17 days in Colombia Itinerary

The coral San Andres Island boasts a rich colonial history, exotic beaches, and a laidback, tropical lifestyle.

San Andres Island is known for nature, wildlife, and beaches. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: step off the mainland to explore Johnny Cay, explore the fascinating underground world of Morgan's Cave, discover the deep blue sea with Aquanautas, and make a trip to Rocky Cay.

Planning San Andres Island trip won't be overwhelming when you use Inspirock's itinerary maker.

Monterrey, Mexico to San Andres Island is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. Traveling from Monterrey to San Andres Island, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 35°C in July, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) early enough to travel to Santa Marta.

Many visitors begin their Santa Marta holiday, surrounded by urban clutter and heavy traffic, expecting little from the city in terms of historical importance.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Wed): look for gifts at Yo Amo Santa Marta and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. Keep things going the next day: explore the world behind art at Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, and then stroll around Parque de Los Novios.

To find ratings, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Santa Marta trip planner.

You can fly from San Andres Island to Santa Marta in 6.5 hours. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from San Andres Island in July: highs in Santa Marta hover around 39°C, while lows dip to 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Cartagena.

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Spend the 14th (Sun) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, look for gifts at Mapale Arte a Mano, make a trip to Plaza Santo Domingo, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa.

To see more things to do, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Cartagena road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Marta to Cartagena takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Cartagena are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Medellin.

Nestled between rising hills in a narrow valley, Medellin serves as an energetic melting pot of people from all socio-economic classes.

Medellin is known for parks, museums, and zoos & aquariums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the local highlights with Walking tours, make a trip to Plaza Botero, take an in-depth tour of Museo de Antioquia, and look for all kinds of wild species at Parque Arvi.

For maps, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Medellin online trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Cartagena to Medellin takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Cartagena in July, with highs in Medellin at 34°C and lows at 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Wed) early enough to travel to Salento.

Founded in 1842, the town of Salento represents the oldest established settlement in Quindio.

On the 18th (Thu), explore the striking landscape of Bosques de Cocora. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Kasaguadua Natural Reserve, relax in the rural setting at Las Acacias Coffee Farm, and then indulge in your favorite hot beverage with a coffee and tea tour.

To find traveler tips and more tourist information, read Salento trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Medellin to Salento takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Salento can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) early enough to travel to Bogota.

Colombia's heart and soul, Bogota has earned the nickname "Athens of South America" thanks to its abundance of universities, libraries, and lower-level schools.

Go for a jaunt from Bogota to Zipaquira to see Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira about 54 minutes away. There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), take in the awesome beauty at Monserrate, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and explore the world behind art at Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica.

To see photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Bogota road trip site.

You can fly from Salento to Bogota in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of taxi and flight. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Salento in July: high temperatures in Bogota hover around 21°C and lows are around 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.