Colombia 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Colombia: Discovering Bogotá, Medellín, and Guatapé

Day 1: Exploring Bogotá

Places to Go

  1. Monserrate: A mountain with a church on top that offers stunning views of Bogotá. You can take a cable car or hike up if you’re feeling adventurous.
  2. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Home to the largest pre-Columbian gold collection in the world, this museum provides insights into Colombia’s rich indigenous history.
  3. La Candelaria: Bogotá’s historic neighborhood filled with colorful colonial houses, vibrant street art, and lively plazas.
  4. Botero Museum (Museo Botero): Houses the largest collection of works by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

Activities

  1. Graffiti Tours: Discover Bogotá’s vibrant street art scene with a guided graffiti tour.
  2. Ciclovía: On Sundays and holidays, many of Bogotá’s main roads are closed to cars and opened for cyclists, runners, and walkers. Join the locals and explore the city in an eco-friendly way!
  3. Traditional Food Tasting: Try local dishes like Bandeja Paisa, Arepas, and Sancocho at a local restaurant.

Things to Know

  1. Bogotá’s weather can be quite chilly, so pack layers.
  2. Spanish is the official language, although some English is spoken in tourist areas.
  3. Tap water in Bogotá is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water.
  4. Bogotá operates on Colombian Standard Time (COT).

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Colombia. Check the Colombian Foreign Ministry website for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and application process.

Transportation

Taxis are widely available in Bogotá, but using ride-hailing apps like Cabify or DiDi is recommended for safety. The TransMilenio bus system is also a convenient way to get around the city.

Day 2: From Bogotá to Medellín

Transportation

Take a flight from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Places to Go

  1. Parque Arví: A massive nature reserve with hiking trails, zip-lining, and a cable car offering panoramic views of the city.
  2. Comuna 13: Visit this once dangerous neighborhood that has been transformed into an open-air museum showcasing street art, murals, and interactive exhibits.
  3. Plaza Botero: Admire more than two dozen sculptures by Fernando Botero in this popular downtown square.
  4. El Peñol (Rock of Guatapé): A giant rock formation near Medellín offering breathtaking views after climbing its 659 steps to the top.

Activities

  1. Coffee Farm Tour: Explore a traditional Colombian coffee farm and learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee beans.
  2. Salsa Dancing Lessons: Learn the rhythmic moves of salsa with a dance instructor at a local salsoteca (salsa club).
  3. Paragliding: Experience Medellín from above by paragliding over Guatapé and the surrounding countryside.

Things to Know

  1. Medellín’s weather is typically warm and humid year-round, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing.
  2. Poblado and El Centro are the most tourist-friendly neighborhoods in Medellín.
  3. Medellín operates on Colombian Standard Time (COT).

Day 3: Guatapé

Transportation

Take a bus or hire a car from Medellín to Guatapé, which takes approximately two hours.

Places to Go

  1. El Peñol (Rock of Guatapé): Climb the 659 steps to the top for stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
  2. Zocalos: Vibrant, colorful murals decorate the zocalos (street corners) in Guatapé. Take a stroll and admire the intricate designs.
  3. Embalse de Guatapé: A massive reservoir offering boat tours, water sports, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Activities

  1. Hiking: Explore the nearby hills and trails for some scenic hikes with stunning vistas.
  2. Boat Tour: Take a boat tour on Embalse de Guatapé to explore the lake and its many coves and islands.
  3. Traditional Lunch: Try local dishes like trucha frita (fried trout) or bandeja paisa at a local restaurant.

Things to Know

  1. Guatapé is a popular weekend destination for Colombians, so it can get quite crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.
  2. The town’s streets are covered with zebra crossings that double as pedestrian walkways during busy periods.
  3. Guatapé operates on Colombian Standard Time (COT).