Writing as a millennial, this Colombia Travel based trip is going to make my parents weep. There’s nothing particularly dangerous in the itinerary unless you count ziplining as an extreme sport (it’s not). However, those my age, in their early thirties, can’t remember the ruthlessness and absolute chaos that gripped Colombia in the 80s and 90s, but our parents can and oh my god does Colombia’s history linger in their memories.
Colombia has progressed so much since the 90s and whilst it still has its issues, tourism is growing exponentially in the area and in South America in general. Generally it’s safe for tourists, the UK government website recommends avoiding certain areas – please see the map below (correct at the time of publishing!). This itinerary only encourages you to visit the safe areas so it might be worth checking your government travel advice before visiting.
Now that’s out of the way, we’ll get to the good bit. Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, it has deserts, jungles, forests, beaches, and cities. There is literally something for everyone in Colombia and whilst two weeks only scratches the surface of this abundant country, it’s a good place to start.
This itinerary has a solid mix of my favourite things, outdoorsy adventures, swimming, snorkelling, dancing and city life. Who doesn’t like a bit of variety?
A lot of these day trips, you could do on your own and do it cheaper. But by now you’ll know, I like to make the most of my time now that I’ve got limited vacation days and I don’t want to waste a day in this country.
Day One – Bogotá, Colombia
Fly into the city and depending on what time you arrive, make time to explore and try some of the incredible Colombian food.
Day Two – Tatacoa Desert
For this itinerary, I chose a guided tour of the Tatacoa Desert. The trip I found includes a guided hike, a trip to the local visit and the Paleontology Museum and a stargazing guide in the evening. It will set you back around $580 (Australian dollars) per person to do this, but it means you can avoid hiring a car or getting multiple buses.
The red waves on the rocks look almost Martian and totally insta-worthy. And with the opportunity to take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the end of the hike, the intense desert heat is definitely worth it.
Day Three – Tatacoa Desert to Bogotá
The tour finishes by taking a boat trip down the Magdalena River before heading back to Bogotá. You won’t get back until 7pm so don’t expect to do much in the city that day.
You can book the tour here: Tatacoa Desert 2 Day Tour
Day Four – Travel to Medellín
There are a few options to travel to Medellín (a must do in Colombia Travel), flying, bus or private car hire. Head as early as possible so you can so that by the evening you can do a Medellín Food Tour. It’s pretty pricey but it has 52 five star reviews out of 54 on tripadvisor. That’s pretty impressive.
Day Five – Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13 and Colombia History Half Day Tour
I wavered a lot about doing this tour. Dark tourism can have ill effects on a community, especially when those who suffered and family members killed are still alive today. I think it’s acceptable to do a tour like this when you’re aware of the history. Whilst the history of Pablo Escobar, and in turn Colombia, has been sensationalised through shows like Narcos, a tour like this has the potential to educate on the realities of life under Pablo. It gives the locals a chance to retake their history and control the narrative.
National Geographic writer, Robert Reid, wrote a really interesting article on “Dark Tourism” if it takes your fancy:
National Geographic Dark Tourism Article
Choose your tours wisely and check the reviews. Make sure you’re being respectful to the locals.
Day Six – Country adventure out of the city
A very different day today. Get out of the city on a day trip to La Ceja Nature Reserve. Here you’ll do ziplining, see waterfalls and lounge in high strung hammocks.
Day Seven – Peñol Rock and Guatapé
Another day trip today. This time to a huge rock with man made steps so you can climb to the top. It’s a pretty strange place to visit, it kind of reminds me of an inland version of Sugar Loaf mountain in Brazil.
A boat ride on Guatape Lake is included and also lunch.
Day Eight – Salsa Heaven
Travel to beautiful Cali today and get into the heart of salsa. Take a class and learn to roll your hips. For those more reserved, you can wait for the Diamond Salsa and watch the professionals.
Day Nine – San Cipriano
OK this is going to be such a cool trip. The village of San Cipriano is only accessible by these motorbikes attached to a train line. It takes thirty minutes to reach the village but once you’re there you’ll have access to the river. Here you’ll swim and grab a tube before meandering down the river. Bliss.
Day Ten – Cartagena
After a short stint in Cali, head to Cartagena by plane for the beach part of the vacation. When you arrive, explore the architecture and cobblestone streets.
Day Eleven – Beach Day
Spend the day at the beach, catch some rays, swim – all the good stuff.
If you’re up for an activity, you could book to do the Totumo mud baths. It looks like a lot of fun but from the research I’ve done, it’s best to book in advance and go during non-peak hours.
It’s mucky as you can guess… prepare to find mud in places you didn’t realise you could get mud.
Day Twelve – Rosario Island
Take a trip to Rosario Island. There are day trips so you can take the stress out of your trip. You’ll speed boat to multiple locations (Isla Grande, Cholon and Playa Blanca) to enjoy the beaches, snorkelling and lunch.
Day Thirteen – Return to Bogotá
Depending on your flight time back to Bogotá, you can spend the morning soaking in the sun or walking around the city. Fly back to Bogotá before your flight home tomorrow.
Day Fourteen – Goodbye Colombia Travel Journey
Another jam packed itinerary for you all. This is a trip that I would absolutely love to do (maybe for our honeymoon). However, perhaps a little more downtime would be needed.
As usual, here is the spreadsheet:
What do you think?
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