Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera?

• Most travelers spend 7-10 days in Medellín, Cartagena, and Zona Cafetera combined
• With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Bogotá and Tayrona National Park

How Many Days to Spend in Medellín
How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena
How Many Days to Spend in Colombia's Coffee Region

Recommended Itineraries for Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

This classic itinerary covers Colombia's Zona Cafetera (coffee zone), bookended by two of Latin America's most exciting cities. The adventure starts in striking Medellín, where you'll explore the city with a local guide. You'll then drive to the heart of the coffee region and stay overnight at a working farm. Enjoy a guided hike through stunning green mountains before flying north to Cartagena, where you'll have time to hit the narrow streets of this colonial inner-walled city. Read more

Extended Itineraries

10-Day Itinerary Including Bogotá

Check off three unforgettable cities on this whirlwind 10-day tour, starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight at a coffee farm, where you'll hike the green mountains of Cocora Valley, dotted with towering palm trees. From here, head to Medellín—a city with outdoor art and spring-like weather—before ending on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore the romantic streets of Cartagena's Old Town. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Bogotá & Tayrona National Park

From the buzzing nightlife of Bogotá to the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Medellín and the romance of Cartagena's Old Town, this well-rounded journey covers Colombia's best urban highlights and yet breaks it up with outdoorsy adventures along the way. Starting in the capital, the two-week adventure is ideal for travelers who want to experience culture and historic sights but who are also enticed by hiking in coffee fields, exploring a rainforest on the Caribbean Coast, and relaxing on white-sand beaches in Tayrona National Park. Read more

How to travel between Medellín, Cartagena & Zona Cafetera

How to get from Pereira to Medellín
The distance between Pereira to Medellín is 262 miles (423 km). Flying is the easiest way to travel to Medellín from Pereira, which takes less than an hour via a direct flight. Going by private transfer is also an option—the route takes about five hours, depending on the frequent delays due to accidents and roadwork. Self-driving is not recommended on this route. Buses and colectivo (shared vans) are also available, though public transport is less comfortable/convenient (and colectivo rides can be a white-knuckle experience). Read more

How to get from Cartagena to Pereira
There are 525 miles (844 km) between the Caribbean city of Cartagena and Pereira, the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing region. There are two transit options, but the quickest is a 90-minute flight. 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