2-week roadtrip from Southern to Northern in Colombia

You have 2 weeks of vacation to plan a road trip and you want to go on Colombian adventures ? You chose the perfect itinerary ! ?
Discover the iconic Colombian places across the country from South to North.

Itinerary of this two weeks roadtrip in Colombia : from Southern to Nothern

Bogota > Cali > Medellín > Tayrona > Santa Marta > Carthagène > Tolú > Cartagena

? We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

? You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

? Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Bogota ?

A city 2800 m / 9186 ft up on a mountain, at the heart of the Andes, Bogota is the capital of Colombia. You have to stop by the biggest cities in the country.

• You have to do to the Gold Museum, a must-see. Discover the unique gold artworks, highlighting the country’s history and myths !
• Art lover ? Botero Museum is made for you ! Botero, a colombian painter and sculptor left many beautiful artworks for Colombians to be proud of. You will also find other artists’ art.
• Nature, sports and food lovers, this one is for you. Get on the Cerro de Monserrate funicular, Bogota’s symbol, and get a stunning view over the city. Don’t forget your sunscreen if you don’t want to burn, you’ll be close to sun up there !
• Roam through the city’s neighbourhoods, like Candelaria, you will be amazed by the many colorful graffitis.
• Have diner at Andres Carne de Res where the atmosphere is lively and colorful and where the typical dishes will fill you up !
• Go shopping the Zona-T.
• 45min away from Bogota, head to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground cathedral ! It’s in a mine !

What to do in Cali ?

You love dancing ? You’ve always dreamed of learning how to dance salsa ? Cali is the city of party and salsa, so it’s perfect isn’t it ? 

• Learn how to dance sals in the streets of Cali.
• Enjoy the local produce from the market in the gallery of Alameda.
• Stroll along the riverside of Cali and stop to admire the « El Gato del Río » sculpture and take a picture with this bronze cat.

What to do in Medellín ?

A city made famous tans to Netflix‘s Narcos, Medellín is considered to be a safe city where life is good. 

• Party in El Poblado neighbourhood, a modern and relaxed neighbourhood where the the youth meets up.
• Walk around the Botanical Garden, unwind for a moment, discover unique vegetation. Have a pic-nic with your friends and/or family while listening to the birds singing.
• Take part in a tumultuous night on Hendrick trucs tour, a moving gin bar where you have to pedal to get the bus moving, but don’t worry you’ll be drinking gin at the same time !
• Less than 2 hours away, discover the colorful and soothing town of Guatapé. Climb the 740 stairs to Piedra del Peñol and you’ll get blown away by the view ! Stroll around the streets of the village and admire its lively colors, soak the culture in, go for a motocarros (the Colombian tuk-tuk) ride and eat fresh trout with patacon (kind of like a mashed banana).

What to do in Santa Marta ?

Santa Marta, is THE seaside resort in Colombia. From snow to beaches, it is really worth it ! 

• Get to know a heaven on earth, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.
• Tan up in the popular neighbourhood of El Rodadero right by the Caribbean sea.
• Meet dolphins at Rodadero Sea Aquarium ans Museum.
• Go explore the village of Minca and its stunning panorama over Santa Marta.
• 15min away, discover the fishermen’s village of Taganga.
• 2 hours away, relax on the largement beach of Palomino in a calm atmosphere.

What to do in Tayrona ?

The region’s gem, Tayrona Park is the perfect blend of sea, forest and mountain. 

• Go for a hike through the park on one of the many trails.
• Enjoy Playa Bravo and get some calm.
• If you have more time on your hands, go for a trek up to the Lost City and experience intense moments (it take 2 to 5 days to get to the destination).

What to do in Cartagena ?

Legendary city, Cartagena will let you discover a lot about the culture.

• Walk through the many graffitis, meet the locals and live their way.
• Taste the local specialities from the street vendors.
• Learn about the indigenous customs at the Gold Museum in the old part of Cartagena.
• Visit the Palace of Inquisition near Bolivar Park, admire tis baroque architecture.
• Go for a day-trip to the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and learn about Spanish settlement.
• Take a dip at La Boquilla.
• Experience the Carnaval de Barranquilla in the beginning of March, the most colorful carnaval of Latin America.
• 50 km / 31 miles away, take a mud bath at Lodo el Totumo volcano.
• Go to the Archipelago of San Andrés, about an hour and 25min away. Head to San Andrés in Providencia by cruising on an catamaran and you will make amazing memories on some of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands.

What to do in Tolú ?

One of the most touristic places in the Caribbeans, Tolú is a hidden gem to be discovered as soon as possible. 

• Rest on the large beaches.
• Enjoy nautical sports to clear your mind.
• Appreciate the scenery, relax and unwind.
• Off the shore, go discover an archipelago of 10 small islands, the San Fernando Islands.

What to do in Cartagena ?

Here you are back in Cartagena, enjoin these last few days to the fullest ! 

• Walk through the many graffitis, meet the locals and live their way.
• Taste the local specialities from the street vendors.
• Learn about the indigenous customs at the Gold Museum in the old part of Cartagena.
• Visit the Palace of Inquisition near Bolivar Park, admire tis baroque architecture.
• Go for a day-trip to the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and learn about Spanish settlement.
• Take a dip at La Boquilla.
• Experience the Carnaval de Barranquilla in the beginning of March, the most colorful carnaval of Latin America.
• 50 km / 31 miles away, take a mud bath at Lodo el Totumo volcano.
• Go to the Archipelago of San Andrés, about an hour and 25min away. Head to San Andrés in Providencia by cruising on an catamaran and you will make amazing memories on some of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands.

Learn more…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country, by clicking here.
• Book a car rental at the best price, by  this website, we recommend.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment bellow ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !