Colombia
What to do in 2-3 weeks
Welcome to NatWasThere, where I share my favorite travel experiences. This time, it’s all about Colombia, a country that completely stole my heart.
In December 2024, I spent weeks exploring its vibrant cities, paradise beaches, and lush coffee region, always seeking out the most authentic spots. From the golden sands of Palomino and the wild beauty of Tayrona to the charm of Cartagena, the creative energy of Medellín, and the breathtaking Cocora Valley, this trip was unforgettable.
You can always take more time in each place, but I’ve designed a route that captures the essence of Colombia without wasting a single day.
If you’re planning your own adventure, here’s my full itinerary, packed with places you won’t want to miss!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Santa Marta
DAY 2-4: Palomino + Tayrona
DAY 5-7: Cartagena
DAY 8-12: Medellín + Guatapé
DAY 13-16: Salento + Cocora Valley
DAY 17-20: Bogotá
COLOMBIA
Bogotá
Santa Marta
Our first stop! We flew into Santa Marta and stayed for just one night and a morning. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite place, but it’s a good starting point to explore the coast. The city is lively, and you can check out the waterfront or local markets, but I wouldn’t spend too much time here.
Palomino
Palomino was a dream. We stayed at Naio Hotel, a beautiful place surrounded by palm trees. The design is amazing, and we had our own villa with a private pool, it felt like a little luxury retreat in the middle of nature.
The village has a cool, artsy vibe, with a mix of travelers, surfers, and locals. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, floating down the river on a tube, or enjoying live music in the evening. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the moment.
To get here, take a local bus from Santa Marta, it’s cheap, easy, and a fun way to experience local life!
Tayrona
Tayrona National Park is incredible, but here’s a tip: avoid weekends if you want a peaceful experience. It can get very crowded, so it’s best to visit during the week or in the low season.
One of our favorite beaches was Playa Piscina, it’s quieter and has calm waters, perfect for swimming. The hike through the park is also beautiful, and you’ll probably see monkeys along the way, which makes the experience even more special!
Tayrona
Palomino
Cartagena
To get to Cartagena from Santa Marta, the most common option is taking a bus, but be warned: it’s almost always delayed. We read about it before the trip, and it turned out to be true. The journey took longer than expected, so plan accordingly. Once you arrive at the Cartagena bus station, watch out for taxi scams, super common here.
Now, about the city itself, Cartagena de Indias is pure magic! The atmosphere is lively, the colonial streets are full of color, and the art is everywhere. It’s a city made for walking, whether you’re strolling past beautiful murals, watching street performers, or sitting in a plaza where locals gather to eat and chat. The energy here is incredible!
Cartagena is also a great spot for a beach retreat, with plenty of stunning islands nearby. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or a stylish hotel to relax in, you’ll find plenty of options.
Cartagena
Medellín
Medellín truly stole my heart! The city has an undeniable energy that reminded me of Madrid, and I loved it on another level. From vibrant restaurants to cozy coffee spots (Simón Coffee had my favorite coffee of the whole trip!), Medellín is full of life and great vibes.
We stayed in the charming neighborhood of El Poblado, and I highly recommend it. It’s perfect for walking, with its safe streets, modern architecture, and lush greenery that makes you feel like you’re in a jungle at times. It’s a beautiful, peaceful area where you can truly soak in the city's unique charm.
For dining, you have to try Sambombi Bistró Local and El Botánico, two of my absolute favorites. As for where to stay, we loved Hotel Boutique Quinta Ladera. It felt more like a home than a hotel: cozy, chill, with an amazing staff and a perfect location. It’s quiet, peaceful, and just the ideal place to relax after a busy day exploring the city.
Don’t miss Comuna 13, the transformation of this area is inspiring, and the street art is incredible. But a little warning: it gets very crowded, so go early if you want a more relaxed experience.
Guatape
You can’t miss Guatapé, a stunning lake just two hours from Medellín. This is where Medellín’s elite have their weekend homes, and honestly, I get why. It’s the perfect place to enjoy nature, go jet skiing, take a boat ride, or even a helicopter tour over the lake. We stayed at The Brown, and it was absolutely worth it!
The village itself is like a fairytale, with colorful streets and a peaceful vibe. My tip? Get lost in the quieter areas, it’s the best way to soak in the beauty of the town. And if you have time, hike up El Peñón de Guatape for the best panoramic views of the lake!
To get here, you can take a bus from Medellín or, if you prefer a smoother ride, I have a great private driver recommendation. He was the best driver we had in Colombia, and the price was super affordable: send me an email if you want his contact! :)
Comuna 13
MedellÍn
Comuna 13
Guatape
Salento
From Medellín, we took a bus to Salento, and for once, it was perfectly on time! What a relief!
Salento is a small, colorful town nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush nature. The moment we arrived, we felt its slow, peaceful rhythm, where locals chat on their doorsteps, and life seems to move at a different pace. It’s a joy to walk around, completely safe, and full of cozy spots to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat.
One of our favorite spots was a charming, restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for a cozy meal, Māji by Cerón.
The best way to explore the coffee farms is either by walking or hopping on one of the traditional Willys jeeps that leave from the main plaza. We chose to walk, stopping at the farms that caught our eye, chatting with the owners, and enjoying freshly brewed coffee straight from the source. There’s also a beautiful nature reserve nearby where the owners take incredible care of the environment, highly recommended if you love sustainability and nature.
If you have extra time, don’t skip Filandia, it’s another charming town with spectacular views and a slightly less touristy feel than Salento.
Cocora Valley
To reach the Cocora Valley, just catch one of the Willys jeeps from Salento’s main plaza, it’s the easiest and most fun way to get there!
And wow! This place is truly magical. Seeing the tallest palm trees in the world feels surreal, like stepping into a dream. I recommend doing the full loop hike instead of staying near the entrance, the best views are further along the trail, far from the crowds. If you love nature and photography, this is a place you’ll never forget.
Salento
Cocora Valley
Bogotá
For the last part of our trip, we flew from Armenia to Bogotá, and let me tell you, the food in Bogota is next-level! Every single meal was incredible. Here are some of my absolute favorite restaurants that you have to try: Debora restaurante and Restaurante Nueve.
We stayed in Zona G, Chapinero, a neighborhood that felt safe, lively, and full of cool restaurants, boutique stores, and stylish cafés. It’s a great area to walk around and explore, and we discovered some amazing coffee spots and cocktail bars that totally reminded us of home in Berlin. One place in particular Decandente had the exact same vibe as our favorite bars back home, definitely a must-visit!
Of course, a trip to Bogotá isn’t complete without a stroll through the historic center, where you’ll find artisan shops and stunning Colombian crafts, the kind of unique pieces that remind you of the soul of a place. I always love bringing something special home, those treasures that you can’t find just anywhere, even in the age of globalization.
Bogotá
…COMING SOON!
And of course, don’t miss my Colombia Google Map! The ultimate companion with all my favorite places pinned for you! :)