
Colombia
Colombia isn’t necessarily the first destination on the list when you think of South America. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked with a huge amount to offer any traveller, even though it might sound daunting.
With its location on the Caribbean, there are some lovely beach resorts – which are a great choice in the summer months to avoid hurricanes. You also can’t go to that area and not go to Cartagena, the beautiful coastal city with its colourful houses and buildings.
For others, and especially coffee lovers, it will be a visit to the Cocora Valley, which is famous for its wax palm trees and learn about the production of coffee beans which make it to the UK.
Given the geography of Colombia, everyone travels by aeroplane – it has one of the busiest domestic networks anywhere in the world with many flights a day connecting its biggest towns and cities. Therefore it makes travelling around
Essential Information
BEST TIME TO VISIT
You can visit all year round, but best avoid the height of the summer.
FLIGHT TIME
Around 10 hours, direct from London.
TIME ZONE
GMT/BST -5
CURRENCY
Colombian Peso
IDEAL FOR
There is something for everyone, and especially coffee lovers. There are great cities, lovely beach resorts and plenty of things to do.
HOW TO GET THERE
Direct flights to Bogota are available from London, indirect flights through America connect through to the regional cities.
LANGUAGE
Spanish
IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH
Bogota is the busiest hub in the region, so you could combine a stay here with the beaches of the Caribbean, or maybe something more adventurous elsewhere in South America.
Our Favourite Places in Colombia
Suggested Itineraries

Treasures of Colombia
14 day holiday
Bogota, Villa de Layva, Barichara, Medellin, Cartagena
This journey through Colombia begins in the capital, Bogotá, where you’ll explore its historic centre, world-renowned museums and panoramic views from Monserrate Hill. From here, travel overland to the charming colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Barichara. Along the way, you’ll visit the impressive Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá and soak up the region’s pre-Hispanic and colonial heritage. In Barichara, enjoy scenic walks, archaeological museums, and a trip to Chicamocha National Park, home to dramatic canyons and one of the longest cable cars in the world.
Next, fly to Medellín, a city transformed from a troubled past into a vibrant centre for the arts and innovation. Highlights here include riding the city’s cable cars, visiting Comuna 13’s famous street art, and a day trip to colourful Guatapé and El Peñol rock. The final stop is the Caribbean gem of Cartagena, where you’ll explore the beautifully preserved old town, hilltop monasteries and colonial fortresses. There’s also time to unwind at your own pace and enjoy the cafés and culture before returning home.

Colombia Highlights
14 day holiday
Bogota, Villa de Layva, Coffee Region, Medellin, Tayrona National Park, Cartagena
This itinerary offers a superb introduction to Colombia, blending vibrant cities, lush countryside, and Caribbean charm. Begin in Bogotá, the capital, where you’ll explore colonial architecture, world-class museums, and the historic La Candelaria district. Then journey north to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most picturesque towns, and visit the dramatic underground Salt Cathedral en route. From here, fly to the heart of the coffee region, staying near Pereira. You’ll explore the lush Cocora Valley with its towering wax palms, visit charming Salento, and gain insight into Colombia’s prized coffee production on a local finca.
Next, fly to Medellín, once known for its troubled past and now recognised for its urban transformation and cultural revival. Ride the cable cars, admire street art in Comuna 13, and explore the works of Fernando Botero. The trip continues to Tayrona National Park on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where rainforests meet golden beaches in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike, relax, or simply enjoy the natural beauty before ending in Cartagena, a city steeped in colonial history and colour. Here, take in panoramic views, lively squares, and restored mansions before returning home.

Classic Panama and Colombia
13 day holiday
Panama City, Panama Canal, Bogota, Villa de Layva, Coffee Region, Medellin, Cartagena
This itinerary brings together the cultural highlights and scenic diversity of Panama and Colombia. It begins in Panama City, where you explore the historic Casco Viejo with its blend of European architectural styles and visit the impressive Miraflores Lock. A partial transit through the Panama Canal aboard the Pacific Queen offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most iconic engineering feats. You then fly to Bogotá, Colombia’s bustling capital, to explore the colonial charm of La Candelaria, the renowned Gold Museum, and the city views from Monserrate Mountain.
From Bogotá, the journey continues into Colombia’s verdant coffee region. Learn about coffee production on a plantation tour and explore the stunning Cocora Valley with its soaring wax palms. Visit the colourful Andean towns of Salento and Finlandia before travelling overland to Medellín, a city reborn through urban innovation and creativity. After soaking up the energy of Comuna 13 and its vibrant street art, fly to Cartagena, Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Discover its colonial architecture, explore the formidable San Felipe Fortress, and enjoy time at leisure, perhaps venturing to the nearby Rosario Islands.

Wild Colombia
12 day holiday
Bogota, Los Llanos, Medellin, Bahia Solano
This Colombian adventure begins in the capital, Bogotá, where you’ll explore its vibrant blend of colonial charm and modern energy, including the Gold Museum, La Candelaria and panoramic views from Monserrate. From here, you’ll head deep into the plains of Los Llanos for an authentic cowboy experience. Stay on a traditional finca, spotting wildlife on safaris and soaking up the beauty of this vast and biodiverse region through birdwatching, stargazing drives and walks or canoe trips across seasonal wetlands.
Next, you’ll fly to Medellín, a city transformed from a turbulent past into a hub of innovation. After a brief stay, you continue to Colombia’s wild Pacific Coast, where lush rainforest meets black-sand beaches. Enjoy time in Bahia Solano and Utría National Park, exploring mangroves, coastal jungle and peaceful, remote shorelines. A return to Medellín allows for flexibility with unpredictable coastal weather before you end your journey, flying home via Bogotá after a well-paced mix of culture, nature, and coast.

Birdwatching in Colombia
15 day holiday
Bogota, Hacienda Bambusa, Manizales, Santa Marta, Minca
This birding-focused journey through Colombia begins in the capital, Bogotá. Spend your early days exploring the city’s colonial heart with visits to the Gold Museum and Monserrate for sweeping views, before heading out to Chingaza National Park and nearby reserves for your first glimpses of Colombia’s extraordinary birdlife. You’ll then fly to the coffee region, staying in characterful haciendas surrounded by lush countryside. From the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley to the hummingbirds of Acaime Reserve and the forests of Tinamú and Rio Blanco, this leg of the trip is rich in both birding and breathtaking scenery.
Continue north to the Caribbean coast, beginning in Santa Marta and its coastal mangroves before heading up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Here, you’ll stay at the remote El Dorado Reserve, famed for its endemic species and sweeping views. Days are filled with forest hikes, birdwatching along trails like La Cumbre, and even the chance for nocturnal wildlife sightings. After this in-depth exploration of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions, you’ll return to Bogotá for your international flight home.

Cities of Colombia
12 day holiday
Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota
Your journey begins with an international flight to Bogotá, Colombia’s capital. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the stylish Zona Rosa. Over the next few days, you’ll explore the city’s historical centre with a private guide, taking in the renowned Gold Museum, panoramic views from Monserrate, and vibrant street art during a dedicated graffiti tour. This blend of colonial charm and contemporary culture sets the tone for your introduction to the country.
Next, you’ll fly to Medellín, a city that has transformed itself into one of Colombia’s most forward-thinking urban centres. After a guided city tour, you’ll head out into the surrounding countryside to climb the striking rock of El Peñol and visit the technicolour town of Guatapé. From there, your final stop is Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean coast. Here, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the walled city and have a free day to explore its cobbled streets, plazas and cafés at your own pace before returning home.
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