1 Week in Colombia - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Time in Colombia: Medellín & Cartagena

Gently introduce children to Colombia's colorful delights and vibrant cities on this one-week family-friendly itinerary. While using Medellín as your base, the entire family will get to know the country's rich culture through guided tours and visits to traditional villages. Then, with three days in Cartagena, children will have endless fun navigating the city on a treasure hunt and joining a horseback ride along the beach.

Welcome to Colombia! Your family trip begins with a free afternoon in Medellín, where young ones' faces will light up as you stroll through the colorful streets. Wake early the following day and set out on a guided tour of the city's highlights, including Plaza San Antonio and the Museum of Antioquia; then, let kids get hands-on during a visit to Explora Park and end the day enjoying quality family time in the gardens of Museo El Castillo. Pack in visits to the nearby villages of Santa Elana, celebrated for its flower farm, and Guatapé, famous for its colorful traditional houses, before continuing your journey north.

A short flight brings your family to Cartagena, where children can delight in a chocolate-making workshop. The entire family will love making their way through the Old City's maze of alleys. Next, continue the excitement during an engaging treasure hunt filled with fun challenges and visits to Totumo Mud Volcano and the Salinas de Galerazamba (The Pink Sea). Then, saddle up for an exciting horseback ride along the beach and enjoy a leisurely evening before finding your way to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Trip to Caribbean Colombia: Cartagena & Santa Marta

This family trip in Colombia offers the perfect blend of culture and Caribbean sun while showcasing the best of Cartagena and Santa Marta. Children of all ages will enjoy learning about life in a different country through farm and school visits. And after a full day dedicated to discovering the natural beauty of Tayrona National Park, the entire family can leave with a well-rounded introduction to the country.

Begin your family trip in the colorful jewel of Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena, stretching plane legs during a stroll around the city and dinner at the kid-friendly Candé. Next, get ready for a full day of fun, starting with a tour of the city's highlights, including the Walled City, La Popa Monastery, and the Old City, then end the day indulging in a delicious chocolate-tasting experience. Settled in, it's time to introduce kids to a different way of life during a visit to the Batambora Drum Workshop School, and after time at a bird sanctuary on Isla Barú, everyone will be ready for a flavor-packed dinner at Carmen. 

The second half of your family trip starts with a private transfer north to Santa Marta, a beach town famous for its rich history and natural beauty. Spend the first day splashing around in the hotel's pool and wandering the historic district, but rest up, as the following day, it's time to explore Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. Hike in the tropical foothills near Playa Cañaveral, discover the underwater world at Pa Piscini, and soak up quality family time at Cabo San Juan. Then, enjoy learning about the process of coffee farming in Minca before heading to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Colombia's Coffee Zone with Kids: Bogotá & Pereira

Complete with a coffee-inspired theme park visit, a soak in a natural hot spring tucked in the mountains, and a thrilling horseback ride, this weeklong Colombia trip is perfect for active families. Starting in Bogotá, it's easy for children and adults alike to get acquainted with Colombia's rich culture and cuisine through food and walking tours. Then, head into the "Coffee Zone," where a range of exciting and educational activities will entertain the entire family.

After arriving in Bogotá and transferring to your hotel, decide as a family between a climb up Cerro Monserrate for fantastic city views or a relaxing afternoon in Simón Bolívar Park until it's time to sample local specialties at the Paloquemao Market. Continue the kid-friendly food adventure the following day during a guided walk around Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, then fueled up, embark on a city tour to check out the Plaza de Bolívar, Catedral Primada, and the Gold Museum. Next, it's time to catch a flight to Zona Cafetera (Coffee Zone) and settle in for five days of family-friendly adventures.

Using Pereira as your base, you'll tick off the region's must-dos, starting by soaking in Santa Rosa de Cabal's hot springs. Perfect for kids, the following day's trip to Parque del Café (Coffee Park) will delight all as you learn about the fascinating world of coffee production. Then, with two more days to explore, make sure to take the kids on a trip to the Río Blanco Forest Reserve to see unique birds, enjoy a horseback riding tour through the Hacienda el Palomar, and learn about cacao fruit at Hacienda Venecia before transferring to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Beach & Culture Vacation in Caribbean Colombia

Crafted for families looking for a mix of city, culture, and beaches, this beach and culture vacation promises to be a hit for kids and adults. Split your time between the colorful city of Cartagena, admiring the urban sights by bike, and the tropical paradise of Isla Barú. Plus, with plenty of time to listen to local music, create coconut crafts, and explore vibrant neighborhoods, the entire family will be introduced to the warmth of Colombia's culture.

Straight off the plane in Cartagena, your sun-drenched family adventure begins with an exciting afternoon wandering the neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo and sampling street food in Getsemaní. Next, hop on two wheels and explore the city by bike, letting kids ride alongside a parent or take their own, and end the day enjoying a hands-on chocolate workshop. The following morning, a short flight brings you to Isla Barú, a family-friendly tropical paradise and the perfect place to settle in for quality family time at the beach.

Spend two brilliant days ticking off activities of your choice, such as biking, snorkeling, beach hopping, or a combination of all, that will keep both kids and adults entertained. Before you know it, it will be time to transfer back to Cartagena, where you'll dig deeper into the rich culture of Colombia. Immerse yourself and your family in the local music scene at La Boquilla, listen to captivating stories while creating coconut crafts, and stroll through vibrant neighborhoods in search of unique souvenirs. But all too soon, it will be time to pack up your new treasures and catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Family-Friendly Colombia Taster: Bogotá & Cartagena

With three nights each in Bogotá and Cartagena, this family-friendly "taster" is perfect for families looking for a mix of outdoor fun and cultural exploration. Through craft workshops, chocolate-making experiences, and educational city tours, children will get a thorough introduction to Colombia's culture and history. Add on visits to bustling markets and a traditional fishing trip, and everyone will head home feeling appreciative of the simpler things in life.

After meeting your driver at the airport and transferring to your family-friendly hotel in Bogotá, you'll dust off any jet lag during two exciting days of exploration. Let kids burn off energy hiking up Cerro Monserrate and tempt everyone's taste buds during a fruit-focused walking tour at the Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao. Then, enjoy a fun day listening to fascinating tales as you wander Plaza de Bolívar and Museo de Botero. Before flying north, squeeze in a day touring the nearby crater-shaped Laguna de Guatavita and admiring Salt Cathedral, an underground church built within a salt mine.

Kids will be delighted to hear it's time to head to the coast for three days of family fun. Spend your first evening in Cartagena wandering Old Town; then, see the city by two wheels on a kid-friendly bike tour of Holy Trinity Square, Roman Bridge, and the Manga neighborhood. Continue the cultural highlights the next day during a fishing excursion from La Boquilla to learn traditional techniques and watch kids' eyes light up as they make their own souvenirs during a coconut craft workshop. It'll soon be time to head to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Colombia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Colombia? Check out these other one-week Colombia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.