26 days in Colombia Itinerary

The coral San Andres Island boasts a rich colonial history, exotic beaches, and a laidback, tropical lifestyle.

San Andres Island is known for nature, wildlife, and beaches. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: head off the coast to Johnny Cay, explore the fascinating underground world of Morgan's Cave, look for all kinds of wild species at Cayo El Acuario, and take in the dramatic natural features at Hoyo Soplador.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our San Andres Island trip planner.

Tokyo, Japan to San Andres Island is an approximately 27-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Japan Standard Time (JST) to Colombia Standard Time (COT) is minus 14 hours. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Tokyo in September, with highs in San Andres Island at 36°C and lows at 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Cartagena.

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Change things up with a short trip to Playa Blanca in Isla Baru (about 1h 5 min away). The adventure continues: make a trip to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, contemplate the long history of Torre del Reloj, admire the striking features of Las Bovedas, and deepen your understanding at Plaza Santo Domingo.

Plan my day in Cartagena using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Traveling by flight from San Andres Island to Cartagena takes 3.5 hours. September in Cartagena sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 30°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Santa Marta.

Many visitors begin their Santa Marta holiday, surrounded by urban clutter and heavy traffic, expecting little from the city in terms of historical importance.

Change things up with a short trip to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona in Tayrona National Park (about 1h 10 min away). Next up on the itinerary: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, kick back and relax at Cristal Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Parque de Los Novios, and look for gifts at Yo Amo Santa Marta.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Santa Marta trip planner.

You can drive from Cartagena to Santa Marta in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. September in Santa Marta sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Bogota.

Colombia's heart and soul, Bogota has earned the nickname "Athens of South America" thanks to its abundance of universities, libraries, and lower-level schools.

Venture out of the city with trips to Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira (in Zipaquira) and Vivero Crisalide (in Chia). There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), take in the awesome beauty at Monserrate, contemplate the long history of Bolivar Square, and admire the masterpieces at Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Bogota trip simple and quick.

You can fly from Santa Marta to Bogota in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Santa Marta in September, with highs in Bogota at 22°C and lows at 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) to allow enough time to take a bus to Villavicencio.

In the foothills of the Andes, Villavicencio vacations focus primarily on the surrounding natural wonders.

On the 20th (Sun), walk around Parque las Malocas, then get outside with Bioparque Los Ocarros, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Primavera Urbana. Here are some ideas for day two: get outside with Mirador la Piedra del Amor, try for a hole-in-one at VillaGolf Minigolf y Centro de Entrenamiento, and then walk around Parque Fundadores.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Villavicencio holiday maker site.

You can take a bus from Bogota to Villavicencio in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Bogota in September; daily highs in Villavicencio reach 36°C and lows reach 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Mon) to allow time to travel to Montenegro.

Named after the dark trees covering the area's hills, Montenegro (literally Black Mountain) sits in a verdant zone irrigated by three major rivers.

Change things up with these side-trips from Montenegro: Salento (Region Paisaje / Landscape Region, Bosques de Cocora, &more). And it doesn't end there: head outdoors with Globos Colombia, make a trip to Eje cafetero (Zona Cafetera), laugh and play at Parque del Cafe, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Parroquia Jesus Maria y Jose.

To see where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Montenegro online vacation builder.

Getting from Villavicencio to Montenegro by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Villavicencio in September since evenings lows in Montenegro dip to 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) early enough to travel to Medellin.

Nestled between rising hills in a narrow valley, Medellin serves as an energetic melting pot of people from all socio-economic classes.

Medellin is known for parks, museums, and zoos & aquariums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get the lay of the land with Walking tours, observe the fascinating underwater world at Parque Explora, stop by Duna Store, and explore the activities along Laguna de Guatape.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Medellin trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Montenegro to Medellin takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.