Itinerary Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena

December is an excellent month to visit Colombia: it’s the end of the rainy season, holiday decorations fill the cities with life, and most regions experience warm, dry, and pleasant weather. Ideal for adventure, culture, and vibrant gastronomy!

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$1700
🏨 Accommodations	$800
🧳 Gear	$200
🗺️ On-site	$1200
Total	$3900

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇨🇴 Bogotá - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ La Candelaria Historic District ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Explore Bogotá’s colonial core: vibrant street art, cobbled streets, churches—don’t miss Plaza Bolívar.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museo del Oro ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • World’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold—go early to avoid crowds.

• [ ] 🚠 Monserrate Hill ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • City’s best panoramic viewpoint (take the funicular or hike); great for sunset.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museo Botero ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Permanent collection of Fernando Botero’s playful art—free entry.

• [ ] 🌳 Simón Bolívar Park ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Bogotá’s largest green space—ideal for an afternoon stroll or picnic.

• [ ] 🛕 Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Striking candy-striped Gothic-style church.

• [ ] 🏛️ Casa de la Moneda ⭐ (~1h)

  • Numismatic history and Colombian art in a historic colonial residence.

• [ ] 🏙️ Usaquén District ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Chic bohemian district—markets, street food, and boutique shops.

• [ ] 🎨 Street Art Graffiti Tour ⭐⭐⭐ (~2.5h)

  • Guided or self-guided walk through the city’s world-renowned murals.

• [ ] 🛍️ Paloquemao Market ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Authentic market with an explosion of flowers and tropical fruits.

• [ ] 🌳 Jardín Botánico de Bogotá ⭐ (~1h)

  • Colombia’s biodiversity in themed gardens.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Andrés Carne de Res DC ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Legendary party restaurant—food, music, crazy themed rooms.

• [ ] 🎭 Teatro Colón ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Beautifully restored, with top-notch shows (check schedule).

• [ ] 🍺 BBC Pub Zona Rosa ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Lively craft beer bar.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍲 La Puerta Falsa ⭐⭐⭐

  • Oldest restaurant in Bogotá—try “ajiaco” soup ($10).

• [ ] 🍴 Pastelería Florida ⭐⭐

  • Classic bakery for Colombian pastries and hot chocolate ($5-8).

• [ ] 🍽️ Candelario Restaurante ⭐⭐

  • Modern Colombian cuisine near Plaza Bolívar ($15-20).

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral (~4h round-trip)
  • Extraordinary underground cathedral 50km away—best as a half-day tour.

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🇨🇴 Medellín - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🚠 Metrocable to Santo Domingo ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Scenic cable car ride up the hills; stunning city views.

• [ ] 🌳 Parque Arví ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Nature reserve accessible by cable car—hiking, local markets, picnic spots.

• [ ] 🏙️ Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour ⭐⭐⭐ (~2.5h)

  • Formerly notorious area reborn via stunning public art—guided tours recommended.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museo de Antioquia & Plaza Botero ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Botero sculptures in an open-air plaza—museum inside.

• [ ] 🌳 Jardín Botánico de Medellín ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Lush gardens perfect for a relaxing stroll.

• [ ] 🏛️ Pueblito Paisa ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Replica of a traditional Antioquian village atop Cerro Nutibara.

• [ ] 🏙️ El Poblado District ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Hip, leafy neighbourhood—cafés, boutiques, vibrant streets.

• [ ] 🛍️ Plaza Minorista Market ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Fresh local produce and unique snacks.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museo Casa de la Memoria ⭐ (~1h)

  • Thought-provoking exhibition on Colombia’s recent history.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 El Social ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Very local, classic salsa bar in Laureles.

• [ ] 🍺 37 Park Medellín ⭐ (~2h)

  • Trendy rooftop with city views.

• [ ] 🎶 Parque Lleras ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Heart of nightlife with many clubs and bars.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍛 Mondongo’s ⭐⭐⭐

  • Local institution for hearty “bandeja paisa” ($12).

• [ ] 🍽️ Café Zorba ⭐⭐

  • Cozy spot for pizza & music, vegetarian options ($10-14).

• [ ] 🍴 Mercado del Río ⭐⭐

  • Food court with international & Colombian stalls ($10-15).

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Guatapé & El Peñol Rock (~5h round-trip)
  • Colourful lakeside village and climbable giant rock.

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🇨🇴 Cartagena - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Historic Walled City ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • UNESCO World Heritage—explore colourful alleys, lively plazas, and baroque churches.

• [ ] 🏰 Castillo San Felipe de Barajas ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Imposing fortress with fantastic views.

• [ ] 🏖️ Playa Blanca (Barú) ⭐⭐⭐ (~5h)

  • White sand and turquoise water—ideal for swimming and relaxation, arrive early.

• [ ] 🛕 Convento de la Popa ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Hilltop monastery with panoramic vistas.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museo del Oro Zenú ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Fascinating pre-Columbian gold and ceramics.

• [ ] 🏛️ Palacio de la Inquisición ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Dark but fascinating look at colonial history.

• [ ] 🌳 Parque del Centenario ⭐ (~1h)

  • Central park—spot local iguanas and sloths.

• [ ] 🏝️ Rosario Islands Day Trip ⭐⭐⭐ (~6-8h)

  • Snorkelling, turquoise waters, coral reefs—full-day boat excursion.

• [ ] 🏘️ Getsemaní Neighbourhood ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Bohemian area with murals, street musicians and amazing coffee.

• [ ] 🛍️ Bazurto Market ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Bustling local market—raw, authentic Cartagena.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍹 Café del Mar ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Sunset cocktails atop city walls overlooking the sea.

• [ ] 🎶 Quiebra-Canto ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Salsa music and Colombian rhythms.

• [ ] 🍸 Alquímico Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Innovative cocktails and rooftop terrace.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🥟 La Cevichería ⭐⭐⭐

  • Anthony Bourdain favorite—superb seafood ceviche ($15-20).

• [ ] 🍛 La Mulata ⭐⭐

  • Classic Caribbean dishes in a hip setting ($10-15).

• [ ] 🥥 Espiritu Santo ⭐⭐

  • Local seafood eatery with coconut rice ($8-12).

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏊 Volcán del Totumo Mud Volcano (~4h)
  • Fun, bizarre mud bath experience 50min from Cartagena.

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🎬 Films & series to watch

🇨🇴 Bogotá

• [ ] 🎬 Embrace of the Serpent (2015) — ⭐ 7.9 — Amazonian adventure about indigenous culture — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Distrito Salvaje (2018) — ⭐ 7.6 — Crime thriller in Bogotá — Netflix

🇨🇴 Medellín

• [ ] 🎬 The Colors of the Mountain (2010) — ⭐ 7.2 — Rural life and conflict, central Colombia — Apple TV
• [ ] 📺 Narcos (2015) — ⭐ 8.8 — Drug wars, Medellín as epicentre — Netflix

🇨🇴 Cartagena

• [ ] 🎬 Love in the Time of Cholera (2007)— ⭐ 6.4 — Cartagena’s romantic side, based on García Márquez — HBO Max
• [ ] 📺 Bolívar: Una lucha admirable (2019) — ⭐ 7.2 — Simon Bolívar’s life — Netflix

🍜 Local specialties

🇨🇴 Bogotá

• [ ] Ajiaco (chicken & potato soup)
• [ ] Tamal con chocolate
• [ ] Arepas Santandereanas

🇨🇴 Medellín

• [ ] Bandeja Paisa (meat, beans, fried plantain, egg, rice)
• [ ] Sancocho Antioqueño (hearty stew)
• [ ] Buñuelos (fried cheese balls)

🇨🇴 Cartagena

• [ ] Ceviche Caribeño
• [ ] Arepas de Huevo (deep-fried corn cakes with egg)
• [ ] Posta Negra Cartagenera (Caribbean beef)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇨🇴 Bogotá

1. La Candelaria Historic District
2. Andrés Carne de Res DC
3. Paloquemao Market
4. Selina Bogotá Hostel
5. La Puerta Falsa

🇨🇴 Medellín

1. Metrocable to Santo Domingo
2. El Social
3. Mercado del Río
4. Los Patios Hostel
5. Mondongo’s

🇨🇴 Cartagena

1. Historic Walled City
2. Café del Mar
3. Bazurto Market
4. Viajero Cartagena Hostel
5. La Cevichería

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Bogotá
• [ ] ✈️ Bogotá → Medellín
• [ ] ✈️ Medellín → Cartagena
• [ ] ✈️ Cartagena → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Bogotá	3	Selina Bogotá Hostel	$210 (3x$35/pp/pn)
Medellín	3	Los Patios Hostel	$210 (3x$35/pp/pn)
Cartagena	4	Viajero Cartagena Hostel	$380 (4x$47.5/pp/pn)
Total	10		$800