17 days in Colombia Itinerary

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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Aviario Nacional de Colombia and Plaza de la Aduana. Step out of Cartagena to go to Isla Baru and see Playa Puntilla, which is approximately 1 hour away. And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Plaza de San Diego, take in the spiritual surroundings of Templo de Santo Domingo, appreciate the history behind Escultura de Adolfo Mejia, and explore the historical opulence of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.

Plan trip to Cartagena with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Stockholm, Sweden to Cartagena is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Colombia Standard Time (COT), which is usually a -6 hour difference. Traveling from Stockholm in March, things will get much hotter in Cartagena: highs are around 37°C and lows about 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can travel to San Andres Island.

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

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Scuba San Andres Dive Shop and Parque Tematico El Pueblito Isleno San Andres. There's still lots to do: explore the gorgeous colors at West View, explore the striking landscape at Hoyo Soplador, pause for some photo ops at Plaza Canon de Morgan, and head off the coast to Johnny Cay.

For traveler tips, photos, maps, and tourist information, refer to the San Andres Island day trip app.

Fly from Cartagena to San Andres Island in 3.5 hours. In March, daily temperatures in San Andres Island can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) to allow enough time 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Parque Natural Chicaque and Jardin Botanico de Bogota Jose Celestino Mutis. There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), admire the natural beauty at Piero Jardinero, explore the world behind art at Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica, and walk around Parque de Usaquen.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Bogota road trip planner.

Traveling by flight from San Andres Island to Bogota takes 4.5 hours. Traveling from San Andres Island in March, expect nights in Bogota to be cooler, around 10°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Cali.

Learning how to salsa may be the most popular thing to do in Cali, but this giant city in southwestern Colombia represents more than just the "Salsa Capital of the World." Home to over 2 million people, thriving Cali serves as a major commercial and industrial center in South America, boasting the fastest-growing economy in Colombia.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): examine the collection at MUSA Museo Arqueologico, then get a dose of the wild on Andoke, then don't miss a visit to Mirador Sebastian Belalcazar, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Iglesia de San Antonio. Keep things going the next day: see the interesting displays at Museo del Oro Calima, get to know the resident critters at Zoologico de Cali, and then don't miss a visit to Camino Real.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Cali tour itinerary builder site.

You can fly from Bogota to Cali in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Bogota in March, expect Cali to be somewhat warmer, temps between 36°C and 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Parque Arvi and Laguna de Guatape. When in Medellin, make a side trip to see Medellin Adventure Trails in Guarne, approximately Guarne away. There's much more to do: get engrossed in the history at Museo de Antioquia, test your team's savvy at Enigma Escape Room Medellin - Envigado, pause for some serene contemplation at Templo Parroquial Jesus Nazareno, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To see maps, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Medellin online journey planner.

You can fly from Cali to Medellin in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Cali in March, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Medellin: temperatures range from 32°C by day to 21°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.