How many days do you need in Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands & Cartagena?
- Most travelers spend 10-12 days in Bogotá, Medellín, San Bernardo Islands, and Cartagena combined
- Visiting Bogotá, Medellín, San Bernardo Islands, and Cartagena in 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Barichara and Villa de Leyva
How Many Days to Spend in Bogotá
How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena
How Many Days to Spend in Medellín
Recommended Itineraries for Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands & Cartagena
Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive to Bogotá - Explore the City | Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Bogotá City Tour | Bogotá |
| Day 3 | Bogotá - Flight to Medellín | Medellín |
| Day 4 | Coffee Finca Day-Trip | Medellín |
| Day 5 | Arrive in Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 6 | Cartagena Landmarks - Bazurto Market | Cartagena |
| Day 7 | Chocolate Workshop and Afternoon Rum Tasting | Cartagena |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Múcura (San Bernardo Islands) | Isla Múcura |
| Day 9 | Múcura Highlights | Isla Múcura |
| Day 10 | San Bernardo Islands - Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 11 | Explore Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 12 | Depart Cartagena |
This 12-day trip highlights four of Colombia's most exciting cities—perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture. Start with tours in Bogotá and Medellín, two cities with their own treasures to discover, then head north to Cartagena for colonial romance, art galleries, and rooftop bars. End your trip with two nights on the San Bernardo Islands, including picture-perfect Isla Múcura. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
16-Day Itinerary Including Barichara & Villa de Leyva
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive to Bogotá, Explore the City | Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Bogotá City Tour | Bogotá |
| Day 3 | Villa de Leyva & Colonial Colombia | Bogotá |
| Day 4 | Explore Villa de Leyva | Villa de Leyva |
| Day 5 | Driving Tour of Villa de Leyva, Transfer to Barichara | Barichara |
| Day 6 | Hike from Barichara to Guane | Barichara |
| Day 7 | Fly to Medellín, Explore | Medellín |
| Day 8 | Medellín City Tour | Medellín |
| Day 9 | Guatapé Day-Trip | Medellín |
| Day 10 | Fly to Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 11 | Cartagena Landmarks & Bazurto Market | Cartagena |
| Day 12 | Explore Cartagena, Mangrove Tour | Cartagena |
| Day 13 | Transfer to the San Bernardo Islands | Isla Mucura |
| Day 14 | Múcura Highlights | Isla Mucura |
| Day 15 | Transfer to Cartagena, Free Time | Cartagena |
| Day 16 | Depart Cartagena |
This classic Colombia itinerary starts in Bogotá and then travels north to the Caribbean. Along the route, you'll visit famous salt mines and charming colonial towns like Barichara and Villa de Leyva, with a couple of days to explore the modern metropolitan city of Medellín. Once you reach the coast, you'll spend a few days exploring Cartagena before relaxing on the pristine beaches of the San Bernardo Islands. Read more
How to travel between Bogotá, Medellín, the San Bernardo Islands & Cartagena
How to get from Bogotá to Medellín
The distance between two of Colombia's largest cities, Bogotá and Medellín, is 260 miles (419 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about an hour. Going by car is also an option—the route takes significantly longer (over 10 hours), but this is a great way to see the hilly, scenic countryside, and there are a few noteworthy stops you can make along the way. Private transfers are recommended over self-driving, though it can be an expensive option at this distance. Read more
How to get from Cartagena to Isla Múcura
The distance between Cartagena and Isla Múcura is about 50 miles (80 km). Isla Múcura and the surrounding islands of San Bernardo can only be accessed by a two-hour boat ride. Read more
How to get from Medellín to Cartagena
The distance between Medellín and Cartagena is 389 miles (636 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about an hour. Buses run from Medellín to Cartagena numerous times every day and are an economical way to go; you can expect at least thirteen hours on the road. Private transfers are recommended over self-driving, though it can be an expensive option at this distance. Read more
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