32 days in Colombia Itinerary

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bogota: Zipaquira (Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira & Esensal) and Museo Aeroespacial Colombiano (in Tocancipa). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), take in the awesome beauty at Monserrate, browse the different shops at Centro Comercial Portal 80, and admire the masterpieces at Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica.

For reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Bogota trip itinerary maker app.

Sydney, Australia to Bogota is an approximately 28-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Colombia Standard Time (COT) is minus 15 hours. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Sydney in December, with highs in Bogota at 22°C and lows at 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Tayrona National Park.

On the 14th (Mon), explore the striking landscape of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.

For photos, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Tayrona National Park trip itinerary site.

Traveling by flight from Bogota to Tayrona National Park takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect much warmer temperatures when traveling from Bogota in December; daily highs in Tayrona National Park reach 39°C and lows reach 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

Santa Marta is known for beaches, wildlife, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, tour the pleasant surroundings at Cristal Beach, don't miss a visit to El Amanuense Libros & Cafe, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Santa Marta.

To find more things to do, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Santa Marta attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Tayrona National Park to Santa Marta takes 1.5 hours. In December in Santa Marta, expect temperatures between 39°C during the day and 28°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to go by car 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.

Cartagena is known for historic sites, museums, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the historical opulence of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, contemplate the long history of Walled City of Cartagena, and get impressive views of Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano).

To find maps, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Cartagena road trip planning site.

Getting from Santa Marta to Cartagena by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Cartagena can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Mon) to allow time to travel to San Andres Island.

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: identify plant and animal life at La Piscinita, tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa de Spratt Bight, head off the coast to Johnny Cay, and Head underground at Morgan's Cave.

To see other places to visit and more tourist information, you can read our San Andres Island trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by flight from Cartagena to San Andres Island takes 3.5 hours. In December, daily temperatures in San Andres Island can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) early enough 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, meet the residents at Parque Explora, explore the activities along Laguna de Guatape, and make a trip to Plaza Botero.

To see more things to do and tourist information, read our Medellin tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from San Andres Island to Medellin takes 4 hours. Traveling from San Andres Island in December, Medellin is slightly colder at night with lows of 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can travel to Montenegro.

Named after the dark trees covering the area's hills, Montenegro (literally Black Mountain) sits in a verdant zone irrigated by three major rivers.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Thu): head outdoors with Globos Colombia, get outside with Canopy Los Caracolies, and then make a trip to Eje cafetero (Zona Cafetera). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: try out the rides at Parque del Cafe.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Montenegro trip itinerary maker website.

Traveling by flight from Medellin to Montenegro takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in December, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) to allow time to drive to Salento.

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

Spend the 2nd (Sat) exploring nature at Bosques de Cocora. The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Kasaguadua Natural Reserve, relax in the rural setting at El Recuerdo Finca Cafetera Tradicional, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and view the masterpieces at Region Paisaje / Landscape Region.

To find maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Salento day trip planner.

You can drive from Montenegro to Salento in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Salento can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Step out of Cali to go to Palmira and see Catedral de Nuestra Senora del Rosario del Palmar, which is approximately 40 minutes away. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Museo Aereo Fenix, head outdoors with Picoloro Ecoturismo, get to know the resident critters at Zoologico de Cali, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia La Ermita.

To see more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Cali day trip planner.

Getting from Salento to Cali by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Cali can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.