The Andean cities
Most international flights land in Bogotá, the capital, a big, cool city at around 2,600 metres with world class museums, the colonial streets of La Candelaria and Monserrate looming above. An hour's flight north west, Medellín enjoys a mild climate all year, a modern metro and cable car system and a celebrated story of urban renewal.
The coffee hills
Between Medellín and Cali, the Coffee Region is a UNESCO listed landscape of steep green slopes, small painted towns such as Salento and Filandia, and the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley. Fly into Pereira or Armenia, or take a long bus from Medellín.
The Caribbean coast
Cartagena is the jewel of the coast, a walled colonial port with balconies spilling with flowers and boats out to the Rosario Islands. Further east, Santa Marta is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, the hill village of Minca and the multi-day trek to the Lost City.
Putting it together
With ten days, combine Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. With two weeks, add the Coffee Region. With three weeks, add Santa Marta and Tayrona, or fly to Cali for salsa or Leticia for the Amazon. Our free trip planner helps you link regions efficiently, and the places to visit list has our picks in each base.