5-6 Week Colombia Itinerary: From Caribbean Coast to the Ecuadorian Border

Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in the world — culturally, geographically, and spiritually. In just five to six weeks, you can dance to Afro-Caribbean rhythms, hike through cloud forests, explore colorful cities, and even end your trip near the mystical highlands of Ecuador.
This slow-travel itinerary was crafted from our own journey through Colombia. It offers a natural route going up from Bogotá all the way south to the Ecuadorian border — with all the iconic highlights, plus unforgettable off-the-beaten-path stops along the way.

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Highlights

    Overview

    Week 1-2: Caribbean Coast & Jungle Adventure

    Day 1-3: Bogotá

    Ease into Colombia with a few days in the high-altitude capital. Explore the historic center of La Candelaria, admire the views from Monserrate, and dive into street food and museums.

    Where to stay: Arche Noah Boutique Hostel (La Candelaria)
    Read: the ultimate guide for Bogotá

    Day 4-5: Santa Marta

    Head north to the Caribbean coast. Santa Marta is a hot, lively city — perfect for organizing trips to Tayrona, Minca, and the Lost City Trek.

    Where to stay: Dreamer Hostel

    How to get from Bogotá to Santa Marta?
    ✈️ : Direct flight (1.5 hours, most convenient)
    🚌 : Long-distance overnight bus (up to 18 hours)

    Day 6-9: Tayrona National Park

    Hike from the jungle to Cabo San Juan beach. Stay overnight in a hammock or tent beneath the stars and soak in the raw beauty of Colombia’s most famous national park.

    Read: Everything you need to know before 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

    Day 10-12: Minca

    Unplug in the cooler jungle hills of Minca. Hike to waterfalls, visit coffee farms, and chill in mountaintop hostels with epic sunsets.

    Where to stay: Mundo Nuevo, Casas Viejas, or Sierra Minca — all with amazing views
    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

    Day 13-17: Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

    One of South-America’s best treks. Travel deep into the Sierra Nevada, sleep in hammocks, swim in rivers, and clim 1.200 stone steps to reach the mysterious Lost City — built over 600 years before Machu Picchu.

    Read: The Lost City Trek in Colombia

    How to start the Trek?
    Return to Santa Marta the night before. Tours depart early from there, and most hostels let you leave your big bags behind safely.

    Week 3-4: From the Caribbean to the Coffee Region

    Day 18-20: Cartagena

    Explore Cartagena’s charming streets and vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood. Dance to salsa, enjoy rooftop sunsets, and immerse yourself in Caribbean culture.

    Where to stay: Santuario Getsemaní Hostel
    Read: The Best Things To Do in Cartagena

    How to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
    ✈️ : Flights available but not recommended (longer than bus with transfers)
    🚌 : Leaving from the bus terminal daily (4-5 hours)

    Day 21-23: Medellín

    Ride the cable cars into the hills, tour Comuna 13’s street art, and experience Medellín’s incredible urban transformation.

    Where to stay: Manila Hotel Boutique
    Read: The Best Things To Do In Medellín

    How to get from Cartagena to Medellín?
    ✈️ : Direct flight (1.5 hours)
    🚌 : Overnight bus (13-14 hours)

    Day 24-27: Salento & the Cocora Valley

    Sip fresh coffee on a finca tour, then hike through the Calle de Cocora surrounded by the tallest palm trees in the world. Salento is a charming mountain town perfect for winding down.

    Where to stay: Any central guesthouse near the plaza
    Read: Salento & The Cocora Valley

    How to get from Medellín to Salento?
    ✈️ : Fly to Pereira or Armenia (about 1-hour flights) and take a taxi or local bus to Salento (45min to 1 hour)
    🚌 : Get a bus to Pereira or Armenia, then transfer to Salento (6-8 hours total)

    Week 5-6: Heading South

    Day 28-32: Tatacoa Desert

    This red-and-grey desert is Colombia’s hidden gem. Hike through cactus fields, visit natural swimming pools, and watch the stars from one of South America’s clearest night skies.

    Where to stay: in Neiva or Villavieja

    How to get from Salento to Tatacoa Desert?
    ✈️ : Fly from Pereira to Neiva (rare, may require layover)
    🚌 : Salento → Neiva (~9h, via Armenia) + tuk-tuk or moto-taxi to Villavieja

    Day 33-35: Popayán

    Wander colonial white-washed streets, enjoy the relaxed pace, and sample traditional southern Colombian food. A peaceful, cultural stop before heading to the border.

    Where to stay: HostelTrail or ParkLife Hostel (both central)

    How to get from Tatacoa Desert to Popayán?
    🚌 : Neiva → Popayán via bus (8–9 hours)

    Day 36-40: Ipiales & Las Lajas Sanctuary

    This border town is home to one of the most dramatic cathedrals in the world — Las Lajas, built across a canyon. Stay nearby for sunrise views and prepare for your crossing into Ecuador.

    Where to stay: Hotel Royal Class

    How to get from Popayán to Ipiales?
    🚌 : Direct buses available (10-12 hours overnight)

    Day 41: Cross into Ecuador

    Your Colombian journey ends — and a new one begins

    Cross the Rumichaca border into Ecuador, either toward Otavalo or Quito. You’ve just completed one of the richest, most varied backpacking journeys South America has to offer.

    Read: What You Need To Know If You Want To Cross The Border In or Out Of Colombia

    Practical Tips for Your 5–6 Week Trip

    Best Time to Go

    • December–March: Dry season = best for hiking & beaches
    • April–November: Rainier, but still good in the north

    Getting Around

    • Bus: Great for budget travelers (look into night buses!)
    • Domestic Flights: Use for big hops (e.g., Cartana to Medellín)

    Suggested Budget

    • $40–60 USD/day (backpacker-style)
      More for internal flights or boutique stays

    What to Pack

    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 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

    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

    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 to Experience Colombia’s Full Diversity?

    This 5–6 week Colombia itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to take their time, soak in every region, and head onward into Ecuador. From jungle adventures and desert stargazing to vibrant cities and Andean villages — Colombia truly has it all.

    Time to pack your bags and embrace the journey.

    ¡Vamos!

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