June 26, 2026, 8:12 am | Read time: 7 minutes
For TRAVELBOOK author Julia Mähl, Colombia was long just a blank spot on the map–just like all of Latin America. Before she set foot off the plane, a few Instagram reels and TikToks laid the foundation for her ideas about the flora and fauna, and her knowledge of the country and its people was quite limited. After traveling through the country for six weeks, she now shares her favorite stops and how much time you should plan for each.
After six weeks of intensive travel, I know that Colombia hides white sandy beaches, lush green jungles, vibrant city life, and small, sleepy towns. For those who, like me, still find the country vast and unknown, I have the perfect travel route. It not only combines must-see highlights but also showcases the different facets of the country, and felt safe even for a Latin America newbie like me.
Start in Bogotá
We started our route in Bogotá. Colombia’s capital is the starting point for many travelers. It has a large airport and is easily accessible from many countries. If you research the city in advance, you often hear the same thing: Bogotá is not a must, but it is often unavoidable.
That’s true, but not entirely. In my opinion, you can plan two nights in Bogotá with a clear conscience during your trip through the country. For activities and accommodation, I recommend the “La Candelaria” neighborhood. Here, you not only feel safe, but you can also stroll between small cafes and restaurants during the day, dare to climb the “Monserrate” mountain, and end the day in one of the bars in the evening. Additionally, Bogotá has several museums, such as the Gold Museum “Museo del Oro,” where you can learn about the country’s culture and history.
But you definitely don’t need more than two nights in Bogotá. There are far too many fantastic stops on the way through Colombia.
Two to Three Nights in Salento
One of them is certainly this small town in the mountains: Salento is about seven hours from Bogotá and is easily accessible by one of the buses. Both the town itself and the surrounding region are known for their good coffee–which brings us to my first excursion recommendation. Anyone visiting Salento should not miss a visit to a coffee plantation. Many of them offer extras in addition to the tour of the grounds, such as a tasting or a roasting course. The latter, in particular, is a heartfelt recommendation from me.
One of the most famous attractions around Salento is a visit to the “Valle de Cocora,” which has caused quite a hype on social media. With its towering, slender palms and fantastic views of the greenery, the valley is much more than just a popular photo spot. If you research the route in advance, you can also take great hiking tours or book guided tours here.
Another spot on the bucket list around Salento is the town of Filandia. You can reach it–like most places–with the local transport company “Willys Ride,” which takes you from A to B by Jeep. Filandia has a similar charm to Salento, so a visit is more optional if you might prefer to spend a whole day in Salento exploring the town, drinking coffee by the cup, eating Trucha (grilled trout), or walking to the “Alto de la Cruz” viewpoint.
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Medellín is a Must
One of my highlights in Colombia is definitely the city of Medellín. This is partly due to its exciting history–after all, in the 1980s, the narcotraficantes and Pablo Escobar were a big deal here. So if you’re interested in taking a tour of the city, you can learn a lot more on the various “Free Walking Tours” offered.
Since the late ’90s, the city has changed a lot. Efforts have been made to actively combat its once dark image, and Medellín has since developed into a true metropolis. Spending time here is especially fun for those who enjoy eating, trying out bars, and going out. The most famous–and also the safest–neighborhood is “El Poblado.” But if you don’t want to stay in the middle of the action, the “Laureles” neighborhood is also a good choice. Here, the focus is less on partying, and the neighborhood feels a bit more like “real” life.
If you have time, you should definitely take a trip from Medellín to Guatapé, visit Comuna 13 or Comuna 4, and–if interested–also visit the Pablo Escobar Museum. Four to five nights in Medellín are worthwhile.
Peace in Palomino
From the bustling city of Medellín, it’s off to the Caribbean coast. If you want, you can also book a bus here–but it takes 17 hours and is only slightly cheaper than a flight to Santa Marta, so I would advise against it.
From Santa Marta, a public bus line runs along the coast, allowing you to easily hit all the highlights. The order is optional; we did it from back to front and went to Palomino first.
The sleepy town on the coast may not have the most beautiful beaches, but it has a charm that almost made us stay. Many small shops and restaurants, beautiful accommodations, and a consistently relaxed atmosphere create a vacation feeling that has already made some people regulars. I recommend four nights for anyone who wants to arrive and unwind on their trip.
Tayrona National Park on the Coast
An absolute highlight on the Caribbean coast is Tayrona National Park. On extensive jungle trails, you can make your way to the beach and crown the hiking trip with a visit to the postcard beach “Cabo San Juan del Guía.” My personal recommendation is not to stay there but to continue walking to the right or left. The beaches there are just as beautiful but much quieter.
If you like, you can also stay overnight in the park and watch the sunset from a hammock right by the sea. Definitely a unique experience, especially if you want to go hiking for several days in a row.
However, we chose accommodation right at the park entrance and preferred to take the same bus to “Los Cocos” beach after a strenuous day of hiking. It’s a real dream–almost without people and with an absolutely dreamlike setting.
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Diverse Nature in Minca
Also on the route, this time to the right of Santa Marta, is the town of Minca. If you want to visit it, you will be taken into the jungle by minibuses and can then book further transport to your accommodation from the small town center. My recommendation for Minca: I would book a nice hostel with a pool and view anytime, enjoy sunsets there, hike, and relax. If you have a passion for birdwatching, you’ll also get your money’s worth in this region, as the nature around Minca is known for its diversity. Depending on the route, you may also pass small coffee farms or waterfalls for swimming. Two to three nights are sufficient for this rather relaxed region.
Final Stop in Cartagena
If you’re looking for a colorful farewell to your trip through Colombia, Cartagena is the place to be. The city is about five hours from Santa Marta and is also easily accessible by bus. Although it is by the sea, Cartagena has rather unspectacular city beaches. But that’s okay, because instead of lying by the water, you can stroll through the colorful downtown, visit the “Getsemaní” neighborhood, ride a bike to sunset spots, go dancing in the evening, or try the Caribbean-influenced cuisine. Definitely enough to keep you busy for three to four days without any problems.