Interesting Places to Stay for 10 Days in Colombia
Spending 10 days in Colombia was one of the best decisions we made. We tour this beautiful country without rush and take in each destination’s unique experience. Though spending a week in any country such as Cuba, Malaysia, and Thailand is most recommended, we suggest staying and touring Colombia for ten or more days. Develop the best 10-day itinerary for your upcoming trip to one of the megadiverse countries with some of our favorite and suggested places by travelers.
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Why Colombia?
Colombia is known for its multitude of beaches, islands, and parks juxtaposed with bustling capitals and urban centers such as Medellín and Bogotá. The beauty of its natural surroundings and biodiversity across various regions give Colombia its unique appeal in terms of a tourist hotspot. Where else can you find yourself sipping on a hot cup of joe served fresh from a coffee farm overlooking a lush, verdant forest?
With the many capitals of the country, each one of them characterizes a different side of Colombia that brings out varied experiences and exciting possibilities that will make most visitors think about going back again—we know we did! You can read our experiences and recommendations in any of our Colombia travel blog.
WHY 10 DAYS IN COLOMBIA?
Ten days is just a little over one week, but that extended bit of time can mean the world to anyone who even dares to take a vacation nowadays. With three more days under your belt, you can have substantially more comfort in getting around and just soaking in the vibe of your surroundings.
Why the Itinerary?
With so many possible destinations and tracks to choose from, at the very least, you’ll need a guide to help you identify the best locations that suit your preferences for a 10 day itinerary Colombia. This itinerary will serve as just that! These are all locations we’d recommend ourselves and for backpack Colombia travelers given our stay within the country. Nothing is exact, and you can always throw in a bit of spontaneity and surprise as to where you want to go along the way.
However, even if you already have a Colombia itinerary 10 days in mind, you should always plan ahead on where you’ll be staying. You don’t want to end a great day in accommodation that’s less comfy than what you’d expect.
When Should I Visit?
You can always visit the country any time you want in your 10 days Colombia itinerary. That said, peak season is from December to March as rain tends to be less frequent, so you can travel outdoors with least likelihood of it raining and experience the best day Colombia tour. Hopefully you’ll land on a day when tourists aren’t crowding the cities too much when you come up with an itinerary for Colombia!
How Do I Get Started?
Fret not, for this is just the right place to start. Peruse our 10 days Colombia plan to get a good idea of how you’ll relish your ten-day vacation in the country. Afterward, feel free to customize it to your liking as you think of more ideas and endeavors to pursue because, without a doubt, you’d want nothing less than a near-perfect trip!
MEDELLÍN, TAYRONA, & CALI
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MEDELLÍN & EL POBLADO
The City of Eternal Spring, while being set in a valley surrounded by nature, boasts modernization in its culture and design in being deemed as the world’s Most Innovative City. The second largest capital in the country, this metropolis has transformed throughout history into a contemporary era that’s well-known by tourists.
Book a room for two or four persons at Edificio Meridiano. It is near El Pablado park plus we love its open terrace that provides a fantastic view of the city. Next, have brunch at the Pergamino Cafe with some coffee and empanadas as you stroll along with restaurants, coffee houses, and the hippest hotspots in the city.
Visit Pueblito Paisa later in the afternoon as you can’t miss out on the glorious sunset from this marvelous viewpoint. Before ending the day, dine at Cafe Zorba, Hacienda, or El Cielo for traditional meals and a great culinary experience. Make sure you don’t forget to book a morning tour for your visit to El Centro later!
DAY 2: EL CENTRO
The free tour of the chic El Centro or downtown begins around 10:00 AM, so you better come on time! Have breakfast in the area before the activity as it’ll easily take three hours. You’ll be taken through the iconic Museo de Antioquia and the Botero Plaza, discovering exquisite artworks you won’t find anywhere else. We suggest taking the Medellín City Card: Museums for a budget-friendly museum tour around the big city.
When you’re done sightseeing in El Centro, take the Acevedo Station to El Poblado and get a spectacular aerial view of the entire city as you ride the metrocable. If you want to have a whiff of the nightlife, Parque Lleras is the party district near El Poblado where you might be able to satisfy your inner wild child! It only takes 9 to 10 minutes to get to Parque Lleras when riding a taxi or getting a private transfer for as low as US$9.
Considering that you’ll be staying at Cali on Day 8 of the Colombia 10 day itinerary, it’s important that you get a head start. Dance your socks off at salsa clubs such as Buena Vista or Son Habana and you’ll hopefully learn how the natives do it!
DAY 3: GUATAPE
Well-known for its zocalos—artistic, hand painted depictions on exterior walls—and surprisingly diverse range of activities to engage in, the short two-hour bus ride to Guatapé is well worth the wait. Climb the El Peñol Rock and take in the amazing views during your 3 days in Colombia. You can have a nice snack at the top as there’ll be plenty of food vendors there to congratulate you on your efforts!
Paintball, jet-skiing, kayaking, swimming in lakes or waterfalls, boat tours, and ATV tours are some of the many exhilarating activities you’ll find in town to add in your 10 day south america itinerary. You can add a biking tour or if you prefer to walk like us, you can get the Medellín City Card and sign up for a hiking tour. Visit the nearby town of San Rafael for a quick swim and feel refreshed under the midday sun!
DAY 4: ARRIVAL IN SANTA MARTA
Take a plane ride from Guatape to Santa Marta, a world heritage site and a simple city with a laid back atmosphere. The Museo del Oro Tairona, also known as the Tairona Gold Museum, is home to interesting remnants of the past that showcase the local culture’s historical significance. You can visit this and the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino—the final residence of Simon Bolivar for your 4 days in Colombia.
Apart from cultural landmarks, you can splash around at Playa El Rodadero. Make friends with the locals who also frequent the beach! From there, you get to the more private Playa Blanca via boat ride. Get away from the noise of the city and chill under the Colombian sun. Local restaurants are plentiful to satisfy your authentic desires.
DAY 5: TAYRONA
With its beautiful Caribbean watered and unparalleled biodiversity, visit the jungles of Tayrona with well over hundreds of species of animals. Swim or dive in the Cabo San Juan mirrored beaches—a natural marvel that seems to mirror itself from a certain viewpoint. Avian enthusiasts are also rewarded with the unlimited birdwatching opportunities!
Whether sunrise or sunset, the view from any point within the park is amazing. If you’re into history, the Archaeological Museum of Chairama, the Los Naranjos Path, Castilletes Beach, The Pool, and the San Juan Out are only a few locations you can visit to gain valuable insights into the past. Lastly, you can find the archaeological ruins of El Pueblito deep in the jungle by going up the hills from Cabo San Juan. To enjoy the natural views and travel convenience to these historical tourist spots in Colombia, staying at Villa Maria Tayrona is the best option.
DAY 6: PALOMINO
Almost two hours north of Santa Marta via car ride, Palomino and its tranquil waters with quiet evenings add some variety to any jam-packed adventure. Tubing in the Palomino river is the most well-known activity in this beach town. Drift through the river currents as you sightsee the surrounding jungles. Do note that sunscreen is indispensable as you’ll typically be doing this in the afternoon under the hot midday sun (you don’t want to be floating down a river after dark)!
Surfing lessons are ideal against the strong currents in the Palomino beach, and horseback riding is also an option. As it’s just minutes from downtown, you can’t go wrong with at least checking out this hotspot.
DAY 7: MINCA
A small village atop the mountain, Minca, as Colombia’s Sleepy Hidden Gem, shows the provincial side of the country. Although one of the simpler and less adventurous locations, the friendly locals, the cool mountain air, and the magnificent surroundings make any tourist’s stay a refreshing and relaxing experience. Waterfalls, diverse species, and beautiful forests make hikes a thrilling activity particularly for those who are one with nature.
Especially during spring, swimming holes and camping are particularly enjoyable in the favorable climate. Both beginning and avid bird watchers can also get some expert advice from the famous Jungle Joe. Taking at least one tour with him might even convert you into an avian fan!
DAY 8: ARRIVAL IN CALI & SAN ANTONIO
From Santa Marta, fly to Cali, Colombia’s third largest city and the world’s salsa capital! During your 8 days in Colombia, you can’t go without at least having a salsa class or session—else why bother even visiting? Music is ubiquitous in the streets bounded by nightclubs, bars, and dance parties. You should go see Delirio, Cali’s famed salsa circus where world performers showcase their amazing cabaret-like setting.
San Antonio boasts the more artistic aspect of the country. In this bohemian quarter, it’s an enjoyable pastime to crowd watch while enjoying a cup of world-class caffeine. Home to many Colombian artists, the neighborhood takes pride in historically significant monuments such as the centuries-old San Antonio Church, including the unmistakable statue of Cristo Rey. Barrio San Antonio, Capilla la Ermita, and the Cali Zoo are a few other locations you can visit to complete your stay!
DAY 9: SALSA & GRANADA
Today is Salsa day! Apart from having the best restaurants, the Granada suburb is the place to be if you’re looking to show off your days of salsa training experience. Remember—the world’s salsa capital pays no heed to those with left feet. Take a class at the salsa school of Manicero Escuela de Baile if you want to gain more confidence during your 9 days in Colombia.
Juanchito is where you’ll find most of the salsa clubs. Bust out your moves on the dance floor and make your night in Cali the best among the rest. Like in Bogotá, the city has several zona rosas that’s suitable for partying and dining out in the evening such as La Sexta. With all that having been said, make sure that before you leave for the next day, you’ve seen the most out of San Antonio and the remarkable Cristo Rey!
DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM CALI
After staying in multiple destinations across the country, you’re sure to be exhausted yet satisfied with the diversity you’ll go through. The variety of fantastic beaches, leisure activities, and cultural significance all within your 10 days in Colombia itinerary will give you a good picture of how charming the wonders of Colombia can be!
OTHER DESTINATIONS & DAY TRIPS
There are plenty of hotspots to explore in your 10 day trip to Colombia, but given precious time, you have to be careful in picking the best spots to maximize your trip. Nevertheless, if you have more time on your hands or are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can check out these locations to add to your vacay!
CIUDAD PERDIDA TREK
If you’ve ever visited Machu Picchu, you’d find a similar adventure in Santa Marta! As The Lost City or Ciudad Perdida predates the former by over half a millennium, this abandoned site is considered to be an archaeological wonder in the mountains of the region. A word of caution: this destination is not suitable for children and for the less physically inclined because the trek literally takes four to five days to accomplish!
CARTAGENA
Be captivated by the historic gem that is Cartagena and take a tour through the ancient streets—see commemorated landmarks that’ll make for more than a memorable stroll and sample the city’s culinary prowess. You can’t go without swimming under the sun in the nearby Rosario Islands for a refreshing and private experience.
SALENTO
Salento’s main selling point? The lush Cocora Valley with its otherworldly and gigantic wax palms! But as it’s also a pride of the Coffee Region, you have to sample a fresh cup of joe in the many coffee farms across the area. A favorite activity after a long day is bargain shopping in Calle Real—a nice place to procure local, handcrafted products at an affordable cost.
Final Thoughts
There are more destinations to discover within that you can find along the way. Still, we hope our experiences and recommendations can make a trip to Colombia exciting! Tell us your itinerary or your must place and activity to do during your 10 days in Colombia in the comments.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.
