How to Get More Out of the Big Three on Your Colombia Vacation

A traveller’s first trip to Colombia is seldom their last. There’s simply too much to this diverse, ever-changing country for most visitors to explore all in one trip. Still, Colombia’s big three travel hubs are a good place to start. Visit Cartagena on the northern coast for Caribbean vibes, Bogota for big city energy and diversity, and Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring that’s become a symbol of Colombia’s incredible transformation. Each is well-served by flights from North America, including Air Canada’s nonstop service to Bogota. From there, it’s easy to connect to the rest of the country, but don’t skip out on Colombia’s capital too soon.

Discover the layers of Colombia’s capital, Bogota

Bogota, located in the Eastern Colombian Andes, is a huge city showcasing Colombia’s diverse communities and culture. Many visitors make a beeline for La Candelaria, the city’s oldest neighbourhood and a living architectural wonder packed with fascinating museums and monuments. Roam the blockbuster Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold), then hit up museums devoted to Colombian fashion, modern art, archeology, political history, literature, the rotund creations of the artist Fernando Botero and many more.

A little to the north, the National Museum of Colombia is another great pick, particularly for those with limited time to explore. If museums aren’t your thing the enormous Plaza de Bolivar is surrounded by historic buildings. You can also lose yourself in neighborhoods like Teusaquillo for local and vibrant student life or enjoy the vast green space of Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park. Watching over the city is Monserrate, a peak that’s integral to Bogota’s identity. It’s a picturesque hike, though you might prefer to take the Teleferico gondola for the uphill journey.

Bogota’s local markets tend to become symbols of their neighbourhood’s identity and character. A culinary tour or cooking class here is a great way to start your Colombia trip, understanding its food from hearty ajiaco soup to a sweet slice of enyucado.

Destination Specialist Tip:
In Bogotá, walk to the main plaza for an afternoon snack with the locals. Many people pause in the late afternoon for coffee or hot chocolate with something simple like bread and cheese. Instead of going to a trendy café, duck into a small neighborhood bakery and order hot chocolate with cheese — a surprisingly traditional pairing. – Jaime Vargas-Hernandez, Goway South America Destination Specialist.

After dark, Bogota comes alive with something for everyone. Bohemian options have sprung up around La Candelaria, while La Macarena and La Soledad offer galleries, restaurants, beer taverns, and the odd live music venue to keep things fresh. Things get a little wilder as you head into Chapinero, where rock, punk, salsa, and LGBTQ+ clubs party side by side, while the Zona Rosa and Zona T cater to a more upscale crowd.

The Innovation and Reinvention of Medellin

Medellin locals (or Paisas) are uniquely proud of their hometown, with good reason. No city in Latin America has embraced so much positive change in such a short space of time, and Medellin shows no sign of slowing down. Explore Plaza Botero, where art, science and local spirit come together, or Comuna 13, where dazzling street art reclaims a once dangerous neighbourhood. Festivals abound, perhaps most notably the Festival of the Flowers every August, while Medellin’s music scene keeps the rhythm going year-round.

You can explore the must-do museums and attractions around the Plaza Botero in one day but try to leave enough time for exploring what Medellin does best - local life. While it’s the second biggest city in Colombia, it retains a unique character, culture and cuisine. You’ve not been to Medellin until you’ve gone face-down in a plate of artery-clogging Bandeja Paisa (don’t worry vegetarians - the city has you covered for alternatives). Ride the Metrocable to soar over local rooftops and connect seamlessly to the metro, immerse yourself in Medellin’s sustainable side at Parque Arvi, or visit to the House of Memory Museum for a sobering snapshot of Medellin’s dark past that makes its reinvention all the more extraordinary.

Destination Specialist Tip:

The cable cars connected to the Medellín Metro are part of everyday life for many residents. Riding them during normal commuting hours gives a fascinating look at daily life in hillside neighbourhoods. – Jaime Vargas-Hernandez, Goway South America Destination Specialist.

Feel Greater Colombian Caribbean Rhythms in Cartagena

Cartagena embodies the best of Colombia’s Caribbean energy in a city packed with history and charisma. The walled city is its star attraction, but those walls were built to keep enemies out, not visitors in. Just a short walk away, the colourful Getsemani neighbourhood looks tailor-made for Instagram but put the camera down for a second. This is also a great place to people-watch and soak up those local Cartagena vibes, particularly around Holy Trinity Square. Bite into a juicy arepa at Café San Alberto and enjoy some street music in between admiring Getsemani’s famous murals. If the heat is getting to you, you can always escape into MAMC for modern Latin American art, NH Galeria for contemporary art, the Museum of Cartagena de Indias for local history, or Museo del Oro Zenú for a superb collection of pre-Columbian relics - highly recommended if you’re not visiting Bogota’s gold museum this trip.

Destination Specialist Tip:

The creative district of Getsemaní comes alive at night when locals gather in Plaza de la Trinidad. Street vendors sell arepas, fried snacks, and fresh juices while musicians play in the square. It’s informal, energetic, and much more local than the restaurants inside the walled city. You will see many locals playing dominos, chess or the local parques board game. – Jaime Vargas-Hernandez, Goway South America Destination Specialist.

Ready to head beyond Centro? We recommend it, especially if you want to see a grittier, less touristy side of Cartagena. Public buses (TransCraribe) are an option, but ride-share apps like Uber are safe and comfortable, making them a good pick for visitors. Enjoy some beach time away from the tourist crowds at Bocagrande, or hit up the Mercade de Bazurto for flavoursome local bites. Bazurto is an authentic slice of everyday Cartagena that can overwhelm an unprepared tourist, so do your research beforehand, or hire the services of a local guide. From here, it’s a short ride to Convento de la Popa and some of the best views of Cartagena and the surrounding islands.

Islands, you say? Well, yes. Meet the Rosario Islands, a delightful archipelago off the shores of Cartagena that isn’t exactly unknown to tourists, but is a fantastic day (or several days) out. Go snorkeling with a reputable guide to see coral gardens, reef walls and mangrove channels, or simply explore and enjoy this relaxed, natural side of the Caribbean.

Easy Add-ons to Your Colombia Vacation

Colombia is a big country, but if you’re flying into Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena, it’s relatively easy to add on some extra destinations or even day trips to see as much of it as possible.

From Bogota

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (1.25hrs away): Zipaquira is famous for its unique underground church, hollowed into the tunnels of a salt mine 200m/656ft underground. Stick around to enjoy the town’s colonial architecture before returning to Bogota.

Lake Guatavita (2hrs): Indigenous legends abound about this beautiful lake in a volcanic caldera. Besides its links to pre-Columbian religious culture and the story of El Dorado, Guatavita offers superb views of the surrounding region, and another beautiful colonial town.

Tatacoa Desert (7hrs): This jaw-dropping natural wonder is actually a dry tropical forest resembling an alien landscape on earth. You’ll want to stay overnight to do it justice.

From Medellin

Guatapé (2hrs): A classic day trip from Medellin, Guatapé is a gorgeous lake landscape of inlets and waterways, watched over by the solemn cliffs of La Piedra Del Peñol. It’s popular at any time of year for good reason, and is absolutely worth the time and effort.

Historic Old Towns of Antioquia (varies 3-4hrs): Jardin and Jerico stand out among the many colourful villages south of Medellin, and tend to attract fewer tourists than Guatape or Salento.

Salento and the Coffee Region (5.75hrs): Since it’s a flight or longish drive from either Medellin or Bogota, you’ll want to spend at least a night or two visiting Colombia’s coffee region. Salento is a popular and picturesque home base for this uniquely delicious corner of the country.

Destination Specialist Tip:

Explore the colorful street of Salento in the morning. Many visitors only stop briefly in Salento before heading to the valley. But at night the town slows down and locals gather in the plaza for drinks, street food, and music. – Jaime Vargas-Hernandez, Goway South America Destination Specialist.

From Cartagena

Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (1hr): Visitors immerse themselves in volcanic mud for a natural hilltop beauty treatment. Usually visited as the highlight of a half-day excursion.

Barranquilla (2hrs): Barranquilla takes the spotlight each February, hosting the world’s second largest Carnaval after Rio de Janeiro. The rest of the year, it’s an ideal taste of Caribbean Colombia for those craving a more local experience. The Carnaval Museum is a must too.

Santa Marta (4hrs): Santa Marta offers an ideal base for exploring Tayrona National Park or for starting a trek to the Ciudad Perdida. Note, the latter is a four-day hike, and you’ll probably want to overnight in or next to Tayrona to do the park justice.