Colombia 11-Day Tour: Cartagena, Medellin & Bogota Highlights

Summary

Cartagena to Bogota: Colombia Multi-City Adventure with Local Guides

You’ll get real Colombian flavor on this 11-day journey—Caribbean coastlines, vibrant cities, mountain villages, hands-on coffee tours, and local guides who know all the shortcuts and stories. It’s perfect if you want variety without worrying about logistics or missing those must-see spots.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Cartagena felt like stepping into a painting—humid air, the faint sound of salsa from a passing taxi, and our guide waving my name just outside baggage claim. The hotel was right by the old city walls; I could hear distant street vendors calling out “arepas!” as we checked in. Mornings started with fresh fruit and coffee before heading out to explore the city’s heart: the clock tower, Bazurto market (the smell of fried fish hits you before you even see the stalls), and the thick stone walls of San Felipe castle. Our guide, Camilo, knew everyone—from the fruit lady who handed us slices of mango sprinkled with salt to the café owner who let us peek at his family’s old photos. Sunset at Café del Mar? That breeze off Cartagena Bay is something you don’t forget.

The Rosario Islands trip was pure escape—clear water and sand so soft it squeaks underfoot. Lunch was grilled fish caught that morning; I still remember squeezing lime over it while watching pelicans dive nearby. After three nights, we flew to Medellin. The drive from Rionegro airport took almost an hour but zipped by as our driver pointed out hillside barrios and stopped for cash at a tiny ATM kiosk (don’t forget your passport for withdrawals).

Medellin surprised me—modern metro cable cars gliding above neighborhoods splashed with graffiti art. Plaza Botero had these huge bronze statues; kids climbed on them while locals chatted on benches. We rode up to Arvi Park for fresh mountain air and views over the valley. In Guatape, climbing Peñol rock left my legs shaky but wow—the view is worth every step. Lunch was tilapia by the lake; our guide suggested a spot where they serve it straight from their own nets.

The coffee farm day was hands-on: picking ripe cherries alongside Don Luis (he’s been growing coffee since he was a kid), learning how beans are dried on big mesh trays in the sun, then riding horses through rows of glossy green plants after lunch. On the way back we stopped at an old bridge over the Cauca river—locals say it’s one of the oldest around.

Bogota felt cooler right away—literally and vibe-wise. Our hotel near Parque 93 made it easy to walk around in the evenings. The Gold Museum had displays that glittered under soft lights; Monserrate gave us sweeping views after a funicular ride that creaked just enough to make it exciting. La Candelaria’s colonial streets were full of students and street artists sketching on corners. The last big day took us underground at Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (it’s chilly down there!) then out to Villa de Leyva—a town where time seems stuck in place with cobblestone plazas and whitewashed houses.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Cartagena

• Meet guide and check in Hotel Dan Cartagena

Day 2 — Cartagena city tour

• Visit clock tower, Bazurto market, old town, San Felipe castle
• Watch sunset at Café del Mar
• Walk old town and learn history
• Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle
• Sample local fruits

Day 3 — Rosario Islands excursion

• Boat trip to Rosario Islands
• Visit paradisiac islands

Day 4 — Travel to Medellin

• Transfer to Cartagena airport
• Arrival and check in Hotel Dorado La 70 Medellin

Day 5 — Medellin city tour

• Visit Pueblito Paisa panoramic views
• See Fernando Botero statues at Plaza Botero
• Optional Antioquia Museum visit
• Ride Medellin metro cable
• Visit Arvi Park by cable car
• Explore local community and graffiti
• Drive by various city spots

Day 6 — Guatape & Peñol rock

• Visit Peñol rock and views
• Explore Guatape town
• Visit relocated old town

Day 7 — Coffee farm tour with lunch

• Tour coffee farm with lunch and horse ride
• Photo stop at Cauca river bridge

Day 8 — Travel to Bogota

• Transfer to Medellin airport
• Arrival and check in Hotel NH Bogotá Pavillon Royal

Day 9 — Bogota city tour

• Visit Gold Museum
• Climb Mt. Monserrate
• Walk La Candelaria historic district
• Walk around city
• Drive by Parque 93

Day 10 — Zipaquira & Villa de Leyva

• Visit Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
• Explore Villa de Leyva village

Day 11 — Departure

• Transfer to airport for departure

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes—it’s designed for all fitness levels and includes private transport between cities plus flexible pacing during day tours.

Are meals included every day?

Breakfast is included daily; lunch is provided during the coffee farm tour. Other lunches are at your own pace with local recommendations from guides.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk during city tours and some attractions like Peñol rock or Monserrate require stairs or gentle climbs, but there are plenty of breaks and options to rest.

Can I use public transportation?

Certain activities include rides on local transport like Medellin’s cable car; otherwise private transfers are arranged for comfort.

What’s included

This package covers all accommodations with breakfast (double rooms), guided day tours in each city (Cartagena city tour, Rosario Islands boat trip, Medellin city tour, Guatape & Peñol rock excursion, coffee farm experience with lunch and horse ride), Bogota city tour plus Zipaquira Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva visit, airport transfers in each destination—and friendly bilingual guides who help you feel right at home.