Colombia travel guide

Overview

Most first trips start in Bogotá for the Gold Museum and Monserrate, then fly to Medellín, linked to the capital by more than 40 flights a day, for Comuna 13 and a day trip to Guatapé, about 2 hours away by bus. A second flight reaches Cartagena's walled city on the Caribbean, where boats leave for the Rosario Islands, about 90 min away.

Colombia has no summer or winter: the temperature depends on altitude. Bogotá averages about 14°C, Medellín about 22°C, and Cartagena is hot. The drier months are December to January and July to August; April to May and October to November are cloudier, often with sunny mornings and rainy afternoons.

When to go

BestGo with a plan

janBestfebMildmarMildaprRainymayRainyjunMildjulBestaugBestsepMildoctRainynovRainydecBest

Medellín holds its Feria de las Flores every August; the main event is the Desfile de Silleteros, when flower growers parade elaborate flower displays carried on their backs.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Cartagena]

Cartagena in 3 daysPalace of the Inquisition, San Pedro Claver Sanctuary, City walls, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, La Popa Convent, Bocagrande Beach, Zenú Gold Museum, Pegasus WharfBalanced pace

[Photo: Medellín]

Medellín in 3 daysPlaza Botero, Museo de Antioquia, Placita de Flórez, Pueblito Paisa, Comuna 13, Laureles, Botanical Garden, El Peñol Rock, GuatapéBalanced pace

[Photo: Colombia]

Colombia in 7 daysGold Museum, Monserrate, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13, El Peñol Rock, Guatapé, Cartagena walls, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Bocagrande BeachBalanced pace

Where to stay

BogotáLa Candelaria for museums and old streets on foot; Chapinero around the Zona G for restaurants; Usaquén for a quieter, small-town feel in the north.Best areas to stay in Bogotá Hotels in Bogotá

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CartagenaThe walled city to walk everywhere; Getsemaní for terraces and bars just outside the walls; Bocagrande for the beach and tall hotels.Best areas to stay in Cartagena Hotels in Cartagena

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MedellínEl Poblado for restaurants and nightlife around Parque Lleras; Laureles for a relaxed, tree-lined base; the Centro for Plaza Botero and the museums.Best areas to stay in Medellín Hotels in Medellín

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Getting around

Flights: Domestic flights link Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, with more than 40 flights a day between Bogotá and Medellín.
Medellín Airport: José María Córdova Airport is in Rionegro, about 35 km from Medellín and about 25 min by road through the Túnel de Oriente.
In Medellín: The Metro, Metrocable lines and trams work as one system; one fare reaches most sights, including Comuna 13 from San Javier station.
To Guatapé: Direct buses leave Medellín's Terminal del Norte for Guatapé, about 2 hours away.
To the Rosario Islands: Boats leave Cartagena's La Bodeguita pier, usually between 7 and 10 AM, and take about 1 to 2 hours.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates.

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Phone dataMobile data keeps flight check-ins, Metro routes and boat departures at hand as you move between Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena.How a travel eSIM works

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