How to Get to the Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands consist of over 20 small coral islands, including some tiny unspoiled islets. The archipelago lies about 60 miles (100 km) southwest of Cartagena. Day tours... read more
Getting Around Colombia
Colombia is the fourth largest South American country, and its vast size includes a variety of landscapes: Caribbean islands, snow-capped mountains, Amazonian rainforest, and the lush Zona Cafetera coffee-growing region.
Domestic flights, car transfers, and boat transfers are all popular ways to get around Colombia. While Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is the most common arrival point for international travelers, there are several cities with good, reasonably-priced flight options including Cartagena's Rafael Nuñez (CTG) and José María Córdova (MDE) near Medellín.
While public transport is an option, the country's mountainous terrain (and less than ideal road conditions) make connections between the most popular destinations very long.
In addition to the major cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, destinations worth visiting include Tayrona National Park and La Guajira Dessert on the northern Caribbean coast, the Coffee Triangle in the Western Andes, and the up-and-coming city of Cali near the southern Pacific coast.
Domestic flights, car transfers, and boat transfers are all popular ways to get around Colombia. While Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is the most common arrival point for international travelers, there are several cities with good, reasonably-priced flight options including Cartagena's Rafael Nuñez (CTG) and José María Córdova (MDE) near Medellín.
While public transport is an option, the country's mountainous terrain (and less than ideal road conditions) make connections between the most popular destinations very long.
In addition to the major cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, destinations worth visiting include Tayrona National Park and La Guajira Dessert on the northern Caribbean coast, the Coffee Triangle in the Western Andes, and the up-and-coming city of Cali near the southern Pacific coast.
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How to Get to San Andrés Island
San Andrés Island and the Colombian archipelago is about 125 miles (200 km) from the Nicaraguan coast but is 445 miles (715 km) from the Colombian mainland. Due to this... read more
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... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to Tayrona Park
The distance between Cartagena to the Tayrona Park entrance is about 155 miles (250 km). To get to Tayrona park, you'll first have to get to Santa Marta, the largest city near... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to Minca
The distance between colonial Cartagena and the coffee town of Minca is only 154 miles (247 km), so most travelers make the journey by car. Taking a private transfer is the most... read more
How to Get to Tayrona National Park
Found in Northern Colombia, Tayrona National Park is most often accessed via nearby Santa Marta. From the entrance, you can catch the shuttle bus to venture farther into the... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Salento
Salento is only 154 miles (248 km) away from Medellín, making it an easy side trip that takes five to six hours one way. Salento is fairly easy to get to. A flight to the nearby... 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... read more
How to Get to the San Bernardo Islands
The San Bernardo Islands are located in the Gulf of Morrosquillo in the Caribbean Sea, about 50 miles (80 km) south of Cartagena. Currently, only a few islands can be visited by... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Cartagena
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, and Cartagena, the country's most visited city, are 659 miles (1,061 km) apart, but there are two popular transit options to choose from.... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Only 137 miles (220 km) separate the two main cities of the Colombian Caribbean coast. The path from Cartagena to Santa Marta is well-traveled, and there are several ways to get... read more
How to Get from Salento to Pereira
The road from Salento to Pereira is only 24 miles (39 km), meaning you can get from the doorway of the beautiful Cocora Valley to the capital of the Risaralda department in... read more
How to Get to Colombia's Coffee Region
The three largest cities that make up Colombia's Coffee Region—the Zona Cafetera—are Pereria, Armenia, and Manizales. From any of these hubs, transport is available to visit the... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Nuqui
Nuquí is 121 miles (196 km) away from Medellín, which sounds like a short distance and relatively easy to get to. However, there are limited ways to get to this area. Nuquí is... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to Barranquilla
You can traverse the 83 miles (133 km) that stand between Cartagena and Barranquilla in around two hours. Given the distance, we recommend either hiring a private driver or... read more
How to Get from Minca to Tayrona National Park
The journey from the coffee fields of Minca to the beaches in Tayrona National Park is only around 14 miles (23 km). Hiring a car is by far the easiest and most convenient... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to the Amazon Rainforest
The distance between Bogotá and Leticia, the gateway city to the Colombian Amazon, is hard to measure given the untouched rainforest that lies between the two cities. The best... 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 to La Guajira Desert
Colombia’s La Guajira Desert is a unique coastal desert that is covered in sand dunes, arid landscapes, and exquisite beaches. Getting here can be somewhat of a challenge,... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is one of the most popular weekend trips to make from Bogotá, as only 103 miles (166 km) separates the two destinations, and there are three direct transit... read more
How to Get to Colombia's Pacific Coast
The El Chocó region on Colombia’s Pacific Coast is a remote area full of thick jungles, gorgeous waterfalls, and isolated villages full of Afro-Caribbean culture. To access El... read more
How to Get from Salento to Manizales
Only 55 miles (90 km) away from Salento and the impressive Cocora Valley, Manizales is one of the most underrated cities in the Colombian coffee region. You can get there in... read more
How to Get to Colombia's Lost City Trek
Up until 1972, The Lost City was masked by the forest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This ancient city—which dates back to around 800 CE—was found by treasure hunters. Of... read more
How to Get from Santa Marta to La Guajira Desert
From Santa Marta, the distance to Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira Desert is 215 miles (346 km). This journey should take a big chunk of your day, you should arrive between 7 to 8... read more
How to Get to the Colombian Amazon
One of the best ways to reach Colombia’s Amazon Rainforest is to travel to Leticia, a remote but charming town close in proximity to both Brazil and Peru. Today, it is only... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Tayrona Park
The distance between Medellín to Tayrona National Natural Park is 523 miles (843 km). To get to Tayrona, the first thing you have to do is get to Santa Marta, the nearest city... read more
How to Get from Bahía Solano to Nuqui
Nuquí is 40 miles (64 km) away from Bahía Solano. However, there are limited ways to get around this area. Nuquí is located on Colombia's Pacific coast and the only transport... read more
How to Get from Santa Marta to Tayrona Park
There are only 9 miles (15 km) between the center of Santa Marta and the entrance of the Tayrona National Park. The two easiest options to make this short trip are taking a... read more
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.... read more
How to Get to Tierradentro
The National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro is one of the most important and fascinating archaeological sites in Colombia and South America at large. The ruins and tombs... read more
How to Get to El Chocó
El Chocó is a beautiful, and rather isolated, region on the west coast of Colombia. Here you’ll find unspoiled beaches and coastal areas that haven’t been touched by development... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Santa Marta
Santa Marta is 594 miles (956 km) away from Bogotá, making flying the most convenient travel option. A flight to Santa Marta takes about one hour and thirty minutes via a direct... read more
How to Get from Popayán to San Agustin
Traveling from Popayán to San Agustin is roughly an 84 miles (136 km) journey. Taking a direct bus is the most convenient option. Private transfers are recommended over... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Santa Marta
Medellín and Santa Marta are separated by mountains and 519 miles (835 km), but traveling between them is straightforward with a direct flight. Flight time is just over an hour.... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Barichara
Colombia's capital of Bogotá and the popular colonial city of Barichara are 270 miles (350 km) apart. Taking a direct flight to Bucaramanga is the most convenient option, but... read more
How to Get to Los Nevados National Park
Los Nevados National Park, known for its volcanoes, glaciers, and lakes, is one of Colombia’s most popular parks. In the heart of the Coffee Region, the park is home to many... read more
How to Get from Villa de Leyva to Barichara
Villa de Leyva and Barichara are 115 miles (186 km) apart, and they are two of the most visited pueblos (small towns) in Colombia due to their whitewashed buildings, cobblestone... read more
How to Get from Barichara to Bucaramanga
The 74 miles (119 km) between colonial Barichara and modern Bucaramanga are filled with beautiful mountain scenery, with the highlight being the impressive Chicamocha Canyon. ... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Tayrona National Park
There are a few ways to make the roughly 600 miles (970 km) journey from Bogotá to Tayrona National Park. The most convenient mode of transport is to fly, which takes about one... read more
How to Get from the Coffee Region to Medellín
Colombia's coffee region is a massive agricultural zone that expands through five departments: Quindio, Risaralda, Caldas, and small parts of Valle del Cauca and El Tolima.... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Bahía Solano
The city of Medellín and the small town of Bahía Solano are 125 miles (202 km) apart, and you can only reach this untouched area of the rainforest by plane. Bahía Solana is a... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Manizales
Medellín and Manizales are two of the most exciting cities in the coffee region. And while the former one is well-known, the later continues to escape the tourist radar. The... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Cali
The vibrant city of Medellín and the modern city of Cali are 260 miles (420 km) apart. The easiest and most common way to get to make the journey is by plane. You can also... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to San Agustin
Bogotá and San Agustín aren't exactly close, but the 330 miles (532 km) that separate them are well worth transversing for the latter's UNESCO-designated archaeological park.... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to Mompóx
Santa Cruz de Mompóx is 168 miles (271 km) away from Cartagena via roadways. Traveling here used to be more complicated, but thanks to some newly built bridges, there are now... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to San Andrés Island
The distance between Bogotá to San Andrés Island is 752 miles (1,211 km). The only way to make the trip is to fly, which takes a little over an hour via a direct flight. There... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Pereira
The distance between Bogotá and Pereira in Colombia's Zona Cafetera is about 200 miles (325 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about one hour via a... read more
How to Get from Popayán to Cali
The white city of Popayán and Cali are 86 miles (139 km) apart, and there are two good transit options available. The most convenient way to get to Cali is by arranging a... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to Cali
The distance between Cartagena to Cali is 656 miles (1056 km). At this distance, the easiest way to get to Cali is to fly, which takes about an hour and a half. All other... read more
How to Get from Popayán to Pasto
The scenery between the "White City," as Popayán is known, and Pasto is one of the most beautiful and dramatic in Colombia. Both towns are perched high up in the mountains, so... read more
How to Get from Cali to Bogotá
Cali, the salsa capital of the world, and Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, are around 288 miles (463 km) apart. The best way to travel between the two is by plane. There are... read more
How to Get from Pereira to Manizales
As two of the most important cities in the coffee region, Pereira and Manizales are popular destinations. You can get from one to the other in just an hour by land, which makes... read more
How to Get from San Gil to Barichara
San Gil, the adventure capital of Colombia, and Barichara, one of the country's prettiest colonial towns, are only 13 miles (22 km) apart. The best way to get to Barichara is... read more
How to Get from Tayrona National Park to La Guajira Desert
The distance between Tayrona National Natural Park entrance and the La Guajira Desert is about 144 miles (233 km). To get to the desert area, the first thing you have to do is... read more
How to Get from San Andrés Island to Cartagena
It's an easy journey from San Andrés Island to Cartagena, which is about 445 miles (716 km) south of the island. Long gone are the days of boats making the trip—now the only... read more
How to Get from San Gil to Bucaramanga
The distance between San Gil and Bucaramanga is 90 miles (144 km), and the roads on this route pass directly through the breathtaking Chicamocha Canyon. The best way to make... read more
How to Get from Santa Marta to Minca
There are only 13 miles (21 km) between the beaches of Santa Marta and the coffee fields of Minca. Taxis along the Caribbean don't have meters, so the best transit option is... read more
How to Get from Leticia to the Colombian Amazon
Leticia is not only the capital of Colombia's Amazonas department, it is also considered the most laid back major city in the entire Amazon. You don't really get from Leticia... read more
How to Get from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands
It’s an easy day trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. The archipelago lies about 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Cartagena. The Rosario Islands consist of over 20 small... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to Minca
The distance between Bogotá to Minca, a small town in Colombia's Coffee Country, is 601 miles (968 km). To get to Minca, the first thing you have to do is get to Santa Marta,... read more
How to Get from Bogotá to San José del Guaviare
Despite being the gateway to several incredible natural sights—such as the Amazon, the Chiribiteque National Park, and the River of Colors—San José del Guaviare is still very... read more
How to Get from Leticia to Bogotá
The only way to make the 678-mile (1,092 km) journey from Leticia to Bogotá is by plane. The direct flight will take about two hours, and there are at least two flights leaving... read more
How to Get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla
A mere 65 miles (105 km) separate Santa Marta and Barranquilla, two popular cities on the coast of the Caribbean. Since there is no direct flight between the two destinations,... 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... read more
How to Get from Medellín to Guatape
Guatapé is an absolute must-do trip from Medellín. Most people do just a day, but an overnight stay means you get to enjoy the colorful colonial town at night—something tourists... read more