Colombia in 3 to 4 Weeks

3-4 Week Colombia Itinerary: From Lush Jungles to Caribbean Vibes

Colombia packs more diversity into one country than most entire continents. In 3 to 4 weeks, you’ll see the colorful cities, wander through lush coffee valleys, and head north to discover pristine Caribbean beaches, remote jungle treks, and relaxed mountain towns. This itinerary blends iconic highlights with lesser-known gems — the kind of places that stick with you long after your backpack (or suitcase) is unpacked.

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Traditional indigenous huts surrounded by lush jungle on the Lost City Trek in Colombia.

Highlights

    Overview:

    Week 1 – 2: Classic Colombia
    Discover vibrant cities and the lush Coffee Region (Bogotá, Medellín, Salento, Cartagena)

    ➡️Find the complete itinerary for these two weeks here!

    Week 3 – 4: The wild & wonderful north
    Explore the Caribbean coast, jungle hideaways, dreamy beach towns, and tackle the Lost City Trek!

    Got even more time? Check out our extended 5 to 6 weeks itinerary

    Week 1 – 2: Colombian Highlights

    • Day 1-3: Bogotá – The cultural capital in the Andes
    • Day 4-6: Medellín – Urban rebirth & Color
    • Day 7-9: Salento – Coffee farms & palm forests
    • Day 10-14: Cartagena – Colonial streets & Caribbean breeze

    From Cartagena, travel to Santa Marta — your gateway to coastal and jungle adventures.

    How to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?

    ✈️: Not practical — there are no direct flights
    🚌 : From the busterminal in Cartagena there are daily buses to Santa Marta (4-5 hours)

    Panoramic view over Bogotá from the Monserrate viewpoint, with the sprawling city surrounded by Andean mountains.
    Colorful street art in Comuna 13, Medellín, showing the neighborhood’s vibrant spirit and transformation.
    Towering wax palm trees reaching into the clouds in Colombia’s Cocora Valley, near Salento.
    Lively street art in Getsemaní, Cartagena, capturing the neighborhood’s artistic and Caribbean flair.

    Week 3: Coastline & Jungle Foothills

    Day 15-17: Tayrona National Park

    Colombia’s most famous national park is where jungle meets Caribbean sea — raw, wild, and breathtaking.

    Must do’s:

    • Hike through the jungle to reach Cabo San Juan beach
    • Spot wildlife like monkeys, toucans, and maybe even jaguars
    • Camp overnight in a hammock, tent or eco-lodge
    • Disconnect & soak in nature

    Tip: Bring water, snacks, and your yellow fever certificate
    Read: Here is your ultimate guide for visiting Tayrona National Park

    How to get from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park?

    🚌 : Local buses from Mercado Público (ask locals for departure times)
    🚕 : A bit more expensive, but faster and more flexible
    🏍️ : A lot of tourists take a moto-taxi

    Scenic view of Cabo San Juan beach in Tayrona National Park, with turquoise waters, white sand, and swaying palm trees.
    Tall palm trees lining a jungle trail in Tayrona National Park, capturing the lush tropical landscape during the hike

    Day 18-20: Minca

    High in the Sierra Nevada, Minca is a backpacker’s haven of waterfalls, cacao farms, and epic mountain sunsets.

    Top experiences:

    • Hike to Marinka or Pozo Azul Waterfalls
    • Tour a cacao or coffee finca
    • Watch the sunset from a hammock at Casa Elemento or Mundo Nuevo

    Tip: Great spot to relax before your big trek!

    How to get from Tayrona National Park to Minca?

    🚕 : The fastest route (1.5 hours)
    🏍️ : Head back to Santa Marta and take a motorbike taxi or jeep to Minca

    Panoramic view over the lush green mountains of the Sierra Nevada from Minca, with misty hills and dense jungle canopy.

    Week 4: The Lost City

    Day 21-25: 4-Day Lost City Trek

    Hike to Ciudad Perdida, Colombia’s own “Lost City”, built centuries before Machu Picchu and only reachable on foot.

    Trek highlights:

    • 4-day jungle trek through rivers, rainforest & mountain trails
    • Overnight in basic but scenic jungle camps
    • Guided visits to indigenous communities
    • Reach the mustical ruins of Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida)

    Trek essentials:

    • Distance: 45km roundtrip
    • Must-pack: Good hiking shoes, bug spray, water filter and swimwear
    • Includes: Lodging, expansive meals, permits, bilingual guides

    Read: The Lost City Trek in Colombia

    Rows of simple jungle bunk beds with mosquito nets in an open-air wooden shelter during the Lost City Trek.
    Clear jungle river with smooth rocks and green surroundings, a refreshing swimming spot along the Lost City Trek.
    Stone steps winding through the jungle leading to the early ruins of the Lost City, partially hidden by dense vegetation.
    Iconic view of the Lost City terraces nestled in the mountains, with layered stone platforms surrounded by jungle-covered hills.

    How to get from Minca to The Lost City Trek?

    Most tours start from Santa Marta, so return there the night before departure. In most ho(s)tels you can book this tour, and leave your big backpack or suitcases for those couple of days.

    Day 26-27: Recharge in Santa Marta

    You’ve earned a break! Time for laundry, good food, and a fresh bed.

    Optional extras:

    • Relax at nearby Palomino beach
    • Take a diving course in Tanganga
    • Book a massage or spa day
    Tall palm tree leaning over a quiet sandy beach in Palomino.

    Day 28: Farewell Colombia

    Depending on your next destination, you’ll fly home from Santa Marta, Bogotá, or Medellín. Time to say goodbye — but you’ll be back.

    Practical tips for visiting Colombia

    How to get to Colombia?

    The main international airports of Colombia are:

    • Bogotá (BOG) – Best for starting this itinerary
    • Medellín (MDE) – Alternative if arriving from Central America or Europe

    Backpacking on? Read everything about crossing borders to Panama or Ecuador here!

    How to get around in Colombia?

    • By bus: Cheaper but slow (good option: night buses)
    • By plane: Fast and affordable, but check extra baggage fees
    • Organized tours: Great for those who prefer a worry-free experience
    Colorful street in Cartagena with a bright yellow colonial building adorned with charming balconies and intricate details, showcasing the city's vibrant architecture.

    Where to stay in Colombia?

    • Bogotá: La Candelaria or Zona Rosa.
      • Hotel Tip: Arche Noah Boutique Hostel.
    • Medellín: Laurales or El Poblado.
      • Hotel Tip: Manila Hotel Boutique.
    • Salento: Cozy small village — any ho(s)tel near the center is perfect
    • Cartagena: Getsemaní.
      • Hotel Tip: Santuario Getsemaní Hostel.
    • Santa Marta: Historic Center or Rodadero
      • Hotel Tip: The Dreamer Hostel.
    • Tayrona National Park: Multiple options inside the park
    • Minca: In the hills aroun town for views and jungle immersion
      • Hotel Tip: Casa Loma Minca
    • Lost City Trek: Accommodation is provided by tour companies
      • Book at your ho(s)tel
    A vibrant, colorful tuktuk in the streets of Guatapé, adding to the town's lively atmosphere with its bright colors and unique charm.

    How much money do you need?

    Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
    Colombia is very affordable. On average:

    • We spent b$40-50 USD per day (accommodation, transport, food, activities, mobile data (using an e-sim))
    • Budget travelers spending less (cheaper accommodation with cooking your own food), luxury travelers spending more (more flights instead of buses for example)

    Best time to visit Colombia?

    • December to March: Best (driest) weather
    • April to November: Rainier but cheaper
    • Northern Colombia is warmer year-round than the center
    Annual weather forecast for Colombia, highlighting temperature and rainfall accross the country throughout the year.

    Do I need a visa to enter Colombia?

    Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
    ! Bring a valid passport and proof of onward travel

    What to pack for this 3-4 week Colombia itinerary?

    Depending on the time of the year you visit, you may have different weather conditions throughout Colombia. In the North of Colombia it is warm all year round, but higher cities like Bogotá can be a bit chillier. It is best to always bring extra layers with you. Below, you’ll find a packing list for this 3-4 week itinerary:

    • Clothing:
      • T-shirts and tops
      • Trousers and shorts
      • Swimsuit (maybe some extra because of the amount of beaches!)
      • Light Fleece/Windbreaker
      • Hiking Pants/Leggings
      • Socks and underwear
      • Casual outfit or dress (especially for Cartagena evenings!)
      • Lightweight hiking gear for the Lost City
    • Shoes:
      • Hiking Boots
      • Flip Flops
      • Comfortable sneakers
    • Other essentials:
      • Sunscreen
      • Bug Spray
      • Reusable water bottle
      • Travel towel
      • Power bank
      • Universal travel adapter
      • Sunglasses and/or hat
      • Copies of important documents
      • Small first aid kit
      • Books or games for slower days
    Colorful street art in Cartagena depicting a woman with a tropical vibe, holding a coconut with a straw, capturing the lively and vibrant culture of the city.

    Safety tips for traveling in Colombia

    Colombia is much safer now than it used to be, but it’s still important to stay alert. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

    • Always watch your belongings, especially in busy areas
    • Avoid walking alone at night, particularly outside of touristic areas
    • Emergency number: 123
    • Trust your intuition – if a place doesn’t feel right, leave

    Reminder: being cautious doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip! Most travelers visit Colombia without any trouble.

    Ready for your unforgettable Colombia adventure?

    In just a few weeks, you’ll hike ancient trails, sip world-class coffee where it’s grown, chill on the Caribbean coast, and discover why Colombia is one of South America’s most exciting destinations.
    This itinerary strikes the perfect balance between cities and nature, planning and spontaneity, culture and adventure!

    ¡Vamos!

    A photo of us with the ancient ruins of the Lost City in the background, nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada jungle of Colombia.

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