16 days in Bogota, Cartagena & Isla Baru 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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira and Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de los Dolores. Let the collections at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and DIBS by Culture Shock Colombia capture your imagination. Change things up with these side-trips from Bogota: La Calera (Observatorio de Colibries & Minga Expeditions), Laguna de Guatavita (in Tierra Negra) and Centro de Memoria El Cuartico (in Valledupar). And it doesn't end there: take in the awesome beauty at Monserrate, explore the world behind art at Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica, get a new perspective on things with Dive & Tours, and take in the dramatic scenery at Quebrada San Francisco o Vicacha.

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If you are flying in from Egypt, the closest major aiport is El Dorado International Airport. In February, daytime highs in Bogota are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) to allow time to fly 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Scuba & Snorkeling and Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano). Head to NH Galeria and San Lazaro Distrito de Artesfor some retail therapy. There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, appreciate the extensive heritage of Barrio Getsemani, take an in-depth tour of Museo del Oro Zenu, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa.

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You can fly from Bogota to Cartagena in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Bogota in February, plan for a bit warmer days and much hotter nights in Cartagena: temperatures range from 36°C by day to 28°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Isla Baru.

Lying south of Cartagena, Isla Baru was connected to the mainland until the construction of the Canal del Dique.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Playa Blanca and Playa Puntilla. Visiting Aviario Nacional de Colombia and Afronautica will get you outdoors.

Discover how to plan a Isla Baru trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

You can ride a ferry from Cartagena to Isla Baru in 2.5 hours.