Itinerary for 3 days to Colombia: The Vibrant Cities

Colombia is a nation renowned for its vibrant towns, rich past, and diverse terrains. One very good time to come to the charismatic city is during the summer, when temperatures are pretty high.

Highlights

Bogotá:

• La Candelaria: A historical district that boasts amazing colonial structures besides housing museums and possessing lively graffiti art.
• Monserrate: This mountain offers a view of the city via its cable car or funiculars.

Medellín:

• Comuna 13: A sketchy area, though now it’s shifting because of murals as well as sculptures.
• Botero Plaza: Where several statues of Fernando Botero can be found.

Cartagena:

• Walled City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by its cobblestone streets, delightful ancient edifices and multicolored houses.
• The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: An old fort full of history and spectacular scenery.

A travelogue.

A travel story is about Bogotá’s La Candelaria, which blends both past and present, while also having its outlook down into town from the mountaintop at Monseratte. The Comuna 13 in Medellín showcases vibrant murals and inventive urban projects that convey the city’s resilience and creativity, while the Botero Plaza is a testament to the city’s artistic heritage. Colonial atmosphere and lively atmosphere of Cartagena’s Walled City highlight of its historical significance, and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s strategic significance during the colonial era.

Itinerary for 3 days to Colombia — A 3-Day Travelogue:  

Day 1: Bogotá — The Historic and Cultural Heartbeat

Begin to discover Colombia in an exploration through Bogotá, the capital city for an immersion in an interestingly rich cultural and historical heritage regarding the La Candelaria district. Walk down its cobblestoned streets while surveying colonial-era buildings. There are also numerous museums, art galleries, and coffee shops that can be found on every corner here. After this, you may want to go by cable car or funicular train in order to reach Monserrate, this hill from whose top has a great panoramic vista over all parts of this vast municipality. This perspective delivers windows to the beauty and diversity of Bogotá, along with the awe-inspiring natural landscapes surrounding it.

Eat local food, taste local dishes, and sip on a cup of coffee from Colombia.

Day 2: Medellín — Urban Transformation

Leave Bogotá for Medellín, famous for changing from a difficult past into a promising future city. In the morning, visit Comuna 13, which was once considered a place of criminal activities, but now it is a symbol of new opportunities. Strolling through the streets will allow you to see the colorful murals that adorn various walls and observe how people are trying to win back their neighborhood through restoration efforts.

Afterward, find the Botero Plaza, where very big and playful figures created by a famous Colombian artist are shown. Observe how the oversized models look fantastic and feel the life in the city.

Head for a rooftop bar or restaurant as the day nears its end. Thereby, one can have a 360-degrees view of the city and its vast mountains.

Day 3: The Colonial Atmosphere of Cartagena

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located right at the center of what was a flourishing colonial world, that becomes your last day there.

Start your day with the Walled City, a captivating maze of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historical monuments. Walk through the plazas, examining the elaborate pillars and arches, and savor the local flavor at one of the many charming cafés or eateries.

Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a towering fortress that was instrumental in the city’s defense during the colonial period. Castle’s summit offers a stunning view of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Stroll along the lively Cartagena waterfront as the sun sets, soaking up the lively atmosphere, listening to salsa and catching some evening sun.

Day 1: Bogotá

• Start your trip from the Colombian capital city, one of its most dynamic ones. 
• You should head towards La Candelaria. A historic neighborhood with some structures from the colonial era, including museums with interesting historical artifacts leading back into past times. Wander around its maze-like alleyways, enjoying its colorful vibe.
• Don’t forget to grab some meals at any local joint on your way out of here!
• Also, worth visiting is The Gold Museum, which possesses many interesting things, like gold pieces made even before Christopher Columbus came to America.
• You can ascend to Monserrate’s summit by either taking the cable car or the funicular — this mountain offers magnificent views over the city.

Day 2: Medellín

• Once you fly over Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, get yourself transferred to your hotel.
• You should pay a visit to Comuna 13, which at one time was a troubled place but now serves as a beacon of hope and creativity.
• Comuna 13 has changed from being a troubled neighborhood to a symbol of hope and creativity.
• Visit Botero Plaza to see sculptures made by Fernando Botero, a famous artist.
• Enjoy a slow walk in El Poblado district, which has expensive places for dinner and active nightlife.

Day 3: Cartagena

• Fly to Cartagena, which is full of culture and history.
• See Walled City, a historic site with old roads, bright houses, and remarkable places.
• Take some time to visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a grand fort with an interesting past that provides excellent views of the city.
• Take a relaxing stroll along the Malecón, the shoreline area of the city, and enjoy a cold drink from one of the many bars around it.
• Visit the Palacio de la Inquisición, a museum about Spanish inquisitions in America.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• When is the best time to go to Colombia?

July and August are the best times to go to Colombia because it has good weather during those months, and is also full of celebrations and festivals.

• How do I get around Colombia?

To get around Colombia, you can use a plane or bus since the country has better transportation.

• What are the must-see attractions in Colombia?

The Colombian main sights are the La Candelaria district in Bogotá, El Walled City in Cartagena de Indias, the Comuna 13 district in Medellín, and El Poblado in Cartagena de Indias.

• What should I bring on a trip to Columbia?

It is recommended to wear comfortable and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, comfortable, lightweight shoes for walking, and protect against the sun.

• Is Colombia safe?

Fortunately, in general, Colombia is relatively safe. However, it is always good to be cautious and, for instance, not travel at night alone.

• What is the local currency in Colombia?

In Colombia, the official local currency of exchange is the Colombian peso. You can exchange local currency with the assistance of a bank or withdraw it using an ATM.

• What are some traditional foods you can eat in Colombia?

Some traditional meals to taste while in Colombia are: arepas, which are cornmeal cakes, empanadas are pastries filled with meat or cheese, bandeja paisa which is a Colombian platter of rice, beans, ground beef, sausage, fried egg, and plantains. Do not forget to taste some street cuisine – patacones, which are fried green plantains, and churros, which are sweet fried dough.

Start a fantastic trip to the colorful cities of Colombia to meet the residents, explore the history, and get to know the culture and transformation of the Latin American megalopolises. By following this 3-day itinerary to Colombia, you will see the historic side of Bogotá, meet the inspiring soul of Medellín, and feel the colonial spirit of Cartagena. All these give you a better understanding of the richness of this outstanding country. In just one night they will successfully disarm our senses and present us with the colors, sounds, and taste of Colombia.