21 days in Colombia Itinerary

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 sightseeing, parks, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Plaza Botero, stroll through Parque Arvi, get engrossed in the history at Museum Pablo Escobar, and see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

For reviews, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Medellin online vacation planner.

Milan, Italy to Medellin is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Colombia Standard Time, which is usually a -6 hour difference. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in August, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) early enough to drive to Guatape.

On the shores of a large artificial lake, Guatape ensures a pleasant experience in a quiet little town known for its friendly residents and attractive architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Mon): explore the striking landscape at Piedra Del Penol, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen, and then make a trip to Parque Tematico Replica del Viejo Penol.

For ratings, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Guatape trip planning site.

You can drive from Medellin to Guatape in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Medellin in August; daily highs in Guatape reach 26°C and lows reach 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Medellin.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Medellin vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Guatape to Medellin in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Guatape in August, expect Medellin to be a bit warmer, temps between 33°C and 20°C. On the 8th (Tue), you're off to Armenia.

The capital city of Quindio Department, Armenia was founded in 1889 by Jesus Maria Ocampo as he sought a hideout in the Quindio mountains.

Get out of town with these interesting Armenia side-trips: Parque del Cafe (in Montenegro) and Salento (Bosques de Cocora, Kasaguadua Natural Reserve, &more). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Eje Cafetero (Zona Cafetera), get engrossed in the history at Museo del Oro Quimbaya, and browse the different shops at Centro Comercial Calima.

To find traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read Armenia trip planner.

You can fly from Medellin to Armenia in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Armenia can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly 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.

Go for a jaunt from Santa Marta to Minca to see Museo Minca - Memorial Museum Of The Sierra Nevada about 44 minutes away. Spend the 13th (Sun) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. The adventure continues: stroll around Parque de Los Novios, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Grande, relax and rejuvenate at La Basilica Yoga Studio & Boutique, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Bahia Concha.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Santa Marta trip planner.

Fly from Armenia to Santa Marta in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In August, Santa Marta is a bit warmer than Armenia - with highs of 39°C and lows of 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can drive to Tayrona National Park.

Go for a jaunt from Tayrona National Park to Minca to see Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta about 1h 30 min away. Spend the 17th (Thu) exploring nature at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.

To find maps, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Tayrona National Park trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park takes 1.5 hours. August in Tayrona National Park sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to travel 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, sightseeing, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the historical opulence of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, contemplate the long history of Walled City of Cartagena, don't miss a visit to Plaza Santo Domingo, and take an in-depth tour of Museo del Oro Zenu.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Cartagena trip maker.

You can do a combination of taxi and bus from Tayrona National Park to Cartagena in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In August, daytime highs in Cartagena are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue) early enough to catch the flight to Medellin.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Wed): take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

To find ratings, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Medellin attractions planning tool.

Fly from Cartagena to Medellin in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Cartagena in August, expect Medellin to be slightly colder, temps between 33°C and 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.