Cocaine, Narcos, war, coffee. More likely than not these are the main things that come to foreigner’s minds when they think of Colombia. I can’t even tell you the number of people who said to me “you’re not going to Colombia right?” when I told them I was traveling to South America.

Sure, Colombia is still recovering from the civil war which brought the country into headlines worldwide for all the negative reasons, but it has also really emerged from its troubled past. What if I told you that Colombia is a traveler’s delight. Full of beaches, mountains, deserts – all for an affordable cost. Not to mention, the friendliest people I’ve met anywhere in the world! When it comes down to it, Colombia was my favorite country in South America and I’m already itching to go back.

one month itinerary in colombia

Whether you’re after relaxing on a beach, hiking high in the mountains, or sitting in a plaza all day drinking coffee and people watching… Colombia has it.

Medellin

The city of eternal spring. Throughout my entire time in South America, I kept hearing about how Medellin was the best city in South America. When I got there, I finally understood why… but honestly, it’s hard to put my finger on what exactly it is. Great people, great food, great places to explore… I spent a month here and could easily see why expats are flocking to this city (even putting the cheap cost of living aside!).

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Guatapé

A great day trip from Medellin. A colorful pueblo where you can walk the streets enjoying the painted buildings or make your way up the 650 steps up El Peñon de Guatape to take in great views.

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Jericó

Another pueblito close to Medellin. Kind of wanted to keep this place to myself, but here I am spilling the beans on it. This place is not yet on the tourist map, but I’m sure soon enough it will be on people’s “must visit” lists. Some of the nicest people I met in Colombia… so sit down at a small corner store and drink some aguardiente with the locals.

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Jardin

If coffee, hiking, and laid back vibes are your jam, well there is nothing not to like about this place. In fact, I liked it so much, that I visited twice! I could have spent hours (well, more hours) drinking my cafecito and observing the people of the town.

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Salento

Is it touristy? Hmm, well yes, kind of. But honestly, it is mostly Colombians enjoying the small town which offers great coffee (it is in the coffee triangle after all), great good, and great hikes. And honestly, touristy places are normally that way for a reason… they’re great. This is the jumping off point for Valle de Cocora – home of the tallest wax palm trees.

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Filandia

Another place off the tourist map, but I promise you, you won’t regret stopping here. Just a quick jaunt in a willy from Salento is this charming town. It’s also (strangely) where I had the best food in Colombia and maybe all of South America (still dreaming about this pad thai tbh).

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Santa Marta

Otherwise known as the city where you’ll head to Tayrona National Park. You’ve probably read it’s crowded and it’s hot and you’re wondering if it’s worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. And honestly, I was worried about those things too. If you’re picturing stepping on people’s towels trying to find a place to sit, that is nothing close to the truth. If you plan on doing la Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek, this is where you’ll find the most options for tours.

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Guajira

I wasn’t supposed to stop here. But one morning in Filandia I’m talking to an Argentinian and he’s telling us to skip the adventure (but in his opinion, ugly) city of San Gil and instead to head to the place where the ocean meets the desert – which happens to be the northernmost point in South America. Cruising in a 4×4 with beautiful views all around and swimming in pristine water… yeah, can’t say I regret that decision at all.

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Minca

Located less than an hour from Santa Marta is the little town of Minca located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Chasing waterfalls, hikes, visiting coffee or chocolate farms, or simply lounging and enjoy the views (which I happened to do a lot of) – you won’t be bored here.

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example one month itinerary in colombia

• Day 1: Fly to Medellin
• Day 2 & 3: Medellin
• Day 4: Travel/day trip [bus, ~2 hours] to Guatape
• Day 5: Travel [bus, ~3 hours] to Jerico
• Day 6: Jerico
• Day 7: Travel [bus, ~3 hours] to Jardin
• Day 8-10: Jardin
• Day 11: Travel [bus, all day] to Salento
• Day 12-13: Salento
• Day 14: Travel [willy, ~45 mins] to Filandia
• Day 15-16: Filandia
• Day 17: Travel [flight via Pereira, all day] to Santa Marta
• Day 18-19: Santa Marta/Parque Tayrona
• Day 20: Travel [bus, ~4 hours] to Riohacha
• Day 21-24: Travel [tour] to La Guajira
• Day 25: Travel back [bus, ~4 hours] to Santa Marta
• Day 26: Travel [taxi, ~45 mins] to Minca
• Day 27-28: Minca
• Day 29: Travel [taxi, ~45 mins] to Santa Marta & then the flight to Bogota
• Day 30: Bogota
• Day 31: Leave Colombia 🙁

 

Looking at the itinerary above may seem a little overwhelming and jam packed of adventure. While this isn’t the exact timing I took, I still hit all these places in a month – and believe me, I took some “easy” days. And if you’re wondering if I just forgot Bogota or Cartagena with this list. Nopeee. With just a month of traveling in Colombia, I had to make some cuts somewhere. But looking up round trip fares to both cities from DC, I know I’ll be visiting them at some point.

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What were your favorite places in Colombia that I need to put on my list for my next visit?