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Colombia is commonly associated with three things: Shakira, the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and the notorious drug cartels. However, what many overlook is how far Colombia has come from its turbulent past. Though the remnants of history remain, they only enhance the allure of this remarkable destination.
Positioned at the top of South America, Colombia is the only country on the continent with coastlines along both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Its landscapes are diverse, featuring oceans, mountains, volcanoes, and jungles. Yet, the true magic of Colombia lies in its people—charismatic, welcoming, and full of vibrant energy. Colombia is truly the gem of South America, catering to every type of traveler.
Colombia at a Glance | What to Expect
Language: Spanish is the official language of Colombia.
Currency: The currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).
Safety: Since the peace accord of 2016, which ended the civil conflict with the FARC, Colombia has become a much safer and more accessible destination for travelers. While it’s wise to be cautious of pickpockets in larger cities and to take general safety measures when traveling alone or at night, overall, Colombia is travel-friendly.
Weather: Situated near the equator, Colombia enjoys a consistent tropical climate throughout the year.
Food and Drink:
- Arepa: A staple in Colombian cuisine, arepas are small, thick corn cakes served grilled and can be filled with various ingredients.
- Ajiaco Soup: A traditional soup, especially in Bogotá, containing three types of potatoes, chicken, corn, and capers.
- Patacones: These are double-fried green plantains, often served with guacamole or meat; their sweetness varies based on the ripeness of the plantains used.
- Empanada: A savory half-moon pastry filled with various ingredients, usually meat, and baked or fried to perfection.
- Guanabana: This unique fruit has a yellow, spiky exterior, revealing a soft, sweet pulp inside when peeled.
- Chicha: A traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented corn, Chicha has a unique flavor, reminiscent of a mix between cornbread and apple cider.
- Hot Chocolate: Colombians enjoy a distinct variation called “chocolate con queso,” wherein cheese is submerged in warm chocolate, creating a gooey combination.
- Obleas: These are delightful wafer sandwiches filled with arequipe, fruit jams, or chocolate.
We utilized Kensington Tours for our trip planning, ensuring a seamless vacation experience. This was our third time working with them, and I highly recommend their services for planning extensive trips! Our guides were exceptional, and we had the flexibility to design our own itinerary while they handled all the details, allowing us to focus on enjoying our vacation.
We began our journey in Bogotá, flew to the coffee region of Armenia, and then continued to the coastal city of Cartagena.
9-Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 1: Bogotá/Zipaquira
Upon our arrival, we met our guide and embarked on a two-hour drive to Zipaquira, home of the Salt Cathedral.
Zipaquira is renowned for its cathedral carved underground within a still-active salt mine. As you descend, you’ll encounter 14 Stations of the Cross, each sculpted by a different artist, culminating at a towering 16-meter-high cross 180 meters underground. It’s an extraordinary sight. Interestingly, there’s even a spa offering salt treatments deep underground; we indulged in a relaxing salt scrub and massage.
Dinner was at the famous Andrés, a seven-story restaurant known for its vibrant decor and live music, which offers an unforgettable dining experience along with delicious traditional Colombian cuisine.
Day 2: Bogotá
Today was jam-packed with activities as we explored Bogotá.
We began our day at Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao, where we marveled at the stunning flowers—Colombia’s roses are world-famous—local produce, and indulged in an unforgettable arepa made right before our eyes.
Next, we participated in a cooking class with a local chef couple, Jorge and Sonya. We prepared Ajiaco soup and empanadas, paired with some local Colombian beer, creating a lovely afternoon of culinary delights and storytelling.
After an architectural walking tour of the historic La Candelaria district, visiting significant government buildings and beautiful murals, we headed to the Museo Botero, showcasing the oversized works of Colombia’s most celebrated artist, Fernando Botero, alongside pieces by internationally renowned artists like Dali, Monet, and Van Gogh.
Our final meal in Bogotá was at Frenessi, an extraordinary futuristic gastronomical experience where we savored dishes while being transported through various imaginative worlds.
Day 3: Armenia/Quindio Coffee Region
After a quick flight, we arrived in the beautiful coffee region of Quindio, staying at Hacienda Bambusa, the inspiration behind the house in Disney’s Encanto. Situated on a cacao farm, we learned about chocolate production from seed to finished product and made our own hot chocolate, enjoying it the Colombian way with cheese.
Since it was New Year’s Eve, we celebrated 2024 with hotel staff, participating in joyful Colombian traditions, from wearing yellow underwear for luck to eating grapes for wishes.
Day 4: Cocora Valley
Cocora Valley is known for the world’s tallest palm trees, with wax palms reaching heights of up to 60 meters (200 feet). Its cool, cloud-covered climate creates a unique hiking environment. We chose to hike the trails, a moderately easy excursion suitable for most fitness levels.
After our hike, we explored the charming town of Salento, famous for its colorful houses and vibrant atmosphere, and enjoyed a traditional Colombian lunch paired with some shopping.
In the evening, we participated in an Aguardiente tasting session, a potent local liquor, which led to a lively night with the hotel staff.
Days 5/6: Rosario Islands
We had a lengthy travel day ahead as we made our way to the Rosario Islands. After a 1.5-hour flight to Cartagena, we took a ferry to our secluded paradise at Hotel Las Islas.
Our bungalow came with a private pool, offering a serene retreat. Nestled in the Corales del Rosario National Park, we enjoyed various on-site activities and snorkeled at Colombia’s largest coral reef system.
These two days were filled with relaxation under the sun, providing a much-needed break in our adventure-packed itinerary.
Day 7: Cartagena
We began our exploration of Cartagena, a city celebrated for its colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. We soaked in the ambiance at Café Del Mar, the ideal place to watch the sunset.
If you enjoy salsa music, Café Havana is the place to be for a fantastic night out, known globally as one of the best salsa clubs.
During our stay, we enjoyed the delightful Nacar Hotel, complete with a rooftop pool and delicious guacamole.
Day 8: Cartagena
Our second day in Cartagena featured a visit to the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a prominent fortress built in the 17th century, showcasing the city’s rich history.
Walking along the city walls is a must, offering beautiful views and insights into Cartagena’s past. We also engaged with the Palenqueras, women in colorful dresses selling fruit, an essential part of the city’s culture.
For lunch, Restaurant Cande offered an unforgettable experience filled with live music and authentic local cuisine.
Day 9: Departure
In our final hours, we leisurely explored the city, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and savoring our last arepas before heading home with unforgettable memories from this incredible journey.
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