from pre columbian pottery to pieces by iconic artists like Fernando Botero.
The Andean region surrounding Bogotá is home to some of the oldest indigenous groups in the country. One of the largest of these groups is the Muisca people, whose indigenous capital is actually located right outside the city of Bogotá in the town of Guatavita. It’s a great day trip from the city to learn more about the indigenous culture that shaped the region.
The town of Guatavita is located about 1.5 hours from Bogotá, and is home to beautiful colonial architecture. Its central plaza is a great place to pick up some Colombian souvenirs – I recommend a ruana, a thick knit poncho typical of the region. There’s also a small museum in town that explains more of the history of the area.
But the real highlight of Guatavita is La Laguna Guatavita, located about 30 minutes outside the town. This crater lake is where the Legend of El Dorado was born. The lake was sacred to the indigenous Muisca people, and was home to a ritual where the Muisca chief would throw gold into the lake as an offering to the gods.
Guided tours of the lake operate on the hour, taking you through the reserve to learn more about the legends of the area. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about the sacred plants, ceremonies, and religious beliefs that defined the Muisca people.
Want to save time? Check out this guided tour of Guatavita, as well as the nearby Zipaquirá salt cathedral!
How to Get to Zipaquirá from Bogotá
While it is possible to visit Zipaquirá and Guatavita independently from Bogotá, I highly recommend a private tour with transportation to make the most of your time. This guided tour offers both a visit to Guatavita town and Laguna, as well as a trip to the nearby Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
However, if you plan to visit Guatavita independently, you can take a bus from Bogota’s Portal del Norte terminal. The ride to Guatavita town takes about 1.5-2 hours. You’ll have to catch another bus from the central plaza of Guatavita to the Laguna, which leaves at 11AM and 1PM daily, so make sure to factor this in when planning your transportation to Guatavita. Taxis are also available to drive you to Laguna Guatavita from town.
Medellín is Colombia’s second-biggest city, known as la ciudad de la eterna primavera, or the city of eternal spring, for its year-round sunshine and good weather. It’s a city defined by its art, music, and energy, and a can’t-miss on any traveler’s itinerary.
One of the first things to do when arriving in Medellín is grab a cup of coffee – the region is home to some of the best coffee in the country after all! Medellín offers a number of unique spots for coffee, drinks, and food, so you won’t be short on options after a day of travel. If you still have the energy, it’s also one of the best places to party in Colombia, we’re talking about everything from reggaeton to salsa dancing!
Want to learn to salsa dance in Colombia?Consider visiting Cali, the salsa capital of the country!
How to Get from Bogotá to Medellín
I highly recommend flying between Bogotá and Medellín to maximize on time. Medellín is located about 9 hours from Bogotá by bus or 1 hour by air, so you’ll have plenty more time to explore the city if you opt for a flight.
However, if you have a little extra time in your itinerary, consider spending some time in the eje cafetero – the coffee region located in between Bogotá and Medellín. I’ve written an entire eje cafetero itinerary if you’re looking for a few ideas!
FROM BOGOTÁ TO MEDELLÍN BY BUS | From Bogotá Terminal de Transporte, find buses heading directly to Medellín. Travel time of approximately 9 hours.
FROM BOGOTÁ TO MEDELLÍN BY PLANE | From El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá) fly direct to Medellín. Note that there are two airports in the city, the Jose Maria Cordova Airport (located in Rionegro) and the Olaya Herrera Airport (located in the city) Most domestic flights will arrive to the Olaya Herrera Airport.
The most popular areas for travelers in Medellin are the neighborhoods of El Poblado and Laureles. El Poblado is most definitely the “digital nomad hub,” due to its large number of cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces. Laureles has been called the “coolest neighborhood in Medellin” thanks to its colorful murals and yoga studios. Here are a few recommended accommodations in Medellin:
✨ Medellin Vibes Hostel – Cozy backpacker hostel in Laureles with a pool, garden, and more! 🏡 Hostal Casa Mosaiko – Eclectic hostel located in a modern home in Laureles 🌸 Duo Boutique Hotel – Modern and luxurious hotel located Laureles neighborhood 🐬 Rango Hostel Boutique – Boutique hostel in El Poblado with rooftop pool views
Explore all accommodation in Medellin on Booking.com
Day 5: Exploring Medellín Day 1
Medellín is home to an extensive metro system, making it easy to navigate around the city!
Start your first full day in Medellín with a cup of joe – my personal favorite is Pergamino, but it’s hard to go wrong with Colombian coffee! While you’re at it, you might as well try an arepa de choclo for good measure – a fritter made with choclo, a type of sweet corn grown in the high Andes.
Medellín is a city made up of many distinct neighborhoods, so there’s a lot to explore. But one of the best places to start is right in the centro, where you’ll get a truly authentic feel for the city. Start at the Plaza Botero, home to 23 sculptures by Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero. His style is certainly distinct, characterized by plump, voluptuous characters.
Right across from the Plaza Botero is the Museum de Antioquia, a great place to learn about the history of the city and wider Antioquia department. It’s also home to a large collection of paintings by Botero, so you can see his style in painted form. Other great things to explore in the center include the glowing columns of Plaza Cisneros, the Parque de Pies Descalzos, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria. Don’t forget to grab a coffee (or a beer!) at the oldest salón in the city, Salón Málaga!
In the afternoon, head over to the Jardín Botanico for a little nature break. Entrance is free, so there’s no excuse not to go explore the biodiversity of the park and keep an eye out for friendly iguanas! The garden is open 9AM-4PM every day, closed on Mondays.
Medellín is home to a metro system, connecting most of the major neighborhoods in the city. The public transportation system is also home to a number of metro cables, which act as a form of public transportation, but can also be a fun ride for tourists to enjoy views of the city. Click here to view a map and learn more about this system.
You can buy a Civica card at any metro station, which can be refilled for future trips. I recommend purchasing a tarjeta eventual, which can be used on all metro lines and refilled at any time. The card can be purchased at any station, and costs $10,000 COP ($2.35 USD). Each ride on the metro costs 3,900 COP ($0.92 USD)
Important Note: You can only purchase and refill your Civica card with CASH, so it’s important to have cash on hand when planning to ride the metro.
Did you know? Medellín is home to one of the largest celebrations in Colombia, the Feria de las Flores, which takes place every August!
Day 6: Exploring Medellín Day 2
Comuna 13 is a must-visit on any traveler's itinerary in Medellín
Every traveler to Medellín should visit Comuna 13. This neighborhood on the outskirts of the city was once the most dangerous in Colombia, and the second most dangerous in the world. During the 1980s, the neighborhood was ruled by guerrillas, paramilitaries, and drug cartels.
However, major social and infrastructure initiatives began in the early 2000s, and these days, Comuna 13 is one of the most colorful, vibrant neighborhoods in the city. The hillside barrio is covered in murals and graffiti done by local artists, and musicians and dancers take to the streets in a testament to the transformation of the neighborhood, and Colombia as a whole.
There are plenty of guided tours of the neighborhood offering visitors a deeper understanding of the history of the area. But I highly recommend going with a local guide for the most in-depth experience.Zippy Tours hires local guides who grew up in the community, as well as donates a portion of the profits to community efforts in the comuna.
End your day with a wander around the leafy Laureles neighborhood, and head over to Parques del Río for sunset. As the sun goes down, you’ll spot people out and about enjoying the weather and find plenty of opportunities to buy freshly-made empanadas.
Day 7: Day Trip to Guatape
Guatapé looks like something out of a storybook!
Some say Guatape is the most colorful town in Colombia, with colorful, paisa-style homes that look straight out of a fairytale. It’s certainly one of the best towns in Colombia, as well as a perfect day trip from Medellín, located only an hour and a half from the city center.
The town is notable for its colorful zocalos, carved and painted panels that tell the stories of the region. Check out the Plazoleta el Zocalo, a colorful square surrounded by zocalos telling the story of the city, or wander down the Calle del Recuerdo, often considered the most beautiful street in town.
Guatape is also home to El Penól de Guatape, a towering rock on the outskirts of the city. Those who dare climb the 740 steps to the top will be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding reservoir below, and can celebrate with some freshly sliced mango or a cold Aguila beer.
You can also enjoy the reservoir by boat, speeding through the winding islands and enjoying the breeze. This guided tour offers a boat ride, which will actually take you past some of the abandoned homes formerly associated with the Medellín Cartel.
How to Get to Guatape from Medellín
It’s easy to visit Guatape independently from Medellín if you choose. Take the metro to Terminal del Norte, where you can find buses traveling to Guatape nearly every hour. Tickets range from 15,000-20,000 COP (~$3-$5 USD)
You’ll find regular buses from the central plaza of Guatape to the Peñol de Guatape. The ride takes about 25 minutes, so be sure to factor this in when planning your day.
However, if you want to relax on your Guatape trip, this guided tour includes transportation to Guatape to and from Medellín, a boat ride, lunch, and a visit to the Peñol.
You can spot the Peñol de Guatapé from all over town!
Where to Stay in Guatape
If you have some extra time to spend, I highly recommend staying a night or two in the town of Guatape itself. There are plenty of accommodations, from backpacker hostels to quirky bed and breakfasts. Since Guatape itself is fairly small, you’ll be walking distance from most major attractions no matter where you stay.
🪴 Jordan Boutique Hotel - Lake views, garden spaces, and more at this boutique hotel 🚤 Finca Hotel Montecarlo - Stay in a local finca with stunning lake views 🎨 Casa Kayam Hostal - Connect with fellow travelers and artists at this hippie hostel 🏠 Casa Melodía - A cosy apartment right in the heart of Guatape town
Explore all accommodation options in Guatape on Booking.com
Ending Your Trip
Remember there are two airports in Medellín, and pay attention when booking your flight!
Medellín is home to two major airports, so it is possible to end your trip in the city, even flying internationally.
It’s important to note that the international airport (Jose Maria Cordova Airport - MDE) is located outside the city center in the town of Rionegro, approximately 30 minutes from Medellín. Keep this in mind if you plan when planning your trip, especially if you plan to fly early in the morning.
Public transportation is available to the international airport beginning at 6:30AM. Buses cost 20,000 COP (~$5 USD) and can be caught at the San Diego Mall or behind the Nutibara Hotel.
I’m currently on a mission to visit all 32 departments of Colombia, so I’ve explored many different regions of the country and written extensively about all things Colombia. If you want specific help planning your itinerary, leave me a message below!
What to Pack for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip!
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
