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Colombia Itinerary: 5 Days (2026)

This 5-day Colombia itinerary covers Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, San Andrés, Santa Marta — the sweet spot for a comfortable first visit, day by day with honest costs.

Estimated cost: ₹19,000–₹62,000 (≈ $220–$720) per person for 5 days, excluding international flights.

Best months for this route: Dec – Mar, Jul – Aug

A day-by-day itinerary covering the best of Colombia — designed for Indian travellers with honest costs, visa tips, and the right cities in the right order.

5 days Dec – Mar, Jul – Aug Visa required, though Indians holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa/residency may enter visa-free for up to 90 days COP (Colombian Peso)

Your Route at a Glance

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Bogotá

Day 1

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Cartagena

Day 2

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Medellín

Day 3

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San Andrés

Day 4

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Santa Marta

Day 5

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day

1

Bogotá — Day 1
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Bogotá

Full guide

Andean Capital

✓La Candelaria — Bogotá's colonial old town, a grid of colourful colonial houses, narrow streets,…
✓Monserrate — A mountain sanctuary overlooking the city at 3,150m, reached by cable car or fun…
✓Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) — The world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold work, over 55,000 pieces fro…
Dec - Mar, Jul - Aug USD 40-130/day/day

Day

2

Cartagena — Day 2
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Cartagena

Full guide

Walled Caribbean Jewel

✓Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) — A UNESCO-listed colonial old town ringed by 16th-century fortifications, its pas…
✓Getsemaní Street Art — A once-rough neighbourhood just outside the walls, now covered in murals and str…
✓Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — The largest Spanish fort ever built in the Americas, with a maze of tunnels desi…
Dec - Apr USD 50-160/day/day

Day

3

Medellín — Day 3
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Medellín

Full guide

City of Eternal Spring

✓Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Escalators — Once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the world, now a symbol of Mede…
✓Metrocable Ride — A cable-car system built as public transit up into Medellín's hillside barrios, …
✓Plaza Botero — A public square holding 23 bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, Medellí…
Dec - Mar USD 35-120/day/day

Day

4

San Andrés — Day 4
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San Andrés

Full guide

Caribbean Island Escape

✓Johnny Cay — A small palm-covered islet a short boat ride from the main island, popular for b…
✓Spratt Bight Beach — The main town beach, calm and convenient, with a lively promenade of restaurants…
✓Hoyo Soplador blowhole — A natural rock formation that shoots seawater into the air when waves hit at the…
Dec - Apr USD 55-170/day/day

Day

5

Santa Marta — Day 5
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Santa Marta

Full guide

Gateway to Tayrona

✓Tayrona National Park — A jungle-backed coastline of beaches reached by boat or a forest hike, with Cabo…
✓Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) trek — A multi-day jungle trek to pre-Columbian ruins predating Machu Picchu, one of Co…
✓Minca cloud forest — A cooler mountain village above Santa Marta, with waterfalls, coffee farms, and …
Dec - Mar USD 40-140/day/day

More Colombia Itineraries

Colombia Itinerary FAQ

How many days do you need in Colombia?

Most first-time visitors need 5–7 days in Colombia to see the highlights at a comfortable pace. This 5-day plan covers Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, San Andrés, Santa Marta. With more time, slow the pace or add day trips; with less, focus on Bogotá and skip the longer transfers.

How much does a 5-day Colombia trip cost from India?

Budget roughly ₹19,000–₹62,000 (about $220–$720) per person for 5 days on the ground in Colombia — covering accommodation, food, local transport and activities at a budget-to-mid-range level. International flights and visa fees are extra. Travelling in Dec – Mar, Jul – Aug (peak season) sits at the higher end of that range.

What is the best route for 5 days in Colombia?

The most efficient 5-day route is Bogotá (Day 1), then Cartagena (Day 2), then Medellín (Day 3), then San Andrés (Day 4), then Santa Marta (Day 5). This order keeps travel legs short and one-directional, so you never backtrack. Each stop's day count matches how much there genuinely is to see — the day-by-day plan below breaks down exactly what to do in each.

Is 5 days enough for Colombia?

5 days is enough for a focused first look at Colombia — this plan covers Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, San Andrés, Santa Marta without feeling rushed. For the full experience, the 7-day version adds more depth. The best months to do this route are Dec – Mar, Jul – Aug.